All the “pot luck” sides were outstanding! So much to be thankful for. 30 plus attended.

Our grandson, Lucas:

Coming soon:

Janthena’s turkey preparation!

Below:

Captain Gene of Galene and I tested out the 3-blade spare we carry on-board last week. Results: not as good as the 4-blade, but it works as a good spare.

The fish will certainly like this new polished wheel!!!

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FYI (full disclosure):

Our 2000 Mainship 390 has a CAT 3126.

There is quite a bit of variability among Mainship 390-s in engines, transmissions, gear ratios, props, and typical cruising RPM-s.

e.g. Yanmar, CAT, Volvos, etc. So, in my experience, taking one MS390’s prop spec for another may not yield the desired / optimum results!

It is more “FUN” putting in the new unit compared to pulling the 24 year old unit out.

Tomorrow, I must finish mounting the electrical box, and A/C unit to the deck, and finish the enclosure. It appears that the same plywood panel covering this enclosure will be able to be used.

No major changes to plumbing or electrical was necessary.

Doing this project myself, with the alternative brand new unit came in at about $2500, much less than the $5800 quote to have it done by others. Admittedly, getting the old unit OUT was more work than getting the new unit IN!

Seems strange to be putting so much work into an A/C project when tonight’s outside temp is 47°F !!! LOL

But the reverse cycle means it can heat as well.

Florida is certain to give us plenty of chances to test the A/C mode, even in late November.

A good and successful project!

Special thanks go out to:

Woody Sherrod, MTOA member. He generously provided very valuable advice and technical assistance over the phone!

Thanks also to Gene Rutkowski of Galene for referring me to Woody.

Finally, my great vendor recommended by Woody;

https://citimarinestore.com/en/. Their customer service is great.

Addendum Nov 26

The red “up” button on the new wall mounted control unit has gone “soft” and unreliable.

So a new wall unit is expected tomorrow Wed 11/27/2024.

We may likely opt for the sexy touch screen WiFi capable control unit on “Black Friday” when the price comes down.

In any case, this 16k BTU a/c unit is delivering great a/c and heat with less vibration and noise as the compressor cycles on and off.

Very happy. Citimarinestore.com has provided great customer service as we work through the issues.

Only works if you have a WiFi network on your vessel.

My dad passed away this afternoon after a short but painful fight with liver cancer. Thankfully not a long extended fight.

Mass Maritime Academy graduate

USN (retired) served on the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga CV-14

Served in the US Naval Reserves and Merchant Marine

Sales Engineer and sole proprietor of Linekin Industries for most of his career.

Past president of Maine Chapter ISA – Instrument Society of America. The ISA was a large and influential technical trade group in the 1970s and 80s when pulp and paper mills and wastewater treatment plants were all adjusting to the regulations of the Clean Water Act, AND the technology changes from analog / pneumatic controls and signaling transitioned to digital / microprocessor-based controls and telemetry.

I remember one large annual ISA meeting that Dad presided over with over 250 members present. During this meeting he knew every members’ name as they would raise their hand to ask a question or weigh in on an issue. Very Impressive to everyone.

He has five children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

FCC Ham Radio operator N1MHC

Certified Tennis Pro, United States Professional Tennis Association

Loving husband to the late Agnes B. Sirois and surviving wife Shirley Sirois of East Boothbay Maine.

https://tributearchive.com/obituaries/33829687/albert-sirois/damariscotta/maine/strong-hancock-funeral-home

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My grandfather Albert R Sirois is in the broader pic next to Uncle Ron, far right side in back. Albert Rene my “Grampy” died a short time (weeks or months?) after this pic was taken.

I was old enough to remember MANY outings and events with my “Grampy”. He and Dick Charette (Shelly’s dad) were also very close.

L-R: Shelly [aka Shellerina] is on her mother Nora’s lap. Andre Charette is on his father Dick’s lap. My sister Suzanne Sirois is on her/my mother Agnes’s lap.

The fellow in center bottom is Capt. David Albert Dragonas. My father was his godfather and Andre’s as well. (We lost Andre of Rockland Maine to a heart attack a few months ago.) Nora is still with us and is frequently driving around her home on the north shore of MA!

David is one of the last remaining persons alive that calls my dad by his childhood nickname: “Buster!” (David and I reconnected on Linked In this morning.)

Family was clearly important to my father early on, having hosted events like this one and others for many years that followed.

These types of shops are getting harder and harder to find!

A late season hurricane, Raphael, which made landfall in Cuba is becoming disorganized and is heading away from Florida.