Resilient Has Landed

[amxr39]

Win, I’m mostly winterized and still in the water. We had 70 mph gusts two nights ago and Christina wanted to sleep aboard. We loved the heat output from the pilothouse reverse cycle air. As long as the sea water is 40 or higher, it keeps up fine. And by relocating the thermistor to the area under our microwave, it regulates the temperature to within a degree, unlike before we moved it.
As you can see, we’re not waiting until spring to enjoy our “baby”. We keep her 70 degrees while on board and 61 degrees while away. I have a wifi thermometer that alerts me if my boat goes out of range. I also have a WiFi remote that monitors Cerbo values, so the battery voltages, shore power voltages and solar panel voltages are readable always. I get an alert if I lose shore power or if batteries drop too low. I keep a close eye on her. But nothing is better than being on her.

 

[KDT]

Winter is here on the Chesapeake, and I have been hauled for the winter for about 6 weeks. Its the season to address dirt home projects but I am practicing creative avoidance of some tasks I don't want to do by sitting in my armchair pondering my boat. LOL.

I have been reflecting on some spec choices. This thread is about observations and advice for new owners and orders so I thought I would share.

I'll just get the important part out of the way. It takes few words but is super important. I am delighted with the boat design, very delighted with the build quality, and I can't say enough good things about the level of support I have received from Helmsman long after the sale was completed. Nothing is perfect but my experience comes as close to it as I could hope for.

I am really happy about all of my most important spec choices.
- Engine size upped to 380. Not been needed but can see it might be. Now that's standard.
- Island layout in the galley. We just like it
- Optioning the side cockpit doors and side deck doors is super important for us. I use ALL of them constantly. The door least used is the standard transom door to the swim platform.
- I covered in an earlier post my option to get a remote thruster fob, which is inexpensive but perhaps the most value for the dollar of anything.
- After delivery I had Helmsman order me additional handholds to aid entry via the side cockpit doors. One sits atop the cap rail, and other on the side wall of the salon on the outside of the cabin. Basically above the stainless Helmsman name plate. These were important to my wife, while I was hesitant. Now that I have them I love them.
- Family / friends are more anxious to overnight cruise aboard than I thought. LOL. The need to complete the acquisition of salon bedding and organize its storage became an unexpected priority.
- Which makes me happy I optioned for a pilothouse single berth. We have not used it yet but I am no longer dismissive about the chances of that.
- I optioned a foldup drop leaf table in the cockpit. The purpose was to handle a grill. I just don't like having a grill permanently mounted on the cap rail, so I have one kept in the lazarette. I am finding it to be a major pain to dig it out, set it up, then clean it after dinner and store it again. HOWEVER, I still really like the drop leaf table. It makes a great sort of light workbench just to set things on when doing projects.
- We have an induction stovetop in the galley. Induction was a first for us. I like it in a lot of ways and would do it again. It is a bit picky about the pot brands it likes and doesn't. Before doing this again I'd do more research on power and select a model with a bit more high end power. It boils water but can strain to do it in a larger pot.
- I optioned a short ladder to access the mechanical space below the galley. I could not manage without it as I am aging, and faster than I would like. LOL
- In my electronics package I optioned a backup camera, and this displays on my chart plotter. Its probably just me, but what I am finding is my docking proficiency is dramatically worse when I try to use that. Logically I have it up on my screen when docking, but because its there I don't step out onto the side deck, or just turn around and look through the salon, as often as I should. I do a vastly better job of docking when I don't have it up on the screen at all. Maybe its the perspective of just that camera (a Garmin model) but a flat image on a screen just doesn't give you the needed 3D distance perspective you need. Next year I vow to not dock with it on. I "might" option one again to use as a rear view mirror when under way in a split screen on the plotter, but might not at all.

What I might do differently
- I did not option the Reverso oil change system. Next time I would. Yes you CAN do it with a hand pump, and I have. The transmission fluid in particular is harder to access given its location and I would just find it a lot easier.
- Another owner above mentioned optioning a 3 step ladder into the engine room instead of the standard 2 step. Wow, I wish I had thought of that, and would do it in a second. The 2 step isn't "hard" but taking the next step to making it easy will become important one day.
- Well after my order a promo video aired where the owner optioned handrails running the full edge of the sides of the pilothouse roof. It was said to be mostly for looks. Well, if I had it to do again I would option that, for reasons beyond looks. This past summer I was on that roof, sitting on it while polishing and waxing it. There is enough camber in the roof that I can say from experience that with a good polish it becomes a sliding board! I had to be pretty ginger about my movements and thoughtful about my work process to avoid sliding off the roof! Rails would avert that sort of disaster. Crashing down off of that onto the side deck or railings would not be a good thing.

