After going up the mast, Ray was able to identify the problem: a missing pin in the shackle.
In preparation for our Pacific crossing and future remote cruising, we purchased a Portable 115V- High Output (cased) Rainman Watermaker for… (read more)
After going up the mast, Ray was able to identify the problem: a missing pin in the shackle.
In preparation for our Pacific crossing and future remote cruising, we purchased a Portable 115V- High Output (cased) Rainman Watermaker for… (read more)
As Sabado ages, we’ve noticed many lower-quality odds and ends breaking. So, we spent an afternoon with some epoxy and superglue repairing busted cabinetry buttons and the thin plastic tachometer bezel.
We noticed a squeaking/grinding noise when the boom moved… (read more)
We paid $15 per night to stay on a mooring ball outside St. George’s.
We removed our Mantus chain hook and switched to soft shackles a couple of years ago after a line got caught under the bridle while we were furling in the gennaker, launching the heavy, metal hook through the air right toward Ray’s head… (read more)
Having recently purchased a new outboard engine for our dinghy, we decided it was time to upgrade our lock. So, we purchased some stainless steel chain, a new lock and shackles, and a chafe guard from Island Water World for $410.85.
The case for our life sling broke. It appears the… (read more)
We replaced the bean bag chair we lost in a storm last month for ~$250.00.
The generator compartment ventilation hose detached after the plastic grate underneath the boat broke off. Its location is hard to access (behind the generator, underneath our water tanks), so we… (read more)
We noticed some chafing on the line that lifts our dinghy davits, so we purchased a replacement for ~$50.00.
Palm Tree Marine performed valve adjustments and a coolant flush on both engines. We also had them rebuild our old raw water pumps (one for Yanmar engines and one for our generator)…(read more)
One of the tiki torches we keep on the stern died! Ray took it apart to try to fix it but couldn’t. We’ll order a replacement on Amazon and have it shipped to whoever will visit us next.
We tested our new power system (900Ah LiFePO4 batteries + 1800W solar) through Tropical Storm Bret…(read more)
Ray recharged our top-loading fridge once. We have a refrigerant leak that would require replacing the entire cooling system to fix, so for now, whenever we turn it off and back on again, we recharge it. We keep all supplies needed on board, which initially cost ~$100.
We noticed our generator was emitting more exhaust and less water than usual… (read more)
Our professional solar upgrade and lithium battery installation were completed. If you are considering a project like this, expect to pay $35-45K. We hired STT Marine Services.
We hauled out at Bobby’s Megayard in St. Maarten. The haul and launch cost… (read more)
The bottom of our cockpit fridge has rusted and crumbled. The entire drawer needs to be replaced, which will cost around $1,000. We will likely wait and take the opportunity to upgrade to a freezer/ice maker combo unit later.
We paid $7.04 per foot per night to stay at Crown Bay Marina in St. Thomas for our lithium installation + solar upgrade… (read more)