The BLOG is BACK !!

    First, I want to thank all of you in the Blogisphere who have written me to make sure all was OK.  The simple answer is all is fine.  So,  how come there hasn't been a Blog in over a month ?  I got carried away with a major boat project.
    The navigation equipment on Persephone was over 12 years old, and nearing the end of its useful life.  Raymarine had a great rebate offer, so the decision was made to completely upgrade the entire chartplotter, radar, GPS, AIS, DSC, and MARPA  systems on Persephone (don't you just love all the initials !).  It took over a month to remove (and sell) the 'old' nav equipment, install the new system, and completely intergrate it.  During that month, the entire boat was pulled apart for wire runs, especially the nav station.  So, here is the result of all the hard (and sweaty) work......

The new chartplotter/GPS is the large screen in the left of the picture.  The grey box below is the AIS (anti- collision device).  Above the chartplotter is the WIFI router and Pactor (radio modem).  In the center are 3 radios; SSB (long distance shortwave), a VHF (short range marine comm), and ordinary stereo with Sirius Sat capability. 

An idential chartplotter was installed at the helm.  This is networked with the plotter at the nav station.  Below the plotter is the auto-pilot control, a data repeater (depth and speed) and controls for the anchor windless (so the anchor can be controlled from the helm).











This is the 'back' of the helm from the cockpit.  All of the wires from the nav system were run down the stainless tubing (which I had custom made here in Grenada).  The blue "square" is a sunbrella cover over the teak cockpit table.  The table was designed to swing down against the pedistal (and covered) when not is use.  Before, the table was stored down below when not in use and had to be carried out to the cocpit for each use.  I am now busy with the sewing machine finishing the covers for the new instruments.

The project is essential complete, everything works and all the instruments are 'talking' to each other.  It is a great system which should make navigation easier, safer and increase our situational awareness.  It was a big project and now that it is done, I promise to update you on all of the fun things that happened over the past month.  Stay tuned.....Capt Dave