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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/13/2012 : 20:01:08

Thought I'd start a thread of great upgrades for under $20.

I'll go first - I just installed a set of Beckson Clipper clips in the ceiling of the boat tonight. They should make it possible to find a boathook rather than digging through all the stuff piled in the quarterberth.

http://ca.binnacle.com/p2385/BECKSON-CLIPPER-CLIP-CLP-1-7/8%22-TO-1%22-RANGE/product_info.html

$5 that could mean the difference between crashing into docks or making an amazing save.

"Iris"
1984 FK/SR #4040
http://frosthaus.blogspot.com/

Take a minute to register your boat with the association!!
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/owner_questionnaire.htm

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 20:29:37

1. Mentioned before, but I'll post it again: Pack of 3 puck lights $10, 9 AAA batteries extra: 1 mounted just inside the companionway to light the steps, 1 mounted over the potti, and 1 floater.
2. Two 1-amp trickle chargers, $5 each at Harbor Freight.
3. Solar powered garden light, amber lens, to hang from the stern rail, $20 each. Okay, I bought 2 so that one may not count! Lends nice atmosphere to a raft-up plus an extra light for visibility.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5429 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 20:47:36

My fav is a 4-way reversible screwdriver with a small flathead and philips on one end of the shaft and a larger flathead and philips on the other. If you remove the bit you have a 1/4" nut driver on one end and a 3/16" nut driver on the other. It's perfect for tightening or loosening hose clamps.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2012 : 15:35:37

Just a few bucks over your limit--the Kenyon butane stove, on sale at Defender. Like "cooking with gas."

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2012 : 18:28:07

Small tailgate cargo net at Walmart for $9.95. Folded in half, hung from the wood trim up in the v-berth, it stretches almost the whole length of the berth and hangs down half the height. Great place to stash a change of clothes, book, shoes, whatever.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2012 : 20:23:35

[url="http://www.harborfreight.com/automatic-battery-float-charger-42292.html"]Harbor Freight battery charger[/url]

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2012 : 06:20:11

The Tiller Tamer. Don't remember the price, but cheap and SO useful.

Edited by - on

tbosch
Navigator

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163 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2012 : 12:54:55

I installed a retractable clothes line that goes above the starboard setee. It is great for hanging damp towels and clothes. We use it a lot!

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202904131/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053& langId=-1& keyword=retractable clothes line& storeId=10051

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2012 : 13:56:15

Great Idea Todd - can it take teh weight of a shower curtain or a sheet for a privacy wall?

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 04/16/2012 : 08:29:06

Great topic!

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 04/16/2012 : 10:54:01

The first summer I owned my boat I cut a rectangle out of the previously used, roller furling jib, lined it with royal blue cotton, and mounted it onto a 3-bow, folding, bamboo frame with sheer-lashing joints and pvc elbows. Cost for blue cloth, nylon cord, pvc elbows, and 4 dog leash clips: $15. I made a bimini that has served me perfectly now for 7 years.

Edited by - on

tbosch
Navigator

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163 Posts

Response Posted - 04/16/2012 : 11:38:25

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Prospector
 Great Idea Todd - can it take teh weight of a shower curtain or a sheet for a privacy wall?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

We stuck 2 of those 3M hooks along the ceiling above the line and if we have something heavy enough to sag the line we hook it over them. Handles several damp/wet towels that way with no problem.

We sometimes do use the line for privacy at the dock. Hanging towels on the line covers the windows on that side very effectively.

3M hooks we use for this:
http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U523080QE0IIHEICN90GC1000000_nid=RLJ13DLNB5gsC4Z924C3ZHglC6DQJZ3XP6bl& currID=SVDN29G1JXbe

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3477 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 08:38:32

I have not made this yet, but it is on the list..

Cord around the end of the portable handheld light, and hooks of some sort on the bulkhead to hold the plug into the cigarette lighter and keep it from popping out.

Like Eddie Van Halen said he had superglued sandpaper to picks to keep from dropping them.

Maybe tape around the plug...

Edited by - redeye on 04/18/2012 08:39:31

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 10:22:41

[url="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NI1BI4"]Marinco locking 12 volt receptacle[/url].

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3477 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 10:24:20

Oh.... that's how they do that... properly.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 10:49:52

David, is that, basically, a cigarette lighter receptacle? I was just thinking this weekend that I needed to add a few of those in the boat.

