Kanter 56 Web Extras

Steve D'Antonio

07 Mar 2008

Details make all the difference. Sealant has been applied to the threads of this motor mount fastener to prevent it from loosening on its own. - None

In order to prevent inadvertent short circuits or possible stray current corrosion, the positive terminal on the generator connection bus is properly insulated. While this may seem like an obvious precaution, it’s one many builders and installers overlook. - None

A clearly labeled house battery bank master disconnect switch warns users that turning it off disables the bilge pumps. An alternative approach would be to supply power to pumps independent of the switch (and, the switch could be located outside the engine room). - None

A nice touch. A hose passes through a welded-in-place anti-chafe pipe section rather than simply over a cut-out in this hull stiffener - None

Electrical anti-chafe provisions are important on any vessel and even more so on those made of aluminum or steel where every sharp corner or edge represents a short circuit potential. The wiring shown here, and elsewhere throughout the vessel, is well secured protected against abrasion. - None

The Aquamet 22 propeller shaft is bonded to the vessel’s hull using a shaft brush. Non-metallic, Tides Marine dripless stuffing box lip seals keep the area beneath the bilge dry. While tried and true, a conventional bronze stuffing box would run the risk of inducing galvanic corrosion on this aluminum vessel - None

The potable water system is plumbed primarily with NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) polyethylene, keeping galvanically incompatible brass and copper components to a minimum. - None

Chafe is an ever present issue aboard all sea-going vessels, especially those made of metal. Here, polyethylene potable water tubing is protected and immobilized using rubber bushings as it passes through an aluminum bulkhead. Aluminum within the bilges and engineering spaces remains intentionally unpainted. In this state, aluminum retains its greatest resistance to corrosion - None

Proper strain relief connectors ensure that the AC cabling leading into the inverter will not be damaged. While the inverter was bonded, the bonding cable, the green wire in the background, is undersized. - None

The modern galley design is simple yet elegant. Because the cook top lacks any support for cookware it’s unlikely that it could be used in anything other than calm conditions. - None

A bright, comfortable dinette offers its occupants a wide angle view thanks to two large, fixed hull port lights. - None

The master stateroom’s cherry paneling and white, slatted overhead give this compartment a shippy feel. - None

A comfy settee aft of the helm doubles as a pilot berth. This now common design makes excellent sense and is ideal for longer, offshore passages. Storage for books and other gear are built into the aft bulkhead. - None

The pilothouse and saloon are separated just enough to make them feel like individual spaces. The large starboard side electrical panel resides behind smoked acrylic. - None

Thanks to her large CAT c19s, the Kanter moves along nicely as she travels past the Virginia countryside. - None

Substantial stainless steel hawse pipe cleats are properly spaced and easily accessible. And, they are well bedded to the painted aluminum structure. - None

Manfred Kanter maintains station while awaiting a swing bridge opening. The Caterpillar electronic displays provide a wealth of information, however, in the mounting seen here they are unreadable from a seated position. They could be accommodated by a larger helm console, which would also support the likely installation of a radar and plotter - None

New Photo - None

Exhaust system components on engines of this size are large and heavy. In order to properly support them and minimize vibration, overhead shock absorbing hangars are used. - None

Vital equipment such as the autopilot hydraulic pump, which is correctly fit with isolation valves, is well protected and easily accessed through the after portion of the engine room. - None

Remote cameras provide the helmsman with a rear view mirror of sorts as well as a view of the water immediately aft of the vessel. - None

The view from the lower helm is ample and the instrumentation is logically laid out and easily viewable while sitting back in the helm chair. - None

As an experienced cruiser, the owner of this vessel made it clear to Kanter that storage space had to be ample and practical. - None

Side decks are ideally sized and the stainless rail located atop the bulwark means the crew can move through this area safely even in rough weather - None

Utilizing a built-in well, the ground tackle installation allows for mud and water to drain forward and overboard. - None

In order to reduce chafe and noise, the chain rode is supported in a heavy fabric basket located beneath the foredeck within the chain locker. - None