In the video, I go through the process of installing EZ Snap window shade screens onto our 1976 CHB trawler windows. The boat came with custom stitched shades covering the large front windows, but there were many more I wanted to be able to shade if needed. The older trawler has no air conditioning, so … Read more
This video shows the sights and sounds along our route from Von Donop Marine Park to Octopus Islands Marine Park in the Discovery Islands, BC. One highlight is a transit through a narrow passage called “Hole in the Wall.” Timing has to be just right when the often fast-flowing tidal currents slacken, especially given that … Read more
We left Lund Marina in early August for a few months of roaming the Discovery Islands chain between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland. The first stop sees us back over on lovely Cortes Island. We had anchored in Gorge Harbour on the southwest of the Island about two weeks ago. This time we explored … Read more
A look at a new CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) 360-degree flexible thin-filmed solar panel from BougeRV. The panel features new technology that allows it to be rolled up! Being super thin and lightweight makes it perfect for mounting on curved surfaces found on many RVs and boats. In this video, I mount it on … Read more
I’ve begun the DC battery rewiring upgrades I have planned for Vestri so we can spend more time at anchor and improve the electrical system safety. I installed a new Xantrex 2000W Inverter/Charger in a recent video. Now I’m tackling the battery bank wiring, starting with the AGM engine starter bank. I removed about 20 … Read more
Early August 2023, we spent a few cloudy, rainy days in the Lund Harbour Marina, preparing to set sail on Vestri for a few months of wandering. In this video, I show you a few gadgets I have on board for acquiring, filtering, and pumping fresh water. I’ve been using them when out boondocking the … Read more
Back out on the boat for a trip to Gorge Harbour on Cortes Island near Campbell River, BC, and what a wildlife viewing treat on the way! First, we spotted too many sea lions trying to fit on a red marker buoy. And then a special show from some humpback whales, including a half dozen … Read more
I install a new 2000W Xantrex inverter/charger in this video into our 1976 CHB trawler boat. The new inverter replaces a 13-year-old 1800W Xantrex that has seen better days. It is also a modified sine wave, and the new one is a pure sine wave. Other features include a 100 amp charger, lithium battery charging, … Read more
I continue my electrical upgrades to our 1976 CHB trawler by installing an all-in-one AC surge protector, power monitor, and soft starter device from Active Controls. The ActiveStart device gets installed directly in line with our incoming 30 amp shore power connection. It can help reduce inrush current up to 50% when high amperage loads like … Read more
In this video, I upgrade my boat’s old 30 amp twist lock shore power plug and outlet to a safer type called a Smart Plug. I am happy with the product quality and the peace of mind it will bring when hooked up to marina shore power. The installation was straightforward, taking about 1/2 hour … Read more
In this video, I upgrade the toilet in the forward head of our 1976 CHB trawler. The new Jabsco is an electric macerator design replacing the old pump style. To install it, I had to modify the plumbing to the waste holding tank and run a 12VDC 25A power circuit to supply the macerator via … Read more
In this video, I provide a detailed look at the behind-the-scenes systems of our new to us 1976 CHB trawler. I show and comment on the various systems such as plumbing, electrical, engine, propane/appliances, etc. I will also inform you of several upcoming upgrade projects, including installing an electric toilet, AC Smart Plug, ActiveStart Surge … Read more
In this video, my lovely wife Anne shows you around our newly acquired 1976 vintage CHB trawler. She leads us through “Vestri” from the outside decks into each of the three inside cabins. Anne is the captain and chief navigator, so she details various tools she uses to pilot Vestri and safely route us between … Read more
In this video, I have some footage for you from our boat trip out of Discovery Harbour, Campbell River, around Quadra Island, to Rebecca Spit. Along the way, we were fortunate to see several humpback whales and a pod of Orca! View previous boating videos
DIY repair to our Side Shift bow thruster to get it working for ten bucks versus $350 for a new wireless joystick module. In my case, the only problem with it was a faulty power button. I solved the issue by soldering on an external momentary power switch. Captain Anne was most pleased to have … Read more