My advice to anyone is to take your time to think through what canvas you want made. A bimini is obvious and does wonders. Additionally my canvas guy recommended a big cover that covers the entire flybridge seating area and console. He did a great job making it, but its such a big piece of canvas I don't use it except in winter and when I know I will be away from the boat an extended period of time. It takes no less than a half hour to put up or take down. This coming spring I am going to have him make me a piece that just covers the console area to protect the instruments.

Frankly I am pretty happy. I got all of the important things right, for ME. Starting with the boat and builder but also my spec choices. There are a few more things I want to do to fine tune things, but boats and houses are never truly done. This is no surprise.

Spring of 2025 can't come soon enough. I'd like to get back to using my boat.

FWT, Thanx for the summation. I am glad to say that I have chosen most of what you recommend and agree with most every point. One idea I had was to custom order a cockpit grill cabinet where you have the fold up table. Opening the top reveals the gas grill ready to use. The lower part of the cabinet houses two 5gal propane tanks, the kind you can exchange at any supermarket or gas station. One will feed the gas stove in the galley and the other the grill. I have attached the sketch from the yard.
I was recently informed that my boat will be delayed at least one month from original goal. I am unaware of any not being delayed so I suppose it is standard procedure...but that's another conversation.

 

[FWT]

Win, I’m mostly winterized and still in the water. We had 70 mph gusts two nights ago and Christina wanted to sleep aboard. We loved the heat output from the pilothouse reverse cycle air. As long as the sea water is 40 or higher, it keeps up fine. And by relocating the thermistor to the area under our microwave, it regulates the temperature to within a degree, unlike before we moved it.
As you can see, we’re not waiting until spring to enjoy our “baby”. We keep her 70 degrees while on board and 61 degrees while away. I have a wifi thermometer that alerts me if my boat goes out of range. I also have a WiFi remote that monitors Cerbo values, so the battery voltages, shore power voltages and solar panel voltages are readable always. I get an alert if I lose shore power or if batteries drop too low. I keep a close eye on her. But nothing is better than being on her.

Mike

Thanks for that. It’s good to know the heat cycle keeps things toasty. I’ve had to push the AC side hard in a heat wave but the heat has barely been used.

I might try wintering in the water one year. But I need fresh bottom paint in the spring so may as well haul it for the season. Not much salt in the water in my area near the Bay Bridge so we can get freezing in cold winters. Every few decades thick ice extending out to the shipping channels. It’s safer to haul it.

The Cerbo unit does have that remote reading capability and I did set that up late season. The marina Wi-Fi and the Cerbo didn’t like talking to each other so that took time to sort out.

My best to you and Christina

 

[Helmsman]

Winter is here on the Chesapeake, and I have been hauled for the winter for about 6 weeks. Its the season to address dirt home projects but I am practicing creative avoidance of some tasks I don't want to do by sitting in my armchair pondering my boat. LOL.

I have been reflecting on some spec choices. This thread is about observations and advice for new owners and orders so I thought I would share.

I'll just get the important part out of the way. It takes few words but is super important. I am delighted with the boat design, very delighted with the build quality, and I can't say enough good things about the level of support I have received from Helmsman long after the sale was completed. Nothing is perfect but my experience comes as close to it as I could hope for.

