Engine Installation on the Far Reach

[John Stone]

Getting rid of that stuff, stuff you don’t need is liberating.

Anyway, the rails and stiles are complete. I normally make them wider. But not possible for this application. I need all the panel width I can get to fit the components. Probably head to the boat and test fit it tomorrow. Then cut the panel to fit the frame. A number of steps to go still.

I had some trouble with my Bench Dog portable router table tonight. Not a table I’d recommend. I might be on the look out for another one at some point. Or, I might just overhaul this one. I have milled and shaped thousands of board feet of lumber over it. But it’s glory days are behind it.

I have had it for 15 years. Nothing last forever. Dust in the wind and all that.

[Steve Laume]

"I had some trouble with my Bench Dog portable router table tonight. Not a table I’d recommend. I might be on the look out for another one at some point. Or, I might just overhaul this one. I have milled and shaped thousands of board feet of lumber over it. But it’s glory days are behind it.

I have had it for 15 years. Nothing last forever. Dust in the wind and all that".

I have a solid cast iron router table that I purchased about 25 years ago. It was old when I got it and looks like pre war cast iron. I set it into the extension on my table saw and added another miter slot in the table. The thing is rock solid with no vibration. It already outlasted the first owner, as I bought it from his widow, long after his death. It will definitely out last me and the next few generations as well.

Some things do last forever but they just don't make em like they used to, Steve.

[John Stone]

Very cool Steve. I’d like to see what you have. Can you post a picture of your set up? On this thread if you want. So much of the old stuff was built to last a long time. New equipment...not so much.

[John Stone]

Test fit of the 12 V panel yielded no surprises. Not glued up yet. It will be trimmed around circumference with bare teak or walnut. 3/8” all around...secured to work bench top, bulkhead sides, overhead drop board storage rack. So the door will open, hinged at bottom, from within the trim.

I had to allow for trim around the Panel so it will clear the walnut trimmed bulkheads as the trim On the bulkheads is proud.

Thinking of mounting the components high to leave room below for...don’t know...something else someday?

I have to figure out the sliding door geometry. Have some ideas.

[Steve Laume]

"Thinking of mounting the components high to leave room below for...don’t know...something else someday?"

USB ports?

[John Stone]

"Thinking of mounting the components high to leave room below for...don’t know...something else someday?"

USB ports?

That’s a good suggestion. Anyone else?

[Jim Walsh]

I have two 12v plug receptacles. Both of my hand-held VHF’s and both of my hand-held spotlights require them. My dual USB chargers are also plug style so I can use the same receptacle for all my charging needs.

[tjr818]

Blue seas has a dual outlet for usb and the old 12V .

https://www.bluesea.com/products/4363/W ... SB_Charger

[John Stone]

Blue seas has a dual outlet for usb and the old 12V .

https://www.bluesea.com/products/4363/W ... SB_Charger

I have three of the old style 12v receptacles on hidden flexible drops now. One forward, one at forward end of port settee, one at nav station. I use the usb inserts. I have one special two prong for the compass light and LED back up anchor light near the stove. But I don’t have any dedicated pure usbs. Something to think about. Only the vacuum and the small portable 150 watt inverter use the old style 12v socket. My iPhone, Bose speaker, kindle, Gayle’s iPad all use USB.

My hand held VHF, SSB receiver, and spotlight all use batteries.

I’ll think about this. Some very good ideas...thanks. Don’t be hesitant. I’m feeling my way along carefully. I’ll default to simple when possible but want to make informed decisions. Lots of wisdom here.

[John Stone]

I completed cutting out the holes in the panel for the components. A little nerve racking but went fine.

Rails and stiles just pushed together to see how it looks. Still need to lightly radius the edges. But, I’m pleased how it turned out. I saved as much room as I could for other components like USB ports or whatever else I decide to add at some point. Start varnishing next.

As soon as this is project is completed I will pick up the engine.

[John Stone]

Slow progress. I took the overhead panels out of the boat a while back. Applied a fresh coat of white paint. Reinstalled them. Took some mahogany hatch trim out too. Applied a fresh coat of varnish to that as well.

Applied seven coats of varnish to the panel for the 12v breaker and engine gauge cluster. Glued up the rails and stiles last night. Removed from the clamps this morning. Need to soften the edges a bit more then tape off the panel and start varnishing the rails and stiles.

Moving kind of slow. Been putting off work on my motorcycle. It was due for maintenance. So, I worked on it while varnishing the panel this past week. Had to shim the valves and add a new cam chain tensioner. Just because I have avoided installing an engine in the FR doesn’t mean I don’t know how to work on them.

I need to order the flex o fold prop....

[wikakaru]

Just because I have avoided installing an engine in the FR doesn’t mean I don’t know how to work on them.

Reminds me of that line from Quigley Down Under, where Quigley is referring to a revolver: "I said I never had much use for one. Never said I didn't know how to use it."

[John Stone]

Just because I have avoided installing an engine in the FR doesn’t mean I don’t know how to work on them.

Reminds me of that line from Quigley Down Under, where Quigley is referring to a revolver: "I said I never had much use for one. Never said I didn't know how to use it."

“Only my Roy could hit a coyote at a 1000 yards.”

Headed to the boat to reinstall some minor trim. Applied fourth coat of varnish to the rails and stiles. Eating the elephant a bite at a time....

[John Stone]

Finally, the varnishing is complete. I stopped at six coats. No holidays or runs I could see so I’m declaring victory. Could probably stand two more coats for complete glass look. The panel will be hidden behind varnished sliding mahogany doors anyway. Of course I have ample opportunity to mar it before the installation is complete. So it might get another coat yet.

I am pleased with how the construction turned out. The joinery is reasonably tight. I like the appearance better than I thought I might. The rails and stiles are thinner than I would have preferred. But, I was limited due to space required for the components. I usually like some contrast between the panel and the rails and stiles but mahogany is what I had on hand. And, unlike the cabinet doors, I am not trying to draw attention to the electrical panel. I want it to sort of disappear into the background.

I’ll give it a couple days to cure before I cut the mortises for the extruded brass hinges.

On to milling the walnut for the panel door trim and framing for the sliding doors.

[wikakaru]

Very nice job as always, John!

--Jim