Refit 2010

In the nine months since we bought Zen we've done a lot of work.  We started off with a very sound and well cared-for vessel.  Her standing rigging was replaced in 2007, except for the forestay which was replaced in 2005 as part of a furler replacement.  However a lot of the electrical gear was tired and maintenance had focussed on day-sailing and weekend cruising, while we are looking to live aboard while cruising.

Electrical:

• Replaced most electrical wiring, excluding engine and in-mast cables
• Replaced most switches and all breakers
• Replaced cabin light globes with LED versions and added additional LED cabin lights
• Replaced VHF and installed goalpost-mounted emergency antenna
• Replaced HF radio and ATU, and tested use of WinMor for HF email (amateur band)
• Replaced FUSOhelm tiller pilot with Raymarine tiller pilot
• Installed Xantrex LinkLite Battery Monitor

Cabin:

• Replaced instrument panel
• Replaced chart table top
• Stripped and revarnished companionway steps
• Improved access to various inaccessible "voids" (every bit of stowage space counts!)

On-Deck:

• Built and installed new tiller
• Stripped and oiled coachroof teak handholds
• Fitted UK Halsey boom bag
• Fitted Selden RodKicker
• Replaced all halyards and most sheets
• Replaced main anchor (Manson Supreme), anchor chain and warp
• Installed new kedge anchor and chain/warp
• Serviced original Aries Vane Gear
• Serviced or replaced safety gear (EPIRB, danbuoy, lifering, lifesling, harness tethers, flares etc)

New instrument panel and chart table top

The Aries vane gear wasn't bought with the boat but was rediscovered by a previous owner (JohnH) after I contacted him.  Considering the gear has travelled well over 50,000nm on the boat it was in very good condition.  The only parts needing replacement were the universal joint balls which form part of the transom mounting brackets - they were badly corroded.  Amazingly parts can still be provided from the UK.

Aries Vane Gear after service

Right now Zen is on the hard at Noakes Boatyard in Sydney for a cleanup of the hull.  The many years of soft antifoul are being removed; significant osmosis blisters made good; thru-hulls and rudder bearings checked; a very old depth transducer removed; and the hull epoxied and Coppershield antifoul applied.

Hauling out at Noakes Shipyard, Sydney

So far, so good!