[sailingdog]

Bridgedeck

I changed the cockpit on my boat from the standard companionway design to one with a true full bridgedeck that is as high as the cockpit benches, and higher than the transom of the cockpit. This was done to provide some additional storage locker space for the cabin as well as making the boat more seaworthy, but reducing the volume of water that can sit in the cockpit and reducing the risk of downflooding from the cockpit to the cabin.

Marine Head

I also re-plumbed the head to discharge directly in to the holding tank, instead of having a diverter valve and having the choice to pump directly overboard. I then added a diverter valve to the pumpout hose on the holding tank and plumbed that to a Whale Mk V diaphragm pump and then to the seacock and through hull that was previously used by the head. This allows me to empty the tank, even if pumpout facilities aren't available, by sailing out past the three-mile limit.

Ground Tackle

I upgraded the ground tackle from a single six-inch cleat to port and starboard 10" cleats with six-inch bow chocks, a manual anchor windlass and pivoting bow roller. This should be able to handle the rigors of cruising and anchoring out, which the previous ground tackle really wasn't capable of dealing with.

Additional ventilation

I added two solar ventilators to the boat, to help keep the temperatures and humidity down. Well worth doing.

LED Navigation Lights

Since most small sailboats have limited electrical resources... I went and upgraded the navigation lights on my boat to LED-based fixtures... well worth the energy savings and reduced maintenance.