Shanti is out of the water, powerwashed, and waiting for the new bottom. I asked Mike Haley, our yard project manager, to go with “1+2” on the micron extra (one layer and two extra layers on the leading edges), since it’s just as fast, less heavy, and cheaper. Next spring I can consider getting all the built-up paint off and either switching to new paint or starting fresh.
The mast-pull and re-rig estimates came in. The mast r/r was more than I expected, the actual rigging work was less, so it sort of balanced out.
I bought an SSB and tuner today. Rather than pony out for a new ICOM type-certified marine radio/tuner (for upwards of $3K), I bought a lightly used Kenwood TS-50, which is a ham rig that gets good reviews, and weighs 1/3 as much. I also got an SGC 230 tuner, which gets rave reviews (though their radios do not). I also put together an install list to do it “right”.
- Group U1 31AH battery in battery box underneath chart table (also use for nav alternate power)
- 2 way battery switch
- 30 amp DC breaker
- Battery cables (long ground, charger to switch, switch to battery)
- Copper foil for antenna groundplane
- Mini8 coax for radio-to-tuner connection with UHF type PL-259 connectors
- GTO-15 high voltage wire-for-tuner to antenna connection
>>Next spring I can consider getting all the built-up paint off
Easier said than done, take it from a guy who’s still picking Baltaplate from his scalp.