Setting up ITIKI for our adventures
ITIKI is a Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 Evolution, with maestro cabin layout.
We cant help taking photos of our beautiful home.
We cant help taking photos of our beautiful home.
Engines
We upgraded to VOLVO 50HP D2 engines (40HP is standard) and 3-blade folding props. The additional HP does not give us much more speed but it does give that extra grunt in sloppy conditions plus the ability to maintain an acceptable motoring speed when cruising on one engine - this in itself extends the motoring range. We had Propspeed antifouling for the props as we were very pleased with their performance on our Lipari, albeit in Australian conditions. Note that Uchimata apply the Propspeed and there is a narrow window for them to do this while the boat is on the hard stand after delivery and FP are doing the anti-fouling. |
We have the standard FP supplied Isotherm 12V 2-drawer fridge and 4-shelf Isotherm 12V Freezer. This fridge has to angled slots for wine bottles but doesn't fit ones that have been re-corked (fortunately rare...) We have rather indulgently added the cockpit fridge (we are too lazy to walk the extra 2.5 steps to get a beer!) Seriously though, this is great for keeping wine and making ice cubes (freezes them better than the main freezer - we haven't felt the need for an ice-maker). Also keep the milk and other frequently used items (wine, beer...) - this smaller fridge loses less cold air (and wastes less energy) when opened, compared to the main fridge.
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We went with the standard gas hob and oven, no microwave. That was really based on how we cook at home. We don't do a lot of baking or grilling and really don't like what microwaves do to food. On our Lipari in Australia the gas oven was very slow to heat up and never really got to a decent temperature. On the Helia in Europe the oven heats up much more quickly and gets to a good temperature. The difference? We think it may well be that the regulator and oven are better suited to Butagas, which is standard in Europe, whereas we had Propane in Australia. That's my theory and I am sticking to it!
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We decided to include the washing machine 5KG 230V from the factory, although we know others have just bought their own (much cheaper) from camping stores etc. FP are reluctant to fit the plumbing without supplying the machine, however some have had success convincing them to do so. Our washing machine turned out the be the "canary in a coal mine" for the issue with our Genset (which was not set to run at 50Hz, see later). The washing machine is by far my favourite item on the boat!
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Gennaker (and all of the associated gear) - of course we need one if we are going to get around at a reasonable pace, off the wind looking like legends! Did I mention we used to race yachts?? Seriously though this is a very good sail. The sailmaker clearly knows these boats well and the sail fits the boat, sets good sheeting angles for the block and winch positions and we have gotten some excellent speeds out of it. It is worth remembering this if you are thinking about getting your favourite sailmaker to make one for you instead. If the sail does not fit as well, you have just added a complication for yourselves. We had a weather strip added in Sicily so that we could feel ok about leaving it up during the day, when the fickle Mediterranean winds see us furling and unfurling... Follow this link for more info on our gennaker and sail plan.
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The chain counter at the helm station we found an absolute must to give a clear indication of scope. We anchor as much as possible and certainly don't want to be dragging. It has also proven useful when med mooring with the anchor. It means when I head to the back of the boat to secure the stern lines, Keith can let out more anchor from the helm if we need to come back a little further.
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RIB
APEX A11 Hypalon with Tohatsu 15HP 4 stroke outboard. Whilst we have not had either Apex or Tohatsu before they came highly recommended from others. So far we are pretty happy with both. The outboard is not too difficult to start, even cold you don't have to pull much of an "outboard motor starting face"... We added some chaps in Tunisia to protect the RIB, but they were not well done and had to be refitted in Greece (Leros). |
Watermaker
We chose the Australian brand Rainman - the 240v 120 litre/hour - and had it shipped over with all our gear from Australia. The choice was based on a lot of research and reviews with this one coming out consistently on top. Its fitted in the starboard foredeck locker, along with the genset. There is a seal on this locker to ensure it stays dry. Uchimata put in the skin fitting and ball valve and Keith has done the rest. It runs on 230V and is now wired through to the power point that the washing machine uses so we can run it directly on genset. Alternatively we can take an extension lead to the inverter circuit, however that really sucks down on the batteries and overheats the inverter. It is also not recommended by the manufacturer (but maybe if/when we have Lithiums...). |
Rainman water maker in situ
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Genset
We chose Northern Lights M673LW3 5KW 220v again based on research and reviews. The reviews on this brand were excellent and it is favoured by a large number of commercial fishing vessels and more recently yachties as well. What we later found out was that this model can be run at either 1,800RPM (60Hz) or 1500RPM (50Hz). For us it was set to the former and would therefore not run our 50Hz washing machine. We have subsequently had it tuned down to 1,500RPM (50Hz) by a marine electrician in Gibraltar and the washing machine now runs fine. This will also be ok for 60Hz appliances (however the reverse situation is problematic - ie 60Hz Genset can ruin 50Hz appliances). Battery charger is also 45-55Hz so that fits as well. |
Uchimata boys winching the Genset on board
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Parasailor 156m2 in "Red Vision" - this along with the Gennaker will give us great flexibility with the wind angles we can sail with and we will look awesome as well! Will be a must to cross the Atlantic with. Just ask Gordon and Louise Coates who swear by theirs, and credit it with their "winning" performance in the Atlantic Odyssey. Uchimata are an authorised agent for these. Check out this cool video of the Parasailor in action. We had Uchimata put in an extra winch on the starboard side just above our berth (see below).
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Mesh windscreen covers
We had these on our Lipari and they worked really well. We had them especially made for ITIKI in LR by Christophe at Voilerie Klein in La Rochelle. They are fitted at the top with a track attached to the eyebrow and press studs at the bottom. They are black so do a great job absorbing and cutting out the heat from the sun without spoiling the beautiful view from the large Helia windows. They also give a little privacy in marinas. From a distance you can't notice them, as the windows are black looking anyway. As they are set back from the window (unlike the FP factory ones that sit flush) they don't cause any damage by rubbing on the plexiglass. Also as they are not touching the plexi they dont conduct the heat onto the window. Some pictures below. We don't have curtains inside (yet...). |
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A very important topic on any Australian registered yacht, in fact I think it is mandatory. Have to admit this one came down to economics. As Crowded House implored in their famous song "Everywhere you go, always take the Webber with you..." so we purchased our own Webber Baby Q from the local Conforama in La Rochelle. Seriously we could buy 3-4 Webbers for the price we were being quoted supply and install a marine BBQ. We have since designed and built a stainless stand, using a fish cleaning tray and a rod holder. It stows neatly in the starboard cockpit locker. Perfect! We needed a longer hose and solid grill plate that we managed to pick up in Sicily.
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