Hardtop/Windows Complete, Cutlass Bearing Installed, Tiller Handle Installed, and Anchor System Complete

I replaced the cutlass bearing but changed out the shaft diameter since I wanted to change from the original 30mm shaft to a 1 1/8 inch diameter shaft.  The outside diameter of the cutlass bearing is 1 3/4 inches, which surprised me considering it was built in the land of metrics.  Pic below:

I added an aluminum plate to the front of the anchor platform to keep anchors off of the wood.  I notched the plate so the edges of the fortress anchor could fit in to hold it in place. Pic below:

Here is the front view of the hardtop and windshield.  I used 1/4 inch thick lexan for the windows and trimmed them in teak and a little mulberry.  Mulberry is very rot resistant and looks almost exactly like teak. I used silicone caulk to seal everything. Pic Below:

Here is the installed bow skene chock.  They are nice Suncor hardware. Pic Below:

Here is the installed cherry tiller handle I milled out of a cherry log that I got from my neighbors yard.  It had a natural curve in the trunk that allowed me to follow the grain to make the nice bend in the handle. Pic Below:

Looking forward and above at the hardtop.  I added teak handles and trim on the aft end to keep water from dripping over the edge.  The hardtop is finally completed.  It was a lot of work but I think it turned out nice.  All I have left now is installing the engine and rigging the boat at dockside. The engine, a Beta Marine 38,  is ordered and should be here in a month.  The sails, from Mack sails,  are ordered and should be here soon too.  I should have the boat in the water this Fall is all goes well.

Holding tank setup on Rasmus

Hi all,
This month it became law in Canada to have a holding tank in all waters.  As a result, I have to install a holding tank ASAP.

I'm looking for advice - so I will learn from others - and get it right the first time.  Anything you can share - diagrams, photos, commentary would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Dave DeWolfe
discoverysailing.com
Rasmus #330

Cape Horn Self Steer Installed, New Batteries, and New Varnish

I received the Cape Horn Windvane Self Steering gear about a week ago and took the time to install it last week.  I ordered the outboard model and it was fairly easy to install.  It took me two days working alone and it looks to be a pretty good installation.

I also ordered a tiller head from the CapeHorn Company and it fit perfectly and will enable me to steer with either the windvane or a tiller handle which I can easily bolt onto the tiller head.

I also added a teak rack in front of the windshield just in case I needed an extra spot to hold a solar panel or other gear I might lash down on top.

I had time to put another coat of varnish on the interior.  I will probably apply one more good coat and call it good.

I also installed my two Lifeline 4D AGM batteries giving me about 450 amp/hours of power for cold drinks on those hot days. I thought I got a real good price from BD Batteries out of Denver.  They also shipped free! 

I am ordering the engine within the month and hopefully get her in the water by no later than September.