Progress Update: February 15th

• The reconfiguration of the windlass battery box is complete. We saved money by using two batteries that were already onboard and added a 12v to 12v charger and double battery switch. This will allow us to boost the power to the windlass for really deep anchorages when we haul up a lot of chain.
• The new Groco head is installed! The plumbing had to be redone and was a bit challenging but everything is now working perfectly.  
• The tool storage area is almost finished! New shelving and repainted lockers are almost ready. We will begin final organizational placement shortly. The weather is still causing very wet condensation problems and has held us up but we hope to be past this barrier in a few weeks. The hull stays dry at night with temperatures above 50 degrees. Below that we battle condensation! Our current location being in southern Louisiana, hopefully the colder nights will be over soon. 

Progress Update: February 1st

(New gear oil)

• The anchor windlass gearbox has been scraped, primed and painted. The motor has been rebuilt and reinstalled. 
• Eric has reconfigured the battery compartment that runs the windlass. Instead of one battery, there will be another for back-up and a switch will be installed for battery selection. A new charger for the batteries has been ordered and is on the way. 
• Moving the control box to make room for the second battery has resulted in more painting. This will be completed in a couple more days.
• The mainsail cover is back on with a new zipper and longer cinch straps. Re-configuring the lazy jacks took some time but everything came out fine.
• Mary continues to scrape and sand the outer teak as weather permits and Eric fixed another leaking port.

Progress Update: January 14th

(Eric cutting a new skylight)

• Eric removed the old, leaking skylight in the aft head, scraped and cleaned around the opening and replaced with a new skylight cut from 1/2 inch plexiglass. 
• Three leaking overhead hatches were fixed with a good scraping/cleaning and new caulking.  
• The inverter control box was installed in the electrical distribution panel on a new back plate. 
• The drains and gas vent in the aft lazarette and propane lockers were repaired and the upper section of the lazarette received primer and paint. There was a really thick plug in one of the drain outlets. After several attempts to unplug it from the lockers, we put the rib in the water and finally had success from the outlet side.
• The mainsail cover has been in need of zipper repair and we have been concerned about sun damage to the sail. While removing it we came across about 10 wasps and 100 stink bugs! The hose did a good job on the stink bugs as we hoisted the sale to the top of the mast. Wasp spray took care of the rest. We were relieved at the excellent condition of the sail. Thank you Lord! The sail cover is now at a canvas shop getting a new zipper and longer cinch straps.
• The next project is underway. The motor for the anchor windlass has been removed and is at a shop to be rebuilt. Hopefully they can find any needed parts and it can be rebuilt. The old battery that ran the windlass will be replaced as soon as we find out about the status of the motor rebuild. Eric has begun scraping, grinding and prepping the windlass gearbox and compartment for painting and rust prevention. 

Progress Update: December 29th

• It has been a difficult month due to wet weather, power issues and an injury on Eric's hand which kept him from installing the new head, (We didn't want to risk infection) The injury is still painful but he is able to work again.

• After some very frustrating power issues, a new battery bank was purchased and installed along with a new inverter. What a difference!! It's wonderful to have internal power again! We are still using extension cords to run heaters at night which helps keep the condensation down. 

• The first of the three hanging lockers has new shelving along with a protective cover box for the newly installed AM / FM radio. While extra supplies go into deeper lockers, tote-bag storage allows for easy access in this hanging locker. Items such as sandpaper, electrical, plumbing, etc... 
• We want to give a very special, grateful thanks to the Lord for giving us strength to remove  the old battery banks, put in the new battery banks and also the inverter. We are 60 years old and everything was very heavy!! Each battery weighed just over 100 lbs. The 4 old batteries had to be lifted up and out of a deep storage pocket, carried up the companionway steps, off the boat, along the dock and lifted onto the back of the truck. The new ones followed the same route in the opposite direction. We prayed several times through the ordeal and it was amazing how well we both did. Praise God!!

Progress Update: November 30th

We've made a dent in the storage unit and are trying to keep as many supplies and tools as possible. Electrical, plumbing, hardware, fasteners, etc... each going in designated areas. Eric has 40 years of  tools to sort through, with lots of important 'job specific' tools. Slowly but surely, we are making room. 

• The parts have arrived for the new head, installation will happen soon.
• Our original inverter bit the dust! We purchased a new inverter, it should arrive in a few more days. Actually going to be a much better system.
• Eric adjusted the fit on all the floor hatches for better function. Interior doors also need to be adjusted as well as handle replacements. The old ones are very corroded.
• We removed the table. It was beautiful but made access to storage areas extremely difficult and also was not useful for the way we need to use the mission vessel. The settee will now become a large bunk with tool storage underneath the center section where the table was.
• Lots of small repairs go hand-in-hand with projects as they move forward.