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

Install High Water Alarm - Installed a float switch 8 inches above the bilge pump and connected it to a high water alarm panel. This will warn us if we are taking on more water than the pump can handle so that we can take appropriate action before sinking.

Install Y-Valve - Installed a Y-valve on the raw water intake for the engine, just after the water strainer. Hose was connected to the Y-valve and run to the bottom of the bilge, that end covered in a fine mesh screen. This will allow us to us the raw water pump on the engine as an emergency bilge pump should the need arise.

Shredding - Went through all our files, and shredded everything that was old, outdated, or no longer needed. All other documents were packed and shipped home for safe storage.

Back Ups - Ordered back up ATM cards in case our primary ones get lost or stolen.

Organized - Cleaned out and organized two more storage cabinets, one is now completely empty. Wow, so many more to do!

Jerry Can Covers - Made jerry can covers out of sunbrella, to protect the jerry cans from UV and hopefully extend their life.

Secure Propane Bottles - Installed two teak cross bars firmly across the top of the propane bottles to securely hold them in place while under way. This will minimize if not prevent any shifting of the bottles.

Rigging Inspected - Rigging inspected by Kevin at Stix-n-Rig’n. We were so glad that he didn’t come back with a huge list of things to repair. His recommendations were to fix a cracked upper swagged fitting on the forestay, replace the broken Windex (wind direction indicator), remove corrosion from speaders and repaint, and install spreader boots. We also decided to have him install the new folding mast steps that we had purchased last month. Work should begin either this week or next week.

Received Passports - Received our passports this week.

Mast Steps Installed - They guys from Stix-n-Rig’n installed the ABI folding mast steps on our mast, excellent job! This should help getting up the mast easier, and of course we’ll still use a harness and safety line.

New Windex - While the riggers were up the mast installing the mast steps, we had them put a new Windex wind direction indicator at the top of the mast. The previous one was missing when we had purchased the boat.

Removed Spreaders - The riggers also removed the spreaders as well. They were pretty well corroded with almost no paint left on them. We took them to Casey at Mockingbird Marine to have them sandblasted and painted. Should have them back next week.