- Joined
- Aug 29, 2012
- Messages
- 2,680
- Location
- Good Ol' US of A!
- Vessel Name
- Pau Hana
- Vessel Make
- 1989 PT52 Overseas Yachtfisher
After being on the new trawler (well, new to us!) for a bit over a month and an half, we're almost "done" with the projects...done, of course, being a very relative term! We replaced some ancient electronics and entertainment gear, redid some other parts, and have truly made the boat our home.
I can say that crawling around a larger boat is decidedly more pleasant than doing so on a smaller vessel! Additionally, I learned that small design changes can lead to a MUCH MORE pleasant interaction with the boat. For example, the radar arch is pinned fore and aft, and able to tilt/flip down in either direction; so, when I was replacing the radar, it was a piece of cake to remove the array, then unpin the arch and have easy access to the cabling.
I'n glad we decided to dig right in and do the refit immediately, rather than wait- it feels good to have a list of projects checked off as completed.
I made a few decisions that will make life easier in the long run as a live aboard:
The last items (for now) are replacing the lights with LEDs and integrating the autopilot with the new Raymarine system- which are both non-critical projects. Now we can relax and enjoy.....till the tank monitoring system gets here......
I can say that crawling around a larger boat is decidedly more pleasant than doing so on a smaller vessel! Additionally, I learned that small design changes can lead to a MUCH MORE pleasant interaction with the boat. For example, the radar arch is pinned fore and aft, and able to tilt/flip down in either direction; so, when I was replacing the radar, it was a piece of cake to remove the array, then unpin the arch and have easy access to the cabling.
I'n glad we decided to dig right in and do the refit immediately, rather than wait- it feels good to have a list of projects checked off as completed.
I made a few decisions that will make life easier in the long run as a live aboard:
- The 2 TVs onboard are the same model (Vizio 32" HD, energy efficient), so there is a commonality of buttonology, manual, and remote. The standard DVD player was swapped for an in-dash style Blu-Ray.
- We wired a dedicated electrical outlet that feeds the TV and WII console from the inverter.
- Replaced the Realistic cassette stereo.
- Replaced the Princess electric range with a Princess LPG range.
- Replaced the washer dryer.
The last items (for now) are replacing the lights with LEDs and integrating the autopilot with the new Raymarine system- which are both non-critical projects. Now we can relax and enjoy.....till the tank monitoring system gets here......