Tag Archives: security camera

Solar Arch: Added Equipment Benefits

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Since we were putting a monstrosity on the back of our boat we decided to add a few more upgrades.  We added several new pieces of equipment and moved other equipment on to the arch rails.

  • Nemesis Gauge
  • (2) Security Cameras
  • Courtesy (Deck) Light
  • Navigation Stern Light
  • Starlink
  • IridiumGo Antennae
  • Fishing Rod Holders

Most of the items can easily be accessed by climbing the rails on the side of the arch.  

However, Matt had to use a scissor lift to reach the center of the arch.  The center is 8 meters off the ground.

The center of the arch is the entry point for the solar panels, 2 lights, and Nemesis wires.  Once the cables were wired we installed the equipment.

We had a friend come over to assist and learn how to wire the solar panels.  

Matt was on the scissor lift while Mick was in the engine room.

Nemesis Navigation Gauge

For years we have wanted a forward facing gauge in the cockpit.  However, it has always been one of those “nice to have” things.  

We often sit in the cockpit facing aft (behind the boat) when we are not at the helm.  It is shaded and comfortable.  However, from this position you cannot see any of the gauges.  You have to turn around and lean forward.  Not terrible, but not convenient.

Now that we have the new arch we have a place to mount a new gauge.  Matt selected the 9″ B&G Nemesis which can be mounted vertical or horizontal.

Matthew Duckett (Cleigh Ltd) purchased the Nemesis from Navico for about $1400 which is a huge savings!

Matt had pre-installed the Nemesis to the stainless frame as it required very, very small screws, washers, and bolts.  Unfortunately, we realized it was upside down after it was installed!  

We disconnected the panel, took the entire unit off, turned it right side up and reinstalled everything.  

Security Cameras

We purchased (2) Reolink outdoor surveillance cameras that have motion detection, night vision and two way talk mode.

Purchased from Amazon for $129 USD each.  

These cameras are in addition to the security camera we have in the cockpit.  We are well protected.

Aft Lights 

Courtesy Deck Light (NARVA LED Blue /White Deck Light – Black 72443B) was purchased at All Marine for $87. 

The cool feature about this courtesy light is that it can either be white or blue.

We also moved our stern navigation light to the back of the arch.

Existing Equipment

We moved several pieces of equipment that were located on the stern of the boat to the arch. 

Matt moved Starlink from the port dinghy davit to the port side of the arch. 

The IridiumGo antennae was located at the starboard helm and frankly in the way.

And just because we could, we added a few more fishing rod holders.

Our blog posts run 6-8 weeks behind actual live events.  

We installed the above equipment in January 2026.

Of course the main purpose of the arch is to hold our 4 new solar panels.  You can read about these new panels in “Power Up: New Solar Panels” blog post.

Boat Projects

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There is a never ending list of boat projects that need to get done.  And just as you finish one project, two more will appear.  Just like owning a house.  Matt tackled several projects while we hung out and waited in Majuro.

Anchor Shank

Our stainless steel anchor shank decided to wrap itself around some coral.  This could have happened a number of ways including strong winds, dragging, or raising the anchor.  Most likely the anchor was stuck and the swivel twisted causing too much pressure on the shank.  As you can see….it is really thick 316 Stainless Steel.  But the shank is hallow.

We have 4 shanks onboard for 2 anchors.  This shank is beyond repair and will be donated or trashed.  Comparison of good shaft to bent shaft.

We ordered an X140 from Sea Tech & Fun based out of Tunisia!  The shank comes with one hole drilled for the connecting point to the swivel as that is a universal size.  However, we had to drill the hole for the connecting point to the blade.  The shank itself is hallow. Matt drills through the top 1/4″ and then down to the bottom 1/4″ and hopes it lines up!  This requires a new, large drill bit!

Security Camera

We have had a security camera on the boat for a few years.  It’s been great and has captured some intruders who boarded our boat while we were on shore once.  But the paint on the outside has flaked off and it looks horrible.  It still works perfectly, but we need to give it some love at some point.

In the mean time, Matt purchased a higher end security camera.  This new camera illuminates the entire cockpit when it senses movement and then starts recording.  This camera captures intruders coming onboard from both port and starboard.  It also captures the entire cockpit.  The only thing missing is an audio portion with a barking dog or a menacing voice saying “intruder alert.”

Security Bars – escape Hatch

The boat has the best escape hatches!  They let in a tremendous amount of air that circulates throughout the cabin.  They are always open when we are on the boat.  Our concern was that these can pose a security risk.  It would be very easy for an adult to climb through the window.  So, Matt devised this super strong security bar made of carbon fiber.  It took some ingenuity to install it while still giving us access to open and close the hatch.  I would prefer to put a secondary bar perpendicular to the ocean but that would really obscure our view.

Bilge Pump – Float Switch

We have bilges which collect water to protect the boat.  The bilge will fill up first before it becomes a problem.  Inside each bilge is a bilge pump that is has a float switch.  When the bilge fills with water the switch activates the alarm and the pump to pump out the water.  Matt noticed that one of our float switches was broken.  He lifted it and it no longer activated the alarm or the pump.  That is not good!  Especially considering we are leaving the boat unattended for 2 weeks.  Luckily, Matt was able to repair it.  But we will get 4 new float switches back in the states as these are original to the boat (24 years young!)

Bow Speakers

Our amazing WetSounds Rev9 bow speakers take a beating while we are under passage.  They often get soaked with salt water.  Yet, they continue to produce great sounds.  Lately however we noticed the starboard bow speaker was not producing good sounds.  Matt took it apart and found them corroded and covered in salt (me being sheepish now).  So, we replaced some of the innards and now they sound just like new! Here are the old and new side by side.

VHF Replacement

Our B&G V90 (handset H50) had been giving us problems and was not transmitting properly.  In addition, the handset cable starting falling part (see arrows).  We finally replaced it with an ICOM 510BB (handset HM195 GB).  It took Matt several hours to pull out the old gear and install the new gear.  Now we seem to be transmitting well (both near and far).

Cover Photo:  Not really related to boat projects, but a great image of two locals using a canoe to transport (2) 50-gallong drums!

Our blog posts run 4-6 weeks behind actual live events.  Matt worked on these boat projects during the months of February and March while we were in Majuro.

In our last blog post we spend a day at the Alele Museum – check it out!