The current model Yanmar 30’s have been made with the sailor who does the maintenance in mind. On the front of the engine is easy access to the water pump, the oil dipstick, the oil intake and the fanbelt adjustments.…
Engine room preparation
I always learn things when a new project appears. The engine rooms looked a frightful mess and daunting project after the 20 year old Yanmar 30’s had been removed. I researched the best approach. It all involved lots of crouching……
Back to 2020. Post EMP strike electrical replacement.
Sometimes it is easier to start afresh. I initially planned to conserve what wiring I could, replacing instruments and try to salvage what might still have some life. After many frustrating hours attempting to find the faults after a million…
Step 10. Fitted, painted and sailing.
It was a labour of love and the final fit and painting took a significant time. Eventually clears, solar panel, pilot hatch and wiring were completed. Now to make the most of it. Our goal was to make the hardtop…
Step 9. Retest clearance
Getting closer. I am now down to the last coat of high build, then a sand with 320 grit before spraying the final coat. It was time for another fitting and to test the stainless poles for rigidity and fit.…
Step 8. Test fit with supports
With the composite front supports now in place we fitted the hardtop to determine the aft support pole lengths. The flex is minimal and the span strength seems more than adequate even without the composite poles secured.
Step 7. Test fit
With the hardtop now glassed it was time to position it aboard to ensure the heights and slopes are correct. The forward attachment will be a composite foam glass strut and the back corners two carbon fibre poles. The project…
Step six. Bake to lock shape.
The new hardtop, glassing complete and ready for fairing and painting, has been baked in the tropical sun to increase the stiffness. The pilot hatch has been cut out to the template and the edges cut back in the foam…
Step 5. Stringers and track
Step 4. Flip and glass again
With the inside laid up we flipped the top, position and checked the curve with the template for the jig and prepare for the top layup.