Generators, Drop boards, and Hatches, Oh My...

Ok, so over the past few weeks I have been working on several projects at the same time. Thought I would post a few photos, and yes: There is still a bit more to do to even get to the 'Camping with Comfort' stage :-(

GENERATOR:
I cleaned up the Kubota and fabbed the platform. Through a combination of Ebay and local scrap purchases I was able to cut out all the parts needed for the generator platform. A local welder (Randy/Gredvig Fabrication 503-642-2336) welded it all up for a very reasonable price. Here you can see most of the major parts placed where they will belong.

I also (Oh, the pain) purchased a NEW clutch assembly for the CAT pump. Cost almost as much as the motor, and more than 7x what I paid for the pump!

But now that time is short I am having to shift my focus on that old 'triangle': Optimize any two: Cost, Time, Quality. To date: Cost and Quality have been the driver, well, now Time is replacing Cost...

Over the next couple of weeks I should be able to start assembling the generator, and I am sure additional 'costs' will come into play as I discover that "one more" needed small part :-)

DROP BOARDS:
We have a rear hatch on Viking Star leading into the aft state room. On many such boats this hatch is a couple of nicely varnished swinging doors to allow for easy access from the aft stateroom to the aft deck. I am going a different route. Borrowing the Drop Board idea from Sail boards, I am installing three drop boards. Reason?

1) We are unlikely to use this access except for emergency egress: The bottom of the hatch is a bit over waist level when standing in the aft stateroom.

2) Drop boards will be stronger in the case of following seas. Maybe even keep the rain out a bit better.

3) We can remove a part of them for ventilation. Even have some idea of being able to replace the lowest one with a small window AC!

Here is a photo of the drop boards being glued up. Notice the creative approach to clamping. Seems more than 90% of my clamps are at the boat. (Another story, one where sentences often end with "... it's at the boat".)

The drop boards consist of 3/4" ply with Mahogany trim on the top and bottom edges. I will be painting these white, though might skin and bright finish the insides. Will see.

HATCHES:
One of the known issues with Viking Star when I purchased her was that the Lazaret framing needed to be replaced. So, have crafted new framing out of 5x8 Doug Fir stock. Here is a photo towards the end.


I also added a couple of cross frames near the outside edges. These will be used to install a couple of aft cleats (which for some reason never existed???)

So, that is all. Been doing lots of misc stiff. Still need to finish plumbing the heating systems, fit out the Propane Locker. Oh, Galley needs new counter tops and painting inside. Install the propane cook top. Anchor platform designed, built, and installed. Aft cabin cabinets and bed needs to be built. Plus there is the cork sole to put down. SSB installed, . . . Wow, so much to do... Oh My.