I am really happy about all of my most important spec choices.
- Engine size upped to 380. Not been needed but can see it might be. Now that's standard.
- Island layout in the galley. We just like it
- Optioning the side cockpit doors and side deck doors is super important for us. I use ALL of them constantly. The door least used is the standard transom door to the swim platform.
- I covered in an earlier post my option to get a remote thruster fob, which is inexpensive but perhaps the most value for the dollar of anything.
- After delivery I had Helmsman order me additional handholds to aid entry via the side cockpit doors. One sits atop the cap rail, and other on the side wall of the salon on the outside of the cabin. Basically above the stainless Helmsman name plate. These were important to my wife, while I was hesitant. Now that I have them I love them.
- Family / friends are more anxious to overnight cruise aboard than I thought. LOL. The need to complete the acquisition of salon bedding and organize its storage became an unexpected priority.
- Which makes me happy I optioned for a pilothouse single berth. We have not used it yet but I am no longer dismissive about the chances of that.
- I optioned a foldup drop leaf table in the cockpit. The purpose was to handle a grill. I just don't like having a grill permanently mounted on the cap rail, so I have one kept in the lazarette. I am finding it to be a major pain to dig it out, set it up, then clean it after dinner and store it again. HOWEVER, I still really like the drop leaf table. It makes a great sort of light workbench just to set things on when doing projects.
- We have an induction stovetop in the galley. Induction was a first for us. I like it in a lot of ways and would do it again. It is a bit picky about the pot brands it likes and doesn't. Before doing this again I'd do more research on power and select a model with a bit more high end power. It boils water but can strain to do it in a larger pot.
- I optioned a short ladder to access the mechanical space below the galley. I could not manage without it as I am aging, and faster than I would like. LOL
- In my electronics package I optioned a backup camera, and this displays on my chart plotter. Its probably just me, but what I am finding is my docking proficiency is dramatically worse when I try to use that. Logically I have it up on my screen when docking, but because its there I don't step out onto the side deck, or just turn around and look through the salon, as often as I should. I do a vastly better job of docking when I don't have it up on the screen at all. Maybe its the perspective of just that camera (a Garmin model) but a flat image on a screen just doesn't give you the needed 3D distance perspective you need. Next year I vow to not dock with it on. I "might" option one again to use as a rear view mirror when under way in a split screen on the plotter, but might not at all.

What I might do differently
- I did not option the Reverso oil change system. Next time I would. Yes you CAN do it with a hand pump, and I have. The transmission fluid in particular is harder to access given its location and I would just find it a lot easier.
- Another owner above mentioned optioning a 3 step ladder into the engine room instead of the standard 2 step. Wow, I wish I had thought of that, and would do it in a second. The 2 step isn't "hard" but taking the next step to making it easy will become important one day.
- Well after my order a promo video aired where the owner optioned handrails running the full edge of the sides of the pilothouse roof. It was said to be mostly for looks. Well, if I had it to do again I would option that, for reasons beyond looks. This past summer I was on that roof, sitting on it while polishing and waxing it. There is enough camber in the roof that I can say from experience that with a good polish it becomes a sliding board! I had to be pretty ginger about my movements and thoughtful about my work process to avoid sliding off the roof! Rails would avert that sort of disaster. Crashing down off of that onto the side deck or railings would not be a good thing.

My advice to anyone is to take your time to think through what canvas you want made. A bimini is obvious and does wonders. Additionally my canvas guy recommended a big cover that covers the entire flybridge seating area and console. He did a great job making it, but its such a big piece of canvas I don't use it except in winter and when I know I will be away from the boat an extended period of time. It takes no less than a half hour to put up or take down. This coming spring I am going to have him make me a piece that just covers the console area to protect the instruments.

Frankly I am pretty happy. I got all of the important things right, for ME. Starting with the boat and builder but also my spec choices. There are a few more things I want to do to fine tune things, but boats and houses are never truly done. This is no surprise.

Spring of 2025 can't come soon enough. I'd like to get back to using my boat.

Good, thoughtful writeup. For oil changes, I use a Johnson pump attached to a five gallon bucket. Works quickly and does the trick, though it takes a shallow plastic oil pan below the engine to catch the oil to be pumped out. In another thread,

I believe Amxr mentioned that there was a blue hose coming from the oil pan on his QSB on the port side. I haven’t looked on mine but will next spring when I change the oil. I think those are on the engine to connect to a Reverso. If it is there, I will fashion a connection between the Johnson oil pump and the hose. One owner said they thought the blue hose had a 1/2 NPT at the end of it.

 

[FWT]

FWT, Thanx for the summation. I am glad to say that I have chosen most of what you recommend and agree with most every point. One idea I had was to custom order a cockpit grill cabinet where you have the fold up table. Opening the top reveals the gas grill ready to use. The lower part of the cabinet houses two 5gal propane tanks, the kind you can exchange at any supermarket or gas station. One will feed the gas stove in the galley and the other the grill. I have attached the sketch from the yard.
I was recently informed that my boat will be delayed at least one month from original goal. I am unaware of any not being delayed so I suppose it is standard procedure...but that's another conversation.

