Acorn To Arabella · video

What this video covers

Steve relocates the engine control panel and navigation station on the 41-ft gaff-rigged schooner *Arabella* to improve ergonomics and consolidate instrumentation. He replaces the existing 10-inch chart plotter with a 12-inch unit on the cockpit housetop, requiring a custom-built cherry wood housing. To simplify future maintenance, he replaces hardwired engine connections with a terminal block bus bar system, allowing for easier disconnection of the wiring harness. The project also includes installing a Pelagic autopilot system and removing the redundant rudder feedback sensor. Separately, Steve tensions the rig after replacing the deadeye lines with heat-set Dyneema. He notes that the splices required several days to settle and stretch before reaching final tension. The rig remains stable despite the lack of spreaders, and he prepares to install a new Code Zero sail from Doyle. The engine successfully restarts following the electrical modifications.

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