Modifications, repairs and improvements, 28TE

[Norseman]

More on fuses:
The mid float switch meltdown was most likely an internal failure of some kind, corrosion causing resistance and high temperatures perhaps? Initially I thought the pump needed a 10 amp fuse, but then realized there are 2 models of the Jabsco pump and they both look the same: 4 or 8 GPM, my boat has the 8 needing a 15 amp fuse.
Today I installed 4 AGC (fast blow) fuses whereas the old ones was MDL (slow blow) fuses. (All 15s)
I will also carry MDL fuses on the boat, but for now will try they AGC:
The meltdown of the switch spooked me: Horrible burned smell and fumes, Turned off all the 12 switches and the 12 volt panel and it kept burning/melting, turned off both battery switches and it kept burning/melting. (Auto pump function bypasses the panel, but not the fuse)
Let me know if anybody else had a similar problem with the mid bilge pump or switch.

[MerryKate]

Norseman - I long ago replaced the remote mounted Jabsco 38600 pump + Rule float switch setup with a Whale Supersub automatic low- profile pump. Much simpler and cheaper system. The Whale is super efficient, is well made and fits perfectly in the lowest area under the shaft log. I replaced the factory wiring on the bilge pump circuit with 10 gauge tinned wiring and use the same fuse location on the helm panel. One of the simplest and best mods I’ve done.

[Norseman]

Norseman - I long ago replaced the remote mounted Jabsco 38600 pump + Rule float switch setup with a Whale Supersub automatic low- profile pump. Much simpler and cheaper system. The Whale is super efficient, is well made and fits perfectly in the lowest area under the shaft log. I replaced the factory wiring on the bilge pump circuit with 10 gauge tinned wiring and use the same fuse location on the helm panel. One of the simplest and best mods I’ve done.

Good idea, I may go that way next time I remove the water pump for easier access.
Did you install the Whale with the engine in place, or removed?

[MerryKate]

No, with the engine in place. It’s not easy, but with lots of contortions I can barely reach one-handed almost back to where the flat spot on top of the skeg starts (just under the fwd edge of the fuel tank). I used the 3/4” outlet version, which is tiny, pre-assembled everything, and then kind of shoved it in place. I’ll try to take some pictures next time I’m at the boat. I did this a while ago and I’m not as skinny as I used to be !

https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?p ... &id=938565

[Norseman]

Installed a Furuno Navtex recently, good for long range weather forecast in the Bahamas. Pain in the rear to run the antenna wire, had to splice in 3 RG58 coax connectors and an extension as the cable was too short.
While I had all the panels off, ran cables for a future solar panel and controller.

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[Norseman]

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Got the solar panel installed, works great. 4.6 amp today, not bad for a panel rated at 4.1, the MPPT controller is doing its magic.
The controller can be remotely controlled via Bluetooth and apps on phone and iPad: Turn the panel On or Off, Equalization, read all watts, amps, daily history, etc. Clever technology..

[Norseman]

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Screen shot from the Albin 28TE Group on Facebook showing the equipment I installed: Roughly $400.00 including shipping, another $50.00 (at least) for cable, connectors, cable ties, etc..

[jms02050]

Wasn't aware of an Albin 28 facebook page - a quick search came up empty. What size/type of panel is that? Looks smaller than 100W. Also, did you use z-clips to mount to the hardtop? Been looking for a setup to run my fridge/top off the house battery while on the hook. Would love more details...

[Norseman]

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Final tweak, drilled 6 holes and installed vinyl loops for support of the cable loom.
Panel mounted with rubber washers to prevent galvanic corrosion and dampen vibration. Each bracket has 4 rubber washers, 8 brackets, lots of rubber. Did the same with controller, rubber mounted.

[Norseman]

Wasn't aware of an Albin 28 facebook page - a quick search came up empty. What size/type of panel is that? Looks smaller than 100W. Also, did you use z-clips to mount to the hardtop? Been looking for a setup to run my fridge/top off the house battery while on the hook. Would love more details...

Search for Albin 28TE Boats on Facebook, can’t miss us..
The panel is 75 watts, but with an MPPT controller you get more performance, like a 100 watt panel, some clever engineering and a bit of magic going on.
Not quite Z clamps, more like double L.
Found a really good product, Anodized Aluminum, love it: Just the right size for the curved hard top on the Albin 28TE and plenty ventilation underneath for optimum performance.

[Ben423]

Nice looking installation. You should have more than enough power with that panel. It's great to be energy independent!

[Norseman]

Hit the wrong button and “Saved Draft” instead of posting another epic massage. How in Allah’s Name to I find the darn draft and post it?
Is there a basement full of saved drafts around here?
This is indeed a case for Nancy Drew, please help out an old dinosaur..

[Norseman]

Wasn't aware of an Albin 28 facebook page - a quick search came up empty. What size/type of panel is that? Looks smaller than 100W. Also, did you use z-clips to mount to the hardtop? Been looking for a setup to run my fridge/top off the house battery while on the hook. Would love more details...

Here is the brackets:

. Windy Nation's Solar Panel Z-Bracket Mounting Kit

Windy Nation's Solar Panel Z-Bracket Mounting Kit makes it easy to mount solar panels to recreational vehicles (RV's), boats, cabins or anywhere else where you need a simple yet reliable method to mount solar panels. This kit is suitable for mounting solar panels up to 150 Watts.


What's Included:
4pcs anodized aluminum Z-Brackets
4pcs 1/4" diameter stainless steel bolts (1/2" long)
4pcs stainless steel flat washers
4pcs k-lock stainless steel nuts (will not vibrate loose)

[Nancy]

Hit the wrong button and “Saved Draft” instead of posting another epic massage. How in Allah’s Name to I find the darn draft and post it?
Is there a basement full of saved drafts around here?
This is indeed a case for Nancy Drew, please help out an old dinosaur..

Did you find it yet? Toward the top right of any page, just below where it saysm "Hi, Norseman!" click on User Control Panel. On the left side, select Manage Drafts. Good luck!

[Norseman]

Yup, found it and clicked save..No option to hit : “Post it now”
It was not terrible important, just a comment on something that somebody commented on..