The engine control panel on Moonrise had definitely seen better days. After 37 years of  sun, rain and the occasional kick, the plastic was cracked in several places. The location of the panel, behind the helmsman’s legs has always been inconvenient for reading gauges. It was always a little embarrassing when we were showing the boat and I started the engine.

After 37 years, this is what the engine control panel looks like. What kind of owner would let such horror continue?

What had me stumped was finding a replacement for the panel itself. After our vacation I got serious about finding this part. Sailing Specialties Inc. (http://ssicustomplastics.com/) turned out to have a panel that had dimensions close to the original. The part was about sixty dollars with shipping.

Some assembly required.

Reading the gauges had always been difficult since they were low and behind the driver. I bought new gauges and installed them in a small project box just inside the companionway.  I chose not to install the ammeter thinking that I would buy a digital battery monitor at some point. This freed up a spot for the fuel gauge which used to be tucked in a corner of the quarter berth. This location at the companionway makes it much easier to check the engine’s vital signs but of course it would be nice if they were more visible while steering the boat.

Locating the Instrumentation just inside the companion way makes it easier to keep an eye on the engine.

So, with a minor adjustment to the old engine panel opening, I installed the new panel. To update the boat, I replaced the old engine power switch with a keyed switch. That makes Moonrise more secure as well. Since the instruments are tucked away inside, the panel now just houses the engine start controls. If at some point I want to add a gauge, I can always do so. For now, I think I’ll just enjoy the clean, uncluttered look of the new panel.

It can’t get much simpler than this. From left to right; Turn on Power, Heat Glow Plugs, Start Engine.

This weekend, our traditional rainy weather arrived. I buttoned up this project just as it began to rain in earnest. Now I won’t have to worry about water finding its way onto the electrical system, causing corrosion or worse.

Our galley sink wasn’t terrible but it sure wasn’t great. It was a standard issue, 1975 faucet for cold water only. I tried to make it a little more versatile by adding a sprayer but even that was pretty cheap.

The Old Galley Sink

I had a thought that a proper kitchen faucet with a built in sprayer would be handy. I scoped out the faucets at our hardware store but such a set up would be around a hundred dollars. That seemed kind of high for what is really just a convenience item. As luck would would have it, Melissa and I were shopping at a second hand marine store   (Second Wave Marine Consignment) Where I found just such a faucet for fifty dollars. To make the deal even sweeter, the guy at checkout marked it down to thirty dollars because I have nice eyes.

Our shiny new faucet from Second Wave Marine Supply. Did I mention it cost me thirty bucks?

So, after three or four trips to the hardware store for plumbing bits and pieces, we have a nice new faucet. It is much higher than the old faucet which makes washing and filling pots easier. This little project also allowed me to cover a hole in the countertop that looked like it been hewn by a disgruntled marmot. If we ever decided to add a salt water faucet, that hole is covered up but still available.

Fill a pot with water at the stove? Don’t mind if I do.

Call me easily amused, now I smile every time use our new faucet.