[C320-list] April Projects (spurious, delete if you're serious)

[Chris Burti]

Adam wrote:

Well, with April finally here, it's time to start thinking about some
April projects. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice or
assistance:

My suggestions follow each question.


1. After a trip to Europe, I was thinking of adding a bidet to the
head. Heck, that would really give me a one up on the Beneteaus. The
plumbing could work off the existing plumbing, but space seems to be an
issue. Any suggestions.

Answer: Simply remove the anti-siphon valve behind the mirror and voila...

2. My wife complains that we don't go out dancing enough. Of course,
I feel that we don't go sailing enough. Any thoughts on a way that the
foredeck could be quickly converted to a dance floor, and then the
flooring removed for sailing. I already have speakers outside.

Answer: Buy a bigger cockpit table and it can do dual duty.

3. To increase water storage, and to make the aft cabin berth more
comfortable, I am thinking about putting in a water bed that would drain
into the aft water tank. The problem is that I am slightly concerned
about the boat's slight list to port causing most of the water to sink
to the port side of the bed. How have other owners baffled the water
bed to keep this from happening?

Answer: Baffling question = baffling answer.

4. I need a larger stove obviously. I don't know what I was thinking
when I bought a boat with one this small. I am thinking of removing the
left settee and replacing it with a six burner Wolf range with a
griddle. However, the local utility won't run a high pressure gas line
to the boat. How do I step up the current propane system to be under
restaurant standard pressure yielding 10,000 BTU's per burner and using
all burners at the same time?

Answer: Silly boy... buy a bigger regulator...and put a 100# tank somewhere on the starboard side to offset the port list.

5. One of the home touches missing on the boat is plants. I was going
to remove the berths from the forepeak and put in racks for plants that
would drain into the bilge. I have not been able to find plant lights
that work off of 12 volts. Where have the others on the list bought
theirs? And no, I won't be growing anything illegal.

Answer: Think Silk!

6. For light wind days I was thinking of using a battery powered air
compressor to blow air on the sails. What brand does everyone
recommend? There are several in the West Catalog but I was thinking
that buying a non-marine one from an auto parts store would be cheaper.

Answer: Silly boy... simply aim your cabin fans up through the hatches.

7. How have the others on this list lit up the inside of the reefer and
the chart table? I was looking for something like a home style unit
where the light would come on when the door is raised, and go off when
it is shut.

Answer: You local custom shop will have some delightful 12v neon options.

8. I like the idea of a folding prop for less drag, and thought about
how on my Santana 22 we reduced drag by tilting the outboard out of the
water. I have seen a few 30 hp outboards that I could mount on the swim
ladder. These are a lot lighter than the Perkins so I would save weight
and reduce drag. However, it seems like the speed prop on the outboard
wouldn't develop the thrust and torque needed for a 320. Any
suggestions on a prop for the outboard.

Answer: Actually the Yamaha 9.9 hp 4-stroke Hi thrust has more than ample power and a huge prop. Jeff would hate the the high output alternator that comes standard with it, though.

9. A lot of times I get on the boat carrying a lot of stuff and then
I have to put it on the deck (often wet with dew) while I open the
hatch. I am thinking of converting the hatch boards and the sliding
hatch into something like a roll top desk with an automatic garage door
style opener. Has anyone else done this?

Answer: No, that is what servants are for. We call them 'deckhands' or 'guests' when we want to sound properly nautical.

10. The batteries and chargers for our boats are so bloody expensive.
D size chargeable batteries and chargers for them are cheap. How many D
batteries would I need to replace the standard batteries, and if I
wanted to have a separate bank for a starting battery, how many would I
need to start the Perkins (assuming I don't go with the outboard)?

Answer: Put a double pully on that bad boy and rope start it.

11. Relating to batteries, I am thinking about getting rid of them
altogether and cranking the diesel (anyone have experience with that?)
and going to kerosene for lighting. However, I am afraid that this
would increase the port list since the batteries are on starboard. Has
anyone seen square or rectangular kegs of beer that I could put in under
the seats to replace the weight of the batteries?

Answer: Think 'Boxed Wine".

12. The port lazarette is really so big that I am giving some thought
to putting in a Jacuzzi but I need some advice on how to water proof the
battery charger. 

Answer: Put the aft cabin mattress in the locker and the jacuzzi in the aft cabin...no more port list.

13. You know, there has been a lot of talk about folding props
having more thrust than a fixed prop. I want to take that one step
further. Has anyone seen a folding mast? I figure that if I fold the
mast when motoring there will be a lot less windage and thus the prop
will work better. I presume that folding wouldn't work, but what about
a telescoping mast?

Answer: Actually, that has been done. See; www.viagraspars.net

14. Speaking of folding props, I want to get rid of all of the drag
of the strut, prop, and shaft. I have contracted with a company that
makes hydraulic devices lifting and raising centerboards on multi-hulls
and cantering keels on Open 60's. I am going to put an indentation in
the bottom of the hull and actually have an electrically controlled
hydraulic pump lift the whole prop and shaft assembly into the bottom of
the hull when sailing. The hydraulic ram will hold the device down
while powering. I have already gotten rid of the strut and have ordered
a custom U-joint for the shaft. My question: what type of zinc should
I use to protect the shaft and prop? 

Answer: Double zincs are becoming standard in the galley.

15. What Honda generator will be big enough to power a commercial
sized dishwasher?

Answer: How much does he weigh and does he have a green card?

16. Back to batteries for a moment. There have been a number of
people suggesting golf cart batteries. Sounds like a great solution,
but I can not figure out how to get the golf cart on the boat. Where
have others boat the davits to do this?

Answer: Silly boy...it's divots, not davits!

Warmest April Regards,

 
Chris Burti
"Commitment"
Catalina 320, #867, 
Farmville, NC


 
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