Refitting a yacht can be a minefield for the uninformed.
This page will offer you refit, service, and marine electronic tips as we take you behind the scenes and into the bilges of Arawak, a tired and sunburnt 1996 Grand Banks 42 Motoryacht. Join the editors of Power & Motoryacht, PassageMaker, and Soundings as we travel to St. Thomas, U.S.V.I and update Arawak with the latest equipment from Simrad, Vetus-Maxwell, Aqualuma, Yanmar, Interlux and more. We’ll show you a few tricks on how to make a former charter workhorse shine again and start the next phase of her career.
MyBoatWorks Project Archive:
As Arawak makes her way back home, here’s what we did, and learned…
Interior Accomodations Plan
Staterooms
Upgrading the Comfort Level of the Forward Stateroom »
Helm Station & Main Saloon
Keeping Cool:Replacing the Air-Conditioning »
Up(graded), Up(dated) and Away!Upgraded Simrad Helm System »
VIDEO:Simrad – Dennis Hogan Interview »
Main Saloon
Getting Comfortable:Don’t leave the fun out of your refit—make sure your cruising crew knows you just put in satellite TV. »
Superior Interior:How to refresh less-than-perfect joinery »
A Modest Makeover:Upgrading interior upholstery can make a big difference without costing a small fortune »
Galley
Master Stateroom
VIDEO:Planning the Windows and Hatches »
VIDEO:Talking Heads »
Exterior Deck Plan
Side Decks
Varnish Guru:Tips for better varnish »
Tricks of the Varnish Trade:Varnish Like A Pro »
Heave Ho:How to Replace a Windlass »
Flying Bridge
Transom
When Stars (Help You) Align:The experts weigh in on the benefits of a straight driveline and how to get there.
Power Planning:Replacing the Generator »
Accentuate the Positive:ESI Total Fuel Management fuel-polishing system »
A Better Swim Platform:A new swim platform will let you really enjoy the water this summer. But what should that new platform be made of?»
VIDEO:Northern Lights 9 kW Generator – Timelapse Install »
Hull Profile
Forward Deck House
The View Ahead:Replacing the Windows »
Sea Clearly:Upgrading the Windshield-Wiper Motor »
Secrets of a Boat-Cleaning Girl »
How to Maintain Your Anchor Windlass
Hull and Deck House
Give Yourself a Break:What a Walker FuelSep can do for Your Boat »
VIDEO:Painting the Hull »
Painting:Finish Line »
The Joys of Joystick Maneuverability:Bow Thruster and Joystick Install »
Brighter Days Ahead:Installing underwater LEDs »
Photo Gallery: Prepping for the Bow Thruster »
VIDEO:Planning for the Bow Thruster »
VIDEO:Signs You Need a New Generator »
The Arawak Adventure
The Arawak Adventure ▶
The People You Meet ▶
Ahh Moments and Memories ▶
The Great Gear Test ▶
Busted Running Gear and the Legend of Tommy McCoy ▶
Reflecting on the Arawak Adventure ▶
Fishing in Islamorada ▶
Electronics Tests from the Arawak Adventure:
Garmin echoMap 74SV ▶
Raymarine ES-Series 12″ Hybrid Touch Multi-Function Display ▶
Standard Horizon HX870 GPS-Integrated Handheld VHF ▶
Thermal Imaging Handhelds from FLIR and IRIS ▶
Gear Tests from the Arawak Adventure:
Paraknife 4.0 Survival Kit ▶
EcoPebble Bluetooth Speaker ▶
Revolution Grill ▶
Yeti 18 oz. Rambler Bottle ▶
Specifications
- Builder: Grand Banks
- Model: Grand Banks 42 Motoryacht
- Year: 1996
- LOA: 43’3′
- Draft: 4’2″
- Beam: 14’1″
- Displacement: 34,000 lb.
- Fuel Capacity: 600 gal.
- Water Capacity: 240 gal.
- LWL: 41’1″
