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So I'm at a point where to complete our solar panel install, I just need to wire the controllers (MPPTs) to the house batteries. The only thing is that my ratcheting crimper will only go as large as 10 AWG wire. The marina has a large crimping tool, but it only goes as small as 4 AWG. I tried the 8 AWG with my crimping tool but destroyed the lug as a result (not surprising).

I've looked at all the local big stores like HomeDepot, Rona, and Canadian Tire, with no luck. I' starting to think I'll ask at the garage on Thursday when I take our van in for its seasonal oil change!n I'm getting desperate.

Does anyone know of a place that would sell/loan a crimper for 6 & 8 AWG wires?

Another potential water intrusion area is in and around the emergency tiller access port. Water sometimes builds up in there and then drips through.

For your number three question, about tank meter for holding tank, take a look at the Profile tank meter (http://www.ferriellosales.com/monitoring-systems.html).

I installed one into our C34 MkII, and used it to measure holding tank and both water tanks. You can also get sensors for your fuel tanks, but you probably want that to show up- at your helm instead. I'd keep it separate.

Ferriello Sales were helpful, and when my unit prematurely died on me (apparently an EM pulse I was told), he sent me a replacement at no charge.

Hi Roc,

Yes, we have. It landed in the water last Thursday, mast went on this past Monday, and we hope to sail it this coming weekend, assuming the weather holds. We've been having crazy rainy weather here. In fact the broker is currently trying to fix a number of leaks that we/I discovered last weekend (all above the waterline). I guess the wet weather is good for something.

And if you are feeling energetic and looking for luxury, the C425 has a self-contained sump-box with a float and mini-bilge pump in it, that their shower drains into, and the pump just pumps out when it starts to fill! Just need to size a small water tight box into the bilge somewhere. 

On our C34 Mk II the shower drain went to the same pump as the icebox drain, under the galley sink. Not sure if the MkI has/had a pump for that, but that would also be a potential option. It was easy to get to both pump and values.

John,

Ours was 1602 (I know its later tan your) and like Roc's we also had a breaker under nav station just like below. So in your situation you only have one breaker? Maybe you can add a second, if there is room?

Its a standard access panel (screw style). Take look at at what is just above it outside. It could be access to the underside of a winch and it's bolts or something like that.

Our C34 had a similiar simple latch [https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Turning-Padlock-Mount/dp/B01DHBWQAU/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1494872831&sr=1-7&keywords=stainless+steel+latch].

It is mounted off onto the starboard side of the top board and sliding hatch. The hinged piece is on the board. You do not want it on top, or you'll curse every time you hit your head on it (usually on wavy days when you need to get out quickly).

We just use a Canadian Tire, all weather pad lock. Works great. Is simple. Anyone that really wants into the boat, can easily break the plexi on the cabin hatches.

"Both jib sheets lead to port and both head back to the cockpit on the port side? "

Uum, I'd love to see you sailing on port tack with out a starboard sheet! ;) I'm guessing that's meant to be "jib halyards"?

Yes, our two jib halyards run aft on the port side and the main halyard and topping lift on the starboard side. It easier when doing sail changes, raising and lowering them.

The spare jib halyard (ours is the starboard one) gets tied back to the cabin top handrail on the starboard side. Sometimes we tie it off forward of the forestay on the big pulpit.

Before you try a cleaner, have you tried just using warm water and a mild dish detergent. It might just be a layer of air pollutants that have collected on the surface.

Since you point out that the charge out put has not been affected, i'd be careful using something that would coat the surface with a wax and potentially get between the light and the panel surface.

If you really want to do it, you could do a test one just one panel and see if there is a difference between the two?

Oh, almost forgot. The "spare" was a type 31. It does fit into that starboard space beside the HW tank (at least for us). There is a bit of juggling when building the shelf. Too low and its not wide enough, too high and there is no room for the battery height and the terminal connections. I do a lot of figuring out with card board mock-ups.

Thanks Scott,

I didn't post all the details for building the tray, since this post isn't about that. If you plan to do something similiar, I can discuss with you further on a different thread or offline.

As for a divider between the batteries and hot water tank, our boat did not have one. It only had a 2x4 across the top to hold the beasts down. (see picture)

As for the charger, there was some concern with respect to that particular model. Personally we did experience any issue (thankfully), but the new charger is considerable better and does a better job of charging and maintaining the battery. As Stu suggested, please review the critical/highly recommended upgrades online. I'd focus on them first.

Cheers, Fred.

...and the box for the charger, also acts as the new shelf for the trash bin.

The existing charger we removed, as well as its mounting plate and trash bin shelf. Cut an opening and installed a four sided box in behind the opening. The box was open to the bottom to allow the wire to go down and under the galley bulkhead into the battery locker.

You can just see the spare battery beyond. I though i took more picture of it, just still need to find them. And that's the old Flyback charger over there by the trash bin.