13/06/05 11:58
I have been living aboard Spanky in Satellite Beach now since March I think. She is lovely inside, truly a palace. But a LOT more work than I thought when I picked her up. Since I am living aboard, I have been working mostly on the interior things first for comfort. I had to install all new electric panels and wiring for both the DC and AC systems, I had to replumb most of the boat, I had to rebuild the stove, I had to install air-conditioning, I had to install my computers and television and sound system, etc. Most of that part is done now thankfully.
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...