Refit Limbo

JO BETH in a state of 'Refit Limbo'

JO BETH is in a state of ‘refit limbo.’ The primer and prep for the hull painting are essentially done. But until DULCINEA, an early 1980’s vintage Tartan 37 sailboat, leaves the paint shed JO BETH will remain in her spot. However, because of the delay, work is resuming on the interior and electrical systems. 

  

Subdivisions

One of the larger projects, not so much in scale but in complexity, is the conversion of the saloon quarterberth into a cockpit storage locker. The ubiquitous quarterberth came about as a result of naval architects and designers getting creative with ways to cram more bodies into boat interiors. Pick up just about any sailing magazine and look at the specifications shown on the new boat ads; chances are there will be one or more indications of how many people the boat's designer says can sleep aboard. Of course, this is in theory only. Space aboard a small sailing yacht is at a premium and the competition for it is brutal. All of those sleeping aboard must be well at ease with a severe lack of privacy and do well functioning in close, cramped, and often hot and damp quarters. A boat advertised as ‘sleeping six’ is in reality, uncomfortably cozy with four.

The quarterberth is fitted in the aft or rear section of the hull and to one side. Aboard JO BETH, it’s on the starboard side. On the design drawings, it seems a good idea. One demand most every sailor places on the space and equipment which finds its way aboard a small boat is that of multiple utility, and the theory behind the quarterberth fits the bill nicely: a space that can function either as a berth or a place for storage. The problem is it does neither well. As a berth, it is cramped and hot, and difficult to get into or out of without doing contortions which could win one a starring role in a Cirque De Soleil act. It also fails as a stowage area. With access only on one end, it tends to become an unorganized catch all for odd shaped and bulky bits of gear which inevitably wind up in tangled piles. I’m certain the word ‘quarterberth’ is itself derived from a long unused phrase meaning ‘place to toss things.’

 Here's a view of the quarterberth as it looks pre-conversion; it's the space where the large white squares, our cockpit cushions, and the edge of the blue seat cushion can be seen

Aboard JO BETH, our quarterberth had certainly become a catch all. Lisa and I were long dissatisfied with it; frustrated by the non-functionality of what constitutes a large chunk of interior real estate. JO BETH is fitted with a deep storage locker on the port side of the cockpit. When we began to discuss the refit and create a task list of the jobs we wanted done, we hit upon the idea of converting the quarterberth to a useable and functional storage locker, which would be accessible from the cockpit - a second deep cockpit locker. There is a locker on the starboard side of the cockpit, (both port and starboard lockers are accessed by lifting a hinged lid which serves as part of the cockpit seats), but it’s fitted with a shallow pan which is the overhead portion of the quarterberth. It can only accommodate things such as electrical shower-power cords, winch handles, and the like. Removing this pan and fitting a bulkhead inside the cabin at the front of the quarterberth would give us a second functional storage locker which we could access from the cockpit.

The new bulkhead rough-in; the finished bulkhead will be veneered and stained to match the rest of the interior joinery

 It sounds simple enough, but in reality the design and installation of the new bulkhead has required a surprising amount of engineering. First, the bulkhead will cover part of the aft water tank lid. Because of this, the bulkhead has to be installed so that it could be removed if it ever became necessary to remove the water tank lid. Also, the placement of the bulkhead had to accommodate the forward inspection and cleaning port on the water tank lid. And, because of the shape of the hull sides, the bulkhead had to be fitted in two pieces. The project is coming along nicely, and the roughed in bulkhead is now in place. Next will follow the removal of the locker pan and the installation of a protective gasket around the edges where the pan is cut. Then, the new locker will be cleaned and the finished bulkhead installed.

A lot of forward stowage space was sacrificed with the installation of the air conditioning and heating system. We’re very excited about having a new and functional storage locker aft.

Easing the “Head” Ache

Perhaps I should preface this with ‘Boat Geek Moment Alert.’ I’m sure this will be exciting news for everyone: we’ve made a decision regarding the head (toilet). After discussing the La Vac option mentioned in the previous post with Hinckley Manager Dustin Hartley, we came to the realization the additional plumbing, pumps, and wiring required to fit the La Vac would increase our refit costs by approximately $2,000. Lisa and I both readily agreed that was not acceptable.

We continued to shop for a replacement Groco Marine KH Manual toilet, the same which we had bought and been forced to return, but with no success. Then, while researching other options, I came across a posting on a sailor’s bulletin board about a factory rebuild program for the old Groco Marine KH Manual toilet pumps. The pump is the heart of the system, and really the only part of our system, aside from hoses, which needed to be replaced; with a bit of polishing, the old bowl will be fine. (The seat needs to be replaced if I’m honest.) So much for Lisa’s feet touching the deck while seated.

After a quick call to Groco Marine in Maryland, I tore down the pump, boxed it up and shipped it back to the factory for a full rebuild and servicing. Based upon my conversation with the engineers at Groco, we should get a full working life out of the rebuilt pump – easily 10 or more years, with proper maintenance. These pumps are beefy and robust solid bronze piston pumps; simple, powerful, and effective. The estimated rebuild cost is approximately $350; compared to nearly $1,500 for a new pump assembly, we’re glad to have found this option. As a curious and humorous aside, it turns out the parent company under which Groco Marine operates is called…Gross Industries.

Getting Electrified

Most of the big electrical jobs aboard are done. The new and consolidated AC/DC system control panel, a thing of beauty, is in place, as is the new battery control panel. The monitoring panels for the water and fuel tanks, batteries, and battery charging are fitted and working. The new VHF radio transceiver and stereo are fitted and the Sirius XM tuner and antenna have been installed. Mostly what remains for the electrician to do are the lights and instruments for the mast when the mast and rigging are reinstalled and stepped.

Here's a before shot of our 'modular' electrical system control panels; two DC control panels, separated by a stand alone AC panel - not the best arrangement

And here is our new, larger, and consolidated electrical system control panel; below it are the monitor panels which allow us to manage our electrical energy and fuel and water tanks

Progress will be slow until JO BETH is painted and out of the shed. We’re still hopeful to see her afloat again by late July. Lisa and I want to send our heartfelt 'thanks' to all of you for sticking with us. We appreciate your interest, comments, and questions!