3 yrs ago i found a 1980 Catalina sailboat for sale it had several new improvements done including a brand new yanmar, she wasnt perfect and i have spent the last 3 years continually upgrading her systems. The boat came with a good assortment of sails 2 jibs a 140 genoa and an asymmetrical spinnaker. The main sail was in need of replacement so I ordered a new sail and sailcover up from UK Halsey sailmaker. In the last 3 yrs i have done a lot of upgrades to the vessel woodworking, painting, running rigging, ground tackle.I rewired the entire boats AC/DC systems new panels, new charger, new inverter, gfci outlets throughout the boat.
The factory icebox was a very poor design so after a year of experimenting with it I broke down and purchased a Waeco CF-50 ac/dc cooler. (one of the best investments i have made on the boat)
Indoor entertainment includes a new Pioneer Stereo system and new cabin and cockpit speakers. An Acer netbook connected to an LG 22in LCD monitor for those ugly weather movie nights.
The cold weather heating systems include 2 marine style 110volt heaters on seperate circuits with seperate independent remote thermostats. When anchored out the boat is setup with a new Dickinson P9000 propane fireplace that keeps the cabin toasty and warm in the coldest of our PNW winters.
Im in the process of setting up a new solar panel and mppt controller for extended stays on the hook. I have a portable yamaha 1000watt generator that works great for charging the batteries or running the computer while out at anchor.
This spring the boat will be getting hauled out, the bottom faired and new bottom paint. I will be sanding down and painting the hull sides as well.
Some new updates.
Well broke down had a new custom made dodger installed there a couple of months ago. what a difference that makes on the cooler wet days. I am currently working on a new sunbrella boom tent to cover the cockpit from rain or those days you just want some shade. on the hull side of things ive just finished painting all the topsides tedious backbreaking work when its done on the water. But I have to admit its starting to look pretty darn good. As most of you boaters out there know there is never a shortage of things to do on your vessel im trying to balance my summer months between work, working on the boat and actually getting out and enjoying it. So far so good but summers not over yet and there's still many things to do. So for now I better get back at it. Cheers