Edited by - JimGo on 04/18/2012 10:50:21

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 11:58:35

That's exactly what it is. If you use a regular cigarette lighter plug it'll work as expected, but if you use a Marinco 12 volt plug, it'll allow you to twist it in to lock it in place. At least I think so, I only have one installed on the stern next to my auto-pilot & solar charger ports. I think I put one of the locking plugs on my search light, but I'd have to actually look, I haven't used it in years. I've got a couple more of the receptacles and plugs in my "todo" box, but there hasn't been a pressing need. I have two regular receptacles in the cabin (one on the overhead by the starboard reading light, another at the back of the rear berth), but since they both work and neither are very exposed to the elements, I've never replaced them. We use the interior ones to charge phones, run GPS, or display voltage on a cheapo
[url="http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23587"]Walmart LCD voltage meter

[/url].

Yes I know it's not a Walmart ad, but I couldn't find it on their site. This is the exact one I've got and it was only $14 or so, so unlike this one which is $21 or so, so the Walmart version fits the category of <$20.

Edited by - delliottg on 04/18/2012 11:59:42

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3477 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 12:16:29

I thought Prospector won this hands down with the 3 dollar hinges he added to the bilge cover... So he could simply lift up the flap, inspect the bilge, and grab a bottle of wine!

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 12:17:48

I have one of those too Dave - the voltmeter. It is a great thing to have aboard.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 12:19:39

Wow Ray - you still remember those. They are actually quite handy for checking the bilge. And getting out a $3 bottle of wine.

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3477 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 12:30:53

Those hinges have been high on my list for some time now... but I've STILL got a coupla leaks to seal up first.

A couple aft, a coupla forward, .....

Edited by - redeye on 04/18/2012 12:31:41

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 12:43:55

OK - here's another one, but its a 2-part upgrade.

Part 1: Polarfleece Poncho - Get yourself a hunk of polarfleece microfibre twice as long as you are tall, minus a foot (minimum 8' X 6'). You may have to put two pieces together to get the right size. If so, leave it oversized. Fold it in half and cut a hole. wear as a poncho. Truly a great thing in the cockpit on a cool night. You can buy polarfleece in a variety of colours at a fabric store. Also you can sew a variety of badges on it just like in Boyscouts.

Part 2: Strapping - get a few feet of webbing and put together a harness. First fold down your poncho into a strip about 10" wide. Then roll it up. Make your harness so it holds the blanket in a nice neat roll with 2 straps & buckles. Put this in the cockpit on a hot day for a pillow. Rig a boom tent and have a nap. $10 at Fabricland.

Bliss.

Edited by - Prospector on 04/18/2012 12:53:34

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 13:06:24

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redeye
 Those hinges have been high on my list for some time now... but I've STILL got a coupla leaks to seal up first.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Really its a 5 minute job - just be sure to set the kerf on your blade equal to the gap you want in teh floorboard, which is dependant on the hinges you get.

Lee Valley has some real perty brass hinges on sale right now. http://www.leevalley.com/US/hardware/page.aspx?cat=3&p=41241

Edited by - Prospector on 04/18/2012 13:36:08

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 13:09:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Polarfleece Poncho<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> Isn't that just a [url="http://www.mysnuggiestore.com/p-1997-true-blue.aspx"]Snuggie[/url]? It still fits the category, they're only $10.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 13:37:11

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by delliottg
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Polarfleece Poncho<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> Isn't that just a [url="http://www.mysnuggiestore.com/p-1997-true-blue.aspx"]Snuggie[/url]? It still fits the category, they're only $10.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Sure - can you roll them up into a nice pillow for when its too hot for a blanket?

Edited by - on

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2012 : 14:42:44

Blue Sea also sells locking 12V outlets.

A great location for them is above the quarterberth. There is a big hollow area that you can access from the wooden access panel underneath that seems handy for electronics. I have my stereo head unit mounted below there, but realized afterwords that I could have put it in there and had it look completely integrated. I also have a 12V terminal strip installed in that area which splits my accessory power to the stereo, VHF radio, and the 12V outlets.

That voltage meter is really cool. I just bought a Blue Sea analog one (not under $20) to install, but that would have been cheaper and simpler.

Edited by - on

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