| Swan 51 REFIT for Circumnavigation |
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Alpheratz is a Frers-designed centerboard Swan 51, built in 1983. We were asked to completely refit the boat in preparation for a circumnavigation to begin in the Fall of 2007. |
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Engine The original Perkins 4236 was removed, and the engine compartment was gutted, cleaned, and painted. New sound insulation was installed, with all removable panels fitted with gaskets. After removal of the old engine. |
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Compartment prepared for new engine. |
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A new fresh-water-cooled Perkins/Sabre M92B and gear was installed, along with a high-output 24volt alternator, and an engine-driven refrigerator compressor. |
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Electrical System We removed the entire electrical system and replaced it with a new 24-volt house bank, 12-volt electronics power, 12-volt engine start, and 110-volt AC shore power system with inverter. The 3 voltages required a new custom control and circuit breaker panel, monitor systems, and rewiring throughout the boat. Left, some of the old wiring. |
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A new electric winch package also required a special high load wiring and circuits. The installation also included a 230-volt 50 Hz battery charging system, so that the boat can efficiently use any shore power throughout the world. New heavy-load DC wiring system and switches. |
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Behind the new electrical panel. |
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New custom electrical panel. |
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Navigation Station The nav station was entirely removed and all new electronics installed. Before. |
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After: the new nav station and electronics. |
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Carbon Fiber Mast Modifications The owner wanted to add two new winches and 3 new jammers to the carbon fiber mast. We built new composite foundations for the hardware, installed the hardware, and painted the lower section of the mast. New foundations added to the mast. |
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New foundations, new hardware, new paint. |
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New Teak Decks Although this Swan was originally built with non-skid fiberglass decks, the owner wanted the security and beauty of teak decks. We made a full-size pattern of the side decks, cabin top, bridge decks and cockpit for off-site pre-fabrication, and installed the new teak. Here, we are laying out the complex deck pattern. |
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New deck caulked, sanded, and ready for finish. |
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New deck, all new deck hardware, and electric winches installed. |
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Teak Instrument Pod A new hinged-opening instrument pod is being built to house radar, plotter, and sailing instruments, which will now be visible from the helm. |
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Refrigerator Custom-built refrigerator and freezer. |
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Finish Work Fresh Awlgrip job. |
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Ready for her rig. |
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Alpheratz is currently in the Pacific, sailing west. |
