Installing windvane self-steering.
"How does one organize an expedition: what equipment is taken, what sources read; what are the little dangers and the large ones?" -- The Log from the Sea of Cortez, John Steinbeck
Symbiosis' navigation table is piled high with tools, electronics and spare parts. The problem of organization seems to only get worse the closer we get to our departure -- a month from now at the latest.
Both Noi and I are trying to cram everything in despite continuing to work full-time jobs. I'm done as of Oct. 4 and Noi a week later. But we must also fit in a week for a road trip to Indiana to see family one last time before casting off.
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| Rebuilding the engine box. It was poorly designed so that it broke apart over time. |
We still have so much to do and even taking the time to write this post is an imposition. Every project seems half done, with some frustrating obstacle or another that keeps it from being checked off the list.
Here's a list of the big projects remaining:
-- Aries wind vane (self-steering): Need to re-drill set screw holes after tap broke off.
-- Install Kyocera solar panels (2, 140 watt panels) and MidNite charge controller.
-- Buy new batteries (6 volt "golf cart" wired in series for 12v)
-- "New" (used) Icom IC-M700pro SSB radio on order from Ebay. (After a three-week, $260 "repair," that yielded no joy on the transmit side of the old M700).
-- New dodger and bimini. Still being made.
-- Finish engine-box repair (get more epoxy!).
-- Install Viking RescYou Pro 4-person life raft (on pushpit)
-- New hoses for both hand-held bilge pumps.
-- Finish installing freshwater foot pumps.
-- Various cosmetic things that will no doubt be left undone.
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| My miffed look. Hauling the boat for survey I discovered the diver didn't put the prop zinc on last time! |
Not exactly the most elegant or inspiring first post, but an accurate reflection of our schizophrenic existence! More interesting (and hopefully less hectic) reading to follow.