KDT

I’d do that arrangement in a minute. My wife likes to preserve that space for deck chairs so she may not agree. Now that you raise the option it would have become a conversation. Life is trade offs.

Where are your cruising grounds? Anywhere near the Chesapeake?

Not shocked at a delay. Boats are complex beasts and a gazillion things can create timeline challenges. When is your best guess?

Can’t imagine how I can help, but feel free to reach out. You will be staring at the same issues the rest of us worked through. Lots to learn about it once it’s yours.

 

[FWT]

Good, thoughtful writeup. For oil changes, I use a Johnson pump attached to a five gallon bucket. Works quickly and does the trick, though it takes a shallow plastic oil pan below the engine to catch the oil to be pumped out. In another thread,

I believe Amxr mentioned that there was a blue hose coming from the oil pan on his QSB on the port side. I haven’t looked on mine but will next spring when I change the oil. I think those are on the engine to connect to a Reverso. If it is there, I will fashion a connection between the Johnson oil pump and the hose. One owner said they thought the blue hose had a 1/2 NPT at the end of it.

I have one of those pumps that look like a bicycle tire pump. Works well enough. Accessing the transmission dipstick to pull it is the single biggest issue, not pump characteristics, for me.

This year I had the yard do it anyway. The mechanic showed me the QSB has the stub for a fitting to place the dipstick tube on the starboard side instead of port. It can’t be used for that purpose by us because the marine version has gear in the way. But he used it to insert the extraction tube rather than via the dipstick tube. It’s a more direct shot.

I want to do most normal maintenance things myself at least once. But I have to force myself to consider more of a checkbook approach. One, because age is beginning to catch up. Might as well get used to the idea. Second, because my ratio of work to play needs attention. I enjoy tinkering and working with my hands, but if it begins to feel too much like work it’s a candidate to hire out the chore. Changing fluid isn’t that hard, but it doesn’t fall into the fun side of the equation for me.

 

[KDT]

KDT

I’d do that arrangement in a minute. My wife likes to preserve that space for deck chairs so she may not agree. Now that you raise the option it would have become a conversation. Life is trade offs.

Where are your cruising grounds? Anywhere near the Chesapeake?

Not shocked at a delay. Boats are complex beasts and a gazillion things can create timeline challenges. When is your best guess?

Can’t imagine how I can help, but feel free to reach out. You will be staring at the same issues the rest of us worked through. Lots to learn about it once it’s yours.

Thanx. I am near Wilmington, NC. I like to follow the weather so that usually means New England summers and Fla/Bahama winters. That means a trip through the Chesapeake twice a year so it would be fun to cross paths sometime. Scott recently told me they are shooting for March (was January). We are hoping to head North this spring. Fingers crossed!

 

[rslifkin]

This year I had the yard do it anyway. The mechanic showed me the QSB has the stub for a fitting to place the dipstick tube on the starboard side instead of port. It can’t be used for that purpose by us because the marine version has gear in the way. But he used it to insert the extraction tube rather than via the dipstick tube. It’s a more direct shot.

That's an interesting note. Does that mean that twin engine QSB installs can't have the dipsticks mirrored and one of the engines will be forced to have the dipstick outboard? If so, that's pretty disappointing from a company that's been making engines for so long.

 

[FWT]

Thanx. I am near Wilmington, NC. I like to follow the weather so that usually means New England summers and Fla/Bahama winters. That means a trip through the Chesapeake twice a year so it would be fun to cross paths sometime. Scott recently told me they are shooting for March (was January). We are hoping to head North this spring. Fingers crossed!

I love the Wilmington NC area, what I have seen of it. A few years ago we cut short a week in Myrtle Beach to head up there when we saw The Embers were playing at a charity event. The Bow Wow Luau. I’m a UNC grad, and it’s a degree requirement I think to gain a love for southern beach music and good BBQ.

I’d love to meet up if it’s convenient. I’m located right beside the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

 

[FWT]

That's an interesting note. Does that mean that twin engine QSB installs can't have the dipsticks mirrored and one of the engines will be forced to have the dipstick outboard? If so, that's pretty disappointing from a company that's been making engines for so long.

No. On the marine version it can’t be done. According to him.

 

[KDT]

I love the Wilmington NC area, what I have seen of it. A few years ago we cut short a week in Myrtle Beach to head up there when we saw The Embers were playing at a charity event. The Bow Wow Luau. I’m a UNC grad, and it’s a degree requirement I think to gain a love for southern beach music and good BBQ.

