Proud Mary renovation status

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Back to work.
Last summer after three shakedown cruises we put the boat back up on the hard and started to repair our findings.
 
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Here we are headed south on the Potomac River.
 
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We bought a generator. It kind of works. I think it might be too small for the 16k BTU air conditioner. Or it might be old wiring or new boaters with poor power management.
More for us to learn.
 
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Between our 1st and 2nd trip we had a freak windstorm whip through the marina and rip apart our canvas. Our insurance company got right on it and sent a check but the canvas shop was so backed up we had to wait for our turn in the fall.
 
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The trawler had three Nav units and four transducers. I was able to update the software for one of the Nav units and buy a new transducer. Then I removed all the outdated or broken stuff.
Now we have charts, depth and temperature. The trawler has a shallow draft but it’s still nerve racking not knowing the depth when leaving the Potomac channel.
 
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After the 2nd trip we installed the stainless steel gimbal stove. It was a challenge to find the right parts to ensure everything is safe.
And yes, meals on the trawler do taste better!
 
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When we took the trawler out for the first time we filled both fuel tanks. We knew the yanmar diesel was economical but weren’t sure how much as our travel partners were stopping regularly for fuel. After doing some wire tracing and I stalling a new switch we know how much fuel we have. It appears we burn about 3/4 gal per hour at 5 knots and about 1.5 gal per hour pushing 7 with an occasional 8 knot burst.
 
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Proof that the Garmin works even when the tide is out.
 
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Two of our granddaughters and grandma feeding swans right after waking up. Everybody was happy!
 
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After our 3rd trip we realized that we were always bumming dinghy rides from our Uber great friends. We found a great deal on a 9.5 ft dinghy with a 9.9 Yamaha outboard. We’re satisfied with its performance.
 
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The marina owner was gracious to let me build a dinghy davit / bench seat which we installed at the end of the dock. It’s nice to get the dinghy out of the water when not using it.
 
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As I mentioned earlier we put Proud Mary back on the hard and pitifully converted her with tarps. They are cheap and handy but ugly.
 
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When we put the trawler in in the spring the prop shaft packing didn’t leak. It didn’t leak on the 1st or 2nd multi day trips. However, after the 3rd trip it started to drip and no matter how much it was tightened it leaked.
I took the packing nut apart and the Stainless steel prop shaft was pitted with corrosion so that it wouldn’t permit a seal.
We also had vibrations at certain RPMs. I was able to move the prop up and down so the cutlass bearings need replacement.
 
Proud Mary said:
View attachment 116603
We bought a generator. It kind of works. I think it might be too small for the 16k BTU air conditioner. Or it might be old wiring or new boaters with poor power management.
More for us to learn.
Click to expand...

Install a Micro-Air soft starter or a Dometic smart starter on the 16K ac unit and that generator will run it.
 
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I learned that to remove the prop shaft on a 1978 trawler you need to remove the rudder. The reason is that the rudder shaft pivot point is directly in line with the prop shaft. I noticed that the newer boats have the rudder installed slightly off center to enable prop shaft removal while the rudder remains in place.
 
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If you’ve never removed a cutlass bearing before it’s a fun job right up there with root canals or in-grown toe nail surgery.
 
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The old splash screen or wind screen needed replacement.
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After cleaning the old stainless steel mounting brackets and replacing the old hardware everything is aligned to receive the new Lexan. The pictures show the old plexiglass.
 
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Here’s the new splash screen it’s trim.
 
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I built a wood frame to make a fiberglass form for a cockpit cover.
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With help from friends we did a dry fit to the trawler to see where we need to make adjustments.
 
Looking good. You certainly have a lot of things going on, keep at it and fix them as they show up. Good luck!
 
We did buy and install the soft starter. It worked for the first 3 or 4 starts then it wouldn't start anymore. The generator would trigger an overcurrent when the compressor turns on. I don't know if the soft start went bad or if the generator is faulty. Any ideas on how to troubleshoot the problem?
 
Proud Mary said:
We did buy and install the soft starter. It worked for the first 3 or 4 starts then it wouldn't start anymore. The generator would trigger an overcurrent when the compressor turns on. I don't know if the soft start went bad or if the generator is faulty. Any ideas on how to troubleshoot the problem?
Click to expand...
I am in the process of becomming a dealer for these.
 
There are very few things you have not touched during your refit. SMILE
When you finish, the N boat should near perfect if not perfect.
 
Proud Mary said:
We did buy and install the soft starter. It worked for the first 3 or 4 starts then it wouldn't start anymore. The generator would trigger an overcurrent when the compressor turns on. I don't know if the soft start went bad or if the generator is faulty. Any ideas on how to troubleshoot the problem?
Click to expand...

Since you are using a portable genny, the simple answer is to try another one before you decide the problem is with the soft starter. Then you can enter the warranty claim arena.
 
rgano said:
Since you are using a portable genny, the simple answer is to try another one before you decide the problem is with the soft starter. Then you can enter the warranty claim arena.
Click to expand...

Also make sure to use the shortest power cord you can and the heaviest gauge.
Double check the panel connections and clean or replace anything that's suspect.
Power plugs and sockets age rapidly in the marine environment and any corrosion
will reduce voltage and add load when you are drawing max watts. Good luck! :)
 
OldDan1943 said:
When you finish, the N boat should near perfect if not perfect.
Click to expand...

What's this "finish" you speak of?

I know how that word is used ashore, but I've yet to own a boat that's "finished."

Anyway, just wanted to say I'm enjoying watching another Prairie get some love and attention. It helps me remember that all the effort is worth it!
 
CaptTom said:
What's this "finish" you speak of?

I know how that word is used ashore, but I've yet to own a boat that's "finished."

Anyway, just wanted to say I'm enjoying watching another Prairie get some love and attention. It helps me remember that all the effort is worth it!
Click to expand...

You are so right!
Reminds me of a friend that said he was putting on the final coat of varnish.
 
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