Near the end of the 2021 cruising season my wife reported that the fish hold (aft stateroom) was smelling bilgey. Our only head is located there, but so is the lowest point inside the hull (prop shaft support, gland, shower sump box, etc). There’s always some standing water in the aft bilge and packing glands […]
Below the Waterline
As any vintage Ferraristi knows, the Italian aesthetic sometimes places form over function. Pinninfarina is perhaps the most lovely coachworks still in existence. However the Prancing Stallions tended to be quite high strung and requiring significant maintenance to keep them gorgeous and running well. On the other hand, if one prefers function over form, Porsche […]
Cetol: it works for a workboat
Like varnish, other types of deck finishes have a lifespan. Sandavore arrived in our hands having been finished with Sikkens Cetol Marine Satin, an old stalwart of the working boat industry. The 2007 applied finish (!) had succeeded in changing from “Satin” to “Quite Dull” by the time Spring 2021 came around, so I knew […]
Making Cleaner AC Power
As most of you readers know, the inverter/charger is a critical element of a boat’s electrical system. Without it there is no AC power, which can range from being a minor inconvenience to a trip ruiner (props to my friend Justin B). Sandavore has an AC/DC capable refrigerator, a microwave, and a chest freezer. The […]
Attention To Detail
So many elements of Sandavore have been painstakingly considered in her rebirth. “You’re a boat show everywhere you go” ~ Al Dickinson In the following pics, I’ve attempted to show some of the detail work embedded into Sandavore. With a project like this, nothing comes off the shelf. Every image depicts a custom-designed component.
Oil Troubles
As with any marine engine, it’s important to maintain regular oil change intervals. Most mechanics suggest 100-200 operating hours as the safe extent of oil life in a modern, high compression diesel engine. The Gardner aboard Sandavore is anything but modern. Conversations with our local mechanic and Gardner Marine Diesels UK reveal that the engine […]