I usually have my Volvo MD2030 Diesel saildrive serviced during the off season when the mechanic is not too busy. My average annual motoring hours are 100-120 so it is a once…
Category: Mechanical and Electrical
Focus on your engine and electrical systems
Preparing for Offshore Part 2
Beware of Brass Skin Fittings! Hanse, as with many European builders, used to use Brass or DZR brass skin fittings and may still do so. Don’t trust them. Any brass fitting more…
Troubleshooting the Windlass
When I took the anchor and chain off for galvanizing I noticed that the anchor windlass would not power downward, but it would power upward. Today I gathered some tools and went…
Is Re-Galvanizing Worth It?
Is re-galvanizing a rusty anchor and chain worth doing, or should you just buy new? I have seen lots of posts in sailing forums that suggest re-galvanizing costs nearly as much as…
Solar Part 2
Increasing Solar Capacity by adding a third panel. Our Hanse 371 Tangleberry already had 2-100W solar panels on the Tartarooga hard dodger. I wanted to add more solar capacity in hopes of…
Solar and Water Power
In 2004 I had a Tartarooga Hard Dodger Installed on Tangleberry. I took the opportunity to install two solar panels on top. They were 75 watts each, and were quite expensive, I…
Electric Dinghy Part 2
Part 1 is here. Using an electric trolling motor to power your tender is very simple. Put the motor on the transom and tighten the thumb screws. Connect the battery and you…
Electrifying Dinghy Part 1
Part 2 is here. After selling the Honda outboard, I needed to set up a suitable electric alternative. I considered the Torqeedo and Minn-Kota outboards. These both seem to be worthy substitutes…
Giving up my Honda 2 HP Outboard
When I bought Tangleberry in 2001 I determined to buy a high quality dinghy/outboard combination. I settled on an Achilles Hypalon dinghy with an air floor. That proved to be an excellent…
Winchrite ABT Repair
This post describes a DIY Winchrite repair, when my Winchrite electric winch handle suddenly stopped working. What is a Winchrite? The Winchrite ABT (Advanced Brushless Technology) is a rechargeable electric winch handle…