Lots of new stuff done.

Overflow Tank:  I discovered my engine overflow tank was not installed (?) so I quickly mounted it in a convenient spot.  It doesn't matter if it is higher than the engine.  This spot will be easier to monitor.  However I may have to move it as this is where my fuel tank manifold was located so I may have to move it again.

AC Panel:  I also repaired a damaged neutral bus on my AC panel.  The top left terminal was not tight and that caused high resistance and heat--so it melted.  So I replaced it and rechecked all my terminations.

This is what it should look like.  Fortunately, the manufacturer sent me a replacement pair which I installed today.

Groco Head:  I also finished repainting and rebuilding my Groco Head.  This was fairly involved as I needed a 5/16 threaded rod to put it back together.  I won't go into the details but it was a big job and I'm glad I did it, so next time I'll know exactly what to do.  I tested it and it seems to work well. This is a very reliable marine head.  There is a foot pedal to let water in, and an easy to use long handle to cycle the piston to flush.  With a 2.5" piston you could almost flush a raincoat through it.  Unfortunately, this head is designed to be used with sea water.  In Long Island Sound, that means pumping a lot of silt heavy water which is dirty, smelly and collects in the bottom of the bronze pump. 

Next I have to repaint the shower pan, cut an access port and bolt it in place.  I still won't be done as I have to plumb it, and even that is complicated.

Fresh Flush:  I investigated how to modify the head to use fresh water.  There is a product called Fresh Flush (below) that makes your marine head act like a home toilet with a tank.  Unfortunately, this relatively simple product is expensive. 

Compass Rebuild:  My Ritchie Globemaster compass is now rebuilt ($90). It has a new lens and dual green LED lamps.  Unfortunately, when I wiring it up, I discovered the wire feeding it power has an open circuit.  It must have gotten tangled and cut on the steering gear.  So I will need to trace that and fix that. 

The Ritchie tag on the front is new and while the stainless cover looks pretty good as it is,  more polishing to brighten it to perfection.  The white bracket show above will be replaced with a stainless piece. 

I will be thrilled to have the compass light working.  Since I have to rewire the compass light circuit, I plan to run a 15 amp circuit to the cockpit.  I have a four switch panel that can service 1) the compass light, 2) a bright cockpit light for dining, 3) some dim low power red LED lights to illuminate cockpit foot well, and 4) can be for a "Hey I Need Help!" alarm down below.  The question is where will I put the switch panel?  I can probably mount in on a pod off the binnacle, which makes wiring difficult, or I can choose and easier to mount more vulnerable location. 

And this is not all I've done in the last few days.  As long as I keep making forward progress I am happy.