It's hot here in central Florida this summer. Despite three air-conditioners aboard, I can't get the boat to cool more than 80 degrees in the afternoons. Thankfully, I get can wonderfully chilly nights, but I have to escape the boat days to find air-conditioning. And of course the marine AC systems break down with alarming regularity and considerable expense.

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

I am going to be on TV! ABC Prime Time Live on September 1. How exciting, no? Other than that, I have been resting more than working on the boat (or the website obviously - though I am trying out a new look). I am just having fun enjoying summer here in Florida, hoping hurricanes pass me by this year. I have given up on going north for the summer, but am now hoping to head down the islands come December. Planning to make landfall in Puerto Rico for Christmas. Though you know me, the wind might take me practically anywhere!

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...