RAFT’s upgrades 2002-2004

Here is list of some the projects that we under took to get Raft ready for the journey south:

1. Sand blasted and Epoxy coated the bottom

2. Removed and replaced the plexiglass windows (used Plexus MA 560 to reinstall--worked great)

3. Rebuilt the Yanmar 3HM diesel-- engine showed some wear but was basically in good shape for twenty years of age. Thanks Ron

4. Built & installed a SS heat exchanger for the engine to keep the salt water out. Thanks to Bryan & Mike

5. Installed direct temperature gauge for cooling water

6. Installed hour meter to recorded engine operating time

7. Installed jiffy reefing on the main sail

8. Replaced continuous Hood Sea furl system with single line furling system.

9. Replaced all running rigging

10. Removed and replaced all mast wiring

11. Installed two runs of conduit in the mast to stop the "clang clang" and chafe of wiring

12. Installed new tri-colour mast head light and anchor light

13. Re insulated the ice box to improve efficiency of the refrigeration

14. Installed auto bilge pump

15. Modified the galley to increase storage and counter space

16. Installed new propeller shaft

17. Installed new dripless Seal

18. Installed new drive coupling. Thanks David

19. Installed new cutlass bearing

20. Rebedded two thru hulls

21. Removed all primary wiring and batteries and replaced with (6) Crown 6 volt lead acid golf cart batteries for total of 660 amp-hrs of storage

22. Installed 1500 watt Heart inverter with Link 1000 monitoring system

23. Installed high output alternator 95 amp with external Balmar voltage regulator

24. Installed new Dodger & Bimini with full screen and clear panel side curtain enclosure

25. Acquired new ground tackle -- 20 Kg Bruce with 40 feet of chain & 150 feet of Rode

26. Subdivided anchor locker into two compartments to handle second set of ground tackle

27. Installed additional blower in the engine compartment to reduce engine room temperature (with closed cooling the engine operating temperature has increased from 110 F to 175 F- this causes the alternator to overheat)

28. Relocated raw water strainer and Racor fuel filter for accessability

29. Installed 2 solar panels 90 watts each on Bimini

30. Installed Kiss wind generator

31. Rebuilt dinghy davits

32. Installed dinghy motor hoist

33. Purchased new main sail & new 110% jib

34. Purchased new trysail & storm Jib

35. Installed trysail track on mast.

36. Rebuilt the pulleys & sheaves on cabin top traveler

37. Greased rudder post and pedestal steering.

38. Upgraded the galley to include a U shaped counter/storage (thanks to Wally Bryant Stella Blue)

39. Purchased a new custom made mattress (7") for the V-berth

40. Repaired RADAR unit (thanks Nelson)

41. Linked the Autohelm to the GPS course correction

42. Upgraded the 110 volt wiring to GFIC

43. Installed SSB/Ham radio for email communication

44. Veritcal windlass with capstan, 35 lb CQR and 170 feet of chain

45. Watch for additional upgrades