Eoti sits in the mooring field patiently making salt water into fresh water.
Introduction
The 2000 Moody 46 is a timeless beauty, but like any vessel, it can benefit from modern upgrades to enhance comfort, safety, and efficiency. Sydney and I have been on a journey aboard EOTI, where we have continuously improved the boat to suit our cruising lifestyle and health needs. In this article, I’ll share our experiences and insights on what may be excellent modifications for your boat that we’ve done on our 2000 Moody 46, focusing on making it suitable for long-term cruising and ensuring a healthy environment for all aboard.
Custom Health-Focused Modifications
Even before Sydney was diagnosed with cancer, we knew we needed to create a safe and healthy living environment aboard EOTI. Sydney specified she wanted a boat that wasn’t like camping. The thought of using a bucket for a toilet, surviving on ramen, and eating beans wasn’t her idea of fun. Here’s how we transformed our boat into a sanctuary:
Water System Enhancements:
We installed a Schenker Zen 100L water maker to ensure access to fresh water at sea. Our system is incredibly simple; it operates with the push of a button. No valves. No stress. We’ve encountered only one issue with the system during the years we’ve owned it, and that was due to a peripheral part. Overall, this particular change to the boat has provided a significant advantage, giving us range and capabilities we never expected. The filters that produce reverse osmosis water have a lifespan of about 5 years. So, this is something we’ll need to maintain.
Waste Management:
Cruisers typically discuss two topics non-stop: the weather and waste management. To simplify dealing with black water (waste), we upgraded our sanitation system. Instead of using traditional Y-valves, which can leak and are regulated by the US Coast Guard, we chose a system that allows waste to flow directly into a holding tank. We can then pump out at a marina or discharge into the sea, but this method is much more secure than a Y-valve. This arrangement not only minimizes the risk of overflow but also makes maintenance easier.
During the extensive replacement of everything from the bum to the waste tank, we replaced the manual pump, saltwater flush system, and toilets. We installed MasterFlush freshwater flush maceration toilets, which use less water than the Jabsco manual flush units, don’t have the distinctive odor common to seawater-based systems, and, to be completely honest, feel much less like camping. Push one button, and the waste disappears. Additionally, they are nearly the same size as a standard toilet in your home. This was a wonderful way to welcome Sydney home after one of her chemotherapy hospital stays on her initial dance with cancer.
Air Quality Improvements:
We installed Mabru heat and AC units in every cabin, ensuring fresh air circulation throughout the boat. Additionally, we installed eight fans to maintain air movement. These features help reduce mold, and the Mabru systems include filters that minimize dust and impurities, creating a healthier environment for Sydney and me.
Upgrading Automation Systems
Sailing short-handed requires efficiency and ease of use. We discuss this in detail in another article. To summarize how a guy with a bad back and a gal with MS gets a boat around the bay, we have tech. Everything on EOTI is done with purpose. There is no “send it” with us, which can be a bit of a buzzkill for others. We just make things work. Here’s how we’ve automated EOTI:
Electric Winches:
We upgraded our primary winches to Lewmar 2-speed electric models, making it easier to manage sails even in rough conditions. We also installed two Selden 3-speed electric winches that are operated from the helm. All lines on EOTI are led to the cockpit, making things much easier on us. Line management is also something we do to make sure we don’t get ourselves into trouble.
In-Mast Furling System:
The Selden Synchronized Main Furling is a special piece of kit for us. It works amazingly well with our sails. The ability to have infinite reefing points, single-handed furling, and on-the-wind furling (which makes it work even better) is a boon. The system is a push-button system located at the helm.
Electric Furlex roller furlers for the stay-sail and genoa let us adjust sails with the push of a button, reducing physical strain and making single-handed sailing easier. Although we haven’t used it very often, our Code0 is on a Selden electric furler that can be deployed to the bow. The entire system is controlled from the helm. We don’t have any photos of the Code0 deployed on the bay, but the large sail with a giant turtle is quite amazing.
Autopilot Integration:
Our B&G Zeus3 chart plotters are equipped with an autopilot system that can be controlled from any screen on the boat. Add to that a remote on a fob around the person on duty’s neck, and you’ve got an amazing amount of control. This feature is invaluable during long passages or when navigating in challenging weather conditions. You can brace and adjust without having to find a keypad.