I’d love to meet up if it’s convenient. I’m located right beside the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Are you in the Bay Bridge Marina where Helmsman is supposedly setting up an East Coast office?

 

[FWT]

Yes in the Bay Bridge Marina.

Didn't know there were any plans afoot to open an office there.

Two of us there. Me and Helmsman 43. Nick has his 38S docked nearby, or did before he hauled it.

Way back in the day the old Mariner brand had its HQ in the area I think. An office here would be a "come full circle" sort of thing.

 

[Helmsman]

I have one of those pumps that look like a bicycle tire pump. Works well enough. Accessing the transmission dipstick to pull it is the single biggest issue, not pump characteristics, for me.

This year I had the yard do it anyway. The mechanic showed me the QSB has the stub for a fitting to place the dipstick tube on the starboard side instead of port. It can’t be used for that purpose by us because the marine version has gear in the way. But he used it to insert the extraction tube rather than via the dipstick tube. It’s a more direct shot.

I want to do most normal maintenance things myself at least once. But I have to force myself to consider more of a checkbook approach. One, because age is beginning to catch up. Might as well get used to the idea. Second, because my ratio of work to play needs attention. I enjoy tinkering and working with my hands, but if it begins to feel too much like work it’s a candidate to hire out the chore. Changing fluid isn’t that hard, but it doesn’t fall into the fun side of the equation for me.

Well, that is interesting. I will have to look for that stub. Might make it easier. I tried through the dipstick tube, but there is a baffle in there, according to Cummins. So, I used the drain plug. Your approach might be easier.

Access to the transmission is tough. When the batteries need replaced, I may re-position them to improve the access a little.

 

[KDT]

Yes in the Bay Bridge Marina.

Didn't know there were any plans afoot to open an office there.

Two of us there. Me and Helmsman 43. Nick has his 38S docked nearby, or did before he hauled it.

Way back in the day the old Mariner brand had its HQ in the area I think. An office here would be a "come full circle" sort of thing.

You are near "Miss Ginny " who is currently listed for sale. She is a single stateroom 43 very much like I have ordered. Sounds like we have the makings of an East Coast gathering in the Chesapeake. Hope Y'all are planning on signing up for the Helmsman Owners website or portal or whatever it will be called.

 

[Helmsman]

You are near "Miss Ginny " who is currently listed for sale. She is a single stateroom 43 very much like I have ordered. Sounds like we have the makings of an East Coast gathering in the Chesapeake. Hope Y'all are planning on signing up for the Helmsman Owners website or portal or whatever it will be called.

I have traveled on the Miss Ginny several times. Love the lay out and the space the one state room provides. And using the salon settee as a second place to sleep works really well with the day head right there. Very comfortable. I think you will be really happy with that layout.

 

[FWT]

Well, that is interesting. I will have to look for that stub. Might make it easier. I tried through the dipstick tube, but there is a baffle in there, according to Cummins. So, I used the drain plug. Your approach might be easier.

Access to the transmission is tough. When the batteries need replaced, I may re-position them to improve the access a little.

I have two house batteries. I don't know how I'd manage access with more.

 

[FWT]

You are near "Miss Ginny " who is currently listed for sale. She is a single stateroom 43 very much like I have ordered. Sounds like we have the makings of an East Coast gathering in the Chesapeake. Hope Y'all are planning on signing up for the Helmsman Owners website or portal or whatever it will be called.

Yep. Miss Ginny is two slips away. And yes it makes sharing a cocktail at sunset much easier.

And yep, signed on for the new portal right out of the gate.

 

[KMAL]

Winter is here on the Chesapeake, and I have been hauled for the winter for about 6 weeks. Its the season to address dirt home projects but I am practicing creative avoidance of some tasks I don't want to do by sitting in my armchair pondering my boat. LOL.

I have been reflecting on some spec choices. This thread is about observations and advice for new owners and orders so I thought I would share.

I'll just get the important part out of the way. It takes few words but is super important. I am delighted with the boat design, very delighted with the build quality, and I can't say enough good things about the level of support I have received from Helmsman long after the sale was completed. Nothing is perfect but my experience comes as close to it as I could hope for.

