Well the arch is up and complete. This and the new alternator were the two big planned projects. Not bad so far for being here three weeks. So time for some time off. So we decided to go sailing for the day. The plan was to go to Punta Mita and anchor for the night. I was having some issues with the chartplotter screen failing after being on for a bit. Plus the depth reading was intermittant. I have a backup option, a tablet running navigation software (opnencpn) but that didnt help with the depth.  Its hard to diagnose the issue if you cant read the chartplotter screen. So one more  project.

I had brought some parts with me to fix this. Bassically it meant taking the unit apart and replacing the backlight which was compact flourecent with an led  ribbon strip.

Not a factory approved mod but it works.

A little superglue to hold the mosfet down (thanks Neil) and now the new leds can be dimmed just like the compact flourecent was. Led take a a much lower volatage  and power so I had to remove two high voltage transformers and install the resistor and mosfet.

The cahrtplotter is now working great but we are still having an issue with the depth sounder so we returned to the marina. A project for another day.

Still a great time sailing in 15 to 20 kn of wind. Boats sails great, just needs more TLC.

We then tested out the new bbq and had a quiet night.......................................................with s few drinks.

Cheers

Jeff