Ground Tackle

All advice indicates a serious cruising boat needs at least two and possibly more anchors, especially in the Bahamas where changing currents require the placement of two anchors.  The original 35 pound CQR (on the right) has been augmented with a Delta anchor.  The bow roller had to be engineered and turned to be able to split for installation.  Thanks to Zephyrwerks in Port Townsend, WA (http://www.zephyrwerks.co/) for the great machine work.  A shank roller will be fabricated to match the the original.

Earth Day

Serenity is going green, she is getting four 65 watt panels and a wind generator.  More to come...

Update Instrumentation

Serenity's instruments were getting a bit antiquated, so she has received an almost complete upgrade. The major component is a new course computer that drives the autopilot. The old autopilot would hold a heading, most of the time. In following seas, it was behind the power curve and could not anticipate or keep up with the affects of waves hitting the stern. Hopefully, this will be rectified. Additionally, the old autopilot could only hold a heading. The new autopilot integrated with the wind and speed instrumentation will be able to follow the wind and alert us when the course has changed beyond a user-defined parameter. Instrumentation at the upper helm was very limited, i.e., speed and depth. With the new RayMarine multi-displays, we will have speed through the water, water depth and temperature, wind - both true and apparent, and engine readings to include RPMs, oil pressure, cooling temperature, amp meter, and transmission oil pressure. Digital engine information from analog gauges and sensors gets a bit tricky. How this is accomplished and information about the Noland Engineering RS11 in later posts.