I am really happy about all of my most important spec choices.
- Engine size upped to 380. Not been needed but can see it might be. Now that's standard.
- Island layout in the galley. We just like it
- Optioning the side cockpit doors and side deck doors is super important for us. I use ALL of them constantly. The door least used is the standard transom door to the swim platform.
- I covered in an earlier post my option to get a remote thruster fob, which is inexpensive but perhaps the most value for the dollar of anything.
- After delivery I had Helmsman order me additional handholds to aid entry via the side cockpit doors. One sits atop the cap rail, and other on the side wall of the salon on the outside of the cabin. Basically above the stainless Helmsman name plate. These were important to my wife, while I was hesitant. Now that I have them I love them.
- Family / friends are more anxious to overnight cruise aboard than I thought. LOL. The need to complete the acquisition of salon bedding and organize its storage became an unexpected priority.
- Which makes me happy I optioned for a pilothouse single berth. We have not used it yet but I am no longer dismissive about the chances of that.
- I optioned a foldup drop leaf table in the cockpit. The purpose was to handle a grill. I just don't like having a grill permanently mounted on the cap rail, so I have one kept in the lazarette. I am finding it to be a major pain to dig it out, set it up, then clean it after dinner and store it again. HOWEVER, I still really like the drop leaf table. It makes a great sort of light workbench just to set things on when doing projects.
- We have an induction stovetop in the galley. Induction was a first for us. I like it in a lot of ways and would do it again. It is a bit picky about the pot brands it likes and doesn't. Before doing this again I'd do more research on power and select a model with a bit more high end power. It boils water but can strain to do it in a larger pot.
- I optioned a short ladder to access the mechanical space below the galley. I could not manage without it as I am aging, and faster than I would like. LOL
- In my electronics package I optioned a backup camera, and this displays on my chart plotter. Its probably just me, but what I am finding is my docking proficiency is dramatically worse when I try to use that. Logically I have it up on my screen when docking, but because its there I don't step out onto the side deck, or just turn around and look through the salon, as often as I should. I do a vastly better job of docking when I don't have it up on the screen at all. Maybe its the perspective of just that camera (a Garmin model) but a flat image on a screen just doesn't give you the needed 3D distance perspective you need. Next year I vow to not dock with it on. I "might" option one again to use as a rear view mirror when under way in a split screen on the plotter, but might not at all.

What I might do differently
- I did not option the Reverso oil change system. Next time I would. Yes you CAN do it with a hand pump, and I have. The transmission fluid in particular is harder to access given its location and I would just find it a lot easier.
- Another owner above mentioned optioning a 3 step ladder into the engine room instead of the standard 2 step. Wow, I wish I had thought of that, and would do it in a second. The 2 step isn't "hard" but taking the next step to making it easy will become important one day.
- Well after my order a promo video aired where the owner optioned handrails running the full edge of the sides of the pilothouse roof. It was said to be mostly for looks. Well, if I had it to do again I would option that, for reasons beyond looks. This past summer I was on that roof, sitting on it while polishing and waxing it. There is enough camber in the roof that I can say from experience that with a good polish it becomes a sliding board! I had to be pretty ginger about my movements and thoughtful about my work process to avoid sliding off the roof! Rails would avert that sort of disaster. Crashing down off of that onto the side deck or railings would not be a good thing.

My advice to anyone is to take your time to think through what canvas you want made. A bimini is obvious and does wonders. Additionally my canvas guy recommended a big cover that covers the entire flybridge seating area and console. He did a great job making it, but its such a big piece of canvas I don't use it except in winter and when I know I will be away from the boat an extended period of time. It takes no less than a half hour to put up or take down. This coming spring I am going to have him make me a piece that just covers the console area to protect the instruments.

Frankly I am pretty happy. I got all of the important things right, for ME. Starting with the boat and builder but also my spec choices. There are a few more things I want to do to fine tune things, but boats and houses are never truly done. This is no surprise.

Spring of 2025 can't come soon enough. I'd like to get back to using my boat.

Fantastic piece - thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We are well into the build on 43048 - I will be giving additional thought to pilot house roof rails and to the canvas breakdown on the bridge. It is great to get such a fresh perspective. Thank you.

