Projects

I love working on projects – I usually have 10 or so in process at any given time both on the boat, and at home. Many of these projects turn into reviews of various products or technology, which I also enjoy. Almost all of the projects are driven to make our lives on the boat and elsewhere more comfortable or safe, and are cataloged here.

83 posts

Projects

NavPod to PowerPod - saving the helm station

My helm station has always been an area of continued improvement. When I first bought Grace in 2015, she had no chart plotter or other instruments – only older Raymarine ST series depth and wind instruments.

Steve Mitchell Nov 25, 2017 7 min read

Projects

Replacing the head - the crew's favorite upgrade

One of the most hated bits of the boat is the head. Every boat I have owned has had a unique set of steps required to make sure things “work out” for everyone involved. I replaced the head with a Raritan SeaEra electric model. The crew absolutely loves it, and considers it the best upgrade.

Steve Mitchell Oct 11, 2017 7 min read

Projects

Haul out, chart plotters, and a sail cover

Time to haul and paint and complete some other projects. Chart plotter installed along with a new Doyle sail cover.

Steve Mitchell Aug 9, 2017 8 min read

Projects

Grace's updated network for 2017

My sailboat network is quite extensive, and I made a lot of changes in 2017 including a radar arch, new instruments, updates to connectors and more.

Steve Mitchell Jun 13, 2017 5 min read

Projects

Proper VHF ends are easier than you think

After years of using crimp-on VHF terminals, I found an easy and much higher quality way of creating quality radio connections. Master soldering skills not required!

Steve Mitchell May 24, 2017 7 min read

Projects

USB power solutions are simple to add to your boat

Crew members on the sailboat expect to use their USB devices no matter where. Adding USB power throughout the boat is easy to do, and useful for the captain too.

Steve Mitchell May 9, 2017 4 min read

Projects

Weather on the boat via weeWX and Ambient

Being a weather nerd for years, having one on the boat has always been a dream. I helped a friend install one on his boat, and had to hack some things together software-wise to make it work.

Steve Mitchell Apr 15, 2017 9 min read

Projects

3D printing for the boat

3D printing is nothing new to boats, but I think the potential for people to create new products and ideas is just beginning. I've printed parts and pieces for various projects, but hope to create some actual products that could help boaters.

Steve Mitchell Jan 30, 2017 5 min read

Internet

Grace's redundant Internet setup

I have spent most of my professional life working on and fixing networks, and always want my personal network to be as reliable, speedy, and full of features as possible. My boats are no exception

Steve Mitchell Jan 28, 2017 15 min read

Projects

Top projects from 2016

2016 was a year of major projects on Grace, one which will not likely be repeated in terms of the depth and complexity. That is mainly because she was brand new to us in 2015-2016, and had some gaps in major systems we needed while out on the water.

Steve Mitchell Jan 19, 2017 4 min read

Internet

Marina WiFi is hard

Recently I had the chance to spend a few weeks working on a local marina WiFi system. The biggest issue was the perception of the boaters throughout the marina, and the need to invest in equipment to improve the signal within their boats.

Steve Mitchell Jan 4, 2017 7 min read

Projects

SmartThings keeps the boat warm during winter

Using SmartThings to control heaters and monitor temperatures on your boat is a great way to ensure things are safe during the winter.

Steve Mitchell Dec 18, 2016 5 min read

Projects

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