The aft cabin in the Down East 45 was a very unusual layout. Two deck lazarettes reduced the headroom on half of the bed to 15 inches and a washbasin and half bulkhead impeded the access to the port side of the bed. This articel explains how the bedroom was remodelled into a fine double bed cabin. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project..
The owner's aft bathroom had a small bathtub built in but it was very narrow. The manual head leaked and the washbasin being in the bedroom made it very awkward to use. This article shows how the bathroom was completely remodelled into a very nice owner;s suite with a new full size bathtub that had been fitted with jets to make it into a Jacussi type spa bath. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

DECK

There can't be many full size bathtubs in 45 foot sailboats, and probably none that are real hot--tubs with ten jets. This article explains how the bathroom was completely remodelled to include an electric head and with the washbasin incorporated into the bathroom as well. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This is an unusual approach to making a cockpit awning. that will protect your Bimini and keep bird droppings off your decks. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

MACHINERY

This superb system will save hours of refilling a boats bank of batteries even if they are in the most inaccesible position. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
The boat's headliners were faded vinyl. This article shows how PVC tongued and grooved panels were installed throughout the whole of the boat to trasnform the boat. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
If your chain does not self-stow, move the locker further aft and lighten the bow. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This article is a debate about wire or rope lifelines and also includes a method of splicing Dyneema to lifeline fittings. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
The Floathub will keep you informed about your boats equipment remotely through the internet. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This article is about how two heavy teak washboards were converted into new front doors. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This article shows how to easily form an eye splice in Dyneema rope. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This article shows how to modifiy an inefficient ice box into a proper 12 volt freezer that keeps food frozen solid. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

SAILS AND RUNNING RIGGING

CRUISING AND SIMILAR STORIES

DINGHY REPAIR AND OTHER RENOVATIONS

This is a simple and innovative idea to give easy access to a dinghy when on davits, for storage of fenders and ropes. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This article shows how a very delapidated and leaking dinghy can be restored to look like new. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
Replacing a Halky-Roberts dinghy air valve can be tricky, but this article explains how to do it yourself. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This is an article about how to make an electric dinghfy hoist to save hauling tackles. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
The article shows how the complete water cooling system on a Perkins 4-326 was renovated, allowimg the engine to stay cool and breathe again. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
Making an eye splice in double braided line is a complicated operation. This article shows an easy method to form an eye-splice in line, that does not need any special fids. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
Sound deadening the engine and other noisy equipment is easy and requires few tools. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
Having a good flow of cool air through an engine room keeps the machinery running better and removes the smell of machinery. This article shows how to fit them yourself. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This article shows how the forward cabin, fo'c'sle, was modified and made more attractive by replacing the wooden slats with washable PVC sides and a new ceiling. Click to the extract.
This article shows how the forward bathroom was enlarged and a shower installed. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This article shows how a generator can be repaired without removing it from the boat. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
Installing new larger navigation lights, in place of the tiny little original lights. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This artilce shows how an old style chart table can be remodelled into a proper "office" more suitable for use with a laptop and with more storage for charts and instuments. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
It is always better if control lines can be handled from the cockpit, but this might need up-and-over blocks to allow lines to pass over decks. This article shows how these can be custom made to suit any application. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

PRODUCT REVIEWS

A story about the advantages and disadvantages of bying a project boat or one ready to go. Click and enjoy
This superb little product allows sea-cocks to be repaired and replaced without lifting the boat. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
Squaresails have many advantages for cruising sailboats. This article explains the advantages and how it can be done on a short handed sailboat. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
Decorative transom nameboards enhance the appearnace of the stern of any boat. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
The original saloon table could only be used by people sitting on the port side seats. Tihis article shows in detail how a new table was made that could be used by people on both sides of the saloon.
A detailed review of the many wrist watch computers for sailors. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This article shows how to repair torn portlight screens and keep the bugs away. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
Trailboards are a traditional way to decorate the bow of a sailboat. This article shows you how to make your own. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
A free, extensive review of products to deter birds off boats.Click and enjoy.
Electrci toilets are cleaner and easier to use than manual pump out heads and can be fitted in place of the old system. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This free story shows the sail plan after converting a ketch into a schooner. Click and enjoy
Britannia was originally a ketch and she was converted into a square-rigged brigantine schooner. This is a long article that explains the reasoning for the change of rig, and how it was done. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
A free story of a "proper yacht club" fleet reviw. Click and enjoy
The fresh water pipes in any boat will exentually need to be renovated. This article shows how the complete system was replaced with more modern pipework. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This is a free, tongue-in-cheek analysis of different nautical terms between England and American sailors. Click and enjoy
This explains how a rotted wooden bowsprit was replaced with a new aluminum fabricated spar. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
A free selection of devices to secure nearly anything on a boat.Click and enjoy.
A free article about Italian made Viadana blocks and tackles available for all sizes.Click and enjoy.
A serious flooding from a shore water hose nearly sinks a boat, and a fail-proof remedy to prevent it. Click and enjoy.

 AFT CABIN

AFT BATHROOM

 HOT TUB

FREEZER INSTALL

FWD CABIN

FWD BATHROOM

CHART TABLE

DINING TABLE

To read an extract from an article click the article. Articles with green boarders are free.

