Progress Report: March 28th

(Eric installing 2nd bookshelf)

• Eric just finished a rebuild of the deck box/mast step. He says, "Finished the deck box/mast step rebuild, repaint and nonskid job. Now it's a safe and easy trip to deal with the mainsail halyard and some good storage for dingy gear. It was pretty dark and nasty with mildew and some rot inside and the nonskid that was there was pretty much worthless. I like my feet to stay planted where I put them out on deck!" Job well done Eric!! It looks great!
• The 2nd bookshelf is completed and installed. This one was made especially for navigation/chart books and guides. 
• The 60lb CQR anchor has received a new coat of galvanized paint and is ready for use.

Progress Update: March 11th

 (Eric making fiddles for tool shelves)

• Closet shelving for extra tool storage is finished. We really want to keep as many specialty tools as possible which will enable us to tackle a lot of different jobs. Eric is carefully sorting through years of accumulation. 
• The first set of bookshelves are finished and installed in the aft cabin. They are a gorgeous combination of Mahogany and curly maple! We have a lot of specialty wood Eric has been carrying around for years. There are several more areas throughout the boat to put bookshelf storage. We are trying to utilize as much space as possible. 
• The weather has finally warmed up enough in the evenings to stop the bad condensation. Mary has begun in-depth cleaning to remove mildew and concentrating on permanent storage. 

 Prayer request:

• A lot of wisdom is needed to tackle the storage unit and get the mission vessel ready for use. We don't want to leave behind important items or hang on to non-essentials. 

Thanks for praying!!

 

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.