 

[KMAL]

Win, I’m mostly winterized and still in the water. We had 70 mph gusts two nights ago and Christina wanted to sleep aboard. We loved the heat output from the pilothouse reverse cycle air. As long as the sea water is 40 or higher, it keeps up fine. And by relocating the thermistor to the area under our microwave, it regulates the temperature to within a degree, unlike before we moved it.
As you can see, we’re not waiting until spring to enjoy our “baby”. We keep her 70 degrees while on board and 61 degrees while away. I have a wifi thermometer that alerts me if my boat goes out of range. I also have a WiFi remote that monitors Cerbo values, so the battery voltages, shore power voltages and solar panel voltages are readable always. I get an alert if I lose shore power or if batteries drop too low. I keep a close eye on her. But nothing is better than being on her.

Curious as to the move on the thermistor - where was it originally and could you tell me where the pilot house unit vents in to both the pilot house and the salon? We have ordered two reverse cycle units in addition to the diesel heaters - do you have the diesel heaters as well - do you use them both? Also, it sounds like you have the RC unit running when you are off the boat for extended periods - is this the case?

 

[KMAL]

FWT, Thanx for the summation. I am glad to say that I have chosen most of what you recommend and agree with most every point. One idea I had was to custom order a cockpit grill cabinet where you have the fold up table. Opening the top reveals the gas grill ready to use. The lower part of the cabinet houses two 5gal propane tanks, the kind you can exchange at any supermarket or gas station. One will feed the gas stove in the galley and the other the grill. I have attached the sketch from the yard.
I was recently informed that my boat will be delayed at least one month from original goal. I am unaware of any not being delayed so I suppose it is standard procedure...but that's another conversation.

KDT - we are 43048 with our build underway at the new yard - interestingly, we are told our build is ahead of schedule and due for completion in April (we shall see). Is your build at the new or old yard?

 

[KDT]

KDT - we are 43048 with our build underway at the new yard - interestingly, we are told our build is ahead of schedule and due for completion in April (we shall see). Is your build at the new or old yard?

KMAL; We are 43046 and (one of ?) the first in the new yard. Completion should be very soon as arrival in Charleston has moved from January to March.

 

[FWT]

Two other things occurred to me to mention.

There is a door to the engine room via the day head. In two seasons I have never once accessed the engine room through that door, nor do I expect to use it. If you have an alternative use for that space, such as a washer / dryer unit, my personal take is you won't miss the door. However, the space behind the door does get use. I store fluids, filters, and related stuff in tubs and slide them into that space behind the door.

Everyone has their own ideas about wax. Some go with a semi-permanent ceramic job. I have been waxing. I wanted something that can hold up for the season, which for me runs April through October. I have been using old fashioned paste Collinite Fleetwax 885. When you learn the trick its easy enough to apply. The trick is to not let it dry before wiping off. Do a 12-36 inch square of surface and immediately wipe off. The warmer and sunnier the spot the small the square you should tackle. An application pad in one hand and a microfiber in the other and you can get the job done well and easy enough. The hull is obviously the hardest to access, so I do that on the hard on a ladder in the spring, and it holds up through the season. I see other brands that brag about how easy theirs is to apply and brag it holds up for 3 months. Personally I'll go for the full season option.

Before the wax I am giving it polish with a light cut polish. On advice I'm using Presta MaxFinishing polish. Applied with a cordless polishing tool, blue pad. I'm sure there are other good ones out there but this one works well for me.

The hull and other vertical surfaces look great for the season. Horizontal surfaces, especially the roof of the pilothouse, get more of a beating from the sun and likely need help deep into the season.

Your new boat will arrive shiney and bright, but unwaxed. You want to plan for time after arrival to get wax on it to keep it looking great. It takes time, when you have a list of other post-commissioning chores to do and would rather be out cruising on the new boat.

Edited to add:

Here's another important trick on doing the hull. When standing and staring at a surface its easy to know where you are in the job. IE what spots have been done and what's next. However, climb down off the ladder to move it and you will be disoriented about where you are in the job. Keep a roll of blue masking tape in your pocket and use a piece to mark corners. Overlapping your work from patch to patch is a good idea, but missing some area isn't.

 

[FWT]

And here's one more item I've shared with some other owners.

You will likely want to take a crack at changing out your water pump impeller yourself. It is an annual maintenance item. If you have not done this before you will likely do a YouTube search and find videos of it being done nice and neatly with the pump sitting on a clean workbench with plenty of space. That's not the working condition you will be facing.

Your pump is port side, with the access plate facing aft while your work space is on the forward side of the pump. In other words, you are working while unable to see it! Then, consider it is surrounded by a tangle of hoses and wiring.