SAIL PLAN

 CHANGE OF RIG

ANCHORING

ANCHOR WASH

 AWNING

ROPE LIFELINES

FRONT DOORS

 KISS REPAIR

NAV LIGHTS

SQUARE SAIL

Sternboards

NEW SCREENS

Trailboards

BATTERY FILLING

CHAIN STOWING

NEW BOWSPRIT

ENGINE REPAIR

NOISE DEADENING

ENGINE FANS

GENERATOR

NEW PLUMBING

EYE SPLICE.

SPECIALBLOCKS

HISTORY OF ROPE.

 DYNEEMA SPLICE.

DINGHY COVER

DINGHY RESTORE

NEW VALVES

PROJECT BOATS

FLEET REVIEW

UK v US SAYINGS

 FLOODING

SAILING WATCHES

VALVE SEALER

EWINCHER2

QUICK FIST

Knowing the capacity of your fresh water tanks is very important. This article explains how to fit an accurate water gauge system. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

TANK GAUGES

INTERIOR MODIFICATIONS

The port side cabin had a single berth and it was modified into a double cabin with extra storage and a hanging locker. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

PORT CABIN

NEW CEILING

This article shows how to fit a second hot water tank to double the capacity of hot water on your boat. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

WATER HEATER

  NEW GALLEY

VIADANA BLOCKS

OFFICE FLOOR

 ELECTRIC TOILETS

A free article about vacuum operated holding devices.Click and enjoy.

SEA SUCKER

A free account of how all sail controls can be routed to the cockpit. Click and enjoy

RUNNING
RIGGING

SAYINGS

This is a review of Stopgull products to keep birds off your boat. Click and enjoy

STOP GULL

A portable deck and anchor wash has many uses on a boat. This article shows how to make a simple system. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This describes a unique drag-proof anchoring method that will allow you to sleep soundly, even through the roughest night. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

DINGHY HOIST

FLOAT HUB

This article gives detailed instruction how to service and repair a KISS wind generator. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
Finding a leak in a water heater is not very easy - especially when the leak is not in the heter. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

LEAKING TANK

A free review of the Garmin computer sailing watch. Click and enjoy.

GARMIN WATCH

BIRD SCARERS

this is a review of the Ewincher2 electric winch winder, that effectively converts all your boats winches into electric drive. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

EWINCHER 2 WINCH WINDER

          ASSORTED ARTICLES

A new floor was needed after modification of a chart table. This article explains how to make a teak and holly floor to match the existing cabin sole. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This is an articel about what can be done with an old worn out galley. It was transformed to include a washer/dryer, a large freezer, a separate refrigerator and microwave owen. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

WINCH WINDERS

 

A free history of British Naval grog. Click and enjoy.

 HISTORY OF GROG

A continuious loop splice is often needed for single line furlers and this continuous rope splice is the same thickness as the rope so it will easily pass through blocks and rope jammers. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

CONTINUOUS SPLICE

INVERTER

An Inverter giving 120 volts AC can be a very useful device, even on a small boat. This article shows how to decide which size to buy and how to fit it yourself. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This is a free article about a brief history of electric winch winders and feartures of the latest models. Click and enjoy
Nav-header2
It is not difficult to install an air conditioning system yourself. This article shows how it was done on one boat. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

AIR CONDITIONING

STARTER REPAIR

This is a free story about a trip south on the Florida intracoastal waterway that did not turn out as planned. Click and enjoy.

INTRACOASTAL
TRIP

a free story about preparing for the arrival of hurricane Dorian in Florida. Click and enjoy.

HURRICANE
DORIAN

A free story about a three day passage in the Gulf Sttream delivering a 50' foot schooner to her new home in North Carolina. Enjoy

GULF STREAM
PASSAGE

A free story about a failed attempt to move a 50 foot sailboat from Florida to North Carolina. Click and enjoy

RESCUE BOAT

Many boats were completely wrecked after a hurricane in Florida. This is a free story about why we moved to North Caronina. Click and enjoy

BYE BYE FLORIDA

This is a free children's bedtime boating story in a lighthearted vane. Click and enjoy.

A CHILDREN' S STORY

A free story about the preparations for and surviving hurricane Mathew in Florida. Click and enjoy

HURRICANE
MATTHEW

This is a free story about teaching young children while living aboard in the Mediterranean for six years. Click and enjoy

LIVEABOARD LIFE

This interesting article shows how a large radio controlled model Gaff ketch was built, that sails like the real thing. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

MODEL GAFFER   

It can be very frustrating to not be able to find things in a small boat. This article is a novel, but simple way to organize your equipment on your boat. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

  ORGANIZE PARTS

NEW FLOORS

HEADSETS

PORTLIGHT

Radar

SHORE POWER

Two way headphones are indispensable when working on the foredeck or up a mast, to talk to helpers, without shouting. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This article shows how to change the male and female plugs on a shore power cable. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
This article shows how to remove and replace a portlight. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
Fitting a radar up a mast is not just the domain of riggers. It can be done with carefull preparation and good help. This article expains how it can be done. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
The once beautiful teak and holly floors were very dirty and scratched. A major project was to renovate them throughout the whole boat and restore them to their original glory. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
A free interesting short history of rope. Click and enjoy.
If your starter motor is not performing correctly it may need servicing. This article shows you how to do it yourself. Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.
Keeping small parts organized and easily accessible can be a problem on a small boat. This product is ideal to solve the problem. .Click on the thumbnail to read an extract of the project.

PARTS STORAGE

This is an interesting compilation of naurtical and other important sayings. Click and enjoy
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