CS34 Upgrades and Modifications

 

This page relates some of the installation issues of some upgrades to my CS34's systems and equipment.  Hopefully these experiences will be of some help or interest to other boat owners.

Table of Contents

  1. Anchor Windlass
  2. Inboard Auto Pilot
  3. Refrigeration
  4. Access Hatches
  5. Battery Bank Upgrade
  6. Holding Tank Level Monitor

1. Installation of Anchor Windlass

Problem
When adding a Lofrans Progress-I electric anchor windlass, we found that the built-in 'mount' for a cleat or windlass was too narrow to allow the windlass motor to fit underneath.  
 
Solution:
We cut out the 'peninsula' mount, and glassed in a wider shelf toward the starboard side 
We installed a circular watertight inspection hatch on the 'ceiling' above your feet in the V-berth to install the motor and access it for maintenance.
 
Implementation:
Here are some photos of the finished installation.  The lead from the winch to the bow roller works well, and the lid can be closed completely without any modification, keeping the foredeck clear of obstacles
 

 
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2. Inboard Auto Pilot

Equipment Selection
Simrad vs. Autohelm
Implementation:
 
 
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3. Refrigeration

SeaFrost BD 12volt
The big question was which ice-box to refrigerate.  We decided to turn the ice-box under the chart-table into a freezer.  This configuration had worked well for other CS34 owners, and the installation was simple with a short run of tubing from the chart table to the compressor which we stored in the wet-locker. We selected a simple air-cooled SeaFrost BD 12volt system.
Implementation:
 

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4. Access Hatches

Problems:
Access to the oil dip stick via the original 6" circular port was always dark and cramped.
Access to the port transom area was almost impossible - you have to enter the starboard lazerette and then worm your way around into a very cramped space below the cockpit transom-seat lazerette/propane locker.
Also, better access to the transom area was needed to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the autopilot drive unit.
Solution:
A number of new hatches were installed that now provide ample access to these areas

    

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5. Battery Upgrade

Motivation:
After adding significant new electrical loads I upgraded the house battery bank and bank wiring.
Implementation:
The house bank was upgraded to three G27 deep cycle batteries located in the three original battery boxes in the aft cabin.  The engine starting battery was relocated to a new battery box installed on the floor of the wet-locker.  A BlueSea  8080 dual-bank cross-over switch replaced the vestigial 'big red 1-All-2-Off switch' and separate Engine Master Switch.  A Heart Eco-charge combiner ensures the engine battery is charged by the Inverter/charger when we are connected to shore power.  Batteries are charged by the alternator or a Heart Inverter/Charger installed in a teak cabinet in the aft cabin.  (see upper-right corner of transom access-hatch photo)
           
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6. Holding Tank Level Monitor

Motivation:
 
Implementation:
 

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Copyright © 1996-2001  David Cornfield.  All rights reserved.
Revised: August 21, 2001.