The one obvious difference between Magnolia-S and –M was you when we looked behind the sailboat you could see you behind you…not so much. I did some looking and found out I could actually get a camera and monitor a lot cheaper than I expected. The system I put together started with a camera (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EJ09X8G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

The video signal runs through a cable with a BNC connector so it was important to have a monitor with a BNC input. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KJVERF8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Additionally I purchased a cable which is a combination video and power cable. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H274A6Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

I also purchased connectors for the power cable but I also will use these on an LED lighting project as well. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VESYK0S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Last but not least was a mount for the camera so I could attach it to the bimini support. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DGLC2AK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)  I found as I was writing this item is no longer available from Amazon.

I first identified a circuit breaker to provide 12volt power to the camera and the video monitor. I cut the 120v to 12v power supply off the video monitor power cable and spliced the remaining connector into the 12v line. In addition I used Maxmoral connector to neatly get power the video camera as well. Connecting the video cable to the Camera and monitor I powered the system up for a test run.

I really was surprised how good the picture was. After initial testing the cable was run through a standard Krogen cable run. Up through the column between starboard and center window.

Aft along the port side in the cable run above the curtain

and finally up to the fly bridge.

Once up to the fly bridge that run is till being finalized. I also need to make a starboard interface between the mount and the camera.

So how does it work, really amazing for about $100! Even the the low-light condition the picture is pretty amazing!

If you have questions feel free to reach out and will gladly help if I can!

The Admiral and I always do what we can to be in Vero Beach, FL for the Cruisers Thanksgiving Potluck. It is a great time to catch up with all the cruisers before people head off to the Bahamas or the Florida Keys. Though Magnolia was ready to go, we were chicken to take her rather than a rental car. The mooring field can be crowded and we certainly did not want our first trip out to end with a dented fender….I already did that but I was 16 and….I digress.  In the end we took the rental car and had a great time catching up with many of our friends.

 

Friday though we were up early and ready to get Magnolia underway headed to an anchorage in Stuart.

We had a wonderful cruise down the St Lucie river to Stuart….when we arrived and set the anchor though…we found the forward bilge full of hydraulic oil. Not good, not the end of the world but not good.

The leak was coming from the the anchor windlass hydraulic plumbing.  The leak was luckily contained in a void behind a bulkhead.  We were actually lucky about the leak location. Hot hydraulic fluid leaking at 1900 PSI is really nothing to take lightly. 

Annette and I pulled out the old stainless plumbing and Industrial Hose & Hydraulics came out and made replacement hoses for us. Again Annette and I installed the replacements. Here I am actually inside the chain locker….it is HUGE! We were soon ready to head out!

Our friends on on Pegasus and Exuberant drove up to the boat yard to help us with out disappointment in our equipment failure…their visit made for a delightful evening.

The “Reverend Of Sole” our friend Ray got a picture of our departure.

 

This was our view as we got underway. I need to point out that the Admiral docked us in that spot with no bow thruster when we returned to the dock. This was her first ever docking of Magnolia-M

This is the house we rented while work on Magnolia was being completed….just down the creek from the boat yard.

Our friend Jenifer caught a picture of us as we passed coming down the creek.

Obviously the Admiral is happy to have her vessel underway.

It was glorious day to be on the hook in Stuart…

I too am obviously happy to be back on the hook.

We were not done with our work though, there is much work to finish. I installed additional lighting in the saloon

Then there was also the faulty bilge float switch that needed to be replaced.

In addition Annette made a backing for the additional solar panels to be mounted

I installed a rear facing camera so we can who is trying to sneak up on us as we are moving on inland waters.

Life is definitely getting back to normal, Sunday morning screw and bolt sorting…

The new Blossom is ready to ferry us on our daily errands.

..and of course we had to go through our first thunderstorm with wind over 30knots..

The on the other hand, this is our backyard

and this is our home…

We have worked really hard for this opportunity are very excited to share it. If you would like to visit, please let us know and we will see what we can work in the schedule. As far as schedule…we are here in Stuart FL till the new year when we will be heading across Lake Okeechobee to visit the west coast of Florida! Please enjoy the blog and let us know about that visit!