Finally fitted my new anchor locker cover on Sunday, just before the afternoon storms.
$45 for the Merbau timber (plank from timber recyclers)
About $45 for the Meranti trim from the Big Green Shed
About $45 for the stainless steel hinges and hasp
About $20 for the stainless steel screws
About $22 for the Cabots decking oil
About much-too-many hours putting it together. Because its a boat, nothing is straight and nothing is at right angles (the cover is cambered).
I'm well pleased with how it looks. Its partly functional, partly decorative and partly experimental.
The third photo below shows the old cover, which did not fit well over the anchor and had to be forced down to lock the cheapo brass barrel-bolt lock. The new cover has much more headroom and no cheapo barrel-bolts.
Don't get rid of your original glass flush lid.
You might want to put it back one day. 
Select to expand quoteAchernar said..
Finally fitted my new anchor locker cover on Sunday, just before the afternoon storms.
$45 for the Merbau timber (plank from timber recyclers)
About $45 for the Meranti trim from the Big Green Shed
About $45 for the stainless steel hinges and hasp
About $20 for the stainless steel screws
About $22 for the Cabots decking oil
About much-too-many hours putting it together. Because its a boat, nothing is straight and nothing is at right angles (the cover is cambered).
I'm well pleased with how it looks. Its partly functional, partly decorative and partly experimental.
The third photo below shows the old cover, which did not fit well over the anchor and had to be forced down to lock the cheapo brass barrel-bolt lock. The new cover has much more headroom and no cheapo barrel-bolts.
Top job right there well done.
Fantastic job, I'm a chippie and would be well pleased with that result, pretty good idea to get the anchor in the well that is often a problem on small boats, looks like a fine ship...what design?
also is that a large rust chip In the side of your anchor?, if so I've never seen that before
Select to expand quotecisco said..
Don't get rid of your original glass flush lid.
You might want to put it back one day.
I have kept the old lid in the hoard in the workshop. I'll probably keep it there (with everything else) until I sell the boat.
Select to expand quoteBlueMoon said..
Fantastic job, I'm a chippie and would be well pleased with that result, pretty good idea to get the anchor in the well that is often a problem on small boats, looks like a fine ship...what design?
also is that a large rust chip In the side of your anchor?, if so I've never seen that before
Its a Cavalier 28
Yes, that is a large rust chip on the anchor.
Select to expand quoteAchernar said..
Finally fitted my new anchor locker cover on Sunday, just before the afternoon storms.
$45 for the Merbau timber (plank from timber recyclers)
About $45 for the Meranti trim from the Big Green Shed
About $45 for the stainless steel hinges and hasp
About $20 for the stainless steel screws
About $22 for the Cabots decking oil
About much-too-many hours putting it together. Because its a boat, nothing is straight and nothing is at right angles (the cover is cambered).
I'm well pleased with how it looks. Its partly functional, partly decorative and partly experimental.
The third photo below shows the old cover, which did not fit well over the anchor and had to be forced down to lock the cheapo brass barrel-bolt lock. The new cover has much more headroom and no cheapo barrel-bolts.
Looks good Achernar, love it when a plan comes together!
Out with the OLD Autopilot and in with the new 10k Raymarine system.
The inventory said "heavy duty Autopilot" it was fake news. Now with the Linear drive electric which is rated at 20ton vessel I could re-sell stating Heavy duty Autopilot! I kinda love boats and work!
Slipped, anti fouled and topsides painted, the jotun seagardian held up pretty good 2 years of service but I have to admit to useing 15 litres, zincs can go again because the paint held up and they didn't have to work until the last few months. No photos, it's been a humidity charged heat wave and the camera was the last thing on my mind
Ricochet 2. Aries is installed but will be adjusted height-wise when she gets home. Welded up a quick SS mount but got the measurements out a bit. Stiched up a lazy jack bag in green shade cloth just for the trip home. Mainsail is a bit unusual for an SS34, has quite a roach which probably goes 200mm past the fixed topping lift! Note the plywood screwed down covering the holes in the plywood/teak deck.
