Hi Rich!<br><br>Thanks BTW for setting up the website for us Amel owners!<br><br>Concerning the batteries ... we have installed 4 (Trojan) T125 golf batteries in the orignal area. We installed a starting bettery to the starboard side of the engine. We actually did that as soon as we got the boat 6 years ago.<br><br>We also installed a 4 gallon Isotherm water heater in the engine compartment. It was a pricey purchase but the Isotherm out performs the 6 gallon stainless steel that was on the boat. We wanted to gain room in the lazarrette.<br><br>Gene (my husband) is considering installing 4 Lifeline Glasmats 6 volts and 1 starting battery when these "die." Do you or any other Amel owner have any input to that matter? What is Amel putting in the new SM's.<br><br>We also installed bigger alternator (Aqualine) for the house bank, multi-step regulation.<br><br>Yesterday, we applied Awlgrip two-part Linear Polyurethane enamel in Off White to the topside and to the masts/booms. It is gorgeous. We are fortunate we have a friend (woodworker) who sprays professionally do the job for us. I did all the prep sanding and he did all the prep/paint application.<br><br>Today we applied a two part epoxy to the bottom after peeling the hull. Monday/Tuesday we will paint the bottom with Pettit Trinidad SR in black. We will lastly apply a red boot stripe with a separate blck pinstripe above that.<br><br>Then we will go to the coast and hit a piling full of barnacles! Isn't that the way it's supposed to happen?<br><br>I am so tired ... and through all of this, I am also stripping/varnishing all the exterior wood/ cabin sole/steps. I will be glad to get Stargazer to Charleston and get back on her. I have missed living aboard.<br><br>Delores<br>Stargazer
Delores -<br>We built a box under the aft berth and installed four 4D Lifelines. We are now considering what we will do with the old battery box space - maybe a watermaker later...<br><br>Did you paint the "teak" decks as well? I painted ours off-white last year using 2 part Interlux with non-skid added. They had been painted previously.<br><br>Dahna<br>SV Alchemy