ANOTHER SMALL PROJECT

SHIP'S LOG:

With the prospect of having to move soon, I needed to take care of an important little project . . . .tie-downs!

I have a small gas generator that dwells in the "In-Law's Apartment " of a cockpit locker on ABISHAG. I can't have this 65lbs item sashaying around the locker when the boat is under sail. It would have too much of chance to do damage to the thru-hull for the engine and/or bilge pump or the electrical connections for the various pieces of equipment that are secured to the Nav station bulkhead. I was able to used two(2) tank tie-down kits to attach the generator to the inboard bulkhead and it should be well secured. I also had to secure the cover to the battery box which is also located in the cockpit locker. The previous owner evidently began the process but never finished, even to the point of not completely screwing in the tie-down anchors. Someone also painted over the screw heads, possibly caulked them as well, making it a real chore removing the screws and thus the anchors. Those that came out easily, I took out. Those that fought the extraction I left in place. They can serve as additional back-up tie-downs. When I can locate more of these tie-down kits, I will also use them to tie down the batteries themselves, as well as the propane tanks in the propane locker. There will be other tied down projects in the future, like the microwave, but sometimes it is difficult realizing what needs to be tied down. What would you tie down in your house? Since your house won't ever heel 30 degrees or more, or ever turnover completely, one doesn't quite tie down everything that needs it. Then again, you literally can't tied everything down. It is a learning process.

I am definitely going to install some passive ventilation on the boat. The interior really gets heated when the boat is all closed up. Since I will be heading south in the fall, it would be a real good idea.

MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:

Departure date is coming soon! Hopefully this weekend, but if not this weekend, definitely next weekend. I am getting really excited and itchy for it to happen. Still, having been "on the hard' for two years now, and having a new boat, the thought of "finally moving" is both exciting and scary. It is all jumbled up together but in the end I can't wait ! ! ! !!