Ergonomic Changes for Long-Term Comfort
When you are at sea, the boat—even on calm days—is always moving. You may not realize it, but your core muscles are constantly engaged to adjust, compensate, and balance you. The second aspect is your neck muscles. With Sam (waving. ME!), this is a bit of a challenge since he broke his C5 and C6 vertebrae in his neck while serving in the Marine Corps. He also fractured the vertebrae above the hips in his lower back. You seek the experience along with the ability to recover from the rigors. After years of cruising, we’ve recognized the importance of ergonomic design to prevent fatigue and injury:
Revised Cockpit Layout:
We added padded but firm seat cushions with backrests for long hours at the helm. The controls are now within easy reach, reducing strain on our arms and shoulders. These cushions are fairly firm but give you a bit of height. We’ve looked at a few other options, like adding a helm seat above the cockpit seating. That, though, would mean we lose a lot of flexibility in how we use the cockpit. Every decision is a trade-off.
Adjustable Helm Position:
By slightly raising the helm seating, we’ve minimized the need to lean forward, making navigation more comfortable during long periods at sea. We typically sit to the side of the helm, as EOTI is a center cockpit boat, or across the back of the cockpit, depending on the heel angle. A few throw pillows create a pretty comfy setup. We have considered possibly adding a bean bag to the bottom of the cockpit as a secure spot to relax and unwind when off shift. We think the bean bag might be something we could use to sit higher behind the helm, getting a better sight line forward, too. We have answers to some of these questions but are also looking to continue optimizing and learning.
Storage Solutions:
We reorganized our storage spaces to make frequently used items easily accessible. It may sound trivial, but boat Tetris is a real challenge. It’s like a massive puzzle where you have to move five items out of the way to reach that one thing you need. After moving them, those five items somehow defy physics and no longer fit into their designated space. Fishing around in the seemingly bottomless depths of the cabinets during passage is not where someone with balance issues should be spending their time. We implemented a specific plan that may not be 100 percent efficient in terms of storage but makes finding things much easier. Additionally, we use an app that keeps everything inventoried so we head to the right cabinet the first time. This cuts down on unnecessary movement and helps prevent strain on our bodies.
Sailing and Rigging Efficiency Upgrades
Some of the things we’ve done are simply maintenance tasks that need to be done anyway. That being said, we took the time to upgrade and adapt wherever possible to make things stronger, neater, better, or less prone to failure. A well-rigged boat is essential for performance and safety:
Standing Rigging:
We replaced all standing rigging with high-performance materials, ensuring durability and reducing maintenance over time. We increased the size of all the rigging to the next larger standard size and had professionals in Annapolis handle the installation. We saved a significant amount by bundling multiple jobs into a single project.
Running Rigging:
Our running rigging was updated with all new top-line materials, providing greater strength and better resistance to UV damage. We’ve noticed that the vendor took several shortcuts and didn’t measure everything properly. We won’t name them here, but we’ve found that we receive much better service if we keep a close eye on our vendors. Unfortunately, we’ve had to fix issues they caused when they did this work.
Sail Inventory:
The new 3di North Sails Furling Mainsail, Stay Sail, and Genoa provide better performance in various wind conditions, making EOTI more responsive and easier to sail. The quality of the sails is top-notch. We plan on writing a review on what we think of the sails after sailing 5 years with them soon.
Choosing the Best Marine HVAC Systems
I (Sam) am a large reptile. When it’s hot, I take a nap. When it’s cold, I take a nap. When it’s comfortable, I take a nap. Sydney, on the other hand, is flinging blankets off while putting on fuzzy mittens. I’m not exactly sure what she is, other than uncomfortable most of the time. Therefore, getting the breeze into the boat or removing the heat from the boat is important. We have cloth breeze scoops that bring air into the boat when anchored, but even those sometimes aren’t enough to keep Sydney comfortable (or me!). We’ve spent a small fortune on AC units. I’m going to say it: Dometic systems are terrible, and their warranty is a joke. We installed all new Dometics on the boat the first year we had it. They failed exactly one week after the warranty expired. As a result, we went with a different brand to replace them. Maintaining a comfortable temperature aboard is crucial for comfort, health, and well-being:
Advanced Climate Control:
Our Mabru heat and AC units are designed to regulate temperatures efficiently, even in extreme weather conditions. They are also energy-efficient, which is important when relying on generators. They use reverse cycle technology with seawater for cooling, meaning that if the water temperature drops below about 40°F, they can internally ice up and cease functioning. We make a strong effort to avoid places that get that cold. Conversely, if the water temperature rises above about 95°F (which does occur), they will also be unable to cool the boat.