Select to expand quoteRamona said..
Ricochet 2. Aries is installed but will be adjusted height-wise when she gets home. Welded up a quick SS mount but got the measurements out a bit. Stiched up a lazy jack bag in green shade cloth just for the trip home. Mainsail is a bit unusual for an SS34, has quite a roach which probably goes 200mm past the fixed topping lift! Note the plywood screwed down covering the holes in the plywood/teak deck.
Congratulations Ramona on your new baby 
Select to expand quoteZzzzzz said..southace said..
New bullet proof anchor, swivel, roller and deck foot switch added today.
Also got the chance to take my first deck sample. She's Such a solid layup!
I love Celay !
Southace very pretty stainless shackles and swivel , I wouldn't want to be trusting any of it in a serious storm , if I was going to be using a swivel it would have to be a galvanised forged tested one same for my shackles, disregard if it's just your lunch pick.
Sat in 40 -47 knots for 6 hours last week, snapped 2x12mm nylon snubbers, snubber is now 14mm and the ground tackle is still the same since I fitted it. I have used this set up for 10 years without any sign of failure. all good on my Vessels thanks. Zzzzzzzzz .
Select to expand quoteRamona said..
Ricochet 2. Aries is installed but will be adjusted height-wise when she gets home. Welded up a quick SS mount but got the measurements out a bit. Stiched up a lazy jack bag in green shade cloth just for the trip home. Mainsail is a bit unusual for an SS34, has quite a roach which probably goes 200mm past the fixed topping lift! Note the plywood screwed down covering the holes in the plywood/teak deck.
Lovely lines
Select to expand quotesouthace said..
Out with the OLD Autopilot and in with the new 10k Raymarine system.
The inventory said "heavy duty Autopilot" it was fake news. Now with the Linear drive electric which is rated at 20ton vessel I could re-sell stating Heavy duty Autopilot! I kinda love boats and work!
whats next on you list , cockpit drains and seacock ?
Select to expand quotesouthace said..Zzzzzz said..southace said..
New bullet proof anchor, swivel, roller and deck foot switch added today.
Also got the chance to take my first deck sample. She's Such a solid layup!
I love Celay !
Southace very pretty stainless shackles and swivel , I wouldn't want to be trusting any of it in a serious storm , if I was going to be using a swivel it would have to be a galvanised forged tested one same for my shackles, disregard if it's just your lunch pick.
Sat in 40 -47 knots for 6 hours last week, snapped 2x12mm nylon snubbers, snubber is now 14mm and the ground tackle is still the same since I fitted it. I have used this set up for 10 years without any sign of failure. all good on my Vessels thanks. Zzzzzzzzz .
SA that's full on, reaching breaking strain on 12mm, shock loading would have had a big part to play in it I guess, what does celay weigh ? I realise that you don't need ground tackle rated to lift a vessel but I'm sure vessel weight plays a part in windage inertia. Would be good info for folks with heavier boats
Select to expand quotesouthace said..
all good on my Vessels thanks. Zzzzzzzzz .
Ignore the effects of galvanic action between dissimilar metals at your own peril, even forgetting that the gauge of the s/s shackles and swivel are noticebly less than your chain.
A disaster looking for a place to happen, or are you happy to donate that flash anchor to King Neptune??
But you are southace and your enormous ego never allows you to be wrong does it??
Happy anchoring!!
Select to expand quotecisco said..southace said..
all good on my Vessels thanks. Zzzzzzzzz .
Ignore the effects of galvanic action between dissimilar metals at your own peril, even forgetting that the gauge of the s/s shackles and swivel are noticebly less than your chain.
A disaster looking for a place to happen, or are you happy to donate that flash anchor to King Neptune??
But you are southace and your enormous ego never allows you to be wrong does it??
Happy anchoring!!
I have 8 mm chain with 10mm shackles and swivels. perhaps sharpen up your glasses while being a lounge chair critic.
