Rudder and indicator gauges have recently been installed on both helms. There are slightly different procedures for each helm.

Main helm – The rudder angle gauge is connected to the same circuit as the depth sounder, The breaker for the depth sounder must be in the “on” position. Gauge will work even if ignition switch is off. The 3 way switch below the gauge controls the backlighting – yellow/off/red.

Flybridge – Ignition switch must be in the on position. A backlight switch still needs to be installed

but gauge can be used without backlighting.

The last few months certainly have been a Grand Adventure. Lots of changes, updates and maintenance to the boat. Here is a quick list of some of them:

1. New anchor installed.
2. Anchor windlass repaired. New solenoid installed.
3. Varnish removed from much of the brightwork. Will finish the rest next Spring.
4. Old varnish removed from the teak on the cabin and flybridge. Teak has been sanded and resealed/stained.
5. New paint on the cabin and flybridge.
6. New decals installed.
7. Old hydraulic steering pumps removed, and new pumps installed.
8. New toilet in the forward head.
9. Fixed the vacuum problems with the holding tank.
10. New macerator pump installed for holding tank.
11. New sump for the aft cabin shower.
12. Freed up all through hulls.
13. Installed new teak sealant where water pools on the aft port-side walkway
14. Working our way through other potential leak areas.
15. Replacing old inflatable dingy with a Livingston dingy on davits.
16. Honda outboard made operational.
17. Work on stern thruster.
18. Replaced all fuel filters. This seems to have fixed the problem with getting air in the fuel lines. Engine running smoothly and reliably.
19. Updated DC electrical schematic.
20. New diesel heater ordered. Should be installed by mid-October.
21. In the process of trying to repair leaks in old inflatable in order to sell it.
22. All safety items to meet Transport Canada requirements have been dealt with.
23. About to finish installation of new step and railing to help members and guests move safely on/off the flybridge.
24. All canvas cleaned and re-installed.
25. New foam mattress for rear-cabin bed has been purchased. Hopefully installed this week.

Currently, the boat is good to take out for at least day trips in areas where you have good local knowledge as the depth sounder at the lower helm and the chart plotter at the upper helm are not working properly at this time. We have identified a small leak in the propane stove which we will address shortly. BBQ works but in need of a good cleaning. After a good cleaning of the interior, we will put basic pots, pans, dishes, etc. on the boat.

Please remember that our insurance requires that, even if you are highly qualified, you still need to be formally approved by the Board as a “club-qualified skipper” before you can take the boat away from the dock. Please contact Doug, Cam, or me, if you wish to set up a time to become familiar with the various systems on Grand Adventure.

-Mike