2009/2010 Refit

2009/10 Refit

When we purchased Loomba-Loomba, we had her trucked to Port Townsend. There we had the bottom professionally peeled. 243 lbs. of gelcoat and the 1^st layer of mat were removed. After moisture readings dropped to an allowable point, 14 coats of epoxy barrier coat were applied. Knowing that she was destined to a new cruising life, and would be fully loaded with gear, we raised her waterline two inches. All through-hulls, sea cocks and a raw water strainer were replaced with new Groco products. All plumbing hoses were replaced, as were plumbing fixtures including head, new anti-siphons installed, and a new bilge pump, shower sump pump, macerator pump for holding tank, and salt water washdown pump.

We added a 55 lb Rocna and 285’ of 5/16” high test chain as the main anchor. We kept the original 45 lb stainless plow anchor on the double bow roller, and have another 200’ of 5/16” high test chain stored to use if necessary. Also, for emergency anchoring we have another separate 60’ of 5/16” high test and 2 separate 300’ lengths of brand new Samson 9/16” double braid nylon anchor line. The stern anchor is a 23 lb. Fortress with chain and 300’ of line in the stern anchor locker.

We installed a Garhauer radar tower w/dinghy motor hoist. The original electronics, none of which worked, were removed and replaced. Two Garmin chart plotters and depth sounders, a Garmin radar, a Garmin wind instrument, and a Standard Horizon VHF with AIS were installed, readable from anywhere in the cockpit and protected under the brand new dodger and frame. While the rig was down, it was closely inspected and found to be in good shape, possibly new. Hayn backstay insulators were installed for the new ICOM M802 SSB/ham radio, and a large Dynaplate installed for its groundplane. A new staysail stay with tool-free removable Johnson turnbuckle fitting was installed. All new running rigging was installed, as was a new telescoping whisker pole. All new wiring was installed in mast wiring conduits, a new LED masthead tricolor/anchor photo sensitive light, wind instrument and VHF antenna were installed at the masthead.

The fuel tank was opened up and found to be clean, possibly having had a recent fuel polishing. We had a new custom inner spring mattress made. This is VERY comfortable, and is made in such a way that air circulates throughout…no mildew or moisture build up that can occur with foam. We installed a Dickinson diesel bulkhead heater and a new 3 burner propane Force 10 gimbaled galley range with oven.

The engine compartment was scrubbed clean and painted with Ameron , an industrial grade heavy duty coating, as were the cockpit locker and lazerette areas. Convinced from previous 4 years of world sailing that a windvane was absolutely essential, we installed a Cape Horn. This wind vane has it’s own quadrant installed out of the way in the lazerette which drives the main rudder post quadrant. It has the capability of being installed off-center, which allowed us to keep the transom mounted boarding /swim ladder. We eventually modified this ladder with an extra hinge point, allowing the ladder to be dropped into the water with dinghy still in the davits, great for a quick swim, or for an emergency. The davits were installed while in Long Beach on our way to Mexico, as were solar panels, Single Side Band Radio, and Pactor Modem.

While still in Port Townsend we hired an ABYC certified electrician to install a new battery bank of four 6 volt golf cart batteries, and to generally update and add breakers and fuses to current standards. We replaced the upper lifeline wires in the cockpit area with rigid 1” stainless for added security, and for the future solar panel mounts. We had an engine inspection done by a Perkins-trained mechanic, and various items replaced and recommended spare parts purchased. Since then, we have acquired more spare parts, not only for the engine, but for various other mechanical and electrical items.

We had a new mainsail and staysail made, and a new mainsail cover. Samson Amsteel running backs were added. We also added two new self tailing Lewmar 40’s for the staysail, and a new Lewmar 30 ST two speed on the mast for the main halyard and reefing lines, and numerous new line stoppers to facilitate reefing and halyard control, including one for the roller furler line. We added a deck mounted canister liferaft and an EPIRB, and a rail mounted life sling.