Day 363

The drain system in the galley has been designed as thus ( photo above ) and I don't think I had much to say about it! It allows some room to access the water maker under there for sure. If we are healed over on the starboard side, water will remain trapped for that time in the outer drain, but won't reach a level to come back into the sink -unless we're broached God forbid!

Notice the "T" fitting on the cold water line. This is for fresh water flush on the water maker. If the watermaker isn't going to be used for a time, this will evacuate all of the saltwater kooties in there as they can't live in fresh water. We'll probably do this every time as it extends the lifespan of the membrane filter It seems to be a complicated series of actions at this time but I'm sure we'll grow accustomed to it fairly quickly. During a flush, the saltwater intake valve must be closed or else the fresh water would just pour out into the sea, being under pressure and all.

If it weren't for money issues, I would have all of the valves electric ( the kind that don't need pressure as mentioned on day 311 ) and control it from a computer screen or via a remote like in a James Bond movie. "Control water system loopback pressurizing in 5,4,3,2..." goes the monotonic computer voice... Maybe on our next boat ha ha!

One nice thing about using hoses -they can run just about anywhere and make corners without fittings. This line Gena is installing ( photo below ) is fresh water to the pressure pump that will be installed in the bow. The pressure pump is one of those standard 120 volt things used to wash a car, or clean off a deck, sidewalks etc. I'm not sure what the psi rating on it is, but it does kick out a fine stream of highly pressurized water that will blast most dirt and "muck" of off a chain as the anchor is being brought up.

We think it is a good idea even though the inverter will need to be powered up for the 120 VAC. Next she ran a salt water line up. We're certain we want salt water up there as well, good for more lengthy cleaning jobs that can be rinsed with fresh water afterwards, but not sure if it's a good idea to run salt through the pressure pump. We'll need to tear it apart and see if the pump is rubber diaphragm or metal cylinder type.

As can be seen in the bar of photos to the right, I have been working on the seat hatches. Figuring out the places where the hatches ( which allow access under the seats ) should be split has been a tricky decision. They must split where the cushions split, and the whole thing isn't so square as it is trapezoidal in shape.

Gena wanted access to the little corners, so those need to be separate. Because the cushions are going under the seat back cushions, the corners must be a removable small cushion whereas the larger seat cushions can be attached via tethers or velcro.

If the seat cushions don't go under the seat backs, their edges are going to be flattened out while in use and eventually, aside from being uncomfortable, they would become a problem. ( I've seen it happen)

It has become my job to make the seat cushions as due to money constraints (i.e. not an unlimited amount of it! ) we can't have an upholsterer do it. I would like to, but the price is way too high for us.

The photo below is a time-lapse a few days into the future as I wanted to get several coats of varathane on these before putting on the hinges.

A cool hinge I found by chance at Windsor Plywood , part of a custom order by another customer, became the hinge of choice for the seats. They need a bit of prep for seating: a 1 1/4" hole drilled 1/2" from the edge, then a 1/16" lip support routed in around that, and special sized screws to boot. They were worth it in the end as they are flush and lift the ply as being opened so as to allow a close fit. Also there will be no wear on the seat cushions from these.

They are nickel plated brass, no rust, good for a boat.

A latch system for the seats is still up for debate as is how many holes to drill in this ply for ventilation....it's hard to find info on this.

Day 363:
6 hours - ran pipe to bow, installed drain pipe for sink, made first section of seat hatches in dining area