While we have not even taken delivery of Stella Maris yet, the following items have either been installed and/or ordered. What fun it is to buy and outfit a new boat!
Boat Graphics from Margaux!
We have used Margaux to produce and install the names and hailing ports on all of our boats since purchasing Solitude. Once again we went to Margaux and tasked her with producing just the right font and coloring for Stella Maris. And, once again she comes through!
Surrey Top
Once again, we contracted with King Marine Canvas in Ballard to handle all of our canvas needs. In place of the typical Bimini, we chose to have a Permanent Surrey Top added to cover the cockpit. The framing will be made of one inch stainless steel making it strong enough to carry two kayaks.The frame will be constructed by S3 Maritime in Ballard.
Since installing the surrey, we have trailered Stella Maris from Seattle to Henderson Nevada and then to Page Arizona and back never removing the top. Dave at King Marine did an amazing job at making sure the top was attached well enough that it is okay to leave it in place while trailering.
Since installing the surrey, we have trailered Stella Maris from Seattle to Henderson Nevada and then to Page Arizona and back never removing the top. Dave at King Marine did an amazing job at making sure the top was attached well enough that it is okay to leave it in place while trailering.
Sunscreens
Boating in the desert requires that you be able to block create as much shade as possible at times. We had Dave at King Marine Canvas produce us sunscreens that simply velcro to the inside of the windows. They are made with black screens thus allowing you a good view out even when they are in place.
Along with these screens we had a sunscreen made to attach to the surrey top to allow additional shade in the cockpit. There is also a shade screen that covers the bow.
Along with these screens we had a sunscreen made to attach to the surrey top to allow additional shade in the cockpit. There is also a shade screen that covers the bow.
"Air Conditioning"
Since we plan to use Stella Maris to explore the desert lakes, air conditioning is a must for comfortable sleep. While exploring the options of Air Conditioning, I stumble across a company in Arizona that basically makes a "swamp cooler" to use in boats, campers, tents etc. The unit runs off of 12v drawing 2.6 amps at high speed. It will run for eight hours on 1 1/2 gallons of water. While we have not tested the unit yet, I was given assurances from the owner of the company that it will more than prove its worth!
The model we purchased is the MightyKool Win 3. You can find additional information here: http://www.swampy.net. This unit works so well, we actually have to turn it off after a while because it gets too cold inside!
The model we purchased is the MightyKool Win 3. You can find additional information here: http://www.swampy.net. This unit works so well, we actually have to turn it off after a while because it gets too cold inside!
Rocna Anchor
Ranger Tugs all come equipped with Bruce Type anchors. A few years back, through Lyman and Janeane on Zuma, we discovered a new anchor made by Rocna. I was amazed at how easy they set and retrieved yet, held you tight in a blow! Since this time we have always sported a Rocna as our primary anchor. Before even taking delivery of Stella Maris, the new Rocna was ordered. The Bruce that comes with her will be used as a stern anchor.
Stern Anchors
Since our favorite anchorages on the lakes seems to always be at the back end of a canyon, we must stern anchor to keep from swinging into the walls of the canyons. We took the Bruce that came mounted on the bow, transferred it to 20 feet of chain and 150 feet of line. Along with this, I purchased a second Bruce as, many times you are required to do a three or sometimes even a four way tie.
Clock and Barometer
As with all of our boats, a clock and barometer in plain site was needed. In order to mount them on Stella Maris, I had to install them on an additional piece of teak and then screw this in place.
Windex at the Mast Head
As with all of our boats, a Windex has been installed at the top of the mast giving us a precise picture of what direction the wind is coming from. This is certainly a great aid when docking or anchoring. No guessing!
Screen Door
Since we spend time on the desert lakes, insects can at times be a real problem. Not so much mosquitos but what I call mudflies. They look like a mosquito, they just don't bite.
I designed a screendoor that snaps in place and then rolls up and down when unzipped. I had Dave at King Marine Canvas construct it and then I installed it myself. Installation was easy after purchasing the tool to install the snaps.
I designed a screendoor that snaps in place and then rolls up and down when unzipped. I had Dave at King Marine Canvas construct it and then I installed it myself. Installation was easy after purchasing the tool to install the snaps.
Yeti Ice chest
As with most owners of the R-21 EC, we found that the refrigerator was really just a good place to store drinks. For food, we purchased a 45 qt ice chest from Yeti. These coolers are amazing. They hold ice like no other cooler I have ever used. We went nine days on Lake Powell and used 30 pounds of ice. Yeti also sells stainless steel tie downs to attach it to your swim platform.
Underwater Lights! Something we always wanted!
We have always wanted underwater lights but have never done so. We decided Stella Maris would be our test boat. I installed these lights on the stern (made easier since she is stored on her trailer). They are blue OceanLED Amphibian A4 Xtreme Lights which I purchased from Tackle Direct . If they work out well, we will install the large ones on Destiny.
Additional 12v outlets
You can never have too many 12v outlets on a boat! Therefore, we have chosen to install six additional outlets. Four in the cabin, two in the cockpit.
