Thank God for the phone robot!!!

 Never thought I'd say this but "Thank God for Chat GDP!" I hooked everything up on my new AutoPilot and got nothing. The computer blinked 5 times...that was it. I asked what that meant? (ROBOT VOICE) The backbone has no power"... I re-read the manual...in an obscure corner ....there it was, the 100 and 1150 models don't power up the backbone, you must add a spur cable and wire it to a separate 12 volt source. I have had to take a crash course in hydraulics with all the various styles of fittings, Swag-lok fittings to tap into the nylon lines that run to the rudder. I built a small manifold to permit the new AutoPilot to 'T' into the system. Then added a reservoir to keep it full. Now I needed 80 bucks to buy an additional plug board because Raymarine doesn't provide enough to actually do the job. What a trip! Anyway, it fired up and demanded to be orientated. So I'll start that on Saturday. Weather is still very cool but with this out of the way, an oil change and a few odds and ends, I'm ready to start the dingy lift base. That will require some cutting.

Install AutoPilot

 AUTOHELM time! I managed to get the hydraulic pump installed along with the computer. The compass/ roll rate sensor proved to be tricky. It has to be clear of magnetic sources etc. I found a suitable place on the boats centerline, however I need to machine up a special bracket. I made the face plate for the control panel, came out nice. They include all the cables for SeaTalk ng BUT not the cable to connect another instrument...namely my Axiom chart plotter. That tiny little cable was 60 dollars! The bigger issue is the hydraulic hook up. They really leave you hanging in that department. I am building a manifold to connect the lines up. I have a couple of 3000 psi hydraulic lines ready to go. It is a matter of finding the correct fittings. 

One final note. The 42 foot sailboat I owned was renamed 'Today's Adventure'  They just made it all the way to the Dominican Republic.

There she blows!!

Finally finished !! What a hassle. The "dryer hose" that runs from the blowers to the outside vents was in bad shape. I sourced new ones, actually installing them was very hard. I wired everything up and it works. One weird thing, you HAVE to turn on blower 1 to trip all the solenoids, otherwise none will start up. I have 1 and 4 sucking air out and 2 and 3 blowing fresh air in. 

Moving on to Autopilot and dingy lift. Carpet will have to wait.
 

Bilge blowers and cable runs

 Carpet long gone, I want to wrap up odd jobs prior to laying the new stuff. On the right you see one of the original bilge blowers, It is fried! There are 4 and only one works. On the left, I machined up this nice replacement. Everything is mounted on the plate. Two 40 amp relays and a fuse box. The existing wiring is a mess but I figured it out. This set up should work a lot better and look more professional. I had to run a 4 wire cable from the transom to the helm, took me 3 hours to route it. Carver does not make it easy. Now I need to machine up a base to mount the Raymarine rudder indicator on, followed by the installation of the Autopilot. Then I need to cut several holes under the swim platform to slide a hidden support bracket in place for the dingy lift. Pitter patter, lets get a 'ere!

Staples, glue and aluminum

Been working on a dingy lift for the swim platform. It has a 12 volt winch to raise the arms. Not quite sure where to place the winch. The end of the dingy with the motor is far heavier than the bow. Therefore it will have to be closer to the motor in order to balance. I put a lot of adjustment into it. We actually looked at purchasing one but nothing worked with our narrow platform. Even this will be awkward.

 At the same time I go down to the boat on Saturdays and rip out carpet. I see they used a combination of staples and carpet glue. I ordered a HD stapler gun.

St.Martin and engine work

 

 

Back at 'er! Two weeks in the Caribbean, good for the soul MON. Let me see ...the starter was finished, now the exhaust manifold goes back on and the turbo is reattached. Looking good!   

 

 

 

 Then the heat exchanger goes in and all the hoses get re-installed. A few wires to hook up and refill with antifreeze. Working on the dingy lift now. Auto pilot will arrive soon. COME ON SPRING!!

TEST DAY

 Modified a radiator tester in order to test this heat exchanger worth about $4500. I eventually pumped it up to 7 PSI and five hours later it is holding steady. I made the two white plugs/ stoppers on a lathe. Sure glad it isn't leaking!