http://www.piratesteve.com/index.htmlPirate Logenpirate@piratesteve.comCopyright 20052006-04-30T14:03:18-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:01:40 -0400pirate@piratesteve.comPirate bLog2006-04-30T14:03:18-04:00http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/488D9103-6939-42AF-A073-4501F3C6AAE9-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/488D9103-6939-42AF-A073-4501F3C6AAE9-16.html#unique-entry-id-16
I fretted, hemmed, hawed, had Edson design me a cable system, fretted on how complicated the install would be, hemmed and hawed some more. Finally, against my better judgement, I decided to go back to the steering system the factory installed originally (path of least resistance). I got all the parts and jumped in.

Now, I am here to tell you when you remove a hydraulic steering system (like the one installed on Spanky when I got it) you should probably relieve the system pressure somewhere safe before you take off the first fitting in your clothes locker. I doused most of my clothes, much of the starboard stateroom, and all of myself with stinky hydraulic oil. I tried to stop the deluge once it started, but fell to laughing so hard it was all over before I stopped a drop.

I had seen just this comedy in a Three Stooges episode. Oil everywhere, a stooge trying to stop it by forcing what he took off back on (which made it much worse of course). The full length mirror on the outside of the compartment added to the disaster. I laughed so hard at seeing myself I fell over and spread the oil all over my galley too. Nyuk, nyuk.

OK, a few stinky days later I have learned how wonderful Kitty Litter is at soaking up oil, and how nicely citrus Goof-Off cleans up hydraulic oil smells. Oh, and how good Oxi-Clean is at getting hydraulic oil out of clothing too. The hydraulic steering system is completely removed and gone for good now. I have mounted the new steering box in the console, and have only to run the cables to the rudders (only!) It will have to wait for at least one of the cursed Yamaha 9.9's to be sold first though. I have to remove the dumb outboard bracket before I can run the new steering cables, and I can't do that until I am down to at most 1 motor.

I had them in the local trader, but no joy. I am going to eBay one of them this week. Actually, as much as I whine about the Yamaha's, these seem to be fine motors. Both start and run nicely every time I run them up. The one had a problem, but it turned out to be merely a bad connection in the wiring harness that was easily repaired. Oh well, they are too small to be used individually, and I am NOT keeping twins on a sailboat (somebody tell the previous owner this is actually a SAILboat, eh?)

Other than the steering, I am managing to get many of the outfitting checklist items crossed off. So I am really excited at the thought of setting sail - just as Hurricane Season 2006 kicks off! Ah, I am sure I will be able to get in some nice Keys drifting before we get slammed this year. I miss the sun, the clear water, the girls in bikini's, the Jimmy Buffet...

It got hot again here and I had to start dealing with AC once more. Ick. I have this beautiful marine air 16,000 btu unit almost installed. I ran a new 30 amp feed and put in a second panel just for her, and she would be running today if I could get a haul out here at Telemar marina. Sadly, they are afraid to haul a catamaran due to some urban legend of a catamaran folding on a travel lift "somewhere" so won't haul me. And since I have no steering (yet) I am unable to get hauled elsewhere until I can navigate. And I have to get hauled to install the last component of the AC - a through hull fitting for the water pickup.

So it got hot and I was stuck. Went to Home Despot and found this lovely Everstar 8000 btu portable for 300 bucks (you can read my review here). And once again life aboard is cool. Now those of you that know me know of my never-ending AC struggles aboard. I have tried everything, and in the end have given up and decided that despite the problems, marine AC is the best solution for my application. Thankfully I have made some really wonderful discoveries that make marine AC acceptable for me and thought I should pass them along.

Circulation pumps have been my biggest problem. They seem to die every few months and cost exorbitant amounts of money. I discovered two things that make this less of an issue. First, I found that for a small charge I can get a three year carry in exchange warranty at Worst Marine for the pumps. So, now I have a pump, a spare - and that is all I need. No more expenses for three years! Pump dies, swap out spare, and go to Worst Marine at my leisure for my shiny new pump. I have even figured out how to install quick fittings on the pump so I can swap one out in less than a minute. Now I smirk at them and dare them to die.

Second discovery has been even more helpful. On multihulls we have dry bilges. No water in the boat. So even though the circ pumps are submersible, I have always kept mine dry. Well, because I was lazy during the heat of the summer I let my forward AC unit (a lovely little 5k Mermaid) spit her condensate directly into the bilge to be pumped out by the bilge pump when the water level gets to be about 2 inches depth. Well, this cool condensate happens to bathe the circulation pump by complete happenstance (certainly not by any design of mine).

