⚓ SBM Offshore Adventures

Gear & Resources

A running list of products we have actually used on Persistence, our 1981 CS 33. No manufacturer has paid us anything. Notes reflect our honest experience.

Hull & Deck

  • West System 105/205 EpoxyPrimary laminate epoxy for hull repairs and chainplate knee reinforcement. 205 fast hardener for temperatures above 15°C.
  • West System 105/206 EpoxySlow hardener variant for cold-weather work and infusion. Gives significantly more pot life below 10°C.
  • West System 407 Low-Density FillerFairing compound mixed into cured epoxy. Good sandability, used on deck repairs and blister fill.
  • West System 403 MicrofibersStructural fillets and bonding. Used on interior sole knees and chainplate backing plates.
  • 3M 5200 Fast CurePermanent marine polyurethane adhesive/sealant. Through-hull fittings only — budget time for the inevitable regret.
  • 3M 4200Sensible alternative where removability matters. Deck hardware and portlight frames.
  • Sikaflex 291Teak bungs and non-structural deck seams. Good UV resistance, remains paintable after cure.
  • Interlux Interprotect 2000EEpoxy barrier coat over blister repairs. Two-part, applied before antifouling each spring.
  • Interlux Micron CSCAblative bottom paint for the first season. Self-polishing, well-suited to Lake Ontario temperatures.

Engine & Propulsion

  • Yanmar 2GM20 DieselOriginal 18 hp two-cylinder engine. Compression tested at 425/430 psi. Runs well once the raw-water system is maintained.
  • Jabsco 920-0001-P ImpellerRaw-water cooling impeller for the Yanmar 2GM20. Replace annually without fail — we learned this the hard way in Log #3.
  • Cutless Bearing (1″ shaft)Water-lubricated strut bearing. Ours was original equipment. Replaced in the winter refit with a Duramax cutless unit.
  • Sta-Lube Marine GreaseProp shaft, stuffing box packing, and cutless bearing housing during installation.
  • CRC Heavy Duty Corrosion InhibitorSpray treatment for electrical connections throughout the engine bay. Applied each haul-out.

Electrical

  • LiFePO4 House Battery BankTwo 100 Ah lithium iron phosphate cells replacing the original Group 27 AGM. Lighter, higher usable capacity, and no sulphation.
  • Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15Solar charge controller for a single 100 W panel on the stern arch. Bluetooth monitoring via Victron Connect.
  • Fluke 117 MultimeterDC circuit testing, battery voltage under load, parasitic draw hunting. The most-used diagnostic tool on the boat.
  • Ancor Marine Grade WireTinned copper, 16– and 12–AWG runs for instrument and bilge pump circuits.
  • Blue Sea Systems Fuse BlockST Blade 12-circuit fuse block at the nav station. Replaced the original inline fuses scattered through the boat.

Rigging

  • Dyneema Running RiggingReplaced all halyards and sheets with SK75 Dyneema core lines. Significant weight aloft reduction; no stretch under load.
  • Harken Blocks (40 mm)Masthead, genoa sheet, and turning blocks. The original cast units were cracked on two sheaves. Harken replacements run smooth.
  • Harken Cleat (cam, 150 mm)Halyard cleats at mast base. Upgraded to Harken self-tailing with stopper option.
  • 1⅝″ Stainless Standing RiggingForestay, backstay, two upper and two lower shrouds. Original 1981 wire replaced during 2026 refit. Swaged terminals Norseman-inspected.
  • Spinlock Deckvest 5D150N inflatable PFD with integrated harness tether point. All three crew members use identical units, serviced annually.
  • ACR ResQLink+ PLBRegistered with Transport Canada. Carried whenever we leave Port Credit marina.

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