J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment #140 Ananda Update

Hi all, I haven't been around here in a while so I thought I'd report in on what I've been doing.

Most importantly, the past few months have encompassed a lot of sailing! I'm absolutely in love with this boat, she sails like a dream. Here's a shot of us making for the bridge at sunset:



On the "projects" list, I've crossed off:
* External and internal grab rails replaced on both starboard and port.
* All brightwork scrubbed, sanded, and oiled regularly. Looks great.
* New sail cover.
* Upgraded to self-tailing halyward winch. Much easier.
* Added sound system with bulkhead-mounted external speakers.
* Upgraded to the Raymarine Evolution autopilot system, with a p70 control mounted at the bulkhead and an ST-4000 tiller drive.
* Repaired separation of the boom and gooseneck joint due to excessive mainsheet tension causing the rigid vang to bottom out and become a fulcrum.

In progress are:
* Replacing jib and spin halyards.
* Installing EZ-JAX retractable lazy jacks system.
* Adding a S100 remote control for the autopilot.
* New rudder! I've ordered a balanced fiberglass rudder from Competition Composites (CCI) out of Canada. It should mean much less pressure on the helm while reaching across the slot here in SF.
* Replacing all the interior berth lights with LED fixtures.
* Installing fuel tank gauge.

Alex,

Nice job! Can you describe your internal LED fixtures and how the light looks? I've wanted to do this but the LED lights seem "harsh" on the eyes for reading. The halogens take lots of current but are pleasant on the eyes when trying to read at night.

Hi Bill,

The light fixtures I've ordered are these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HY680A/

I haven't actually tried them yet (and have no qualms returning them if I don't like them). But they also make a "Bright White", I'm hoping the "Warm White" won't be harsh at all.

I'll let you know when I get one hooked up and try it out.

Bill,

Here's an interior shot after dark with the new lights on:



It's warm light, definitely more appealing than normal bright white LEDs.