[Rhodes22-list] update on bottom paint, battery setup, and bimini mount

[Chris Geankoplis]

Excellent!

On Sun, May 15, 2022 at 6:52 PM Jesse Shumaker <
jesse.laten.shumaker at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> Here are a few updates on posts I had made earlier in the spring.
>
> I concluded that the existing bottom paint was ablative, and we ended up
> going with Seahawk Red Ablative AF 33 for the new paint.  It looks like it
> went on well so we'll see how it holds up.
>
> Regarding electrical updates, I added a sealed flooded lead acid group 51R
> battery that's wired to my electric start outboard and motor lift on a
> separate circuit from the house battery.  For a variety of reasons, the
> consensus is that it's best to use a lead acid battery to connect with the
> alternator.  I've got the two original 10 watt solar panels wired to the
> starter battery, and the new 30 watt panel on the small arch over the stern
> rail is wired to the LiFEOP4 house battery.  Everything seems to be working
> well with both batteries staying topped up between usage.  Both batteries
> are less than 30 lbs so they will be easy to manage when it comes time to
> remove them in the off season.
>
> The Group 51R battery is notably smaller (roughly 9"x5"x9") and lighter
> than a Group 27.  I cut down one of the old battery boxes and used some
> other materials to make a battery box for the 51R battery.  I mounted this
> under the port settee just aft of the bulkhead for the v-berth. It fits
> just between the fiberglass stringer and the raised floor.  I didn't use
> that area for storage anyway since it was a bit hard to get to.  I removed
> a wood piece that partially covered that area and replaced it with a PVC
> board mounted on hinges and secured with barrel bolts.  The battery is a
> snug fit in the battery box, but I tied the battery down as well to keep it
> secure.  I wired a simple voltage reader to this battery so I can easily
> keep an eye on the voltage level.
>
> Per usual, I've probably overdone things and have more battery capacity
> than I would ever practically need.  I learned a lot with the electrical
> projects and now I can easily monitor battery usage with the monitors in
> place.
>
> The bimini mount that I added to the stern rail keeps the bimini from
> covering up the 10 watt solar panels.  It's also easier to get on and off
> the boat from the dock with the bimini stowed in the aft position.
> However, when it's time to take the boat out for a sail, I find it easier
> to move the bimini to the forward position resting on the cabin so the aft
> portion of the cockpit is clear and I can sit on the coaming for a good
> view forward.  The bimini mounts fold down into clips, and it's easy to
> switch stowage position with the quick pins.  The mounting pieces were made
> to have a threaded bolt for attachment so I had to drill those out for use
> with the quick pins.
>
> I attached a few photos for reference.  It's great to be back in the water
> and sailing again!
>
> Jesse Shumaker
> S/V Zephyr
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