For now this is a post that may be updated from time-to-time, and could possibly turn into a page or a series of blog posts documenting the larger upgrades. Leave a comment below or send us a message to let us know if there is anything here you’d like more information on. If there’s enough interest in a certain topic we can dive into a more detailed post.
2017
- C-Head Composting head – http://www.c-head.com/
- Interior LED Cabin Lights – https://amzn.to/2p3SI1n
- Radar Reflector – https://amzn.to/2x1gu1r
- Rocna 20KG Anchor – https://amzn.to/2QlPGC0
- Lofrans Royal Windlass – http://www.lofrans.com/product/
- Engine Sound Proofing – https://www.sailorssolutions.com/
- Cellphone Signal Booster – https://amzn.to/2x2Pte9
- 3g/4g Cell Phone Antenna – https://amzn.to/2O8zz9o
- Sunbrella Handrail, Compass, Winch & Windlass Covers – DIY
- Handheld VHF – https://amzn.to/2QhecEl
- 200′ of 5/16 HT chain – Kendor Marine
- Mantus Heavy Duty Swivel S2 – https://amzn.to/2O7Rltj
- Mantus Anchor Bridle & Chain Hook – https://amzn.to/2x5xRxU
- Ocean Signal MOB Device – https://amzn.to/2N0YVt4
- ACR ResQlink+ PLB – https://amzn.to/2N6MJqU
- Garmin InReach Sat Communicator – https://amzn.to/2oYA9LC
2018
- 330AH Firefly Oasis G31 Battery Bank – https://www.bruceschwab.com/
- Victron Energy BMV-712 Battery Monitor – https://amzn.to/2NqZNqz
- 420 Watts Custom Flexible Solar Panels – https://amzn.to/2oXlJM7
- 2x – Victron Energy Smart Solar Charge Controllers – https://amzn.to/2x4OBFP
- Full Heavy Duty Electrical Wiring Upgrade – DIY
- LED Nav Litghts – https://amzn.to/2O5zW4h
- New Sherwood G65 Raw Water pump – https://amzn.to/2N4Yn5p
- Spare Raw Water Pump with Rebuild kit
- 6-Series 120A Balmar Alternator with MC-614 external controller & temp sensors – https://amzn.to/2NteLfF
- New PVC Headliner in main salon
2019
- New Main Halyard – 8mm VPC Line, Sold by the Foot, Blue Fleck
- New Heat Exchanger, Fuel Lines & coolant lines for engine – https://www.mrcool.us/14129-westerbeke-heat-exchanger.html
- Added 4th Firefly Oasis G31 House Battery for total of 440AH – https://www.bruceschwab.com/
- Stripped Hull to Gelcoat & Applied new Ceramic Barrier Coat & Copper Coat bottom paint – http://www.coppercoatusa.com/ (Use “Sailing Soulianis” for a special discount)
- E-Propulsion Spirit 1.0 Electric Outboard, with Spare Battery and 12v Solar Charger https://www.epropulsion.com/spirit-1
- UL 260 Highfield Rigid Bottom Inflatable Dinghy – http://www.highfieldboats.com/ultralite-260/
- New 110% Headsail from Precision Sails – https://www.precisionsailloft.com/partner-sailing-soulianis
- New 3-bow bimini from Sailrite in Silver Sunbrella
- New Dinghy Anchor – https://www.mantusmarine.com/mantus-dinghy-anchor/
- Upgrade Stereo with Bluetooth, Fusion MS-RA55 – https://amzn.to/2qQ7fBI
- Replacement Cockpit Speakers, 5″ white/round – https://amzn.to/371LaRl
- Rewired Mast, New Masthead, Steaming & Foredeck Lights, New VHF Antenna & Wiring
- Rebed, Polish & Install New Hardware for Chainplates
- New Dyneema Lazy Jack Halyards
- Re-core Deck around Port Forward Chainplate
2020
- New Secondary Main Halyard/Topping Lift
- All New Standing Rigging, Pins Shackles Everything – http://macksails.com/
- Re-plumb Fresh Water Pump and Deck Fill with Strainer
- New Running Rigging for Spinnaker Pole (topping lift and car guy)
- New Radial Partially Battened Mainsail – https://www.precisionsailloft.com/partner-sailing-soulianis/
- Refinished all Exterior Teak
- New Spinnaker Halyard
- Canvas Toe-rail Covers
Great post! We have a 3-year plan to start cruising and I’ll be using this list as a major reference. Two questions:
-Now that you’ve had the Firefly batteries for a few seasons, what is your overall impression and how are they holding up?
-Also, do you have an RO watermaker? I thought you did in an episode, but I didn’t see it on the list here and I’d love to know which one and why
Hi Ryan, Sounds awesome! Our batteries have been great thus far. Very happy with them. No issues and we’re happy to know that even if we did have an issue there’s still plenty of warranty left! We did install a 4 stage RO water filter, but not for desalination. Just to filter our tank water. It was purchased from Bulk Reef Supply.
Just finished a 2 day binge on all the episodes. Truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing. The one thing I did not get a clear feeling for was the head. Is the shower suitable and spacious enough for daily showers or is it more of a “if you really have to” facility?
Hi Den, thanks for watching, glad to hear you enjoyed our videos! The shower could be usable for a smaller person, but we’ve never used it. We’ve opted for cockpit “showers” really it’s a bucket bath.
Hi Guys,
I love all your DIY projects and am about to build a solar array for our bimini top and I was wondering how your flexible solar panels held up in the Florida sun ? Do you have any advice now that yours have been deployed for a couple years ?
Hi Steve, The panels have held up pretty well. They are still putting out very close to their rated wattage as far as we can tell. So no issues there.
But the panels are definitely looking used. We have some issues where the wires are getting weak where they enter the box on top of the panel. The boxes are filled with silicone, so after speaking with Lensun Solar the manufacture, they said I should be able to pull those out, and re-solder the connections. However it started happening almost immediately after their 2 year warranty expired… and they are not going to cover the repairs. So other than that, I’d say we’ve been pretty satisfied. They are way lighter and easier to store than the glass panels which is why we went flexible… just not quite as durable, which we knew going into it.
We have a tartan also love your videos. Just acquired a radar pole. How do you have yours mounted
Hi Scott, our radar is also mounted on a pole on the stern. It’s through-bolted and then lashed onto the stern rail for additional support.
Hey Lauren, Kirk, (I feel like I know you after watching so many videos). I also have a Tartan 37 – based on the Pamlico sound. Anyways, I’m curious how the engine sound proofing held up after a few years. Are you still happy with it? Is the installation worth the effort? I hate motoring – it wakes up our toddler when I have to turn on the beast…
We are in total agreement, we can’t stand turning on the motor, and do so as little as possible. The sound deadening was a major improvement. We haven’t noticed any degradation or any wear or tear as of yet. The worst noise for us now, is due to vibration. We think we have a bad engine mount, and taking care of that should cut the rest of the noise considerably.
Hey Kirk & Lauren, love the videos!
Could you share the details on your DIY bimini and where that came from? I have a sailrite which I haven’t learned to use yet but will soon need a bimini. Would you go the DIY route again, or have one made? Was the cost difference worth it?
Thanks,
Grant
Hi Grant, We got our supplies from Sailrite. Check out this post for all the details: Building a 3 Bow Sailrite Bimini
I love this video for many reasons. West Shore and Sweet Dreams throughout.
I’m curious about how the composting toilet is working out. Are you happy with it?
Also, is the boat for sale.
Very. It has been excellent for our needs. The boat is no longer for sale. It sold immediately and we’re hunting for #2 right now. Looking at a boat this weekend 🙂