And lo and behold, the circ pump has lasted nearly a year - and is still going strong! They were all dying from the heat of running continuously. A bit of cool water bath and the pump is a happy crewman. So now I have built a lovely tray for the pump with it's own smaller bilge pump, and drain the AC condensate directly into that. Pump is very happy. I am cool. Life is good.

I still have to clean the filters weekly, but that isn't so bad I guess. Oh, and I figured how to stop worrying about sinking the boat with a split pump hose while I am sleeping or away too! My friend Guy turned me on to these cool washing machine sensors that shut off the water flow if they get wet (You can see them here). I mounted one in the bilge, and now if a hose splits the water will be turned off and the circ pump will shut down instead of merrily pumping my boat full of water. As I said last paragraph, life is good!

Now with any luck my next post will be from Margaritaville...]]>pirate@piratesteve.comPirate bLog2005-12-03T10:28:34-05:00http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/0D3AE969-C7F8-44AD-A1B1-585BEDA174FA-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/0D3AE969-C7F8-44AD-A1B1-585BEDA174FA-15.html#unique-entry-id-15
So Spanky and I are still stuck in Indian Harbor Beach. Believe you me, I have had many a night of regret over buying this tub. My latest evil thoughts are of unloading her and picking up a working monohull (gasp!) I hate this train of thought, but I hate sitting at the dock more. Right now, for instance, there is a lovely repossessed Oday 30 and a big Hunter with a free-standing cat rig sitting on the hard right in front of Spanky. Both are in fine sailing condition, both available for a song. Oh how tempted I find myself. Thankfully (or sadly) I have not enough shekels to purchase one unless Spanky sold first. And I have not yet gotten to the point of actually putting her up on the market. I suspect this month will be the deciding month though. I really am completely tired of being tied to the dock.

I was in Atlanta for a week, then Michigan for a couple more. Wow, it was COLD up there! One day the high was 14 degrees. And did I mention snow? It snowed most of the visit. Now you Yanks might think that was fine weather, but for a boat bum with very little clothing to begin with that was pretty brutal. Though, I will admit it was completely enchanting to watch the snow fall, and the snow covering the ground was magical and beautiful.

I had a nice time with Dad, and my sister, and her kids. My daughter came up for a bit and I really enjoyed seeing her too. I have not been able to spend much time with her in a while (she is 18 and very busy). So it was wonderful to be able to see her as I did. I really miss her much more than I ever suspected I would. And I continue to be so proud of how she is turning out to be as an adult.

And as always, I am hoping NEXT month I can move Spanky south. So far no joy on that, but I remain hopeful. I would love to get to Miami soon at least. In Miami I could have some of the major Spanky things (say, the lack of rudders) fixed by people who actually know what they are doing. And then I could start a bit of actual sailing...]]>pirate@piratesteve.comPirate bLog2005-08-22T13:36:00-04:00http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/5F6550F8-B4DE-404A-847B-75AFC1FEF50F-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/5F6550F8-B4DE-404A-847B-75AFC1FEF50F-12.html#unique-entry-id-12
Any of you live-aboards find workable AC solutions? I blow $200 circulation pumps every 4-6 months. Aboard Spanky I have a Carry On hatch system, a portable 11,000BTU system and a 5k marine air system. I also have a 16k marine system that I have yet to install, but plan on using it to replace the hatch and portable systems.

The hatch AC drips condensate on my settee continuously, but cools pretty well. It is fun to sit guests under it and watch the ensuing water torture. It's no fun to have to clean up constantly after though. The 11k portable is wonderful - but - only seems to cool around 5k, not the advertised 11k. And it is awfully large for only 5k of cooling.

The installed 5k marine air is my best cooler - certainly out-performing all the others - but it blows circ pumps and needs flushing out regularly. Plus, I have to clean out the intake filter every week. When I get the 16k unit installed that will be TWO circ pumps blowing regularly - ugh. There just has to be a better way to cool onboard, I just can't seem to figure it out.

I have been working on some websites for my friend Guy. He pays me in BTU's. Lovely cold BTU's. I also have been seeing more matinee movies, walking the mall and hanging out at bookstores. Wow, there are some really bad movies out this summer. Though I really did enjoy Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

I was canoeing or kayaking every morning, but it has been getting hot very early so I have not for the last week. I am thinking I might try tonight and see if that is any better.. I sure like messing about in small boats, but not enough to die from heat stroke. I decided to join the local health club so I can go swim in the mornings at their indoor pool. That should make up for the temporary kayaking loss.

