Sailing Squibvideo
Squib's Refit - Episode 48
4 January 2024 · 19 min · 856 views
What this video covers
Refitting the aft cabin and engine bilge of the pocket catamaran Squib involves installing a new battery bank, solar charge controllers, and a diesel heater. To manage the electrical system, three Victron MPPT solar charge controllers are mounted on an aluminium rail secured to the bulkhead with epoxy-bonded wooden blocks. A self-priming diaphragm bilge pump is installed above the bilge to avoid contact with oily water, and the bilge itself is cleaned with acetone before being coated with two-part bilge paint. A 135-euro diesel heater provides cabin warmth during cold November temperatures, allowing for epoxy curing and painting work. Structural modifications include laminating fibreglass mats onto the winch pedestal and adding wooden rails to the engine compartment to support removable floorboards, which convert the area into a berth. The electrical setup is monitored via the Victron app, which confirms solar input and battery charging status. Proper ventilation is maintained during painting to manage chemical fumes. The project concludes with the installation of a temporary bulkhead to isolate the heater exhaust.
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