Whitecap — 58′ Ocean Alexander

The decision to do one upgrade sometimes demands planning another — new engines meant new fuel tanks, which meant dismantling the galley.

The initial plan was to remove the Cummins VT555 engines, replacing them with John Deere 40455FM85 units and ZF transmissions. The decision to do one upgrade sometimes creates the need to plan another. In the case of Whitecap, the fuel tanks are located outboard of the engines, so it was the obvious time to replace them once the old engines were removed, along with new fuel lines. To facilitate the removal of the engines, the galley was dismantled to access the engine room through the salon sole.

While the boat was out of the water, the hull below the waterline was stripped and re-antifouled. The propellers were sent out for re-pitching. The cutless bearings were replaced, as well as several thru-hulls and valves. The bow thruster was replaced with a SidePower 10″ Dual Prop 24V thruster, and a new SidePower 10″ stern thruster unit was installed.

A number of other upgrades were included in this maintenance period: removal of hynautic engine controls and installation of ZF CruiseCommand electronic engine controls; blue stripes painted on topsides; hull waxed; fabricated supports for stern tie reel installed; miscellaneous canvas covers fabricated and installed; application of Awlwood to cap rails and house trim; replacement of black water and grey water hoses throughout the boat and servicing of black water pumps; installation of a Spectra Newport 700c watermaker.

With all the above completed in 2022, the cruising in 2023 should be a pleasure.