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Hi John
I went for ‘weathered teak’. It gave a much more natural appearance than some of the other options which I felt looked a bit artificial. I’ve tried to attach some pictures to this post but for some reason it doesn’t work.
Ian C
Interesting post. Last winter I had the teak deck (factory installed from new when I bought my B32 Another Fantasy new in 2002) replaced for exactly the same reason. In most areas the deck was sound but the caulking had started to fail allowing damp to penetrate the deck substrate causing it to lift. I was advised that recaulking was a possibility but no guarantee of a permanent cure so I decided to ‘bite the bullet’ and have the deck replaced. After some deliberation I chose FlexiTeek which was fitted last Spring and I’m really pleased with the outcome, the boat looks as good as new. Expensive but worth it!!
Ian Culley
…that’s a very interesting post and so far I’ve had conflicting advice. A couple of weeks ago I bought all the winterising bits for the 2020D in my B32 Another Fantasy (filters, impeller, etc etc) and also asked for a saildrive anode. My local dealer told me that the zinc variety had been discontinued and replaced by an aluminium version; when I expressed surprise they said ‘it’s fine, no problem’ but wouldn’t be drawn when I asked how an aluminium anode gave protection to an aluminium saildrive casing. I chose not to buy it before seeking more ‘expert’ advice but there seems to be no clear answer, some say ‘ok’, others say ‘not a good idea, stick with zinc’. I’ll be interested to see if there are any opinions offered here!!
Ian Culley
Alex
I definitely recommend the Brunton’s Autoprop. I had one fitted shortly after I bought my B32 new in 2002 and have never regretted it. Good performance in ahead and astern, very little propwalk, an extra 1/2 to 3/4 kts boatspeed under sail and greater fuel economy when motoring. Certainly an expensive extra but worth it, in my humble opinion.
Ian Culley/Another Fantasy
Simon
I use dyneema on both main and fore halyards on my 2002 vintage B32. No problems at all. Hope this helps!
Mike
I wasn’t aware of the Integra installation but having looked at the Lewmar website it looks a good bit of kit. Wish it had been available when I had the work done on Another Fantasy! Good luck!
Ian C
Mike
I fitted the Raymarine Evolution autopilot system with the direct drive motor to my 2002 B32 ‘Another Fantasy’ some years ago, replacing the original ST60 wheel system. It’s much more responsive than the wheel drive of the ST60; much quicker response and easily copes with rough weather. It requires a mounting plate to be glassed in to the interior space in the transom aft of the aft cabin to enable the direct drive motor to be mounted and connected to the rudder quadrant. I had the job done professionally but it’s certainly possible to DIY if you have the requisite skills. As you say, it’s expensive but well worth it in terms of vastly improved autopilot performance.
Hope this helps….
Ian Culley
Bryan
I have a Brunton’s AutoProp on my B32, it was fitted soon after I bought the boat new in 2002 and is one of the best bits of kit I have. Certainly it’s expensive but well worth it in terms of drag reduction, improved fuel economy and forward/reverse performance. It’s very satisfying when you’re sailing to turn off the engine, feather the prop and watch the speed increase by another 1/2 – 3/4 knot. Also, when motoring I cruise at about 2000 rpm, significantly lower than with the standard fix-blade prop.
Regarding the weight, as I said the boat is 2002 vintage and the engine has done some 2000 hrs with no adverse effect on the saildrive and associated seals. I’ve fitted a galvanic isolator in the mains power circuit and have no problems with anode degradation, the Brunton’s anode lasts one season with no problems (I’m berthed in the Hamble).
Hope this helps.
Ian Culley
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Bob
Many thanks for the useful feedback. Having just replaced the batteries on Another Fantasy (after some 10 years trouble free service – really!) I’d be a bit worried that if I fit one of these devices it will fry my shiny new Varta’s. Should I worry??
Regards Ian C
Bob
Can you explain in a bit more detail what the ‘A to B’ charger does. Is it different to Sterling’s alternator regulator devices?
Ian Culley/ B32 ‘Another Fantasy’
Hi Ed
Sorry to read about your problem.
Was the engine actually turning or was it ‘seized’? I would look at the starter solenoid to check that it’s engaging, also the starter motor itself. Has that seized up? Check that there’s voltage across the solenoid terminals, same for the starter motor.
Good luck!!
Ian C
Hello Sten
Some years ago I had a similar modification done on my B32, replacing the wheel pilot with the electric ram system. More recently I’ve upgraded the original ST4000 control head with the Evolution system which is absolutely superb. To mount the electric ram I had a marine ply mounting plate glassed in to the rear hull, in the space aft of the rear cabin. This was done by a professional GRP engineer to ensure that the ram lined up with the steering quadrant on the rudder stock. It would be possible to DIY if you think you have the necessary skills!
Hope this helps…
Ian Culley (B32 Another Fantasy)
Dave
If your 32 is fitted with lazyjacks manufactured by CJ Marine of Chichester then the layout you describe is correct. I have a 32 with this type of packaway sailbag and the lazyjacks work perfectly.
Regards Ian Culley
…why are you looking for a three-blade prop? Unless you have a more powerful engine (e g Volvo 2030) the two-blade version should be perfectly adequate when driven by the Volvo 2020. If you want more boat speed at lower rpm then fit a Brunton feathering propeller.
Ian Culley B32 ‘Another Fantasy’.
Chris
I have a B32 (Another Fantasy) which I bought new in 2002 and have been very well satisfied with her. As far as I’m concerned she’s an ideal yacht for the kind of sailing I do ie south and southwest coastal waters, Channel islands and north coast of France, having logged some 10k nm over the years. Normally I sail 2-up but have done trips with 3 or 4 on board, still comfortable and plenty of space!! Over the years I’ve kept her in tip top condition, new standing and running rigging, new sails and latest Raymarine electronics, so she’s as good as a new boat. I can’t think of any real negatives; when you start looking just check all the obvious things like condition of the hull (state of antifouling etc) and topsides, running and standing rigging, make sure there’s no play in the rudder and steering linkage, no leaks from the machinery and that all servicing has been done (especially the saildrive gaiter changed every 7 years). I agree with the comment above re mahogany interior: looks good and lasts well. My boat also has teak decking which adds a great deal to appearance although challenging to look after! A feathering prop (I have a Brunton) is a useful ‘go-faster’ accessory!Hope this helps
Ian Culley