On the plus side, I have been making a lot of wonderful new friends hanging out in air conditioned places. In fact, I would say I am having a much better time trying to stay cool than I would if the boat was cool and I was here outfitting. For instance, did you know there seems to be an endless supply of pretty women at bookstores? I mean, I sure never would have guessed. I am even thinking of learning how to read... Silver linings are the best part of clouds, don't you think?

While my social calendar is full, not one thing has been accomplished aboard Spanky this month. I did replace a bad circ pump, but that is it. The heat has just oppressed me and my outfitting is at a standstill for the time being. For those of you wondering, here is my outfitting to do list, with items completed marked as such:

Sell dual Yamaha 9.9hp outboards

Purchase single 25-40hp motor & install

done - Install main cabin AC

done - Install forward cabin AC

done - R & R shower sump

done - Install TV

done - Purchase and install battery charger

done - remove jenny & order parts

done - Remove extra stove-top

done - Buy & install decent docklines

done - Mount new blinds

done - install solar controller

done - remove salt water tap from head

done - Install forward cabin AC

done - Rebuild original stove burners/replace stove

done - Install Inverter

done - install water filter

done - install water accumulator

done - Replace faucets with low-use type

done - install TP holder

done - install new head shower and faucet

done - Remove rudder cages

done - Install boat Computer

done - Purchase & install destroyer wheel

Rewire AC/DC Electrical System to comply with ABYS:
done - design and diagram compliant electrical system
done - install GF receptacles
done - install AC & DC panels
done - install common ground bus
done - Rewire main 30A service Port side
done - 120v feed for battery charger
done - 120v feed for refrigerator
done - 120v feed for Port outlets
done - 120v feed for Stbd outlets
done - 120v feed for cabin AC
done - 120v feed for AC forward cabin
done - 12v & 120v outlets forward cabin
done - rewire fresh water pump
done - rewire salt water pump
done - 12v feed for stbd bilge pump

120v feed for microwave
12v feed for port bilge pump
rewire reading lights
rewire galley lights
rewire galley drinking water filter
started - install new batteries


started - Install Satellite TV (direcTV)

Finalize microwave & install

Have rudder cages modified

Remount rudder cages

Remove old hydraulic steering mess

Install new steering mess (big, hot job)

R & R Furler

have rigging inspected and R & R as necessary

Polish pilot house plexiglass - R & R if necessary (ugh)

Build & Install forward stateroom storage

Build & Install port hanging locker

Move propane back to original locker

Build & install lpg tank rack for locker

Install marine lpg regulator and hoses

install propane solenoid shutoff system

re-plumb freshwater system

Remove bastard motor platform

R & R motor pod

started - Buy & install decent ground tackle fore and aft

From Maru remove:
watermaker
radome & cable
EPIRB (have tested & register to Spanky)
wind meter?
Storm Anchor and tackle
anything else!

Install solar panels & wire

Install electric toilet and re-plumb to simpler KISS setup

Remove NAV 5 (old non-MNEA instrument package), all components and eBay

Started - Purchase & install NEMA wind guage & Knot Log

R & R Autohelm depthfinder

Install RED cabin lights for night vision

Install navtex & antenna (Navtex antenna is GPS central)

Install radar antenna bracket

Install Raymarine Radar (use Nmea for gps data)

Install Garmin depthfinder/chartplotter

Install Autopilot (decide which one!)

Install anchor wash system

Install watermaker

Steam clean headliner

R & R cockpit shower

started - Install/upgrade sound system

Sand and varnish cabin sole

Install WiFi directional antenna and rotator on mast? stern pole?

Remove port side extra fuel tank (leaky one)

R & R fuel system

Inspect sails, R & R as needed

Started - Purchase & install 16k marine air unit to replace lame portable and hatch units

