Items ready for fitting once weather improves ...

[Refueler]

With winter on us here in Northern climes .... its time to contemplate what can be added to our big boys toys ... while sitting in the warmth - maybe sipping that 'wee dram'.

So far I have jobs to be done to my boats :

Main Sunrider 25 boat :

Engine RPM gauge and sensor ... this straps to alternator and then feeds to a 50mm gauge ... I have a handheld tacho to calibrate it.

Small Solar panel and split charge controller to feed my two batterys. Have to decide how and where to mount as boat is not overly large and space is at premium. I may have this as a temporary mount when boat not in use.

Finish applying van lining inside - replacing failed Foam Backed Vinyl ... it did last over 30 yrs !!

River weekender - Kormoran 5 :

Van lining

New bunk storage covers

New cabin sole boards

New rubbing strake over hull to deck joint

Soviet Motorboat - Progress 4 :

New dash woodwork

Change rear seats from the BMW 5 series in there at present - maybe remove the Volvo V70 seats in front and use the BMW seats there. Rear to get less bulky patio seats.

GPS plotter (old Lowrance I replaced on main boat)

Fishfinder

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The other important item of course is the orientation of my pontoon to change. It is 6m x 2.4m and the 2.4m end is to the bank. It has proved difficult when strong winds to prevent it from moving ... intention is to change it so the 6m side is to the bank and to anchor to my BBQ deck that looks over the water. I lose the second side for other boat ..... so it may be that I have to install a second pontoon ....

I know there are other jobs ... like cleaning the boats after winter ... new sprayhood, dodgers and boom cover .... all part of the joy of boat ownership !

 

[William_H]

Hello Nigel Ah winter is for contemplation and dreaming. So enjoy. I hope your back is improving. Re solar panel on 25 I had a lot of success with a small panel 5w with straps glued to the back with clips that went around the main sail cover. Wires then draped to sockets just inside main entry. Remove and stow before sailing. Rather than dual controller I would suggest just 2 schottky diodes to feed 2 batteries directly. ol'will (starting to think about winter lay up in 1 months time) (or spring is on the way for you)

 

[Refueler]

Hello Nigel Ah winter is for contemplation and dreaming. So enjoy. I hope your back is improving. Re solar panel on 25 I had a lot of success with a small panel 5w with straps glued to the back with clips that went around the main sail cover. Wires then draped to sockets just inside main entry. Remove and stow before sailing. Rather than dual controller I would suggest just 2 schottky diodes to feed 2 batteries directly. ol'will (starting to think about winter lay up in 1 months time) (or spring is on the way for you)

I already have the dual controller for the panel .... (panel came with a single outlet). I bought the dual as a possibility to power from a mains charger ... as it had a display etc. to replace my Maplins charge splitter. But as others pointed out - it may not work as the voltage may not be high enough into it.

My back is still giving me 'gip' but I'm about 90% mobile now, actually better than they expected .. thanks for asking. I had a scare a week ago - had a couple of drinks - not drunk - mbut happy ! decided to take young dogs for a walk ... ended up with 3 days trying to recover after twisting back ... luckily no damage done.
But this year - once I have new office up and running ... get jobs done on the boat - then I have a full boating itinery planned.