Select to expand quotecisco said..southace said..
all good on my Vessels thanks. Zzzzzzzzz .
Ignore the effects of galvanic action between dissimilar metals at your own peril, even forgetting that the gauge of the s/s shackles and swivel are noticebly less than your chain.
A disaster looking for a place to happen, or are you happy to donate that flash anchor to King Neptune??
But you are southace and your enormous ego never allows you to be wrong does it??
Happy anchoring!!
I have 8 mm chain with 10mm shackles and swivels. perhaps sharpen up your glasses while being a lounge chair critic.
Further more as I have a passion for sailing/Cruising/liveaboarding and rebuilding yachts to my personal preferences, I do like share my experiences to others which most respect me and show interest!
Its Not a Ego thing at all and Im not a lounge chair critic , I work hard to get where I am now.!
Im so sick of this forum (certain member) that seem to have some grudge against me since I joined 5 years ago. (mainly started due to he wasn't happy with my spelling ,punctuation and grammar which I took offence to considering I had just completed two articles in Australian yachting magazines.
My new yacht purchase is now completing sea trials and come the new year I will be heading up the East coast heavily avoiding the mosquito capital of Oz the town of Bundaberg and then heading East to the Pacific.
Unfortunately Celay and myself will not be sharing this journey/experience on this public forum.
DONE AND DUSTED
Southace!
Oh here we go again, we don't tolerate visiting trolls for very long but it seems we can put up with resident trolls !
The beauty I have found on this forum and particularly this thread because of its longevity is the ability to compare products / devices / technics, over time.
we can all be a bit challenging from time to time but WTF is the point in continued personal attacks ? This can be viewed all over the planet and for a very long time.
Select to expand quotesouthace said..
Out with the OLD Autopilot and in with the new 10k Raymarine system.
The inventory said "heavy duty Autopilot" it was fake news. Now with the Linear drive electric which is rated at 20ton vessel I could re-sell stating Heavy duty Autopilot! I kinda love boats and work!
Does the linear drive add any resistance to the steering "feel" when it's not in operation?
We had a new stack pack fitted to the boat today. Very happy with how it looks and looking forward to using it on Sunday when I take the boat back home. He's made us a new steering wheel/pedestal cover as well, it just needs a bit of tweaking and we should have that on Monday.
Select to expand quote2bish said..
We had a new stack pack fitted to the boat today. Very happy with how it looks and looking forward to using it on Sunday when I take the boat back home. He's made us a new steering wheel/pedestal cover as well, it just needs a bit of tweaking and we should have that on Monday.
That looks awesome 2bish!
A nice new boom bag makes such a difference to the look of a boat.
Nice. Just make sure the rain water drains out! Couldn't believe it but a guy down the dock had one made and it holds water when it rains!
Select to expand quotetarquin1 said..
Nice. Just make sure the rain water drains out! Couldn't believe it but a guy down the dock had one made and it holds water when it rains!
Good point, I'll keep and eye on that, thanks.
Select to expand quote2bish said..
We had a new stack pack fitted to the boat today. Very happy with how it looks and looking forward to using it on Sunday when I take the boat back home. He's made us a new steering wheel/pedestal cover as well, it just needs a bit of tweaking and we should have that on Monday.
I discovered another hazard with these things - I unzipped the bag to raise the mainsail, and the remains of a bird's nest fell out, onto the cockpit. It seems the local swallows tried to take up residence, and had got in the open end at the rear. A yachtie neighbour had advised me to seal up the end with some lashing, that I did a few weeks' ago, so there was nothing in the nest but some leaves and mud. Anyhow, the lesson is to make sure you can seal up the rear end - it may need some lashing or, as I noticed on my neighbour's boat, a plastic bag stuffed into the hole.
Mast came out last Monday, new standing rigging, mast head fitting, lights, VHF aerial and wiring. Gooseneck fitting bushed and spinnaker pole replaced.
Chain plates (port, starboard and stern) removed Friday, new ones fabricated. Hopefully everything goes back in on Thursday and then we start on the running rigging.
