Boat Safety Grab Handles - Easy Install

 One of the features we were looking for when up-sizing to our 1998 Sea Ray 370 Sundancer was the higher radar arch so that I could stand up comfortably at the helm. This model ticked that box nicely and I'm very happy with how it feels, but that extra height presented an issue that we hadn't considered - safely climbing onto the side decks when underway.

 As this first photo shows, there were a couple of factory installed grab rails on both port and starboard sides of the boat. The one mounted to the side glass adds security when walking alongside, and the larger one on the radar arch is very handy. However, as we travel through many locks each season - we did that 100 times in the 2022 boating season - we felt that climbing in and out of the boat when it is moving would be made much more comfortable by adding another grab rail to the inside of the radar arch. 

Factory installed grab rail on radar arch.

 A somewhat of an easy fix, as we ordered a pair of 16" stainless steel grab rails (*paid link) off of Amazon. They came with studs already installed, as well as nuts for fastening.

New 16" grab rail.

 First step to install was to mark where I wanted them mounted. The two important considerations here were having it placed where it would be most comfortable to reach, as well as access to the inside of the arch so that I could put the nuts on the studs.

Using tape to mark the mounting holes.

  Once I had that figured out, it was time to once gain drill holes in my boat ;-) Note the speaker has been removed to access the hollow part of the radar arch.

Just start drilling!

 

 When drilling into the boat's gelcoat, it's always a good idea to countersink the hole to avoid surface cracks. This is especially true when installing wood screws into the fibreglass.

Countersink the holes in the gelcoat.

 

  Tada! Looks good. The most difficult part of this job was reaching the underside through the radar arch. Ours is only about 2-3" wide on the inside and working in a contorted way was a bit of a struggle.

Looking good!

  Testing out the systems ;-) As this project was done prior to our summer cruise, we had lots of time to test it while underway and I'm happy to say that it worked out perfectly.

Safety first. . .

 An extra benefit of this location was that we could coil up the aft dock line while it wasn't in use. Perfect! 

Dock line storage.

 As this kit came as a pair, I had intended to install the second grab rail on the starboard side of the radar arch. However, the hollow part of the arch on that side is considerably tighter, with virtually no access to where the uppermost stud/nut would be located, so I didn't install that one yet. 

 My current workaround idea might be to epoxy that top one in place, only using the lower stud with the provided nut. I'm thinking that the lower one would take most of the stress anyway, so the epoxy on the top stud should work fine . . .? I'll let you know how that works out when the time comes.

* Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Emergency Engine Hatch Opening - Sea Ray Sundancer

  A number of years ago, a friend/fellow boater had to do some quick repairs in his boat's engine room that required him to be down there with the engine hatch closed. His First Mate stayed above decks, waiting for him to call her to have the hatch opened again. While waiting, she asked herself what would have happened if the electrically operated hatch lift failed while hubby was down there?

 Fortunately for them, there was no issue when it came time to operate the lift, with a simple push of a button at the helm once again magically lifting the hatch. All good.

 Of course, that conversation led to the realization that a back-up plan would be prudent. In case the electrical system failed, or if there wasn't enough power in the batteries to allow the system to function, some sort of manual operation would have to suffice. Happily, most (if not all) boat manufacturers have figured out a workaround for just such a scenario.

 When we originally got our 1998 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer, I investigated to see how I - or potentially one of my rescuers - would perform this function in case of a loss of power.

 On that model, there was a screw out inspection plate (*paid link) on the engine hatch that simply unscrewed if needed. That allows one to both look into the engine room, and more importantly, reach below to access a manual release.

Open-able plate to access the engine room.

 Here's a closer look at the plate, removed for access.

 So, how does one open the hatch? Pictured below is a look at the ram that operates the power lift. The green arrow is pointing at a removable clevis pin (*paid link). By reaching through the removable plate, that pin can be easily pulled out of the ram. Once that has been removed, the entire hatch can be lifted up (on its hinges).

Removable Clevis Pin 

 The only word of caution I'd mention is that the hatch on this boat was quite heavy, so an extra pair of hands might come in handy when lifting. Of course, be very careful if you have to perform this function, as dropping that thing on hands or feet would definitely result in injuries - and that's the last thing any of us wants when enjoying time on the boat...

 * Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Holding Tank Vent Filter

  This being the first year of owning our new-to-us 370 Sundancer, I had spent the majority of my 'Repairs and Upgrades' time working on the pressing matters that I wanted to complete before our summer cruise, but hadn't even thought about the holding tank vent filter. For the first little while, we didn't notice any smells coming from the tank, but about halfway through our 5 week cruise, the telltale smell was starting to be apparent. Luckily for us - and surrounding boaters - this only occurred a few times, but I was eager to replace the vent filter as soon as we got back to our home port marina.

 Looking online to compare prices and options, I discovered a listing on Amazon for a replacement filter (*paid link), but was concerned about the low price more than anything! Having purchased the OEM units for our previous boats, I was a little skeptical as to how well an inexpensive unit might perform, but figured that with Amazon's great return policy, I'd give it a try. 

Comparing unit size before installation.

 The original 'SeaLand' (now part of the Dometic company) brand was what most Sea Rays - as well as many other boat manufacturers - of this vintage came factory equipped with and they have been widely available through aftermarket vendors and marinas. A decent product, but considering that these things are not much more than a plastic tube with charcoal filter, I was hoping that another manufacturer might have been able offer a more reasonably priced solution.

 What I was able to find was this filter (*paid link) offered through Amazon at a very attractive price, so decided to give it a try. Although I'm not familiar with the manufacturer - yachtZmarine - the unit was delivered quickly and swapping it out was simple and straightforward. The old unit was removed by merely unscrewing the two ends from the filter lines, unsnapping it from the plastic mounting brackets and putting the new one in by reversing the process. No more than a few minutes of work and it was all done!

New filter installed in just a few minutes.

  How has it performed? I installed this at the end of August and we've had no more smell after six weeks of regular use. Most manufacturers will recommend replacing these filters annually, but I have found that, in our case, we usually get at least 2 seasons before having to change them. Bear in mind that our boating season generally lasts from beginning of May to middle of October, so keep that in mind for your own situation. That said, we use the facilities on the boat exclusively, never going to the public marina washroom, so our onboard toilet system gets a good workout every year ;-)

* Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Trent Severn Waterway Seasonal Closing for 2022

  Sadly, this coming October 10th will mark the final day of the 2022 navigation season on the lovely Trent Severn Waterway. It certainly was a challenging year for the system, with closures to to high spring waters, ongoing staffing issues at the Big Chute and finally the breakdown of the Kirkfield Lift Lock. 

 The navigation season - the time when boats are able to pass through the locks and use the facilities (washrooms, etc.) - runs from the end of May through to October each year. For a full listing of dates and hours, take a look at the Parks Canada site, here. That site will be updated sometime over the off season, usually by late winter, to give specific dates for the upcoming 2023 season.

 Hopefully, many if those issues can be rectified before the 2023 season rolls around. As we always say in the boating world - there's always next year 😀