Time to get this party started!
We are very close to departing for our summer adventure and installing the generator is THE last project yet to be completed…for now. We’ll be using it only when needed while at anchor but the main reason for the gas beast was a ‘just in case’ there was a repeat of last summer when cranking battery died and we had to enter an unfamiliar marina under sail (story here)
We had hoped to secure a piece of marine starboard for the transome support but there wasn’t enough time to order, receive and cut to fit, so marine plywood was used as a stop gap measure. Two layers of primer and two layers of epoxy paint to protect.
Prepping the Base
Because we are now living on the water, a couple of saw horses borrowed at the club to paint and our tow beast trunk to stow the piece while it dried to keep free of dust became the workshop of choice.
Transome Brackets
These two ‘starboard’ pieces are actually salvaged from my daughter’s cutting board but they will make the perfect bracket for the transome support.
Perfect Fit
One last check to make sure fit was perfect and mark the height to apply the brackets.
Brackets in Place
The brackets were smeared with 3M 4000 them screwed in place each side of the transome.
Eyelets for Securing Straps Sealed with Butyle Tape
Travel Position
Captain Seat Closed
Running Position
Wrapped and Strapped
…and ready to GO!
Hard to imagine that all this gear was necessary to apply 4 screws but it actually was. It’s going to take an organizational wizard to make this work. (wink! wink!)
- 3/4″ Marine Plywood
- Primer
- Epoxy Paint
- 3/4″ Starboard for supports
- 3M 4000
- 4 x SS screws
- 4 x SS eyelets
- 8 x SS 3/4″ screws
- 8 x SS springs washers
- Butyl tape
- Lashing Straps
The important question is whether or not your daughter is aware you pilfered and mangled her cutting board, or are you trying to skip out fast enough that she won’t figure it out in time? 😉
We’ve looked at the little Honda generator as well. Nice to see there’s a good location for it. I think we’re still a couple years away from that mod, though.
How is the noise level with it running (especially down below)? Would the intention be to use it to supply onboard AC loads if you have to anchor out, or just to top off batteries (or replace the battery in the situation you linked to)?
RE daughter: It was a transaction between Francois and her. It was actually just a bare few inches too small for the whole project and she said she didn’t want it.
RE noise: Let it be said that I don’t like engines of any sort but it’s not that bad. Not smart to use your engine to top up the batteries – too much wear and tear. For dealer related issues our cranking battery was totally burnt by 3rd season so have replaced it. The Gen will give us coffee at anchor so bare minutes of operating time and should we be encased in fog along the Saint-Lawrence making solar non-functional (possibility very high this time of year) the Gen will serve to top up the batteries. We’ve also justified it by thinking there could be another need should we need power to construct our future tiny place.
Nice work! Travel location is good to stop exhaust fumes from entering cockpit when motoring with a following sea.
Thanks Hugh, Not a whole lot of options to place it and exhaust was a big concern. Will be using it only at anchor so when you consider anchoring facing windward, all fumes should follow out the stern. CO monitor a must just in case.
Guys, does the support board still allow outboard motor full tilt up? I hadn’t thought too much about a gennie, but covering the well under the skipper’s seat is quite appealing.
Will you be able to stand on the board for entry/exit, or do you use a side ladder?
Cheers.
Can’t full tilt the engine but can bring it up to the point where prop is barely in the water. We do have an entry ladder starboard but the support is still strong enough to walk on. Will take pics of rear entry tomorrow and post for you on Sailing RED facebook page.