Christian Van H

Putting the weights in a pipe is exactly my plan, amazing!!
It is an unusual set-up....I didnt want conventional wash boards because I dont realy have a good place to put them when not in use, also, the lay-out of the new center cockpit (used to be aft) created a sort of a utility area under the cockpit...so I had the space to let it slide down.
If I manage to get back over there in the next few days I'll get some pics.

My electrical system sounds like it may be similar to yours as well. I realy dont want to put a generator in (I removed the old one) The idea of having two diesel engines/systems/spares on a sailboat just seems unnessisary.

I'm going with a 3000 watt Victron inverter/charger and 6-6v 300amp AGMs (havent actualy bought them yet...but thats the plan) that'll give me 900 amps at 12v.
I couldnt get the size of bow thruster (Sidepower) I wanted in 12v so its 24v..its the only 24v I have on board so I'm using a device from Sidepower that, by using contactors, will swithch part of the house bank from paralel to series, instantly when the thruster is activated....and back to paralel when not in use...Hope this works OK.
My main panel was replaced (Newmar) while the boat was in route from the states.

I'll add a 210amp Balmer to a PTO pony shaft off the front of the engine. The 90amp engine alt will just deal with the start batteries (2-75amp).

So far I have no Solar or wind....might add Solar if I go with a rigid "bimini"
I'm just now starting to look at lighting....I have ordered some fixtures with Sensibulb LEDs but am still sorting out my needs. Have you got any brand recomendations.
My refrigeration is a holdover system with dual coils...one for the DC compressor and the other for an engine driven compressor....as it stands now, I wont install the engine driven side...I should but its a lot of dicking around for something I may not need....can always add it later...yeh, right!

Just had a look at the data sheet on your boat.....damn....that is a lot of boat. That master cabin is incredible....I can see your attraction to that model.

Yah....somebody knows thier way around stainless alright...that would be the guy who does my stainless work. I figure out the bits and pieces and do the templates, but he puts it all together.
My "drop boards" are a single piece made up of laminated on edge teak, with a small window. Its also very heavy.
It sldes down below the cockpit sole. I have a deep recess under the drating which is where the cockpit drains are (two 2").
I need to help neutralize the weight.
I have several ideas but so far the best may be two counter weights (one on either side) with individual tensioned loops (so nothing is lose and banging around.
The next best idea may be some fancy routing with surgical tubing.
Its all under the sole grating so wount be seen and is out of the sun...sort of.
Have you had to redo your electrical system, I'm getting ready to start mine....been ordering stuff.
What about rigid boom vangs....I'm looking at hydraulic?

Are you the same Christian who used to work with Shawna at MAS in New York - with the Hans Christian?

Thanks Chris.
My boats in Lebanon...I'm hoping to get back over there in another week or so for a week or so. I'll try and take some more pics. There is so much more to do. This trip will be sorting out some more plumbing, and hopfully get my "wash boards" in the companion way so I can finaly get her closed in from the weather.

The work looks real nice....
I'm doing a major refit as well, and understand that it truly is a labor of love.
Post more pics when you get the time.