Updating/Upgrading Solitude, Hull #10

[Bob Cofer]

Getting started on the long list of things.

• Removed two previous generators worth of wiring.
• Removed the diesel stove and associated wiring, venting and piping.
• Started removing abandoned/orphaned wiring.
• Removed the old Princess two burned cooktop.
• Started figuring out/repairing the engine wiring.
• Cleaned out all of the old boat junk.

I am looking for ideas for the lower helm seat, please share photos of your setup.

Regards,
Bob

 

[Vanessa]

Congratulations, Bob!

I look forward to following your progress (and *finally* to sharing a dock with you). While I don't have a recommendation for a lower helm seat, other than the GB32 seat you're already familiar with, I do recommend that you share pics of the sounder and radar with our TF readers

Vanessa

 

[Bob Cofer]

Here is the state of art technology from the 70's!

And something we've always wanted!

 

[Bob Cofer]

Prepping the old stove space for the new refrigerator.

 

[Frosty]

Those chairs....

So far in life, I have never had a boat where the stowage space beneath "box type" settees wasn't sorely needed. Or the space below was wedge shaped so no chair would fit anyway.

But that doesn't stop me (and my back) daydreaming about comfortable chairs.

Also: I love how there is just casually an extra couple feet of space outboard of the stove (fridge) spot. Which also means you have great sidedecks. What a cool boat the W-36 is.

 

[rslifkin]

Those chairs....

So far in life, I have never had a boat where the stowage space beneath "box type" settees wasn't sorely needed. Or the space below was wedge shaped so no chair would fit anyway.

But that doesn't stop me (and my back) daydreaming about comfortable chairs.

Also: I love how there is just casually an extra couple feet of space outboard of the stove (fridge) spot. Which also means you have great sidedecks. What a cool boat the W-36 is.

A good chair or 2 like that can make a nice supplement to a built in settee with storage under it for additional seating. The chair is movable, so it can normally reside somewhere that has a hatch underneath that may occasionally need to be lifted for access. I have a chair that sits over my generator for that reason (rather than a fixed dinette or the couch being longer). I rarely have a reason to pull that hatch, but it's nice to have the option.

 

[Island Cessna]

I have a generic purchased pilot seat that when in use sits on the galley counter, and when not in use hinges forward over the wheel to liberate the counter space. I am happy with that design.
The Willard 36 was designed without a lower helm, and with a high bow, so some people have difficulty with the view over the bow from below. Whatever you do with your helm seat make sure it is high enough that your head is touching the ceiling, giving you the maximum visibility over the bow!

 

[Bob Cofer]

I have a generic purchased pilot seat that when in use sits on the galley counter, and when not in use hinges forward over the wheel to liberate the counter space. I am happy with that design.
The Willard 36 was designed without a lower helm, and with a high bow, so some people have difficulty with the view over the bow from below. Whatever you do with your helm seat make sure it is high enough that your head is touching the ceiling, giving you the maximum visibility over the bow!

Great idea on the seat!

 

[Bob Cofer]

Pulling the orphans out of the helm and panel.

Basic Charging System Schematic

 

[Bob Cofer]

Removed the old countertop.

New countertop installed, still need to cut out for the sink and cooktop. Installed the new fridge also.

 

[Frosty]

I'm enjoying this thread, thanks.

New countertop looks great. And that wall-mounted extendable faucet is sweet.

 

[Bob Cofer]

Sink is in

Cooktop is in

Will be trimming out the edges and corners next. A stainless plate will be going on the counter around the cooktop.

 

[CharlieO.]

Looks nice, I've always admired those Willards.

 

[Bob Cofer]

Finished all of the wiring over the weekend, got the dash instruments built/installed and fired her up yesterday afternoon. We will be shaking her down this weekend.

 

[O C Diver]

While I like seeing other peoples refits, I truly miss the projects I use to do.

No, I'm not volunteering. I'll have to refit vicariously through others.

Ted

 

[Bob Cofer]

Instruments are installed.

 

[mvweebles]

What a fast pace. Very nice work. Surprised the early W36 had the sloped stairs to the fly bridge

Thanks for sharing.

Peter

 

[Bmarler]

Love the push pull labeled “automation”. I’m imagining pulling the switch and the inflatable pilot from “airplane” blows up and takes over the helm.

 

[Bob Cofer]

Love the push pull labeled “automation”. I’m imagining pulling the switch and the inflatable pilot from “airplane” blows up and takes over the helm.

Might need to use the manual inflation feature!