Life on the Hard - Week 3
29 September 2013 | Port Townsend
Linda

Eric spent some time this week teaching me the basics of the electrical systems on the boat. I have learned how to turn the power on, which sounds pretty simple, but for safety, everything needs to be done in a certain order. I have made a check-list to be sure I don’t forget any steps, but expect to be able to do it ‘by heart’ pretty soon.
This is what you do: first make sure everything is off at the electrical panel at the nav station and at the companionway (except for 3 breakers that should be on). Then turn on the ‘shore power’ switch, located at the companionway. Then turn on the ‘main’ on the 120V AC system panel at the nav station. Next, turn on the ‘battery charger’, which is also on the panel. Then go back to the companionway and turn on the ‘charger DC’. Then walk back to the panel and push the ‘inverter’ button located on the 12V DC system panel. It should start flashing. Then back to the companionway to turn on the ‘house batteries’. Then back to the 12V DC system panel to turn on the ‘main’. Then do a test of the batteries. The house battery (Battery 1) readout should be about 15, the starter battery (Battery 2) readout should be a bit lower. Then return the battery check toggle to monitor Battery 1. Now you can turn on the breakers as needed (except for the water heater or air conditioner).
I understand the value of the lessons and appreciate the time Eric has spent explaining it all to me. I appreciate it even more after the fire at the boatyard. Carelessness and lack of understanding about something as powerful as electricity can really ruin your day, not to mention wrecking your boat and the boats of your neighbors.
The rigger has the mast and boom in the shop getting prepped for painting. There is some corrosion, which will be sanded off and repaired. While the mast is down we will replace all the electrical wiring that runs from the mast top to the instruments in the cockpit and nav station.
Seven chainplates have been removed. The plates themselves were in pretty good condition although several of the bolts were thoroughly corroded and broke off in our hands. The rigger will fabricate new stainless steel plates and recommended a better quality of stainless steel nuts and bolts.
By the end of the week I am pretty overwhelmed with all things boat and look forward to being away for a day or two. I return on Monday ready to dive into more boat projects.
It sounds like our splash date will be much later than I anticipated [sigh]. Realistically, we will probably be at Shilshole by my birthday. If we are super lucky and we quit finding things to be repaired or replaced (which I am not holding my breath for), maybe by Thanksgiving.
Things are good.