There is always something to be done on a boat. Currently we are at the stage of getting the boat sealed up properly to keep the water out and adding the necessary items to allow us to be self sufficient.
1. Replace the hatch just in front of the mast as the Perspex is broken along the support hinge. Unfortunately this was not picked up in the survey as it had been covered by grip tape. It was a rude surprise to find the bedding soaked the first time we left the boat without the bow cover on.
2. Re-bed the stanchions. There are signs of leaks from these and we have confirmed at least one to be dripping when it rains.
3. Convert our walker bay dinghy to be a sailing dinghy. There is a sailing kit available for about $1000 but I have decided to rig it with optimist gear so that the kids are familiar with the optimist rig, when and if they choose to race. It will also stow more neatly.
4. Purchase and install a solar system. I'm thinking 800 to 1000 watts should be enough. This should equate to about 180 amps per day based on 40% production for 4 hrs and then 80% for the remaining 4 hrs per day. Using a worse case scenario of 8 hr long days.
5. Repair or replace the hatch for the sail locker in the bow. It is leaking in the rain so I can only imagine how bad it would be in the ocean with waves crashing over it. The frame seems to be bowed so the seal is poor. Maybe I can use the parts from item 1 to repair the bow locker hatch. Mmmmm?
It would also be nice to do the following
- Increase the battery capacity.
- purchase a dodger
- buy an outboard for the dinghy
- New rod rigging
I'll be posting on the blog as each of these are completed.
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