1982
Yukon Delta project boat
MARINE-GADGETS.COM • BUILD / TEST / CRUISE
Practical boatbuilding, marine electronics and cruising upgrades developed around the 1982 Yukon Delta Nomad. We document the plan, materials, installation, testing and lessons learned so other boat owners can build with more confidence.
Yukon Delta project boat
Complete cabin and systems rebuild
Target season for extended cruising
PROJECT LIBRARY
Each category will grow into detailed articles, diagrams, parts lists, cost notes, installation photos and honest performance reports from the water.
Framing, insulated walls, a walkable roof, windows, bunks, galley, head, shower and an efficient 88-inch-wide interior.
Plywood preparation, resin selection, fiberglass cloth, fairing, edge sealing, bonding and durable exterior finishes.
Multiple aluminum tanks, safe fill and vent routing, selector valves, filtration, hose choices and usable cruising range.
Battery banks, charging, alternator protection, circuit protection, distribution, grounding and serviceable marine wiring.
Raspberry Pi 5 and MacArthur HAT chartplotter with OpenCPN, GPS, AIS, Signal K and onboard dashboards.
Panel layout, charge controllers, LiFePO4 planning, energy budgets and dependable off-grid power for extended travel.
Twelve-inch folding platforms, hinges, braces and rails designed to improve access around the cabin while anchored.
Windlass selection, remote controls, bow reinforcement, rode storage and a practical system built around a 22-pound anchor.
CURRENT FEATURED BUILD
This is not a cosmetic refresh. The project combines a rebuilt cabin, redesigned interior, expanded fuel capacity, modern navigation, solar power and safer deck access into a compact cruiser for two adults and two dogs—Remi the Belgian Malinois and Ruger the Doberman.
The working layout uses two 75-inch longitudinal bunks, a 32 × 32-inch head, a separate 32 × 32-inch shower, opposing 60-inch galley cabinets, forward swivel seating and steep compact steps over the engine to the aft deck. Walls and roof are planned as insulated, lightweight assemblies with sealed wood framing and fiberglassed plywood skins.
The Volvo Penta AQ145 and AQ280 outdrive are being restored for a relaxed 5–6 knot cruise. The fuel plan targets approximately 80–84 gallons in multiple tanks. At an estimated 2–3 gallons per hour, conservative planning keeps reserve fuel aboard and treats roughly 130–180 nautical miles as a practical leg-planning envelope until real-world burn tests are complete.
DETAILED BUILD TOPICS
Start with accurate hull measurements and a fair, well-bonded base. Frame openings before skinning, provide solid backing for railings and roof loads, and preserve access to fasteners, wiring and plumbing. Every penetration should be over-drilled, sealed and bedded to keep moisture away from the core.
PROJECT CHECKLIST — Templates • base rail • framing • roof crown • window openings • insulation • exterior skin • bedding and drainage
Dry-fit first, radius sharp corners and seal all faces and edges. Use resin compatible with the cloth and substrate, work within temperature limits, remove air thoroughly and avoid trapping untreated wood. Fair only after the structural laminate has cured, then protect the laminate with primer and marine topcoat.
PROJECT CHECKLIST — Moisture check • edge sealing • fillets • cloth schedule • cure window • fairing • primer • UV-resistant finish
Secure each tank against movement while allowing inspection and drainage. Use USCG-rated gasoline hose, accessible shutoffs or selectors, properly sized fill and vent lines, anti-siphon protection where required and ignition-protected components in gasoline spaces. Label every valve and test every connection before operation.
PROJECT CHECKLIST — Tank mounts • fills • vents • bonding • selectors • filters • shutoffs • leak test • reserve policy
Build from a documented load calculation. Place overcurrent protection close to the energy source, size conductors for both ampacity and voltage drop, use marine-grade tinned wire and sealed terminals, separate critical navigation circuits, and label both ends of every conductor. A high-output alternator should use appropriate regulation or DC-to-DC charging to protect itself and the battery bank.
PROJECT CHECKLIST — Load table • bank fuse • disconnect • busbars • distribution • cable sizing • labels • charging tests
A Raspberry Pi 5 with a MacArthur HAT can combine OpenCPN charts, USB GPS, AIS data, Signal K, Node-RED and vessel monitoring on one low-power platform. The installation needs clean regulated power, protected NMEA connections, reliable storage, cooling, offline charts and a backup navigation method.
PROJECT CHECKLIST — Pi 5 • MacArthur HAT • OpenCPN • GPS • AIS • Signal K • cooling • charts • backup plan
Measure daily energy use before choosing panels or batteries. Include refrigeration, navigation, communications, pumps, lights and inverter losses. Match array voltage to the controller, protect both sides of the charger, provide safe disconnects and install LiFePO4 batteries with a suitable BMS and charging profile.
PROJECT CHECKLIST — Energy audit • array layout • MPPT sizing • disconnects • battery protection • monitoring • shaded-output test
OUR BUILD METHOD
Confirm the real boat dimensions and photograph every space before materials are ordered.
Define loads, materials, clearances, service access and failure points before construction.
Use marine-rated materials, careful workmanship and documented wiring and plumbing routes.
Dock-test first, then complete progressively longer sea trials and publish honest results.
These pages document one owner-built project and are not a substitute for a qualified marine surveyor, naval architect, ABYC-certified technician or manufacturer instructions. Fuel, propane, shore power, high-current DC wiring, structural modifications and navigation equipment can create serious hazards. Verify applicable USCG, ABYC, engine and equipment requirements before copying any installation.
FOLLOW THE REBUILD
New project guides will be added as the Yukon Delta Nomad moves from fabrication to systems installation, launch testing and the 2027 cruising season. Expect measurements, parts, costs, mistakes, improvements and performance data—not showroom promises.