YouTube advice to just use pliers to grab and pull the old one out will not work. Ask me how I know. The second bit of advice is to get one of those expensive impeller pullers with hooks and screws. That won't work because there isn't nearly enough space for the contraption. Ask me how I know. The impeller is a Sherwood brand impeller, and their brand puller is a threaded bolt with a sizeable handle that sticks out 90 degrees from the bolt shaft, and there isn't room to turn that handle.

What you want to source is a specific bolt. A 16mm, fine thread, 75mm long. You can get away with it being a little shorter or longer. It is important that the threads run the entire length of the shaft. The shaft of the impeller is threaded on the inside to fit that bolt, so just hand turn it until it tightens then use a socket wrench to continue tightening to extract. With the tangle of wires around there you still cannot get much swing but be patient and its easy. The hard part is sourcing that bolt. I don't have a link because I found it at a small local shop specializing in industrial bolts. But start your hunt for the bolt early and don't tackle this job without it. My bolt took an unusual socket size for the head, so do a dry run with your socket set before you are ready to do the job, as it took me an extra trip to the hardware store to get the correct socket.

Reinserting a new impeller is basically wrestling a greased pig into a tube smaller than the impeller. Find a way.

 

[Datenight]

FWT,
I have used the bolt method also. I really don’t remember but I think it was a fine thread 5/8. Not a perfect fit but the steel bolt threaded into the brass hub fine. It’s not like I was going to use the impeller again, however, the rubber part was not affected at all.
The photos show a plastic bolt/removal tool I received with an impeller order. I had to cut off a bit of the longer leg on the tee for clearance. Works well on my 6.7 Cummins in a North Pacific 45.
To re install I zip tie the vanes and lube with dish soap. Still a job to maneuver in.
Rob

 

[FWT]

FWT,
I have used the bolt method also. I really don’t remember but I think it was a fine thread 5/8. Not a perfect fit but the steel bolt threaded into the brass hub fine. It’s not like I was going to use the impeller again, however, the rubber part was not affected at all.
The photos show a plastic bolt/removal tool I received with an impeller order. I had to cut off a bit of the longer leg on the tee for clearance. Works well on my 6.7 Cummins in a North Pacific 45.
To re install I zip tie the vanes and lube with dish soap. Still a job to maneuver in.
Rob

Interesting the 5/8 is "close enough" to the 16mm. Good to know.

I've tried zip ties. I can't decide if they help. Part of the issue is my need to do this blind, and snipping off zip ties blind makes me too nervous.

 

[MacPhid]

I've had good success with placing the impeller in a pot of hot, not boiling water to soften the blades. 5 minutes is plenty. You can then slide the impeller in the housing using a rotation while pushing in place.

James

 

[FWT]

I've had good success with placing the impeller in a pot of hot, not boiling water to soften the blades. 5 minutes is plenty. You can then slide the impeller in the housing using a rotation while pushing in place.

James

I've seen a lot of tips mentioned before, but that's a first. I like it. Will give that one a go. Thanks!

 

[ranger58sb]

What you want to source is a specific bolt. A 16mm, fine thread, 75mm long. You can get away with it being a little shorter or longer. It is important that the threads run the entire length of the shaft. The shaft of the impeller is threaded on the inside to fit that bolt, so just hand turn it until it tightens then use a socket wrench to continue tightening to extract. With the tangle of wires around there you still cannot get much swing but be patient and its easy. The hard part is sourcing that bolt. I don't have a link because I found it at a small local shop specializing in industrial bolts.

I think I remember the impellers we had on the Cummins 450s used a 5/8" bolt. Easy order from McMaster-Carr.

-Chris

 

[Datenight]

FWT,
I’m going by memory so don’t take it to the bank! I took a new impeller to a very good local hardware store and tried bolts until they worked. They had an excellent selection of SAE and metric. I was not worried if the threads were “re tapped” slightly as they are non critical. Pretty sure it was a fine thread. You do need a fine, fully threaded bolt. It went with our NP 39 when we sold it otherwise I would check the threads.

At the time (2012) Cummins impeller removal tool (bolt) was in the $100.00 range. The plastic tool I have now came with an order of two impellers. Don’t remember the cost but it was minimal. I found it online somewhere.
Rob

 

[FWT]

"At the time (2012) Cummins impeller removal tool (bolt) was in the $100.00 range. "

I think I paid about $8 for mine. I might be off a buck or two