We have an external 19K BTU AC and Heating unit for hurricane season that we keep in a storage shed. It can keep the boat reasonably cool at night. We don’t carry that with us and have only used it for one season. It costs about $100 a month to run, so it is also expensive. Its sole purpose is to back up the onboard systems. This unit does not run on Solar power.
Air Filtration:
These systems include some filtration capabilities, ensuring that Sydney and I breathe clean, allergen-free air. I don’t want to overstate this, but the simple filter in front of the AC unit works quite well to remove sludge from the air. When in a marina, we will leave the AC units on full time in a mode that constantly moves air over the filters. We then clean the filters about twice a week.
Zoned Heating/Cooling:
By installing separate units in each cabin, we can individually control temperatures, catering to our comfort needs without wasting energy. It may not seem like a significant issue in such a small space, but with our adult twin sons on the boat most of the time (when they’re not crewing on other people’s boats or at university), we must consider everyone’s comfort. Once the twins move on to their own boat for good, we have a long list of friends eager to come sailing with us and enjoy the bikini, board shorts, and beach lifestyle. I imagine that for landlubbers, having heating and cooling units will be essential.
The Big Deal:
We also hired a great company in South Florida to build a complete cockpit surround for us. Year-round, it helps us manage the harshest weather. Whether at anchor, in the marina, or sailing, we can stay warm, cool, dry, or whatever we need. It’s a significant game-changer on those seasonal edge days when it’s unpleasant to be out on the water.
Power Upgrades for Extended Cruises
As the saying goes, more power is better. This statement holds true for politics just as it does for living on a boat. We have done extensive work to enhance and rationalize the power system on EOTI. Everything on EOTI is 12-volt wherever possible. Radically reducing the use of AC power through the inverter systems. Reliable power systems are essential for modern cruising.
Solar Power Expansion:
We upgraded our solar panels to four 410-watt SunPower units, significantly increasing our charging capacity. With approximately 135AH of charging capacity per panel, we can charge up to 530AH every day that it isn’t cloudy. We are looking at changing to 500-watt bi-facial units, giving us 2K watts and about 155AH per panel or just over 600AH a day, but the coolness is that we also want to add two more panels, taking us to nearly 1000AH of charging capacity a day. The current system allows us to operate all onboard systems except air conditioning without relying on a generator.
Lithium-Ion Batteries:
Our Relion lithium-ion batteries provide higher energy density and longer lifespans compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. They are also lighter and deliver more power per square inch, which frees up space onboard. We currently have 600AH of batteries, allowing us to charge them from 30% in the morning and have them full daily based on our solar setup. Usually, without conservation efforts, we consume about 30 to 50 percent of the capacity in an evening at anchor. This includes watching television, charging multiple devices, using lights and fans, and often running the navigation systems. The system was professionally installed, so our insurance company has been fine with us having them. Unfortunately, they are nearing the end of their warranty, so we need to start thinking about replacements. We are currently considering the Dakota Lithium 300AH batteries in the Group 31 chassis (it’s a size designation, similar to large). They also offer a new 600AH battery that is the same size as two Group 31 batteries. This would take us to almost 2K amp hours or a lot more power in the tank for the same amount of space. The issue it is a $13K purchase.
Smart Inverter System:
The Victron MultiPlus 3000-watt inverter ensures efficient power distribution and charging, even during periods of high demand. We have considered adding a second system to run our AC units through the inverters as well. Currently, they are not connected to the inverters, so we must run the generator for AC or heating. If we added one or two more inverters, we could combine them and efficiently power the two 30-amp circuits for AC power. The key is that we are trying to keep power use to a minimum on EOTI. The inverter also has another superpower: if you look at the power input from the solar plant and observe the charger within the inverter, it’s interesting. At 170 amps, the generator, when needed, can charge the batteries to full in about three hours- easy.
Balmar Alternator:
We have a 170-amp Balmar alternator mounted on our Yanmar diesel main engine. With it, we can charge the battery bank while cruising down the bay. Here’s an important point: we can charge from solar, generator, and the engine alternator simultaneously. The Balmar, with its external regulator, hasn’t given us any problems, but it’s not trivial to set up and has strange issues that arise occasionally. It deserves its own article and review. Others have suggested a variety of manufacturers, but they all cost several thousand dollars, and this was the best option that fit in the tight confines of EOTI’s mechanical spaces.
