Re: Overnighter - Cockpit Lights & NAV Light pole
Guys,
Wanted to chime in, make an observation and then horn in on your expertise:
First, I have a 1990 204c with the bent pole nav light. Perko definately made the replacement bulbs (they are in there working now), and I have assumed the entire unit.
Second, i have a soft-top (which is always up, especially when running at night), and find that the white Nave light is a night-vision killer. The bent pole has a black, tear-drop shaped plastic "guard" just below the bulb itself, but I find it does little to actually block the light from hitting my eyes. Has anyone thought of a modification on this? It is bearable, and I want to be seen afterall, but it would be nice if there was a way to reduce the glare.
Third, my starboard cockpit light went out on me the other night - the one behind the helm seat next to the fish box. I am assuming this, too, will be a Perko replacement part - can anyone save me a trip to the boat and tell me which one? I am hoping to get out fishing on Friday night, and not sure I will make it down there to pull the bulb before I go.
By the way, I posted when I first got the boat last November - I love the freaking thing! It has been a perfect "starter" boat for my small family (wife and 3 yr old son), who had not boated before. I actually took up fishing - I grew up on boats but never really was a fisherman - just to extend the boating season, and found a new passion. Who knew? As for the boat, it was structurally sound but needed some attention when we got it, but we polished it up over the last year and it is starting to really shine. Here is what I can remember doing off hand - I know there are a few items missing, but you will get the idea:
*Cleaned it top to bottom, and the cabin fuzzy stuff and old blue "accept" carpet - which we assumed we were replacing - came back fine.
*Same with the faux wood - soap, water, and a little of that paint thinner stuff recommended elswhere on the site (name escapes me) and it looks fine, if not "new."
*Same with the canvas - most pleasant surprise was when we opened the eisenglass and saw that it had probably never been used. We replaced the old fuel tank with a brand new one for peace of mind.
*The engine was in great shape (a 2005 left over that was installed in 2006) but we had every pump, hose, and fitting replaced anyway - again, peace of mind - runs like a top. A typical 2-banger smoky top that requires a little practice to understand her, but a top nonetheless!
*New batteries.
*Had brand new cushions made for inside and out - white with navy piping - SHARP!
*Took off the top-opening door at the helm and replaced it with black starboard so I could flush mounted a new VHS and iPod radio to black starboard. Mounted two small cube speaker in the gunnels.
*Mounted a new garmin ff.
*New ritchie compass
*Bought a RAM mount for my iPad, which I mounted on the "oh cr@p" handle on the helm - I use that with iNavx exclusively for my GPS (with an external bluetooth GPS antennae). Works great, though admittedly hard to operate in a real chop! Just have to set it up before you hit the gas.
*Had a brand new storage box fabricated for under the port seat, and a brand new door fabricated for under the starbard seat.
*Refinished all the interior teak (all of 4 pieces!). Wasn't hard, but I figure that is a bi-annual thing at most.
*Replaced the cabin light.
*Had a pro clean out all of the "old" wiring from 20 years of electronics long gone, rewire where necessary, put in a new fuse block, and most importantly, LABEL it all for me!
*Had wiper motor replaced.
*Had bow spot light re-wired so it now works - I still have to replace the motor on that.
*Put in an extended telescoping swim ladder - so my parents (ok, and me) can get on and off the boat!
Did a bunch of other, little things, too, to make the boat "mine." It is almost there. Main items for the off season are a new livewell/washdown pump, fixing/reinstalling the line guide on the starbard side of the bow pulpit (yes, I have one of those), and installing the stainless bottle opener I bought! We also removed some old hardware from the previous owner - a binoculars case, a filet knife block - we had sealed the holes, but never got around to wetsanding and "prettying up." That's what the winter is for!
Of course, even as I write this I realize it looks like the beginnings of a "for sale" ad - not far off! My favorite memories as a kid were traveling places and staying over with my parents/sister. My kid was a little young for that this season - and the wife was new to boating - but given how much we loved using the boat this year, I already have my eye on a Marlin - looks to me like that little aft cabin would be perfect for one or two little ones! Ahh, but that is another post . . .
