Ready for your next marine adventure?
There’s always something happening at HMB — new installs, fresh tech to play with, and plenty of boat talk with our regulars (usually over a cuppa). And now, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new marine service venture: Auckland Outboard Workshop. Whether it’s routine outboard servicing or more complex repairs, we’ve got your engine covered.
With peak boating season behind us, it’s the perfect time to plan ahead. Whether you're prepping for a voyage to warmer waters, thinking about a solar upgrade, or just making sure your heater’s ready for those cooler mornings, we're here to help keep you comfortable and confident on the water year-round. We’ve pulled together a few recent projects and updates we thought you’d enjoy — plus a sea trial or two to keep things interesting. Have a scroll, and if something sparks an idea, you know where to find us.
– The Team at HMBE
Pacific Ocean Ready:
Transforming a Moody for the Ultimate Ocean Adventure
Donald Thompson, the owner of a Moody 45 DS, set out to upgrade his yacht's navigation, power, and solar systems ahead of an ambitious ocean journey - sailing in the Pacific Rally, covering stops in Tonga, Fiji, and back to Brisbane. Having owned the boat for just six months, Donald wanted to make sure it was fully equipped for offshore cruising, prioritising efficiency, reliability, plus aesthetics.
The Challenge
The yacht's existing systems were outdated and not suitable for long-haul passages. The navigation system needed a complete overhaul, the solar panels were underperforming, and the overall electrical system lacked integration! In short, Donald wanted a modernised, high-tech setup that would improve functionality while maintaining a clean and visually appealing look.
The Solution
Working in collaboration with Half Moon Bay Marine Electrical and integrating Garmin's marine technology, Donald undertook a full system upgrade. The project included:
Navigation & Electronics:
Installation of two new chart plotters
Front-view transducer for improved navigation
Speed and depth transducers
Integration of a PredictWind Data Hub and Iridium Go for real-time tracking
Starlink connectivity for offshore internet access
Solar & Power System:
Replacement of inefficient solar panels with a brand-new system
Plans for future lithium battery upgrades to improve sustainability
Increased solar capacity to reduce reliance on the generator
The Result
The installation process went smoothly, with Donald and his partner actively involved to help reduce costs. Despite minor challenges - everything was quickly corrected to meet his high expectations.
"It was functional. It did everything it needed to. But I wanted it to look as if it had always been part of the boat - not just something added on with external cabling."
With the upgraded solar panels, the boat can now generate more power, reducing generator use and enhancing self-sufficiency. Donald is optimistic about moving towards lithium batteries in the future to eliminate generator dependence altogether.
"We're not really greenies, but the emissions from the generator mean something to us. Plus, reducing maintenance and fuel costs is a huge bonus."
Looking Ahead
As Donald and his crew set sail for the Pacific Rally, they will document their journey using their new tracking system, providing real-time updates on their progress. "With the data hub and everything set up, we'll have a tracking page for the rally and our own personal one. We'll be able to post daily blogs and snapshots of our location."
The upgrades have transformed the Moody 45 DS into a cutting-edge cruising yacht, equipped for extended offshore adventures. Needless to say, Donald is thrilled with the outcome, both in terms of functionality and the sleek, professional finish of the installations.