One Ocean, the 48-foot, 1995 Westerly sailing vessel is nearing completion of her refit in preparation for the Around-the-Americas Expedition – T-Minus 50 Days to Launch (May 3rd) – an expedition for science and education. Mike Beemer, Skagit College Department Chair at the Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, along with marine tech students, volunteers, and One Ocean Captain Mark Schrader have been working at break-neck speed on the long list of extensive refit projects.
Followers of the Around-the-Americas Expedition can watch all the refit action via Skagit Valley College YouTube videos at SVC Skallywags. To watch the latest videos, click HERE):
Engine Work. The engine was removed to replace pumps, turbos, and injectors. The engine was re-installed using the school’s forklift. All the needed fluids were added, antifreeze, oil, and oil for the gearbox thanks to tech student Tim. A new alternator belt was installed with a modified bracket for extra strength. Throttle cables and new hydraulic shift cables were installed and refilled with hydraulic fluid and bled.
Exhaust System. The marine-wet exhaust system has been rebuilt with new risers and supports, with the water injection elbow installed up high to prevent water from backflowing into the engine, especially important when in heavy seas or heeled over. Properly installed wet exhaust systems keep the engine from being damaged by sea water and also play an important role in expelling engine exhaust gases, preventing harmful emissions from entering the boat. Thanks to National Marine Exhaust for help with the rebuild and for the exhaust elbows from HDI Marine.
Fuel System. A clogged fuel system can spell trouble, so the Expedition Team has installed Parker Racor Dual 900 filters as the primary fuel filters and installed new electric transfer pumps. The all-important fuel system prevents water, tiny particles of dirt, organic matter, and algae from contaminating the vessel’s fuel. In their Around-the-Americas route, they will be taking on fuel in some very remote locations, where quality may be less than ideal.
Interior Walls and Ceiling. Headliner panels have been cut, fitted, painted, and finished with wood strip battens; One Ocean is once again regaining her good looks and attractive living quarters. Lumitec LED lighting, developed for extreme environments, will be added for efficient, reliable cabin lighting. The sidewalls of the vessel house have been reinforced to withstand the heavy seas that will surely be encountered during the Around-the-Americas Expedition. With the help of Volunteer Chris, 1/8-inch foam insulation and attractive fabric now adorns the interior salon walls of One Ocean.
Bow Thruster in the V-Berth. Josh and Tim, Skagit Valley Marine Tec students, have completed installing cabling and an emergency disconnect for the bow thruster, mounted the bow-thruster battery, the DC Charger, and the required wiring.
Science & Education Electronics. The Around-the-Americas crew is partnering with several companies, including Battle Born Dragonfly Energy (high-quality lithium-ion batteries) to have a second electrical system to power the science and education of the Expedition. To support the system, Battle Born 270-amp-hour batteries will be placed in the back cabin, with their own invertor and DC Chargers. Battle Born includes a Communications Hub so the crew can monitor the system.
Topside. A new electric winch for easier sail handling from the cockpit is being installed. Not an easy task since the solar panels were in the way and had to first be removed. Glued down with 5200, peeling the panels away meant leaving a less-than-attractive spot on the fiberglass, another repair job, with SeaDek material.
New Cutter Rig. Winching-in two smaller sails is easier than one big sail since the loads are lighter. The cutter rig system allows for better sail control and balance, particularly in heavy winds. Captain Mark Schrader and Expedition Director Jennifer Dalton felt this was an important added feature for One Ocean. Mike agreed and set to work with his students to cut a hole in the deck and add a re-enforced Cutter Rig L-bracket that ties into the watertight forward bulkhead to support the luff line of the new cutter sail. The Cutter Rig setup allows the crew to perform a deeply reefed Main or Mizen in heavy seas and fly a tiny storm staysail. The needed tang for the project was provided by Northwest Rigging.
Starting the Engine. The engine was started in late February – water out the exhaust, prop spun, and no leaks, fires, or spills!!
Transport to Cap Sante Marina. Thanks to North Harbor Diesel and their Sea Lift, One Ocean was transported to Cap Sante Marina from the Marine Tec. Center on Saturday, March 1st. The dinghy, donated by Seattle Yachts, arrived that same day. Before transport, One Ocean received her new Trinidad bottom paint provided by Pettit, applied by Seattle Yachts.
Boaters, both sail and power, appreciate the long list of repairs and refits required for an Around-the-Americas expedition. Boaters also understand the cost involved for the many needed systems to ensure a safe journey and keep the engine and sails in good working condition. Fellow boaters can help by contributing to this incredible undertaking, donations in any amount are appreciated and can be sent HERE. For larger donations, you will have your family name, business name, or the name of your organization stenciled on the vessel, One Ocean, to be seen Around the Americas!
For more information about the Around-the-Americas Expedition, go to https://www.oneislandoneocean.com/
Header Photo: Around-the-Americas Team
