The Shakedown

This is the part where we really put our sailboat to the test.  We are examining all the equipment, running all the sytems, sailing her as much as we can, and making new discoveries daily....still.

The boat was very clean and seemed to be organized when we met for the survey back in December but it wasn't until January when we started pulling things out of the cupboards and from underneath the floorboards and storage compartments, that we made some interesting discoveries. We found some spares and extra equipment that we were hopeful would be of use but now after three months of intense forensic investigation we have come to the conclusion that most of it should have been thrown out years ago.  That being said, our belief is this, if the equipment is on board, it should work.  We have not only made things work again but in most cases, upgraded it.  So now, the things that work are optimized and the stubborn things that don't, we are taking as a personal challenge.  

Some mysteries are still ongoing.  Here's an example:  Our mooring light didn't work.  It is a 360 Degree white light located at the very top of the mast to indicate to all traffic that we are anchored.  We waited until the rigging was replaced before sending David up to the top for an investigation.  It took 12 trips up the mast and most of a week just to do that.  Why?  New light ordered, bolt broken removing old unit, new hole drilled for new unit, new light installed, new wires run through the mast (that was four trips!) and Voila!  One very weak and disappointing glimmer at the top of the mast but at least we had A LIGHT to indicate we are anchored until we had time to revisit that enigma.  A couple of nights ago, we were drinking Ole Nassau Bahamian Rhum and watching the stars from the trampoline when we noticed that the navigation lights were flickering.  They were OFF as we were anchored.  Eureka!  We're losing voltage from the mooring light!  David was able to sort that out right away.  Someone had tried to ground the mooring light breaker to the navigation light breaker only they connected to the positive end!  So, if I haven't lost my audience already, what I am trying to describe is a perfect example of why things take so long to sort out on a ten year old boat when you are the fourth owner!  And that was just a @#$^&*# light!  It works perfectly now.

Surveys will provide, to the best of anyone's knowledge, what seems to be in order and what doesn't but it's hard to catch everything.  Assumptions are made and one hopes for the best.  It's not until things are used that the real faults are evident.  Such seems to be the case with our autohelm, unfortunately.  That will become imperative when we make longer passages.  David and I are still convinced that we made a very good buy in our Catamaran india.  The ‘bones’ of the vessel are in excellent shape meaning the condition of the hull is good, low hours on good engines with rebuilt Sail Drives, and we have brand new rigging and sails which will last much longer than we intend to own the boat.  We have also found our Code Zero, a light wind sail, and Asymmetrical Power Cruiser, a type of Spinnaker, to be in pretty good shape.   The rest of the equipment just takes time to explore and resolve.  And that’s where the shakedown comes in.

Currently, we have a shitty situation going on with our marine head (toilet) which we have ordered parts to permanently fix.  We are waiting on a new circuit board for our brand new water maker!  Yep, it happens.  And since we are getting some shipments forwarded by our friend, Fortunato, in Miami, we have thrown in some other helpful items that we have found that we need! Everyday we pride ourselves on fixing something or doing a good chore for the boat before we go play.  It is part of the balance that pays off when you are a boat owner.  Of course, we live onboard so it is more of a priority for us than it would be for a remote owner, the result of which is a lot of deferred maintenance, the type of which we are stuck with right now. 

We are also waiting for the right winds to transit Whale Cay.  It's a treacherous inlet that produces what the locals call a RAGE when the winds are strong from the North and East.  We are hoping for winds veering to the south and west tomorrow and will make use of a flood tide for our exit (keeps the water moving in the same direction) so that we can proceed to Marsh Harbour for our shipments.  The winds we are experiencing right now include 25 Knot gusts and we are watching our anchor closely while making good use of our time with other projects.  I am just about finished in my mission to re-upholster the headboards and my happy hour salsa has greatly improved!  David always has a short list of things he wants to do so we stay busy.  Then there are manuals to read when we get to that!

There are worse places to hang out and wait for weather windows and parts!  We have enjoyed being in Green Turtle Cay.  Yesterday, we rode bikes around the island for four hours and the Conch salad and Fritters are tasty at the Wrecking Tree Restaurant, not to mention the local rum specialty, Goombay Smash!  We were able to top up with fuel and water here too.  And top up on fresh groceries.

Here's a look at what we've been doing! 

New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay

See india anchored in the distance?

Blowing up the new SUPs

Caipirinhas, salsa and sunset...what could be better?

Goombay Smash and The Wrecker!

Even better salsa with Matouk's!  Oh how I missed you, Matouk's!