Health-Inspired Modifications for Cruisers with Challenges
In addition to the usual medical kit, we have a multi-thousand-dollar first aid kit capable of handling everything up to minor surgery. We don’t carry any needle-type devices (IVs) as that can lead to complications when entering certain countries. Similarly, we carry a variety of medications that are recommended, but no pain relievers. If someone breaks something, rum it is. They’ll be in pain and drunk. We have some specific measures we implement for cruisers who are already dealing with health issues. Our modifications reflect Sydney’s medical needs and ensure her comfort while battling cancer:
Medical Storage:
We designated a secure area for medications and medical supplies, ensuring they are always within reach yet safely stored. We have a large kit in a suitcase-sized waterproof case that is relatively heavy. It has a dedicated location on board next to where we store our ditch kit. We also have a day case (Pelican-style box) containing standard first-aid supplies. The large kit includes items for when you’ve finished triaging. The day kit has materials for handling regular cuts and scrapes or preparing for triage, possibly on your way to the large kit. We have a similar kit in our dinghy, and I carry a small kit in a fanny pack, just in case.
Now, you’ve probably done the math and are wondering why we need so many first-aid kits. People with MS fall frequently—really frequently. They stumble into things and twist their ankles (Sydney broke her foot a few years ago stepping into the cockpit). MS affects balance and strength, so we must be prepared for anything that could happen due to a fall. I guess you won’t find us on a YouTube channel trying to reach the skinny top of a mountain. Instead, we’ll be sitting at the beach bar, evaluating the quality of the cocktails. We call this winning.
Emergency Systems:
So, you have an older white guy who is overweight and doesn’t exercise nearly enough. We will call him sturdy instead of handsome. As a result, even though he is relatively healthy, heart attacks can happen without warning, or we would have already gone to the hospital. We also have an older but still beautiful lady who is on her second round of cancer and has MS, which may be in remission but could flare up at any time, or she could be at risk of injury due to the limitations of MS. Therefore, we have medical evacuation insurance, medical insurance, and doctors we can consult with by phone or on Zoom calls.
In the worst-case scenario of being in the middle of nowhere, regardless of other factors, we added an Iridium satellite communication system to connect with healthcare providers as needed. We also have Starlink, which we don’t view as the same as SOLAS system like Iridium GO!, but we have utilized it for various medical issues. Sydney has conducted many of her consultations and discussions about treatment over Starlink using Zoom, Facetime, and other doctor-provided systems. My adult twin sons and I have received advanced first-aid training, and I’ve completed several first-responder and wilderness first-aid courses. Sydney has a solid background in “Men,” having raised three boys. All of this contributes to the adventurous lifestyle we embrace.
Hygiene Enhancements:
The best way to stay healthy is to avoid getting sick. I (Sam) am the worst at this, while my son Stuart is likely the best. We keep and use hand sanitizer from Stream2Sea extensively. Walk through a grocery store door? Hand sanitizer. Shake hands? Discreet hand sanitizer. Walk through the locking marina gate? You guessed it—hand sanitizer. We also have it in large quantities on the boat, just for this reason. It became a habit when Sydney was immunocompromised, and she is rapidly becoming immunocompromised again due to chemotherapy. So, we’ll reinforce those old habits. It may sound funny or almost crazy, but it’s essential. We also have soap and such at every sink on the boat. We clean all our groceries as soon as we get them. Yep, it feels like COVID all over again, but you know what we don’t get? Colds and flu. Installing hand sanitizers throughout the boat helps reduce the risk of infections, which is crucial given Sydney’s compromised immune system. So, we just do it.
Conclusion
We know there are people out there sailing who are sicker, braver, stronger, and better-looking. There are amputees and paraplegics making this happen, and they are far more impressive than we are. But we struggle, too, and if even one of the things we have done helps someone else get out on the water where they want to be, then the time and effort we put into writing this article is worth it. It’s not about us; it’s about giving back a small part to the community we have enjoyed over the past few years.
Modifying EOTI has been a labor of love, driven by our desire to create a safe and comfortable home at sea. We want EOTI to feel like our fortress of solitude. Every day, I’m proud to say that EOTI keeps us warm in the cold, cool in the heat, dry in the rain, and safe on stormy seas. Many of the systems weren’t simply bolt-on; they involved entirely reimagined systemic changes, such as the power and sail handling systems. By concentrating on health-oriented modifications, automation, ergonomic design, performance enhancements, efficient climate control, and dependable power systems, we’ve transformed her into the ideal vessel for long-term cruising, even with our limitations.
If you’re considering similar upgrades, remember that each modification should enhance both comfort and functionality. Prioritize your needs—whether it’s improved health facilities or enhanced performance—and choose upgrades that align with your lifestyle and preferences.
Let’s continue to embrace this maritime adventure, making our boats as resilient and adaptable as we are. Happy cruising!
