Refit Diaries: 11/09/2025 – 11/16/2025

Time is flying! Somehow, we only got 4 minutes of footage this week, so check back next week for a YouTube video. In the meantime, here is what we’ve been up to:

Clanking in the mast

We ran an endoscope up the mast and finally confirmed the source of the constant clanking: all of the wires from the spreader downward (lights, radar, etc.) are unsecured and not running through a conduit. Although the mast has a channel for an additional conduit, two fittings mounted along the mast intrude into that channel.

Our plan is to install a new conduit by cutting it into three sections (indicated by the red lines in the photo below), leaving two gaps where the fittings sit. We’ll remove those fittings, run the wires through the conduit sections, position the pieces in the channel, and then reinstall the fittings. This should secure the wires properly and eliminate the clanking.

Cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning

We pulled out all the bins and equipment we’d been storing in the anchor chain locker and gave the space a thorough cleaning. We also emptied the sail locker, since we’d put the sails away wet after our sporty trip here. Next, we’ll air out the forepeak and clean everything so we can start fresh.

I’ve continued using acetone to treat the discoloration in the interior—reminder: since acetone works so well, I cannot spot-clean. I am cleaning the entire panel of any affected areas to get an even finish. Since the weather has improved, I’ve also started polishing the stainless. 

Workshop update

We handed the workshop over to the experts, and they delivered. In just one week, the guys from Circa Marine completed the floor supports and laid out the cabinetry and benchtop design. We’re making the space highly intentional, so they’ve been working closely with Ray, measuring his storage bins and most-used tools to ensure the cabinets and drawers are built to fit everything perfectly.

We received our first weekly invoice from the yard that included the labor and materials used on this project so far. I pulled those line items and added them to the back of our original workshop conversion quote. I’ll keep doing this each week to make sure we are progressing within budget. This refit is a major investment for us, so staying organized and tracking projects as we make payments is essential. 

Replacing factory wiring

Ray has discovered yet another case of undersized wiring from the factory. While removing our air conditioning units, he found that the wiring running through the boat is a smaller gauge than it should be, even though the short, visible section after the plug is the correct size. So, although these boats are offered with a 110V option from the factory, it seems they only change the bare minimum when converting from the 230V setup… Disappointing, cheap, and in this case, deceitful. From routine inspection points, you’d never spot this unless you pulled the entire length of wiring out. We will be replacing this wiring on Sabado.

Sourcing solar panels

We’ve been emailing back and forth with several New Zealand–based companies, but every time we finalize panel specs and quantities and request an invoice, communication suddenly stops. What is going on?! We’re trying to purchase four 600W+ solar panels. We posted about this on our Instagram and Facebook yesterday and have received some promising leads, but at this point, we’re cautious until the deal is actually done. So, if you have any reliable solar supplier recommendations, we’d love to hear them!

We hope you had a great week. 🙂