Hey Connecticut, our backs hurt

RESOLVE to get to Bluff Point this year!

 

I did this in mine, not pretty yet since I wanted to see how I'd like it but I just ran a cat6 line down the center console to where the cigarette lighter is up front and put a splice block on the end. Works well so I'll probably solidify it in the spring

 

I'm doing a complete revamp of my wiring. Making stuff simple and easy to run. I'll need to pull the center console and panel below the radio. Going to take measurements first.

 

Yes, excellent kayak spot. Here's another one: Esker Point Park, Noank. It's free to all. There is ample parking and a "carry" boat launch on the west side of the parking lot.https://www.groton-ct.gov/facility_detail_T74_R114.php

 

Anyone ever been to Barn Island boat launch in Stonington? Great area for kayaking and boating. Sandy point Island and Napatree point for beaching the boats. Little Narragansett Bay. Been there many times sailing.

 

Afternoon folks.

Left Rochester around 9, got home at 3 (because we stopped for food and lost about 45 minutes).

 

Beautiful boat. Looks fun.

Barn Island is a very nice ramp and area.


I keep my little Whaler in a slip, in the Mystic area, seven months a year. I’m a lucky guy.

 

Good morning CT. 2 day work week for me, (Thursday, Friday).

It was so nice (temp wise) yesterday that I started my electrical revamp. I should be able to get a little more done today.

 

Morning everyone.

Happy Monday.

 

Another rainy and foggy one out there

 

MONDAY MOTIVATION

88% of New Year's resolutions result in failure...so maybe put that job search on hold

 

Good morning

 

Can't fail a New Year's resolution if you don't make it in the first place

 

That's the spirit!

 

Morning Connecticut

 

Well....insanely late but I'm hoping everyone had a great xmas and got to spend time with friends, family, and loved ones.

Things have been insanely busy at work.....been working 6, sometimes 7 days a week for the past month and a half or so. We are just finally coming into the slow season so that should give me the next month or so to regroup and get caught back up. As luck would have it, it was only a matter of time but whatever sickness and bullshit was going around finally got me. Should've stayed home yesterday but had to go in for a half day - joys of being the boss. Came home and slept, then came the chills, the fever, sore throat like whoa, and now the congestion. Been pumping the vit d, c, b, zinc, and oregano oil. Also made a honey concoction with turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, fresh grated ginger and garlic. Now we wait.

Onto more positive things...in the little free time I do have, I have been working on a couple fun projects. The latest one is this diesel heater build I did. Looked at a few different variations on youtube etc and then made my own version. Started with the Vevor 5kw heater the FIL got me a while back as a thank you (more on that later). Used the harbor freight version of the pelican case and modified it to fit the entire heater and heater assembly into one single unit. Made my own wiring harness/connections so that everything will be quick disconnect and completely mobile. Also made the output (heat) hose quick disconnect as well with a plug for transportation so that no dirt or debris gets into the heater. I used a 3" coupler from a turbo manifold to achieve this. I also didn't like the fuel tank that came with the kit....10L seemed like an awful lot of fuel and could prove to be quite cumbersome. I bought a smaller tank instead. I also didn't like the idea of mounting the nipple for the fuel at the bottom of the tank. No matter how you were to do it, there would always be fuel left. I tapped the top of the tank and used the nipple as a way to attach a fuel pick-up to the top of the tank. Now the fuel will be pulled from the very bottom of the tank. I also upgraded the filter and the fuel lines that came with the heater. I should also note, that there is zero fuel that passes through the assembly at the top of the tank. The pickup and the nipple are only attached via a rubber fuel hose for flexibility and convenience. All the fuel that is being pulled is done so internally so there is no chance for spillage or leakage. The 2-pin and 3-pin (not pictured) quick disconnects for the wiring harness are my favorite part. The 2-pin powers the unit while the 3-pin controls the LCD screen. While one end of each disconnect attaches to the unit itself, the other end will attach to a junction box I am working on. I picked up a waterproof junction box from Amazon in which it will house the Blue Sea safety fuse hub

$80 Blue Sea Systems 7725 Safety HUB Fuse Block 100 RBS

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003G8IK82?ie=UTF8 It will also house a grounding bus bar for all powered items in the truck bed and it will also house a 4 terminal positive bus bar for the 4 smaller leads on the fuse block. The fuse block also runs the 2000w inverter, fridge, and water pump. I have the Kakadu water heater and that will most likely get the same quick disconnect treatment as the heater - that or I may just buy the 120v adapter and power it off the inverter when needed. Since the fuse block has 4 circuits that can handle 200a ATO/ATC fuses, I have quite a lot of flexibility with what I can hook up. The heater isn't something that would get used year round so "wasting" a circuit to have it permanently connected seemed silly. I also don't feel like having to re-pin or rewire the weatherproof connecter on the safety fuse hub which is why I decided the use the 4 terminal bus bar. The 4 leads now stay permanent and I can connect and disconnect what I see fit.









Lastly, since the FIL is laid up recovering from a massive cancer surgery (its all good, thankfully. Things are healing etc and he's on the right path. Just needs to gain weight again) I have been helping out around the house doing various things. Closed the pool, mow the lawn, trying to finish the deck, I enclosed the deck with vinyl so its like a 3 ish season deck now as opposed to open etc. At any rate, he's very appreciative and so for xmas I got this.....Absolutely blown away by it....


I wasn't planning on a bumper just yet - wanted to do a few other small things first lol BUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT I cant just let the winch sit around....I had my eye on a few different bumpers but I had a few stipulations....It had to come powder coated and it had to fit the winch. Those were the top 2 non negotiables. I don't have the time or space to have it powder coated or to do it myself. My neighbors probably already think I am out of my mind for using hole saws and power tools in my apartment after work lol. This winch comes with the parts to relocate the solenoid but as easy as that would be....i didn't want to for the same reason as mentioned in the previous sentence. I narrowed it down to 2 bumpers. one tube style and one plate style. I very much like the tube style but as I was researching, I came across a very silly deal for the body armor bumper. Comes powder coated, fits the winch (confirmed via email with them plus a diagram of measurements) and on top of that free shipping. It was also for whatever reason on sale and so I saved $250 and pulled the trigger. It also made me feel good about the purchase because I have their rear bumper, there were lots of positive reviews on the front so I am looking forward to it.

 

Here’s my boat’s winter home.

A saw horse kit, with extended legs, and about 200 feet of rope and paracord. Works great !
Inside view:

 

Good morning CT.
Happy New Year's Eve.

 

Morning everyone.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Good morning