Ajustable Solar Pannels that can be pointed at the sun in any angle.

  This setup allows you to point the solar panel at the sun in any angle.  It also acts like a sun shade for the setting sun when its off the stern of the boat.  It is wind proof and very strong.  Easy to adjust (just like pulling the main sheet).  You can see a video of its operation on my YouTube page. 

The pulley system to raise and lower the panel.  The jam cleat at the top of the photo holds the panel just like a jam cleat holds the main sail. 

The jam cleat to lock the panel in place.  I installed it high so that there is no rope interference with the rear of the boat. 

The cleat for the rear support.  I used cleats and a heavy rope that can easily be replaced.  The panels pivot on a pulley just above (out of view of the photo). 

The center hinge that the panel swivels on.  It is on a very large diameter bolt for strength.  The wood block acts as a spacer to facilitate the pivot action. 

Side view of the panel

Adding refrigeration to a small boat.

I added a small box freezer to my boat.  It is a Southbound Solar 60i multi voltage freezer, around $800 dollars.  It works wonderful and does not drain the batteries.  I added an extra solar panel for a total of 170 watts.  So far the freezer works great.  I dont know how I went without it for so long. 

I did have to sacrifice the closet.  It was pretty small and worthless.  I am currently looking for a new place to hang the few items that need hanging (mostly rain gear).  I will let you know how that go's soon.  

Here is the finished product.  The lower cabinets allow access to the batteries.  The top cabinet swings down to allow removal of the freezer

Here is the unfinished wood.  It was Home Depot plywood.  The whole project cost me just under $100.00

In this photo you can see the 2x4 braces for the removable floor.  I like using 2x4's because they are strong and cheep.  I bolted them threw the bulkheads with nuts and bolts.  The floor (not installed in this photo) is removable for access to the batteries and cables etc. 

Creating sleeping space on a small boat.

In this photo you can see that I built a bed (cot style) that is absolutely fun and uses open space to create an excellent sleeping space.

I used black pipe from Home Depot (1 inch) for the poles.  The black pipe is extremely strong and wont bend.  I also used large metal pipe clamps (the type that hold pipe to the wall or ceiling).

I threw bolted the clamps to the comings (see the photo above the stove), and used Sunbrella fabric doubled up for strength for the bed.  I also made it twin bed size so I could use readily available twin bed cushions.  The cushions make the cot very comfortable.

Don't forget to drill holes in one end of the poles and put a pin threw the pole and the clamp.  This way if the boat rocks the poles wont slip out of the clamps and everything come crashing down.

One added bonus is the great view and breeze coming from the cockpit door w

hen sleeping. 

Mantus anchor swivel

 I just replace my West Marine swivel with a Mantus swivel and you can see in the photo that the Mantus  swivel is way stronger.  Both swivels cost the same amount of money. Additionally the Mantus  swivel does not bind when raising the anchor, because the shackles bolt (pin) position is opposite the west marine shackle's position. The pin that screws in the shackle on the west marine anchor swivel is on the anchor side and it can not be reversed.  But the pin on the Mantus  shackle is designed to go on the chain side.  This allows the shackle's round section (looped into in the anchor's  eye) to swivel on the anchor which keeps it from binding (at times) when raising the anchor. 

Well you can now say that I am no longer a minimalist.  Yes with the addition of this Lofrans Windlas and 150 ft. of 5/16 chain and 2 Group 27 batteries my anchoring needs are set (no pun intended).  I can assure you I sleep better at night.  Besides if you have to weigh anchor in rough seas, a windlass makes the job possible besides safer.  It is overkill no doubt but I rather have to much than not enough.

 Oh yea at the end of the chain is a new and absolutely quick setting anchor, the Mantus 35 lb.  Its new on the market.  The you tube is a must see for this amazing anchor.  I can testify that it does work as advertised.  An added bonus is you can disassemble the anchor flat with the bolts it comes with.  I keep mine assembled on a bow roller.  The anchor is extremely tough and well built.  I was initially skeptical but now have become a believer in the Mantus anchors.  Try one, you wont be disappointed. 

The latest addition to Carmela is digital cabin lights.  I added 4 of them.  The brightest and lease power hungry light is the one from Dr. Led dome light.  That sucker is really bright (like a 60 watt bulb) and barely reads on my amp gauge.  I would not believe it unless you saw it. Also two of the interior lights can be switched to red for night operation.  I tried them and they really work well.  You can read by the red light and not be blinded when looking at a dark horizon. 

I also added a second outboard bracket (overkill) but I don't want to have to man-handle my heavy 4 hp 4 stroke dinghy outboard when transferring it from the boat to the dinghy.  Now i just unbolt it from the outboard bracket and install it on the dinghy when I'm tied up to the stern of the boat.  An added bonus is I can run the 4 hp outboard as a secondary engine in case my primary 9.9hp outboard quits.  Just lower the bracket and use it.  

Updates completed on 03-01-13

Painted hull red

Replaced wood hatch with aluminum one

Security hatch

Raised rudder post and reinforced

Added solar panel and spreader bar for rear stays.

With the rear stays spread apart, access to the stern is great.