[C320-list] FW: [c320-list] April Projects

[Karl Krueger]

Adam:
   
  Certainly sound like a lot of work, how long do you think it will take to complete these tasks.  While your at it you may want to think about a central vacuum system.
   
  SINCERELY,
  Karl Krueger (#282, Kindred Spirit)

Adam Weiner <esquirecatering at rcn.com> wrote:
  

-----Original Message-----
From: Adam Weiner [mailto:esquirecatering at rcn.com] 
Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 10:10 AM
To: 'Adam Weiner'; 'C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com'
Cc: 'Mike Straus'; 'CraigEneboe at aol.com'; 'c320'
Subject: FW: [c320-list] April Projects



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:


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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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)?

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?

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. 

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?

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? 

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

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?





Warmest April Regards,
Adam