I started changing the potable water lines in the boat this weekend. It is one of several jobs in the works. Just a review:
Ongoing V-drive / tranny repair.
Spice rack for galley.
Preliminary dodger review.
New splash guard for galley.
We would like to get the water lines replaced before putting water on the boat for the first time this season. That job will include plumbing the engine cooling loop to the water heater; which will require fittings and hose yet to be determined. Fun, yes? The first think I noticed when opening the box with the marine grade 5/8s tubing purchased for this job was that there is no tubing anywhere on the boat that looks like this stuff. Nothing on the boat is marine grade. That is a bit disturbing. How did all of the plumbing on the boat get replaced with sub-standard stuff?
And some of it is seriously sub-standard; simple clear plastic hose. The main pressure pump has 1/2 inch fittings so the 5/8s clear plastic was just clamped on. Ugly, ugly installation. Most of the plumbing is held in place with screwed in zip-tie clamps. (Where it IS held it place and not just lying free.) I am going to replace them with adel clamps. Also, the tubing runs are chaotic, hoses running every which way, crossed over each other, kinked around sharp corners...stupid stuff. It would be best to just start from scratch but that isn't really an option. I'm just going to make is as professional as I can while getting the boat back in service.
Let the games begin...
5 weeks ago
Hi TJ and Deb. The Tartan dealer in Annapolis just had an open house "party" this weekend so we took a couple of hours to crawl around the new 4400s and 4000s. I feel the 1980s vintage tartans are still a prettier and more accomodating than the new ones. Last season we were "racing" against a new 4400 and slowly walked away from her.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your V-Drive and plumbing issues. It can be a royal pain to replace waterlines especially when they disappear around a corner.
Have you tried PortAnnapolis (410 881-0423) for your engine parts. There are a ton of old westerbekes around this area so you might get lucky. Also give Bert Jabins a call (410 268-9667).
Good Luck,
Ed
S/V Tardis (1984 Tartan 42)