Here is a list of small but important projects that we completed and crossed off of our list this week.

Folding Padeyes - Added three Wichard folding padeyes in the cockpit  as attachment points for our safety harness tethers. In rough weather we can clip our thethers to any of these padeyes and remain securely on the boat and in the cockpit.

Updated JRC Chartplotter - We installed our JRC 1800CP color chartplotter and radar unit about a year ago, but when checking JRC’s web site last week I noticed that there was a software update which added more features to to the chartplotter portion of the unit. So I downloaded the software and instructions, which stated I needed a null modem serial cable (aka cross over serial cable). Would you know it, with all the computer stores in the area no one carries this cable, so I wen to a local electronics parts place and make my own. Soldering the tiny tiny wires to the even smaller pins on the connectors took a few tries as I probably had more coffee than I should have that morning. Anyway, the cable was a success, and after hooking it up to my laptop and to the serial port on the JRC, it took about 15 minutes to upload the new version of software. Now that I have the cable, I can upload, download and edit waypoints and routes with my computer, which is easier than I expected.

Engine Tachometer - We’ve noticed that since we have had the boat the engine would not rev up to it’s maximum RPM of 2600 rpm. When running the engine the sound always seemed right at different levels of throttle on the engine, but the gauge itself always told us otherwise. Rather than start tearing apart the engine to see if the mixing elbow or heat exchanger was fouled, I decided to invest (yep, more tools) in an optical digital tachometer. This tool utilizes a laser that is reflected off the fly wheel (a piece of reflective tape is placed on the flywheel to provide the reflection) and is accurate to 1%. Well, come to find out I’m glad I bought this handy little gadget because our tachometer is off as much as 20%, and now I don’t have to tear the engine apart chasing the problem. I’ve ordered a new tachometer from Teleflex and will install it when it arrives. The new tachometer will hook up directly to the alternator rather than using a sensor off the bell housing like the old one.

Helped Dan - Helped Dan this week with his Irwin 41. He had brought it down from Lake Texoma the week before, did some work on it and put it back in the water. David and I went over to help him step his masts, and in return Dan and his wife Pam treated us to a real nice steak dinner at Boondoggles. Thanks Dan!

Spring Hinges - Installed spring hinges on the navigation table lid as well as the lid to the storage compartment under the first step of the companionway steps. Before we always had to hold the lid open with one hand and search with the other. Now with the spring hinge the lid will stay open on it’s own and we can use the extra hand to hold onto something when underway.