May 2023

 May 6,

I finished the plumbing runs to the shower sump and hooked it up to the holding tank. I finished installing the ceiling on the port side and installed the joists for the sole. I also worked out (mostly) the runs for the hot and cold water runs.

The shower sump is connected at last. The 1.5" PVC runs to both shower drains and the Vet berth lavatory drain. The grey water is pumped from the sump to thorough a 1" PVC pipe to the holding tanks. The fitting at the top of the page is a one-way valve or back flow preventer. I also added a ball valve right before the pipe enters the holding tank. I removed the cheap stainless pipe clamps and will replace those with high quality clamps.

May 10,

Running the PEX for hot and cold water. I sure do love how PEX is colored. 

A close up of the run from the galley sink where the hot water heater is to the port cabin lavatory (left, center), the starboard lavatory and shower (right, bottom), and the fee berth shower and lavatory (right, middle).

Under the galley counter is the propane powered hot water heater. I've used this brand of hot water heater in a cabin for 15 years. Very reliable and uses two "D" celled batteries for ignition. It is ventless and very efficient. I might have to put a heat shield under the counter above the exhaust but I doubt it. I'll check temperatures when I fist power it up. 3/4" PEX from the tank to the hot water heater. 3/4" PEX from the hot water heater to where the first branch is in the line. 1/2" PEX will come off the hot water heater to the galley sink.

Hot water heater connected with Tees heading toward galley sink. 1/5" drain is for galley sink as well.

We got the bead board cut into the Vee berth. No easy task.  The 3/4" boards need a good twist and curve to fit.

Removed, primed both sides, and reinstalled.

Finally hooked up the starboard head run to the holding tanks.  Notice the ball valve. Every connection to the holding tank has a ball valve. The tank is vented via a 3/8" braided clear hose. I will use a fuel tank vent through the hull near the scuppers. 

Port head run tying into the port holding tank with a sanitary tee to run to the galley sink. Venting of the tank is through the 3/8" nipple on top that will have a hose eventually.

The starboard head run branching to the starboard lavatory. The blocks of wood behind the 1..5" PVC supports the forced bend in the plumbing until the PVC glue is cured. Once removed, the PVC assumes a gentle bend. 

Port head run not quite finished.

May 28,

Working on finishing up the rough plumbing and adding all the tank vents so the cabinetry can be finished.

Installed the fresh water sending unit (upper right). Removing the access panel to the fresh water tank was really difficult so I added a tee handle. It is so easy now. I still have to add a ground wire to the sender unit so I'm not quite ready to bolt the access panel down yet. The port side is similar.

This is the fresh water vent. There is one on each side. The tape covers a 3/8" nipple where a hose will attached and vent the fresh water tanks under the settee. The blackwater tanks are vented through the hull near the scuppers to avoid odors. The port side is similar.

Fitting the cabinet front for the starboard berth. This is a trial fitting before it is glued up on a work bench.

It fit, so it is being glued up and screwed together from the rear. Yes, workbench is a mess. If you're working, there is not time for tidiness. 

Planing the bevel on the port cabin sole that will be under the berth. 

Measuring for the cut-outs for the plumbing and hull frame in the upper left corner.

A nice fit. I've also extended the supply lines to the port cabin lavatory  (right). 

Cabinet front tacked into place. Three nice sized drawers and three nice sized cabinets.