SHIP'S LOG:
Well, it's like this ...... The only electrical items that need to be connected are the GPS, (A second)VHF & SSB. Two 12 volt outlets need to be wired, and one of the 110 outlets needs to be replaced and that's it. However....... there is the engine! The engine runs strong and is in good shape but it doesn't heat up. Now this may seem like a non-problem, but it is how the hot water is made hot. Even putting the boat under a load, doesn't really raise the temp all that much. The hoses that circulate the water through the engine and into and out of the hot water tank don't seem to be getting particularly warm. It is probably due to the fact that it is winter, but it makes it difficult to know if the temp gauge is working correctly and accurately or even working. It doesn't help that one of the hoses decided to split and spray coolant and/or raw water everywhere. Fun, fun, fun... I am not sure if I can take anymore fun!
I am finally hooking up the solenoid and hoses for the propane system for the stove. I have gotten a double system so that I can monitor both tanks at the same time and can switch propane sources without going through the process of disconnecting one tank and re-connecting to the second tank. I will be installing the system today and then, after checking the solenoid and the "sniffer," will fill the tanks. I am planning a little cooking experiment if all goes well.
The electrician was very impressed with the refrigeration system. He noted that another boat in the yard has the same system and he refers to it as "golden." Now, I still don't know that it actually works. The electrician winterized the system but didn't try it out, still he was impressed by the system. He noted that it uses a "a lot of electricity, but you have a lot." Actually, at this point it is colder outside the fridge than in. Following the raw water line for the system, there is a fixture in the line at the thru-hull. It looks like the top of a raw water strainer. Unfortunately, the container with the strainer in it is no where to be found. It means another trip to the chandler.
I still have a leak problem, actually two. The main hatch and the companionway hatch still are leaking. I am having trouble tracking down the leak from the companionway hatch as it is very clear that it is traveling from somewhere else. Tracking it down means taking down some of the headliner, not something i want to do right now. The main hatch over the table in the salon still leaks. I have sealed it inside and out side and water is still making its way in, less than before but it is still coming in. I am almost a loss to figure out what else I can do to stop it. I may have to do a new hatch come spring.
MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:
I am planning to move on to the boat. Getting used to living on the boat and adjusting to the confines is important. I have already identified two spots where I tend to whack my head and have to get used to ducking automatically when I go through these spots. Arranging stuff on the boat will also be served by this. I am still looking for a couple of bungee cords that I carefully put away a couple of weeks ago and I have been unable to find since. Getting into the routine of checking and doing preventative maintenance is also something I need to work on. There are a whole host of things that need to be learned and discovered and this will be a great opportunity. Plus, if I get a break in the weather, I can start off at a moments notice. Of course it will sort of be like living in a tree house in your backyard, I will have access to everything I need, but I need to develop the lifestyle of living on the boat. It should be rather interesting in the Nor'easter expected this weekend!