Checked the ring frame with an endoscope, signs of surface rust but nothing structural seen. Screwdriver test finds no holes but replacing the frame remains on the medium term list, just not before the delivery.
For all those thinking of buying a cheap boat, total costs are now double the initial budget. There is no such thing as a cheap boat ...
Headed out of Ceduna in my Sonata 7 wound the keel 1/3 down noticed the cable holding Keel had worn down two a few strands wound it back up ran a rope underneath from deck winch to deck winch
to prevent keel from dropping straight through the boat this was at 9am motor sailed on easterly out to st Francis island anchored no fish
sailed on Genoa to Davenport creek caught 1 good sized king george went right up creek
at 5pm left creek entrance motoring into September 30 knots
set part fueled Genoa gybed head in caught a few 3-4 ft waves had a blast then sailed home needed motor a lot due to side slip with keel up
for a rough worn out broken only boat she really gets along with that flat bottom and light weight
i hate this boat for her broken gear and tatty old sails but I love her ability and shear usability
next job replace swing keel lifting cable
yest was an amazing 12 hrs on the water could of gone home early glad we didn't
Select to expand quotecalcaAl said..
Headed out of Ceduna in my Sonata 7 wound the keel 1/3 down noticed the cable holding Keel had worn down two a few strands wound it back up ran a rope underneath from deck winch to deck winch
to prevent keel from dropping straight through the boat this was at 9am motor sailed on easterly out to st Francis island anchored no fish
sailed on Genoa to Davenport creek caught 1 good sized king george went right up creek
at 5pm left creek entrance motoring into September 30 knots
set part fueled Genoa gybed head in caught a few 3-4 ft waves had a blast then sailed home needed motor a lot due to side slip with keel up
for a rough worn out broken only boat she really gets along with that flat bottom and light weight
i hate this boat for her broken gear and tatty old sails but I love her ability and shear usability
next job replace swing keel lifting cable
yest was an amazing 12 hrs on the water could of gone home early glad we didn't
Hi calcaAI ,
The Sonata Yacht Assoc. in Melbourne have made up cables for around $40.
If the swing keel cable did break the keel would swing down and possibly do damage to front of the keel box and hull. If your keeping the Sonata for a while it might be worth talking to them about joining ,you never know someone might have an old set of sails lying about in fair condition .
This thread is one of my favourites on this forum and I enjoy seeing what others are doing to their boats - sometimes giving me ideas for extra things to do to mine, sometimes giving me ideas on different ways to do stuff!! I used to really enjoy following Haydn's progress with his boat & miss the, usually daily, posts.
I haven't posted here much lately but I am always doing something. A lot of boring stuff such as painting, end for ending anchor rode, new engine mounts etc but some things are not so boring - for me at least.
Here's a bit of a catch up and I hope I can share a bit more in future:
Installed a timber toe rail
Looks good all varnished up!!
Made a thingy to raise & lower the duckboard with a push of a button - bit of overkill but I had a spare linear actuator lying around!!
New engine mounts & coupling
Cleaned out the workshop/ sail locker - didn't think I had so much "stuff" in there!!!
Gave it a wash & came up pretty good - didn't even need a paint!!
I bought a new engine water pump for a spare - if this fails it's too hard to Mcgyver something & they're not easy to get hold of so good to have a spare!!
I made a copper coil to run the engine coolant through to go inside my hot water tank. I originally only had a 240v element to heat the water but this coil exceeded my expectations!! I also put a 12v element in the tank as well while I had it out.
Not the prettiest but all works great - 45 litres of hot water after 1/2 hr of motoring :)
I got the idea off Southace on here to install a can crusher - I just have to get used to beer from cans instead of glass!!
Made a new anchor snubber - how did we get on without YouTube?? I had to trim the ends when I was back on the boat - didn't have the gear at home.
And finally todays job - which started all this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Installed 2 new solar panels on the bimini
I now have 1190 watts of solar + wind gen feeding my batteries.
