6 days on Penobscot Bay, Me

[2manyboats]

Finally got the time to complete some finishing touches to our A25fc. The hardtop makes a great foul weather enclosure but you need to be 25 years old to climb in and out through the window openings. A hatch was the anserwer but a rainy June and busy July put our cruising plans on hold.

Aug 18th we launched in Stockton Springs Harbor, Me with a planned voyage of 8 Days. One of the two new house batteries developed problem. I think it shorted internally. Both are L-16s and suddenly they were draining rapidly and smelled of hydrogen-sulfate.

So our trip was cut short by a couple of days. Not all was lost because we had a great time, lobster feast, crystal clear nights and beautiful sunrises. (which is my favorite time of day, Hence our boat is named First Light)

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[glk34]

I am really interested in the hardtop. Did you do the install or is it one of the west coast kits? We have a couple of A25s here in NB Canada and we are looking at the extended hardtop design. Your boat looks great. What does it have for an engine?

Chris
Iron Jack

[2manyboats]

The boat was restored in 2011-2012. It was repowered with the Beta 38. The hardtop I beleive was a custom build, marine plywood with a hatch over the helm. The cabin floor at the helm was raised level with the engine box. With hatch open you can stand and look out.

I liked the hardtop, but crawling in and out through the windows was uncomfortable, so I opened up the aft starboard corner of the top and built a hinged hatch. I also built two steps leading down to the settee. We now board the swim platform, up the aft rail which I modified, and walk easily over the aft cabin roof and no more acrobatics to get below.

We are located just south of Bangor if you would like to see the boat and take notes. It was pretty well thought out when rebuilt. We will be headed to florida later this month

Thanks for the compliments

Wayne

[WillieC]

2manyboats, I would love to see your pics of how your lid was modified for easy access. We could swing up and take a look since we are not far from Portland...oh wait, that's Portland, Oregon. Never mind.

I agree that the side entry is a pain with the hardtop, and not getting easier. I have the full BC hardtop, fiberglass and I am handy with tools, good thing since I am not handsome. There is one in Everett, recently from BC that has a custom aluminum top with hinged openings on both sides. Very nice.
You got a good one. Happy boating!

[2manyboats]

WillieC; Thanks for the compliments. My wife and I are late sixties and it was just a matter of time before one of us lost our grip on the hardtop while trying to shinny through the opening, and ended up in the drink. Plus no more leg cramps, backaches and pulled muscles after each entry or exit.