We have added a 750 Watt Sunbeam toaster (Model TSSBTR2SBK) and a 650 Watt, 5-cup Black and Decker drip coffee maker (Model DCM600B), that fits neatly on the countertop, does not inhibit use of the Wallas, and has vastly made more pleasant our overnight stays. We still love the Wallas for cooking our meals and providing heat, but it really is more convenient to use the electric appliances in marinas. Notice, too, that we added a cutting board to fit on top of the Wallas. It does not slip because we used one of those rubber shelf liners underneath. It does not get jostled around while underway -- we can attest that it stays in place in 4 foot following seas! Notice, too, the plug strip, which has a 15 amp breaker that we use with a portable shore power set-up as recommended on this site by others more knowledgeable than me.
- C-Nile
- Sep 9, 2013
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The Wallas gets hot fast! Late in 2011, we let milk boiler over on our Wallas. What we did not know, was that the caramelized milk ran down the hose and onto the top cabinet shelf. What a mess to clean up! So when placing liquids on a Wallas, don't take your eyes off of the pot, even for a minute.
- C-Nile
- May 17, 2013
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This picture, sent to me by Les Lampman, shows the bottom step attached to the fuel tank and sitting on the shop floor prior to its installation in the boat. After installation, the top step is attached and the gray covering material is affixed to the sides of the tank to make it look sleek. It was great to see the under-step, vertical support strip that was in this design. The step holds my 250 lbs. weight without unduly flexing. It's quite robust.
- C-Nile
- Oct 5, 2012
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Les solved the issue of the door clearing past the steps by making the step slightly narrower and setting it back slightly. It works great! Now I can do port side docks, but we still prefer the starboard side because a) it's easier for me to grab the docking cleat from the helm station, and b) my wife and I find it is easier to enter and exit the boat from the starboard side.
- C-Nile
- Apr 29, 2012
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Another location for the portable toilet during the day. We found it could also be nestled between the copilot seat and berth, but of course passengers would have to sit at the table. Don't try this, however, when the top-level, fresh-water reservoir is full and the bottom container is empty. This renders the toilet top heavy, and in the event of the boat healing sharply to starboard, it could tip over. This could empty its contents onto the floor. (I know -- this happened to us.) Since May, 2012, we no longer use this arrangement, and now favor the cockpit area with a larger porta potti. (see related subfolders)
- C-Nile
- Feb 5, 2012
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Another MBC nice touch: windshield washers. The blue arrows show the direction of water flow from the windshield wiper washer nozzles located on each of our three wiper arms. This works very well. As most of you know, when operating a boat in salt water, the spray over time leaves deposits of salt caked onto the windshield, reducing visibility. This low-cost option was invaluable to us, and will be more so in Long Island Sound, where the shallow waters have a higher saline content due to evaporation. We highly recommend this option, as well as the fan. We have fans on the port and starboard windshield, the flows of which can be directed toward the glass, or even down to the berth. It helps to clear up fogging, and we highly recommend it. Incidentally, that round, flat area by my wife's elbow is a wonderful resting spot for a plastic water bottle while the boat is at rest.
- C-Nile
- Feb 5, 2012
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This great photo taken by Les Lampman on our maiden voyage shows the ample space in the cabin of this boat. Moving up to the Marinaut 215 from our CD 16 Cruiser made a HUGE difference for us in comfort and elbow room. 9/26/12 update -- One thing important that can go overlooked is that the cabin walls go straight up, instead of angling in toward the center. This visually creates a lot of space, and makes us feel we are in a much larger boat. Indeed, over the course of a year, we spent over 30 nights on the Betty Ann, and we continue to feel we are in a very comfortable and unconfining living space.
- C-Nile
- Feb 5, 2012
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C
The cabin, shown with the bulkhead removed in Les' photo on Facebook, in our view is quite large. One could argue that it is really 7' 7" long, and the 5' 9" berth extends out 18" into the cabin, which allows a person to sit on the berth while visiting with three other people in the cabin, as well as allowing easy access to the portable toilet under the center cushion. Of course, when the left, rear cushions are put into place, the berth extends to a total length of 7', reducing the floor space in the cabin at night. Visually however, the cabin still looks 7' 7"' long. That's the genius of this design. Please notice, too, the width of the floor in front of the dinette and galley: it is wide enough for two people to easily pass one another, which we feel is an important feature for living comfortably in a small boat.
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- C-Nile