Boat was purchased on March 2002. Condition was poor and boat was not well maintained.
Engines
Boat is fitted with 2 x 6bta 250hp Cummins engines
Even though engine had run for only 650 hours they were smoky and could not reach max RPM. RPM meters were calibrated and a further performance test was affected. Engines could reach 2400rpm instead of 2600 as per engine makers. Radiators injectors, fuel pumps, sea water pumps, filters, turbo, impellers, etc were all removed and dealt with. Performance improved but still not optimum. It was also noted higher working temperature on both engines. Both engine's cylinder covers were removed and found with cracks in way of injector nozzles. Both covers were replaced by new improved type (I found out that Cummins improved their covers because the original ones were cracking in way of valve seats and injector seats) and injectors replaced by new as well, all high pressure pipes were also replaced, compression ratio was calculated with good results. Performance improved to optimum but when boat was fully loaded performance was dropping considerably. It was noted that with the extra load which was added to the boat each year the engines were working under excess load. In order to be sure I did also install exhaust gas thermometers which I strongly suggest since they give a very good indication of the engines performance when at work.
Engine controls
Flybridge controls were replaced by Morse levers and cables were also changed by heavy duty ones by Morse. Bridge controls were dismantled and maintained.
Rudder -props and shafts
April 2003 change shafts and props (original Aquafoil 23x26 3blades-new props fabricated by Zervakis of Greece 4blade 20 x24) the boat is now giving 20 knots at 2200rpm and 26 at 2600rpm without a big variation if the boat is half or fully loaded. Rudders have being removed, seals were replaced. Rudder angle limiters were replaced by new inox. Emergency steering tested and emergency tiller maintained. The connecting steel bar of the rudders was seized, therefore removed and replaced by an inox tube with adjustable threads.
Anodes
All anodes wiring replaced by new. All bolts and nuts for anodes in hull internally were maintained or replaced as necessary. It was noted that two years later all anodes are sacrificing properly and there is no sign of electrolysis below the waterline.
Plumbing
Through hulls were all replaced by new main sea water inlet and strainers were also replaced by new seawater piping leading from sea to main engine ,generator ,air condition, wc, holding tank were replaced by new.
Holding tank
Holding tank system was found inoperable and parts were missing. I had to buy and install a new macerator pump, clean the holding tank by the access door and change the pipes and valves
Sea toilet
A new toilet pump was installed
Fresh water system
Tank was emptied and cleaned with chlorine several times. The original pump broke down and replaced by a new one. I did also install a back up second pump in line with the original with crossover switches .an accumulator tank was also installed.
Anchor and windlass
Winch was removed, dismantled; motor wiring cleaned. Anchor was changed with a delta 16kgs.anchor dog was also changed by a new inox one suitable for the delta anchor.
Hull outfit
A new Mediterranean style extended platform was fabricated using fibreglass mats and roving. The estimated weight is approximately 80kgs which is more or less the weight of the original. I tried to keep her shape in the original form so as not to interfere with the shape of the boat. On this platform I can now storage my 3meters tender with an 8hp. of course, I had also to purchase new inox telescopic ladder by the Italian "Osculati".
The hull was treated with 3M marine storage and polish compound and the gel coat was restored to her original shine.
Windows
All external rubbers were partly removed or grooved and filled by Sikaflex compound for windows.
Various machinery - equipment
Boat was fitted with electric trim tabs by "Lectra" which improve the planning at lower speed when navigating under adverse weather conditions.
Windscreen motors were all replaced by new.
A 25 litres inox boiler was installed.
Bilges
All bilges from fore to aft were coated with International's Danboline white. a 2nd bilge pump was installed in the lazarette and plan to install this year a 3rd on the fore part(quite surprised that marine projects only install one pump on a boat of this size).
Aircon
I did purchase and install a 12000 BTU reverse cycle aircon by mermaid marine, USA. The main unit was installed in the small lazarette situated between the engine room bulkhead and the guest cabin (entrance from the galley steps) .air ducts were driven to each cabin and dinette. The heating power of this unit is marginal for the whole boat however the cooling power is sufficient only for the cabins. I guess that an 18000 BTU unit would be sufficient for this boat.
Boarding ladder
This was modified to be remotely used by adapting an electric winch, a remote unit with two controls, an inox construction, inox wires and two
Blocks by Lewmar (this package did cost me around 1200 euro).
Electrical
A 10hp Kubota engine adapted with a 5kW generator was installed in the lazarette with sound proof box. Accounting however the cost, the effort needed, and sound proofing result, it might be more prudent to purchase a factory made marine generator.
New batteries 3x125ah for service and 2x150ah for engine were installed.
The isolator originally supplied by marine projects was removed as I faced problems with the engine alternators and instead a parallel switch was installed. All 220volt wiring was replaced by new as the existing seemed to be fairly worn.
Interior
All fabrics were removed. A wooden ceiling was fabricated by using 6mm marine plywood transverse boards.8 spotlights were installed. Synthetic leather of the off white shade was used.
Instrument board and log and depth sounder board were replaced by a specially treated plastic board specially treated by "TNC of Greece” to look alike cherry wood. This is the same process used by Italian yards these days. Engine instruments were relocated. VHF was removed to the depth sounder panel.
A new wooden wheel was supplied by "Osculati of Italy". Italian "Vimar" switches were installed for lighting. A new teak lacquered wooden dinette table was also fabricated. New floor carpets as well. The galley floor and steps was covered with 4mm teak deck which was varnished with international's clear marine varnish. All carpentry was also sanded with 150grit sand-paper and re-varnished with International's clear marine varnish.
This year I intend to stop my upgrades (even though I still have some good ideas of what to improve more) and enjoy what I’ve done so far.
