I recently took on an interesting project to install a dedicated lithium battery to power our boat’s bow thruster and anchor windlass. I’m pleased to share the experience with you. Previously, these systems ran off the starter AGM batteries and alternator, but I wanted to experiment with a dedicated power source. I got my hands … Read more
In the video, I installed a high-water bilge alarm from Johnson Pump as an extra safety upgrade on the boat. This little unit sits just above the normal bilge pump level and alerts us with a super-loud buzzer or a light if water gets too high, in case the pumps fail or we have a … Read more
In this video, I install a new safety and navigation aid called AIS on our 34-foot CHB trawler. The AIS (Automatic Identification System) will use our VHF antenna to send and receive information about us and other boats in the local area. We chose the Em-Trak brand – B954 model. While anchored in a nice, … Read more
I’m back working on the boat, and today’s project was installing the new 24-volt motor for its SideShift bow thruster. The existing 12-volt unit is about eight years old and has developed a squeaky prop from a hardened seal that let in some water. The company liked my lithium battery experiments from last year, so … Read more
Today, I’m upgrading the 30-amp power inlet connection on the RV to a SmartPlug. I’ve been wanting one for a while. I already have one installed on our boat, and they’re so much safer than the old twist lock style you see on a lot of boats and RVs. Recently, my twist lock arced, so … Read more
Over the years, I’ve had requests to do a video series showing the installation of a typical boondocking system from start to finish. Something a little more basic than the complex systems I usually show. In this first video of a multi-part series, I begin a fresh installation of a Renogy-based off-grid power system for … Read more
Quick update on my Weber Q1000 grill that Anne got me for Christmas last year. The regulator kept clogging this summer on the boat trip. I cleared it with electrical spray a few times, but it was faulty, so I ditched it and added this adapter for a low-pressure line straight from my RV’s quick … Read more
I recently tackled an issue with our boat’s Side Shift bow thruster. After a complete overhaul last year, which included sanding, repainting, and upgrading the wiring with a lithium battery system, the thruster failed to respond at Port McNeill Marina due to a faulty wireless controller. Frustrated by recurring wireless issues, including interference from VHF … Read more
I’m experimenting with upgrading my boat’s bow thruster by switching from AGM to lithium batteries to shorten wire runs. The Side Shift brand thruster, externally mounted at the bow, originally used two AGM starter batteries with a 20-foot wire run to the relay, which reduced efficiency. Disclaimer: I’m not a marine technician, just an end … Read more
I recently installed a Bluetti Charger One on my boat to charge my Bluetti power station using the alternator. Back in the winter, I reviewed this DC-to-DC charger, testing it with my pickup truck in the desert, but my main plan was to use it on the boat. The installation was straightforward: I connected the … Read more
In this video, I install a UVC purification faucet on our vintage CHB trawler that we use as a liveaboard home in the summers on the British Columbia coast. With the combo of the GoBluTech 3-stage filter system and their drinking water faucet, we will have clean water for drinking and cooking. To install, I … Read more
I recently upgraded the deck lighting on my boat to enhance safety, particularly when anchoring in dark conditions. I chose 45-watt LED floodlights from Amazon, called Jaslites, with 5,500 lumens for bright, stable illumination. They’re designed for harsh marine environments, featuring waterproof DT connectors, an IP67 rating, and aluminum heat sinks for enhanced durability. I … Read more
I’ve been hard at work getting our boat ready for the summer. I wrapped up the electrical upgrades, installing a lithium battery for the windlass and bow thruster with a two-way switch to toggle between it and the old AGM battery system. It’s an experiment to test the lithium’s performance, but I kept the old … Read more
Anne and I are continuing to prepare our 1976 CHB trawler for summer cruising. Part two shows you my work at the boat’s bow: cleaning and rewiring the Side Shift bow thruster for a new LiFePO battery bank and power washing the forward bilge and anchor locker drain passage. Anne is making headway removing the … Read more
In this RV mod video, I add a folding aluminium wall shelf to our RV bedroom. Measuring about 6″ by 12″, it’s a convenient spot for Anne to keep items at the bedside. I needed to mount it on thin wall board of the closet so I used bolts and nylock nuts instead of the … Read more