Modifications, repairs and improvements, 28TE

[Sisu22]

Norseman, what kind of non-skid paint are you using on top of the pilothouse?

[dabeachman]

Installed new Bimini top today.
The aft flap rolls up for running, or stays down for shade at anchor.
Removing the poles and the top becomes a sun shade for storage between voyages, picture of that config in a day or two.
Also 2 fat bean bag chairs in the cockpit. Comfy..

What corner poles did you use and where did you get them?

[Norseman]

Norseman, what kind of non-skid paint are you using on top of the pilothouse?

As far as I know, the non-skid on the hardtop is factory: I asked the previous owner and he never did anything up there.
It is getting chalky and oxidized, but still doing ok, although I could roll on a coat of something from West Marine in the future. Did a patch with some non-skid deck paint from Petit (I think) and the color match was ok out of the box.

[Norseman]

Installed new Bimini top today.
The aft flap rolls up for running, or stays down for shade at anchor.
Removing the poles and the top becomes a sun shade for storage between voyages, picture of that config in a day or two.
Also 2 fat bean bag chairs in the cockpit. Comfy..

What corner poles did you use and where did you get them?

The corner posts are custom made. The machine shop did not have that diameter poles in anodized aluminum, just raw, hence I had them powder coated to look anodized and last long.

[Jmk2000]

Certainly appears that way

[Jmk2000]

What material did you use for the deck, it looks great...

Used Seadek http://www.seadek.com/
They have all kinds of different colors and patterns. I chose faux teak with white “seams”.
They came out and used some computer scanner to measure every inch of the deck and platform, them fed the result into their cutting computer, cut it last week and installed it today. The product is really foam and soft when you walk on with bare feet. I don’t fish so there is no problem with blood and guts on the “teak” and red wine will be out-lawed on the boat.
(Seadek says it can be cleaned with 10% bleach and they give a 3 year warranty on color and fading)
Overall I am pleased with the product and will take the boat out for a test ride tomorrow to check out the new steering wheel and the new deck.

I really like how that SeaDeck looks. How much did that set you back out of curiosity.

[JackK]

Air intakes:
I find it fascinating that these engine/bilge Air inlets are pointing forward, as in towards the bow.
It seems a recipe for scooping saltwater into the boat, rather than keeping water out.
Are these mounted the wrong way from the factory....?

That is the way the factory intended them to be installed. Kind of a ram to force air in and around the engine. I thought it was a source of water in the bilge but when I contacted the factory (back in '03) they told me not to turn them around as the engine compartment will not get the proper flow of air.

[Norseman]

Air intakes:
I find it fascinating that these engine/bilge Air inlets are pointing forward, as in towards the bow.
It seems a recipe for scooping saltwater into the boat, rather than keeping water out.
Are these mounted the wrong way from the factory....?

That is the way the factory intended them to be installed. Kind of a ram to force air in and around the engine. I thought it was a source of water in the bilge but when I contacted the factory (back in '03) they told me not to turn them around as the engine compartment will not get the proper flow of air.

I took a chance and turned them around, got tired of looking at rust streaks in the bilge from salt water spray,
Only turned the 2 lower ones, the upper Starboard stays facing forward.
Not sure how much ram-effect those little vents are good for at 17 knots, but since I usually run slow the engine does not need a lot of air.
Found both vents to be compromised with loose welds and rust damage was evident with rusty streaks bleeding down the sides.
Used “A-Must-For-Rust” acid to clean them good and used metal polish and WD-40 to protect the metal, although it probably won’t last long.

Looks like replacements are available from Atwood with the model number 1488, $39.95 at Amazon and other online places.

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[Capt Brad]

I replaced mine on my 06 with like brand- sea dog from defender.
Brad

[Paddy]

Decided to inspect under the helm seat after checking this thread this morning. Took the drawer out and stuck my head in. The vent hose was attached but 95% off at the intake (hanging on by the wire), so saltwater has been coming in for some time. The waste pump had corrosion, macerator was getting there and auto pilot minimal. Took the vent off, fixed the vent hose, cleaned up any rust and sprayed the heck out of everything with some CRC heavy duty marine protectant.

Thanks to Norseman for putting the idea in my head!

[Norseman]

. Took the vent off, fixed the vent hose, cleaned up any rust and sprayed the heck out of everything with some CRC heavy duty marine protectant.

Wow, hope it works good for you.

[Paddy]

Temp fix for now, will give it more attention during winter layup. Just surprised to follow the vent hose all the way up only to find it hanging off where it meets the forward facing starboard vent.

[RobS]

Paddy, doesn't that mean that all you have done now is to redirect all of that salt air/mist directly into the engine area?

[Paddy]

I have multiple vent hoses (look like dryer hoses) that connect to my grills. One was cut open right behind the forward facing starboard vent, so saltwater spray was coming in. With the hose reconnected, any spray / mist is directed down a 4' hose to the bilge. What would be the proper alternative as this setup appears to be from the factory?

[Pitou]

I have multiple vent hoses (look like dryer hoses) that connect to my grills. One was cut open right behind the forward facing starboard vent, so saltwater spray was coming in. With the hose reconnected, any spray / mist is directed down a 4' hose to the bilge. What would be the proper alternative as this setup appears to be from the factory?

Turn the vents from facing forward to aft in order to limit salt spray intake which not only goes to your bilge, but in turn is drawn into your engine air intake filter and into your engine.