New Experiences

We have been working on the boat every day as we live on it. Yesterday we attempted to move the boat to the pump out station in 10-15 knot winds. As we plunged forward with the wind, passing the pump out station and heading toward Tom's boat, we realize that the prop has once again folded closed during reverse and we had no way to stop the boat. As Brett wrestled the boat to a stop, I brace for impact but he stopped the boat in time. The dock line was over the lifelines and the pressure popped the stern pulpit and wind generator out of their mounts. Luckily, they had not been bolted in yet or it would have been bent. We discovered that the prop was once again folding on us when we put it in reverse and then we have no control.

We pumped out the boat and then pulled her forward and flipped her around using the wind. Then I steered her back to the marina and Brett steered her into our slip with the wind on our back.

We left her bow into the dock instead of having our cockpit to the dock and went to buy another hose so we would reach the dock.

Benny had been sick at night so we took him to the vet Friday. They suggested Benedryl and a nightlight to see if it is seasickness. She also gave us antibiotice for this week just in case. I gave him 1/2 Benedryl on Friday night and left a nightlight on and he hasn't thrown up since. He must have been seasick.

We had a storm come through last night. My first big storm inside the boat. It was kinda nerve wracking because I don't know where all our little leaks are and the rain is pounding. The leaks weren't bad though. Just a few drops from some windows. Definitely things we need to fix BEFORE we actually go offshore. Brett says that any leaks you have at dock are 10x worse at sea.

This morning it is absolutely gorgeous. Calm and sunny.

Brett and I have been discussing what it would take to get us moving. We made a list last night of what things needed to be done and bought for going down the ICW and what things needed to be done and bought for going offshore. It's a big list but it is a lot smaller than what it was a few months ago.

We still don't have our propane hooked up to the stove so I have been cooking in our crockpot (Thanks Shannon and Nathan). We're having slow cooked chicken and potato soup tonight. It's been nice, and cheaper. Less dishes, too.

It's been slowgoing trying to make our boat look more of a cruiser than liveaboard but we're making a little bit of progress every day.

SOME OF OUR LIST...
Water Tanks
Name on Boat
HIN on Boat
Change Prop
Haul Out- Bottom Paint, Check Inducers, Strut
Oil Pressure Gauge
Fuel Gauge
Hot Water Radiator Hose and Fittings
Cabinets installed
12v lights
Depth Sounder Transducer
Dodger and all canvas pieces made
Engine shut off cable
Engine Spare Parts + other
Charts
GPS antenna
Shelves in Lazarette
Flare Safety Kit
Fire Extinguisher
Air Horn
Binnacle and Bulkhead Compasses
Tethers and Harnesses
Offshore Sail Repair Kit
Radar cable and install radar
EPIRB
Sail Chaffting Gear
Light Rule
LifeSling
Netting?
Drogue
Inflatable Life Jackets
First Aid Kit- Offshore
Spot Light
Lee cloth
Radar Reflector
CQR anchor would be nice
Batteries (2)
VHF antenna spliter
Dinghy Mounts
Rebed portlights
Replace opening port lense
Storm plugs
Corks/wooden plugs
Larger inverter
Backflow device on engine bilge pump
Seal chain plates
COckpit cushions
gloves
cockpit table
foot pump spout and hose
hook up solar panels
battery charger?
shore power cord- 50 ft
Red lights installed
Macerator pump?
Another vent o mate installed
wind scoops made
MOsquito screens made
latches and catches installed
straps/chocks
Propane hookup list
hook up auto pilot
Wind VANE
Table for salon
Fishing Gear
Stove fiddles
Small propane tank
Harness for galley
Clock/Barometer
make flags
Snorkeling gear for Kyla
foul weather boots
boat shoes for Brett
Cable cutters
Bolt down stern pulpit
Repair sails
emergency tiller replaced
Fasten teak in cockpit