Well, we really got a lot done this week. After our shakedown cruise a week ago we came back with a small list of things we wanted to get done before leaving, though most of what was on the list is not anything that would have kept us from leaving. Only four more weeks!!

Installed Watermaker - We purchased a Pur 40E watermaker from Katadyn before we left for our shakedown cruise, and it was here when we arrived. The installation was very easy and only took a day (it took a seperate day just to do the planning, though). The watermaker and pre-filter was installed in the forward locker under the pullman berth, and installation consisted of supplying 12 volts for power, a discharge line for the waste water (connected to the galley sink drain), fresh water output, and of coarse the water intake (teed off the air conditioner intake with valves). The watermaker is rated at producing only 1.5 gallons per hour, but only uses 4 amps. To read more about our installation with pictures, please click here.

New VHF Antenna - During our shakedown cruise it became apparent that our VHF radio was not performing as reception and transmission was almost non existent. After returning from our cruise I did some investigation and testing and found the problem. Our antenna is mounted at the top of our mast with the cable running down through the mast. Well, it appears that when we had our mast steps installed the installer, when drilling a hole for one of the steps, drilled right through the antenna cable. After much consideration, it was determined that the only way to fix this was to drop the mast, not something I wanted to take the time or expense to do. As an alternative we mounted a new VHF antenna on our radar pole and ran new antenna cable. Since I was working near the Ham radio I decided to put in a splitter and hook up the ham radio as well (it can utilize the same frequencies of the VHF if hooked to to the antenna so will act as a back up antenna). Installation took a full day, and unfortunately cost us about $100. I’m considering calling our rigger to let him know what happened, we’ll see if he takes any ownership or not.

New Depth Sounder - Installed an inexpensive Standard Horizon depth sounder in the main cabin at the nav station. Though we have a depth sounder at the helm, the anchor alarms are not audible when sleeping down below so the new one will be used really only as an anchor alarm. Good thing is that in regards to both depth sounders the head units and transducers are compatible so if one fails (especially the one at the helm) we have units that can be moved around to where they are really needed. Redundant and overkill, yes.

Ship’s License - Applied with the FCC for a Ship’s Radio License and a Restricted Radio Operator’s license. Though these are not required while sailing in US waters, they are required in foreign ports. Hope they get here before we leave for Mexico.

Throttle Cable - Adjusted the throttle cable on our inboard diesel engine.

Alternator Belt - Ordered spare alternator belts (Green Stripes) and changed the alternator belt. Thanks Mitch for your help!

More 12v Outlets - Installed a 12 volt outlet in the aft cabin and in the head. We have some great 12 volt clip on fans that we can use throughout the boat and it makes it easier to be able to plug them in where we plan on using them rather than run extension cables. These outlets will also let us use things like the portable cd player and the computer in different parts of the boat as well.

New Handle - A few months ago I had taken apart the companionway screens and put in new brass screen, reassembled the screens and varnished the wood. This week I added a brass handle to make it easier to open & close the screen.

New Screen for Shower Sole - The sole in our shower has  a mesh screen on the bottom to catch hair and other stuff that might interfere with our sump pump. The screen was old and had lots of holes so we replaced it with new brass screen.

Dingy Stuff - Bought a small fluke anchor on 6’ chain and 100’ of rode for the dingy in the event that we need to anchor the dingy somewhere (and maybe snorkel?). Also bought 15’ of 1/4” chain to lock the dingy up either at the boat at night or at dingy docks when in questionable areas.

Watchman’s Lanyard - Got this idea from Gary Watkins when I crewed with him for the Harvest Moon race in 2002. The person on watch will wear this lanyard which consists of a whistle and small red flashlight. This will allow the person on watch to muster the crew in the event he needs help (whistle) and at night to see things in the cockpit, on deck or to look at the compass with the red flashlight.

Ordered Charts - Ordered all the paper charts needed from Isla Mujeres Mexico to the Panama Canal.  Due to budget constraints, the charts ordered from West Marine are B&W full size copies on heavy weight paper.

Emptied Dock Box - Went thought the dock box one last time and picked out the last few remaining items we’ll keep, the rest was distributed among our friends and the trash can.

Notice to Marina - Gave notice to Waterford Harbor Marina. Though our target date for departure is around the 8th of November, I gave notice to the 15th so we’ll have a place to wait out the weather a short bit if needed.

Notice to Marinanet - Called Paul at Marinanet.net, our internet service provider, and informed him that we’ll be canceling our service.