Sept 11, 2011
However, with the remodel of the aft head area I need to at least get access behind it again and so I have decided to remove the old unit completely as it will not spin properly. It could probably be repaired but it is 20 years old and has significant rust on the back panels as well as the front face so I might as well remove it. In addition, I may install a dedicated dehumidifier in it's place for the time being as the shore facilities are good enough but with the intention of being able to easily re-install the washer/dryer if needed.
Here I have gotten the washing machine ready to pull out. There were two bolts which were threaded rod into the original location of the screwed in leveling feet which were used to secure the unit.
Here the washing machine has been pulled forward on lifevests to protect the wood
Here is looking over the top of the washing machine having been partially pulled out and the cabinetry having been removed. All of the cabinetry is designed to be easily removed.
Here Tom and I are working to have sufficient padding around the washing machine to avoid damaging the woodwork.
A bit further
A little bit more
Now the washing machine has been removed. The doorways to the master's cabin are larger than the rest of the boat and just barely provide enough room for the washing machine to be removed. This required taking the door off of the head compartment and removing the hand rail on the inboard side.
Here is the locker after the washing machine was completely removed. In the back are the hot and cold feed lines, power from the main panel, and the air conditioning duct.
We ended up tipping the washing machine on its side to get it out of the head compartment and into the aft stateroom. This had to be high enough to allow us to negotiate the washing machine above the sink and toilet to make the corner. The machine weighs about 120lbs and no more than two people can really work on it. Tom and I did get it out without any damage to the woodwork!
We then set it upright on the bed platform and using block and tackles on the boom were able to lift the washing machine out of the boat and onto the dock without any issue. The fit through the hatch is tight but we did not have to remove the hatch to get it out but it was close.
Just a bit more cleaning and putting the woodwork back together.
The rope dangling down is the remanant o fthe lifting process. I had intended to take a couple more on the way up but it went so easily that we did not want to stop.
I wrapped some rugs around the boom and then made several loops with line to support the blocks to pull up the washing machine.
And here is the washing machine on the dock having been successfully removed from the boat. It did not require removing any parts just very careful navigation.
Here is a closeup of the front of the old washing machine which was made by Candy, it is a Domino / Turbomatic
Here is a side view of the washing machine
Here are the technical details for the removed unit
Another view of the technical specs plate.
Other than some cleanup the washing machine came out of the boat cleanly and no damage was done! Hopefully someday we can reverse the process with the same degree of success. For the time being I am going to install a large dedicated dehumidifier as that will be more useful as a liveaboard for being able to shower aboard, cook more pasta, and the like. Since the spot has access to the ductwork I can send the exhaust air into the aft cabin and salon without difficulty.