Refits and Upgrades that have been applied to SV PaPa by the previous owners:

$160,000 approximate total upgrade expenditures.Here’s what is left to do to make this Nantucket Island perfect. Fuel gauge sending unit isn’t reading properly, it needs a new unit, less than $150 to replace. The plan was also to add a tank gauge to the freshwater tank at the same time. Cost $150. More information here.

Another plan was to build a water maker utilizing off-shelf components and membranes. This would make the water maker easier to service in the future and cost about half what a pre-packaged unit costs, similar to the Katadyn Power Survivor 40 e/12 V which is what I was considering as it runs on 12 V and can be operated manually in an emergency. Cost is approximately $4000. Here is some info on where you can purchase the parts to build your own water maker and get replacement parts for much less $.

Here is where you will find the skinny on building your own watermaker and were to find the components.

A new domestic freshwater pump was installed but the spade connectors which connect to the pressure switch on the pump are not making good contact. The pump will run intermittently, requiring someone to wiggle the wire to make the connection. I replaced the front wire connector already on the pressure switch but apparently the one behind it needs a new spade connector installed as well. This is a 20 minute job and all the tools and connectors are already on the boat.

I also planned to add an arch to the rear of the boat upon which to Kyocera KD325GX – LFB solar panels would be installed. Panels are approximately $700 for a pair.

There is a fabricator in Stuart, FL who is a competent craftsman and works reasonably. Cost for the arch would be $2,000 to $3000 depending on how elaborate it was and who installed it. Also there was a plan to add (2) Maglev 300 W vertical axis wind turbine system, CXT – 300 to the arch. The cost is $1600 each.

Another option was adding (2) Air 30 12 V WGA 70212 wind turbines, $900 each, with the Silentwind silent air power blades at $379 each, or the upgraded version here for $1429.

The sea frost refrigeration system and aft heat pump is under the berth in the captain’s master suite. Two circulation fans were installed in this area to increase airflow, as well as increase the efficiency. An adjustable temperature switch was purchased which would turn the fans on if the temperature under the berth reaches a preset level. A master switch and fuse were also purchased but have not yet been installed.

Ten new Caframo 12 V circulation fans were purchased; three have not yet been installed but are on the boat. One needs to be installed in the aft cabin to replace the fan that was defective. The wiring is in place already. Two fans need to be installed in the V berth. The wire and heat shrink solder connectors are on the boat.

18 stainless steel, LED dimmable spotlights with blue night lights were installed in the aft cabin and salon area. This made a huge difference in brightening up the interior by allowing the ability to put light where it is needed. The spots glow blue also and create ambience when turned on. There are two more LED spotlights to be installed in the V berth area to brighten up that space as well.

Additional LED lighting was installed throughout the entire boat. Some red/white light fixtures that preserve night vision during night time offshore passage making. LED light fixtures were added to the galley area to increase the amount of light which makes it much easier to see. LED lights are installed under the overhang near the galley sink along with red LEDs for preserving night vision. There are even LED lights with motion sensors installed throughout the boat. If you stick your hand inside to galley cabinet, a light turns on so you can see what you’re reaching for. If you walk into a head at night, an LED light switches on automatically. LEDs are also installed in closet spaces, cabinetry and the engine compartment. These lights make the space easier to work in and a more pleasing environment over all. All electrical is marine grade and wire. All connections are utilizing Wire Fly epoxy heat shrink tubes with a built in solder tube.

Also on the list to be completed are the Lewmar super hatches. They need to be rebuilt by replacing the gaskets and lens. Parts are available here.

These guys are great and will help you with anything you need and even have a great BLOG to help answer all your questions and a how to page with more great info. –

Four solar fans were purchased to be installed in the lens of each hatch. They are also included with the boat. These will help move the hot air out of the boat with the hatches closed. I am now of the thought that it’s better to seal a boat up tight in Florida and keep the moisture on the outside and try and keep the moisture level as low as possible using a dehumidifier and move the air around, if you have power. Desiccant is also effective if you don’t have power used together with activated charcoal to help get rid of the musty smells that boats in Florida get because the humidity is so high.

I am using air purification in PaPa which incorporates Ozone, UV and IONS, this is effective at keeping it fresh inside. Together with the dehumidifier this is the most effective way to keep the musty smell out of the boat in Florida, as long as there is power available.

These are the items that need to be completed to make the SV papa 100% cruise ready. I ran out of time and needed to return to Montana in order to prepare my crew and equipment for another extreme wildfire season this summer. I have owned many boats over the past 50 years and still own six in Montana. To give you a better idea of my fabrication and mechanical abilities, here is a link to my firefighting website and a video showing some of the equipment I designed and built. https://wildfirefighters.com/

I leave you with these words of wisdom from Jimmy, “The planning stage of a cruise is often as enjoyable as the voyage itself, letting one’s imagination loose on all kinds of possibilities. Yet translating dreams into reality means a lot of practical questions have to be answered.” Jimmy Cornwell (World Cruising Handbook)