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Mainsheet Editor
Brian Gleissner

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USA
31 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/30/2012 : 21:21:37

Dear Members -

Now that the gift-giving season has just passed, I'm thinking about putting together an article for the Summer issue of Mainsheet that features useful add-on's that the readers have installed (anything that was not originally available on your sailboat when new). If anyone is interested in contributing, please reply to this post or e-mail me at mainsheet@catalina-capri-25s.org

Thanks,

Brian Gleissner

Association Mainsheet Editor (mainsheet at catalina-capri-25s.org)

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 12/31/2012 : 10:12:36

I love my [url="http://www.wavefrontmarine.com"]Tiller Clutch[/url].

Easy to install, quick to rig....and it's made a HUGE difference in my sailing comfort.

Edited by - on

Mainsheet Editor
Brian Gleissner

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USA
31 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2013 : 20:36:22

Thanks Scott, the Tiller Clutch seems to be popular, I will have to look into it for myself as well.

Regards,

Brian Gleissner

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2013 : 08:55:08

If you'd like Brian, I can write up a few paragraphs on my experience purchasing, installing and using it. I've got a few pictures I think.

Or, [url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=21401&SearchTerms=clutch"]HERE[/url] is a great write up from a couple years ago...I think it's the one that sold me on it.

Edited by - on

Mainsheet Editor
Brian Gleissner

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USA
31 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2013 : 18:47:20

Scott -

That may be a good topic for the Tech Editor to elaborate on. I'm going to try to keep the article basic, the details can be handled on the Tech Tips side in this issue or future issues depending on how much content we end up with.

Thanks again,

Brian Gleissner

Edited by - on

glivs
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2013 : 17:27:53

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">...(anything that was not originally available on your sailboat when new).<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
<ul><li> LED lighting - Someone already mentioned this, but its so important, I'll mention it again...1st priority was anchor and running, then interior (still working on the latter)</li>
<li> holding tank indicator (external sensor) - works great </li>
<li> carbon filter on holding tank vent - yea I know but the Admiral was not happy. We've gone through 3 seasons without changing the cartridge or "issues" except when the tank is nearly full</li>
<li> screens - forward and cockpit hatch - essential in evening when wind dies down </li>
<li> water/particle filter in gas line - essential </li>
<li> heavy duty rudder gudgeons - highly recommended </li>
</ul>

And then there are the modest and/or obvious upgrades
- seal fastener or portlight openings during maintenance to protect wood core, e.g. when resealing stanchions...
- DSC VHF
- butane stove

Wish list - for starters
- improved DC panel
- foot pump or pressurized fw system
- ...

Edited by - glivs on 01/05/2013 17:29:36

Mainsheet Editor
Brian Gleissner

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USA
31 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2013 : 19:41:34

Thanks Gerry, all good input.

Regards,

Brian Gleissner

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2013 : 20:10:02

Dinghy motor storage bracket connected to stern and starboard rail with vertical reinforcing to outboard mounting bar

Swim-ladder emergency spare motor bracket

IPod Touch Bad Elf GPS with Navionics and mounting bracket

Extra V berth bedding with fold-away flaps

Bowsprit for more asymmetrical fun

The asymmetrical sail and hardware

Microwave and cupboard space modification

Microwave plus cupboards blend in well

Grocery shopping cart cooler & storage

Daily supply of daily used water and beverages

1) V berth book storage shelf. 2) Access hatch below cut in half, (bow to stern), and hinged with a continuous piano hinge

Crew member, in progress, for the V berth fiddle

The "bosun", with facial scar, in progress

V berth fiddle's "Motley Crew",

Head's bulkhead storage shelves for books, tv and misc...

Table with pull-outs and fold-up section

Table ready for dinner

Gas-sniffer... with remote sensor located in galley's bilge area

Home-made Garmin depth sounder swing arm holder and storage rack

Additional storage shelf installed suspended port-side behind the head

Additional storage space for two hatch boards... one original, two 3/8 plexi glass hatch board

Galley storage shelf with pottery, coffee cups and misc...

Spare rudder blades (Trent/Severn waterway)

Head's usage for storage and things

Wet locker hanger and storage

Top half basket for storage in the head

Single center seat add-on

Mast carrier carried on the gudgeon or... in the holder on the seat when the rudder is installed

Trailer hitch bolted-on extension holder

Bow mast carrier for extended travel and/or the water

Star board forward life line release to allow loading of the dinghy

PVC tiller extension for foul weather

Pumps used to blow-the-tank

Gin pole cut in half and sleeved for easier storage

Replacement mast-insert part

Forward hatch rain protector tent suspended from the jib halyard

Galley storage below sink and... location of the stove's (day use only) propane bottle.

Additional top storage rack

Spare blanket hammock storage

Economical walky talky's used a variety of uses

Screens... Velcro all around... a must have

Fatigue mats lining the entire aft berth. Prevent sweating, sliding of stored items etc.

