1972 Hatteras 45 Convertible Refit

[BlueArrow]

Furthermore, I'm considering replacing the gauges and switches at the helm on the flybridge. One of the options from VDO - now Veratron is to install an AcquaLink engine box that converts analog signals to NMEA2000 standard.

Do you know if old Hatteras yachts with Detroit Diesel 8V71T have gone down that track? Is it worth upgrading to NMEA2000?

Thanks,
Karim

 

[jim rosenthal]

I would just replace the original analog gauges with the same type of instruments. They worked fine for years. A set of mechanical gauges in the engine areas would be nice, like water temp and oil pressure plumbed directly into the engines. Our former member MikeP did that, they were very useful.

What you did with the generator is impressive. Quite an improvement.

RAC, I DID say no matter what you charge, it would be worth it. You have to admit that. And you have the best looking engine room of anyone here. You have to admit that, too.

 

[BlueArrow]

Thanks Jim for the advice and your generous words. I will see if we can add gauges in the engine room.

The analog gauges would be one less thing to worry about in case of any electrical fault. On the other hand, I was considering adding a new chart plotter and depth finder which we do not have. As such, this would move us to the digital world.

The temptation is that it allows me to monitor her operation even remotely and make sure the engine service is running on schedule and avoid the neglect that got us to this stage to start with.

As always, I'm open to all your guidance and recommendations.

All the best,
Karim

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

I would just replace the original analog gauges with the same type of instruments. They worked fine for years. A set of mechanical gauges in the engine areas would be nice, like water temp and oil pressure plumbed directly into the engines. Our former member MikeP did that, they were very useful. What you did with the generator is impressive. Quite an improvement. RAC, I DID say no matter what you charge, it would be worth it. You have to admit that. And you have the best looking engine room of anyone here. You have to admit that, too.

Jim,You did and I have the right to remain silent.

 

[Dan Mapes]

I dunno. That primer plug looked a bit on the grungy side.

https://www.samsmarine.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=41605&stc=1&d=1594664520

 

[oscarvan]

I dunno. That primer plug looked a bit on the grungy side.

https://www.samsmarine.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=41605&stc=1&d=1594664520

Ewwww!

 

[jim rosenthal]

He does need to get right on that, now that you pointed it out....

 

[miboatnutz]

Thanks Jim for the advice and your generous words. I will see if we can add gauges in the engine room.

The analog gauges would be one less thing to worry about in case of any electrical fault. On the other hand, I was considering adding a new chart plotter and depth finder which we do not have. As such, this would move us to the digital world.

The temptation is that it allows me to monitor her operation even remotely and make sure the engine service is running on schedule and avoid the neglect that got us to this stage to start with.

As always, I'm open to all your guidance and recommendations.

All the best,
Karim

Typical of any major yacht refit there are always limitations on time and money. Creating a digital engine monitoring system where you only have analog gauges right now may turn out to be a significant undertaking that will ultimately take time and money away from the rest of your refit.

If you're going to go digital, I'd leave that project for last. Also keep in mind that marine electronics technology changes at a pretty quick pace, so whatever you buy now for a chart plotter will be obsolete in three years. Best to make that one of your last purchases in a refit so you're buying the latest technology.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

I dunno. That primer plug looked a bit on the grungy side. https://www.samsmarine.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=41605&stc=1&d=1594664520

Fake news. That’s a Dottieshusband pic.

 

[Dan Mapes]

I had a hunch that was the case LOL.

 

[rustybucket]

Working on the cleaning and painting job. I would imagine it would end up better than the previous state. I wish I could afford to fly out RAClarkson to do the professional job needed.

In the meantime, we started removing the rust from the Cummins Onan generator. Keeping fingers crossed that we could get it to start again. Will keep you posted.

I'm confused, so you just removed the rust from under the valve covers? If the valve train looked like this I can only imagine what the inside of the cylinders looks like. I'd venture to say this thing is toast.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

I had a hunch that was the case LOL.

Right. You're the one who started it!

 

[oscarvan]

I'm confused, so you just removed the rust from under the valve covers? If the valve train looked like this I can only imagine what the inside of the cylinders looks like. I'd venture to say this thing is toast.

You'd be amazed at the skills some regions in the world have to keep things motoring that we would have DOA'd a long time ago.

 

[BlueArrow]

I'm still waiting to hear regarding the progress of the GenSet repair. Keeping fingers crossed.

In the meantime, we reached the fuel tank gauge and the water gauge (broken). Both gauges sit at the top of the tanks below deck.

The area we cruise in is limited to 14 nautical miles (that's another story), so there's no concern for running out of fuel or water, just for the convenience of monitoring such gauges from one place.

Is it a good idea to have new gauges installed and extended to the helm, or keep them where they are?

Thanks,
Karim

 

[oscarvan]

Keep it simple. I would make them work and leave them be. It's a quick peek under the floor and like you said, you won't run out anytime soon. Less wires, less stuff to go wrong. Same with the engine gauges. I would put my effort into more pressing things.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Keep them where they are and as they are. Sam's sell replacement gauges. We understand about the 14 mile limit, I suspect.

 

[Cricket]

You should check the gasketing on the bronze or brass plates on top of the tanks. The gaskets had rotted out on each of ours.
I would stick with the current gauge setup, especially since you're not traveling far, one of those less is more scenarios.

 

[BlueArrow]

I hope everyone had a great summer despite all the challenges. After a long hiatus, we're back to hopefully completing the refit. In the meantime, here's a quick update:

• We have a final General Arrangement from DLBA based on a open layout
• Old GenSet officially declared dead and ordered a new Cummins Onan 13.5 MDKDP
• 1972 Frigidaire also dead and will cost more to repair than a new more energy efficient one.
• Joinery work underway.
• Ordered fabric from Serge Ferrari out of Switzerland.

Tomorrow we will be lifting the boat to carry out the following tasks:

• Clean hull below waterline
• Check all through-hull elements
• Check the hull for osmosis blisters (God forbid)
• Check shafts and propellers
• Check Bonding System
• Replace zinc anodes
• Installation of custom-made swim platform (under-mount boarding ladder yet to be selected)
• Smooth the hull surface before applying the vinyl film
• Check all portholes (replace broken one, spare came with original) and vents
• Vinyl wrap for the hull
• Antifouling paint

We decided to apply a vinyl film wrap instead of painting the hull. Will let you know how that goes. Thanks again for all your sound advice that got us to this stage. This is still far from over.

Cheers,
Karim

 

[jim rosenthal]

Can you post a larger version of that last image?

 

[BlueArrow]

Is this a clearer image? Otherwise I can upload 3 larger images of each?