Winter Projects 2023-2024 -- Post Yours

[Starscream]

Just an update on the "bodega" cooler. I plugged it in, set it to -4F, and put in a gallon-jug of water. It froze solid overnight, so I'm happy about that. After it froze solid, I turned it off and kept the lid closed, and 12 hours later it's back to about half water.

So it's fairly good at freezing things, but the insulation value of the case isn't so great. So far it's a "recommend", but no idea about longevity.

Now I have to figure out where to put it. Our family really tests the limits of a 26-footer.

[pitchpolehobie]

Thanks for sharing -- Looks like we all have a handful of projects. Id be happy to get any of mine done. Probably start March when it looks like its gonna be warming up in Ohio --- then again we sometimes get some nice weeks thru winter so tbd.

[Be Free]

Most of my winter projects are trailer related:
list]Replace both front tires[/list]

• Replace brakes on both axles

• Service bearings

• Rewire lights

• Replace some of the bunk supports

• Possibly replace springs and hangers

• Make up a new fuel line

Once that is done I still have some wiring and cabinetry to do in the cabin.

[tomradams]

I'm adding a Raspberrry Pi 4 computer with a 7" display with Openplotter. FYI, I still need to calibrate the yaw, pitch and roll, the boat is not flip upside down +
https://openplotter.readthedocs.io/en/3 ... otter.html

I'm also working a Yachta Wind Sensor to mount on the mast cap.
https://open-boat-projects.org/de/zusam ... or-yachta/

I have the wind sensor 3D printed and put together, and it's working pretty good. I'm still working one a second version of my mast cap to be able to mount it with a quick release. Once it's completed I'll be posting more information about it.

[Russ]

The Openplotter project looks pretty cool. All the integrations are amazing.

Your mast cap looks clean. I wish there was an actual solution for rotating M mast.

[pitchpolehobie]

Thats super interesting tom do u have any more pictures of the hardware you put together for it?

[tomradams]

This is what I have so far.

GPS and AIS.jpg

[tomradams]

Also, everything can be monitored via a tablet or phone.

Tablet.jpg

Yachta Wind Sensor.jpg

[Russ]

3d printing a wind sensor. Now that is amazing!

[dustoff]

I'm doing major electrical system upgrades. I finally did a soup-to-nuts wiring diagram to plan it all out. Adding AC Panel and second DC Panel, oscillating fans, freshwater system, proper marine dual battery charger, a couple of bilge pumps ('cause it just feels like a boat should have one), re-doing all the connectors and engine battery cables (I think engine heat was degrading the old cables and cranking amps was getting affected. Here are my diagrams. If anyone wants the original MS Visio versions just send me a note.

Transverse Flow Wiring Diagram v3.pdf

line diagram drawing v3.pdf

[mac n cheese]

I'm doing major electrical system upgrades. I finally did a soup-to-nuts wiring diagram to plan it all out. Adding AC Panel and second DC Panel, oscillating fans, freshwater system, proper marine dual battery charger, a couple of bilge pumps ('cause it just feels like a boat should have one), re-doing all the connectors and engine battery cables (I think engine heat was degrading the old cables and cranking amps was getting affected. Here are my diagrams. If anyone wants the original MS Visio versions just send me a note.

Transverse Flow Wiring Diagram v3.pdf
line diagram drawing v3.pdf

Awesome wiring diagrams!

[vkmaynard]

Pro tip:

Spray all connection with CRC battery terminal spray (red).

The spray will capillary into the wires. After sitting the spay is very sticky like grease deep inside so it does not wash away.

Zero issues since 2005. Including spade connections that got soaked in the bilge.

Done this many times on other projects.

Victor

[vkmaynard]

We added shore power and upgraded the DC panel a long time ago.

100% worth the trouble.

Victor

[Stickinthemud57]

The Admiral likes a glass of wine when we go out for an evening sail. Unable to find a wine glass holder that worked worth a darn (especially when underway), I decided to use spare time in the off-season to design and print one that works with my existing system wherein drink holders mount over protruding screws and can be removed for storage or to keep them out of the way when not needed.

I designed it with a zig-zag slot that prevents the holder from coming loose if it gets pulled up accidentally but is still easy to install or remove. The inside slot is just under 4mm wide, the outer about 7.8mm. It works well with a #8 panhead wood screw, partially screwed in so the head sits about 2.5 mm or so from the mounting surface, which ideally would be flat.

Bench testing shows that this will hold a half-full glass of wine at angles greater than 45 degrees. Also, if the screw is installed properly the holder and glass will swivel, helping keep the holder and glass closer to level. I am confident it will work well in normal sailing situations. For those averse to mounting screws, these might work with industrial Velcro or the like, but I’m not sure how dependable that would be.

Easily assembled and disassembled.

If you are interested, .stl file is available at Thingiverse:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6378697

[vkmaynard]

My winter project.

Victor