Barometer, temp and humidity

Fold-able stool used extensively

Dinner-bell

Cabin area access port

Mast-support

Pop-top forward SS holder allowing the hatch to be closed while the pop-top is installed

Horizontal slide-in hatch screen with 3/8 dowel framed with hose corners hatch in-set screen

The horizontal screen can be used effectively screening the pop-top

3/8 dowel with flexible framed hatch screen... (copied from another forum member)

3/8 Plexi glass hatch insert with teak removable ventilation board... during rainy conditions drips will drop to the outside without the ventilation strip

Heater 500, 900 and 1500 watts... a very quiet unit

Basket for books, literature etc. with front basket used for pens, notepads and a collection of daily used stuff

Step-seat extention

Step-seat extension is stored position

Bottom view of step-seat construction

Correct seating height for cooking, dishes, look-out, extra guest seating and wide variety of misc...

Cock-pit sun-shower... suspended from two taped together "hoela- hoeps" and slung over the boom and held in place by the blue tarp. The sun-shower is suspended from the back-stay intersection

New hatch cover

Truck front-end towing ball

New breaks & bearings

Reversible spare wheel mechanism

Dinghy on the bow during transporation

RV'ing on the dry Notice bucket to collect dish water

Bucket for fresh water after use rinse

Winter storage tarp

Dinghy floats

Adjustable oar-locks with anti-slip locks

Dinghy floats installed in just a few minutes

Method of mid-ships attachment of floatation tubes

Dinghy floats stored and transported in dinghy below the tarp

All add-on's make our stay on the water for longer periods even more enjoyable

Harrison Lake, BC Canada

Somewhere on the way

Edited by - zeil on 01/09/2013 19:00:41

britinusa
Web Editor

Members Avatar

USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2013 : 21:51:10

That pic of your cabin step 'seat' extension is golden!!

paul

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2013 : 08:07:45

WOW, Henk ... you are my hero ...

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2013 : 10:08:57

A big Wow! So what did you improve on the second day?

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2013 : 16:45:04

After Hank's litany I feel quite inadequate!

- all lines brought back to cockpit
- traveler control lines re-routed to mid-cockpit
- extra long boarding ladder
- 2 doors installed under port couch to access storage
- 10" cut off tiller to allow more room in cockpit
- 6 to 1 outhaul
- 8 to 1 boom vang
- exterior speaker in cockpit for VHF
- Lewmar 16's 2-speed winches
- thin cord whipping on tiller where it contacts underside of traveler when raised. Soaked in polyurethane to waterproof.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2013 : 17:27:51

Henk, have you considered writing a book? Wow! So many cleverly made or re-purposed things. Do you do the face carvings yourself? I like that touch in inconspicuous places all around the boat.

Very nice!

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2013 : 20:39:32

Thank you guys... It gives Johanna and myself great pleasure to share with you the improvements, add-on's, modifications and ideas we've added to our great C250 since we bought "Someday Lady", in 2003

Most of these resulted from spending a considerable amount of time on board and having many executive meetings in which Johanna had a major share plus lots of input, help, ideas, assistance, excellent critique and encouragement from this, our wonderful forum... thank you all!!

Please feel free should you have questions or would like more detail about some of the projects.

Here are a few more...

Head set with white and red night LED light

IPod Touch with Bad Elf GPS and power connection holder. (the power connection to the unit is very flimsy)

Two part teak IPod Touch & Bad Elf GPS holder for easy storing

Clip-on LED modified night reading light

360 degree spreader LED anchor light (has run 7, 10 hour nights without dimming) 2nd unit also used for cabin light

Johanna's favorite battery operated on-board vacuum cleaner

Low-tech heating and drying-out system

Emergency rigging bolt cutters

Seat mounted BBQ great for outdoor cooking

Tiller tamer... allows shorter hands-free tiller control. The unit is top tiller mounted and allows the line to be removed at a whim's notice and... had to several times in tight situations

Edited by - on

Mainsheet Editor
Brian Gleissner

Members Avatar

USA
31 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2013 : 20:49:03

Henk -

I think the article could just have to be about you. Unfortunately so many neat add-ons, so little column space. All kidding aside, I'll try to capture as much as I can, particularly the more unique ones. Thanks so much for sharing the photos with all of us.

Regards,

Brian Gleissner

Edited by - on

binky
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
115 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2013 : 20:53:39

WOW, hard enough for me just do maintenace and upkeep.....let alone all those mods. Nice work!

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2013 : 21:38:50

There is a 40 footers worth of mods on that boat. Wow! Radar and a windlass and wind instruments aloft and you have it all!

Sten

Ps... I'm on my Droid, so this probably post twice again. Aaaarrrrggghhh!

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 01/07/2013 : 08:38:44

Complete insanity Henk! Truly fantastic. Do I dare ask?? How much money (and think about hours!!) do you have involved here?

Edited by - on

shnool
Former Capri-25 Tech Editor

Members Avatar

USA
1032 Posts

Response Posted - 01/07/2013 : 09:39:52

No Question Henk, you are an inspiration to us all. Talk about getting the most use of space! Very impressive.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
5377 Posts

Response Posted - 01/07/2013 : 20:59:20

Wow! Henk, you've done things to your boat I would never have even thought of doing. let alone have the time and the budget for. Do you have a teak forest growing somewhere????
Just amazing!

