Here is a list of small but important projects that we completed and crossed off of our list this week.

Install 12 volt outlets; Began installing 12vdc outlets in the boat, the plan is two in the main salon, one in the galley, head and pullman berth. We bought some very quite clip on fans to use throughout the boat, but didn’t want to run cords all over. The two in the main salon will be used for our laptop computer and for recharging things like the hand held VHF and spotlight. We already had one in the cockpit.

Inventory Charts - Took an inventory of all the charts and chart kits we have on hand. We currently have all the paper charts to get us to the East Coast of Florida, as well as the Bahamas. Now we need to get charts for the Caribbean.

Move Roller Furling Line - The roller furling line ran inboard of the port stanchions, making it impossible for us to lash jerry cans to a board. The line was moved outboard of two stanchions to make stowing jerry cans onboard feasible. Two Schaefer furling line rollers were used.

Secure Pullman Drawers - We were concerned about the drawers under the pullman berth popping out under rough weather. To prevent this from happening, I drilled a 1/4” hole from into the side of each drawer (accessed from the cabinets on either side of the drawers) and now under rough weather we only need to insert a pin into the holes, thus holding the drawers in place. When not in use, the pins reside in the the top drawer so we know where they are at all times. To see a picture of the completed project, click here.

Secure All Cabinet Doors - Began installing barrel bolts on all the cabinet doors inside the boat. We have finger latches, but under heavy seas they can easily be opened if something inside the cabinet shifts. The barrel bolts will be used to prevent accidental openings under rough conditions.

Install Boards for Jerry Cans - Mounted two boards, one port and one starboard, so that we can lash our jerry cans securely on deck. We plan on having four cans for extra diesel, two for gasoline for the outboard, and two for water in which we can lug water from shore while we’re anchored. The boards are 1x4 pressure treated lumber and are u-bolted to two stanchions.

Install Smoke/CO² Detector - Just for the comfort level of knowing we have one, a combination smoke and CO² detector was installed on the port side above the pullman berth. Actually, there was already a smoke detector there, but it was inoperable so I just replaced it.

Organinzed Compartments - Began going through all the storage area compartments on the boat and deciding what to keep and what to donate to friends. All the plumbing and electrical spares were grouped together as well as the maintenance supplies. Did four compartments, two of which are now empty.