Hello everyone,

I’m new to the forum and recently purchased a 1986 MKI Cat 36. This summer, I’m planning a trip from Seattle to Alaska aboard the new boat. I’ve been cruising most of my life, but this will be my first time heading north of Vancouver Island (and my first major voyage on this boat), so I’m excited to get her fully dialed in.

We’ve already completed a number of upgrades, with plenty more in the works, and I’d really appreciate hearing about your favorite or most valuable improvements for a trip like this. No suggestion to small!

After owning your boat for years, what are the upgrades you couldn't live without?

Completed so far:

• New water heater
• New main galley faucet
• Macerator pump
• Dickinson fuel transfer pump for diesel heater
• LED conversion (currently in progress, thinking of adding dimmers)
• Deep Cleaning Everything

Upgrades that came with the boat:

• Newer Propane stove/oven system
• Electric head
• New forward water tank
• Inline Water Filter system
• Smart Plug with updated AC wiring
• Newer fridge condenser

Planned upgrades:

• New batteries (leaning toward AGMs)
• Electric windlass (would love input here - I've read most of the posts)
• AIS
• Navigation software
• Engine Maintenance with Mechanic (Coming this week!)
• Replacing Some of the Running Rigging

The project list is long, but I’m looking forward to learning from your experience. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

— Keaton