Haul &:
1) Paint bottom
2) Paint Stripe
3) Repair broken underside support
4) Repair holes and scratches
5) Upgrade speed log
6) Upgrade depth senders
7) paint or install graphics stickers
8) Survey


eBay extra equipment]]>pirate@piratesteve.comPirate bLog2005-08-06T00:13:00-04:00http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/5D76F5C8-7C27-421D-A18E-E94B0B040DDB-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/5D76F5C8-7C27-421D-A18E-E94B0B040DDB-11.html#unique-entry-id-11
Saw Brain Brown a couple weeks ago in Orlando. Was great fun catching up on old times. Brian is looking to be the next owner of Maru, I can't think of anyone I would rather take her to sea. He doesn't seem to mind the idea of a lot of elbow grease and paint. Me, I'm getting too old for that. I just want to sail...]]>pirate@piratesteve.comPirate bLog2005-06-13T11:58:00-04:00http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/E598D2BC-E522-4E76-8751-88BDFAD9D77D-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/E598D2BC-E522-4E76-8751-88BDFAD9D77D-8.html#unique-entry-id-8
I have had difficulty with air-conditioning (it IS Florida). I have installed several units that are not working out. I tried so hard NOT to install marine units - they are horrid beasts that use expensive circulation pumps that fail and leak regularly - but in the end I am forced to use them anyway. I have a 5k unit installed in the forward stateroom that keeps me cool at night, and I just got a 16k unit for the main cabin that must be installed. I have a portable 11k unit now in the main cabin, but it is just not quite enough during the heat of the day. I tried a hatch-air unit - but it dripped condensate constantly and was a major pain. They are complete junk, at a rediculous price.

So with most of the interior work done, I now am working on the rudders and steering. Some moron prior owner removed the original steering and installed, apparently without consulting anyone that actually had a clue, a hydraulic system that failed on my first trip. In just 3-4 foot swells, the linkages bent horribly because they were not aligned with the lines of force. Duh. When I bought the boat, I knew I would be replacing that pretty fast - but had hoped to get some use out of it first. I had thought I could just retrofit the original system as it was designed.

Unfortunately, the people at the factory recommended against this, telling me the original system was prone to failure (whee!) So began the arduous task of redesign. To be honest, I am still waffling on the final specs. I had a few designs drawn up, each with plusses and minuses. But this week I will have to finalize something as the rudder cages go to the welder and he needs some concrete instruction. I can't go anywhere until this is done, and the hurricane season is already upon me.

I am still hoping to head north in July (I had hoped to head north in June at first). It would be lovely to hide from the hurricane season in Annapolis, and see my friends again before heading to South America next spring. Will I get out of here before the hurricanes start rolling in? Stay tuned...]]>pirate@piratesteve.comPirate bLog2005-02-17T20:57:00-05:00http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/2082FA99-3029-4A58-A0B2-B450E788EF32-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/2082FA99-3029-4A58-A0B2-B450E788EF32-7.html#unique-entry-id-7pirate@piratesteve.comPirate bLog2005-01-18T22:16:00-05:00http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/FF7EB8AE-CFC0-4519-8BA6-31244FFFD85C-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/FF7EB8AE-CFC0-4519-8BA6-31244FFFD85C-6.html#unique-entry-id-6pirate@piratesteve.comPirate bLog2005-01-15T23:14:00-05:00http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/88AD0890-4E75-4E02-BA7E-6452700FF7F5-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/88AD0890-4E75-4E02-BA7E-6452700FF7F5-4.html#unique-entry-id-4pirate@piratesteve.comPirate bLog2005-01-10T17:45:00-05:00http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/A9EC335B-12AE-4727-94C0-6A438031AE4E-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/A9EC335B-12AE-4727-94C0-6A438031AE4E-1.html#unique-entry-id-1her up. Once Maru is habitable, I sell the powerboat and take off on my new adventure (probably a Hurricane Season in the Chesapeake as a farewell to the states and to see old friends). Both boats are big projects. Stinky Maru was pretty badly flooded during our hurricane stint, lost her flybridge window, and requires a lot of interior work. What's more, I don't even know if the old Chevy 350 will fire up (though, it IS a Chevy 350 - what can be wrong that can't be easily fixed?). Maru has sat, sadly, for a few years now and needs a lot of paint, a lot of cleaning and a lot of love. She will get it all soon. I will keep you updated here, stay tuned. Exciting times for the Pirate, I tell you! Incidentally, anyone know a good mail forwarding service? I will need a mailbox somewhere for bills, correspondence, etc. that can forward received mail. I have a few leads, but if any of you know of some place in particular you like - let me know!]]>pirate@piratesteve.comPirate bLog2005-01-10T17:43:00-05:00http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/47228E9A-D8B3-4998-B4D7-1A9BAA3D9D47-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.piratesteve.com/SpankyShipsLog/files/47228E9A-D8B3-4998-B4D7-1A9BAA3D9D47-0.html#unique-entry-id-0