Edited by - on

glivs
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2013 : 06:22:24

Henk & Joanna.....Well done!

Edited by - on

zfrenchman
Deckhand

Members Avatar

Canada
9 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2013 : 07:08:53

Brilliant Henk & Joanna, lots of great ideas. How did you create the "Extra V berth bedding with fold-away flaps"?
It looks genius!

Thanks

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2013 : 13:47:19

Since Brian asked <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> (anything that was not originally available on your sailboat when new)<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> and us having a tough time deciding which item to leave out, the list, even to our own surprise, became longer and longer. And that happens to just deal with "creature comfort",!!

Many of you on this forum have made great mods and additions on boat & sail handling, rudders, motors, links, electrical lay-outs and improvements, plumbing, trailer, sails, ventilation, air-conditioning and many other things. We all, in turn, benefit from your willingness to freely share this

For us, Johanna and myself it is just absolute a pleasure to share with you and hope that it stimulates you to make, copy, improve or add to all your sailing pleasure. After all, our boats maybe "petit coastal cruisers", but... they are well designed and worthy to be fully enjoyed.

Thank you so much for your responses. To the question of how much time, money and resources it took I can simply answer that Johanna had to increase my allowance once in awhile. She also needed to exercise a bit of patience whenever a job took a little longer or was asked to take the lead in developing things from scratch... ie. bedding, hatch cover, dinghy floatation tubes, etc.

Johanna just mentioned that my hobby seems to be sailing... whether it summer or winter...

Perhaps Brian Gleissner would be willing to consider submitting multiple "Main-sheet" articles perhaps each with one or more categories, (just a thought)

Edited by - on

glivs
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2013 : 11:48:34

Henk....out of curiosity, how/where are you going to mount your iTouch? and how do you like the GPS/Navionics combination?

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2013 : 18:58:06

Adrian thank you for your question: In order to make the V berth, for longer cruises, more comfortable we shaped and fitted a 4" foam mattress as shown in the photo.

To keep the back-rest of the settee, during normal daily use, in its place, the mattress will have to be folded back just on the inside of the V berth and in front of the settee back-rest. The bow to stern tapered mattress covers the full length of the V berth right up to the cabin table where it is at its widest.

To fold the mattress back inside the V berth and behind the back-rest, a full width fold plus the sides will need to be folded in. These side-flaps or ears are shaped to follow the hull going forward. In other words one full length fold just inside the V berth allows the mattress to be folded back on itself while the flaps or ears are folded back on top of it. This allows the mattress to fit with the 3 layers forward of the back-rest between port and starboard's hull.

It works well but... if we were to make a new set we would do the following

1) buy the best quality foam we can get. Ours is mediocre and after using it for a while already shows signs of fatigue...

2) Use cardboard or V berth mattress to obtain the pattern of the hull. Cut the foam, (bread knife works fine) to allow a couple of inches of space on either side of the hull for ventilation and tucking in of blankets.

3) The flaps or ears may nicely cover the entire width but..., time showed that we actually never use them and have, in the meantime, removed the foam to gain a little bit more storage space. It is not a problem to stuff, if need be, the area with a pillow or anything at all.

4) Our mattress is about 6-8" or so short at the bow foot-end. This works out just fine to accommodate bunching of blankets and... ones feet have a little more room to maneuver in a rather tight space.

Use the V berth cushion to copy the shape.
You'll notice that this mattress is a little longer and shaped around a basket we use in front of the compression post.

Mattress folded to fit in the V berth to allow for normal day-time use of the settee back-rest.

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2013 : 20:05:09

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by glivs
 Henk....out of curiosity, how/where are you going to mount your iTouch? and how do you like the GPS/Navionics combination?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Gerry... The teak-wood display made for the IPod Touch/Bad Elf GPS and to keep the power cable plugged-in. It was used extensively during our Princess Louisa Inlet cruise as a stand alone anywhere in-the-boat unit.

It's main location was on the counter in the galley or out in the cockpit whenever the weather was dry with no spray and... needed to keep it out of the sunshine, its greatest draw-back and limitation.

The power supply cable with extension was long enough to allow for moving around. This setup, however, is far from ideal and we'll have to explore better ways.

The $95.00 Bad Elf GPS after some initial problems and fixed by the designer, works great in combination with Navionics. It kept us progressively on the charts in Canadian coastal or lake waters. Navionics loaded on the IPod Touch comes complete with lots of information, tracking, way-points, photo taking, harbor info, etc.

We are impressed and starting, next to our paper charts, to depend on it. The cost is an unbelievable $30.00 or so for all Canadian, USA Coastal and Lakes plus and including regular up-dates

The problem, however, is that the IPod Touch is too small and with its glare impossible to read at a glance or even to study. An IPad would be much better. Both need to be somehow protected from the weather but at this time would have to look for practical solutions...

Edited by - on

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