Water Conservation

It's been sixteen days since I moved on the boat. I thoroughly feel as though this is my space and place. At least as I see things now, I wouldn't give this time up for the world :)
What I have given up (or at least minimized) is showering on land ;)
In the past 16 days, I've only showered on land 3 times!
I did a quick search on the web and found a small study that was done comparing taking a bath to showering... They found taking a shower conserved more water and was more energy efficient than a bath. Their statistics included about 12 gallons water and approx. 6,100 BTUs used for a shower; and, about 21 gallons water and approx. 10,500 BTUs for a bath.
By comparison, my solar shower has a capacity of 2.5 gallons water, and I don't even use that all up most of the time... Not to mention my water is heated by the sun, so Zero BTUs drawn from the grid for that purpose ;)
Maintaining this "average rate" of 1.5 land showers every week, will save approximately 2,860 gallons of water over a year's time. Seems significant... But, in a place where the average per person per day water demand is over 300 gallons, my savings is used up by one person in about 9 days... and primarily for irrigation purposes, as opposed to basic need :(

I did have to do some modification to the boat to direct the flow of water. I borrowed Brian's drill and drilled a new opening in the fiberglass floor of the head for a new drain...
You might notice I did this just before the mast was restepped onto the keel through the much larger hole next to the drain ;) I've been using soap homemade by friend's Brian, Beth, and Vicki :)

New Portlights - No more "Rainboat"

It seemed the weather would never cooperate between removal of old portlights and installation of new...






It took about two weeks in between, but we've got all new lenses in the portlights :)


Each large portlight has 16 bolts. For the six large portlights, 96 bolts needed to be screwed ;)


For two single women (myself and Vicki), there sure was a lot of caulk on our hands and a lot of screwing going on ;p

For the next few days my fingers were going comfortably numb...

I was a little embarrassed to have plastic bags taped with blue painters tape on my portlights for so... long !
The portlights were definitely a two person task and Vicki motivated me to get these done when it seemed I had no energy left. She even stuck it out through no-see-um and mosquito time to get them done ! I am grateful to Vicki for helping seal the "rainboat." We also saw many rainbows over those two weeks...

and, yes, those are bananas hanging in the new nets, although for some reason bananas are considered bad luck on boats... Not sure I'm buying that one ;p

Measure Twice Cut Once

No matter how many times I tell myself to measure twice and cut once...
Sometimes things just happen!
I gave the rigger for the headstay an incomplete dimension, so now, the headstay is too short...
Although this may take some figuring, it may work out better, as there will be more room between the bow anchor and the drum of the roller furler.
Everything happens for a reason!!!
And even mistakes can lead to a final outcome in a positive light ;)
Unfortunately the rigging can't be tuned and the sails can't be lifted until the problem is solved...
On the other hand, I did give JSI in St. Pete the correct measurements and requests for modification... but, they failed to make the rigging modified as requested... It won't be possible to know if this works out for the best until we are able to tune the rigging... Stay tuned ;p

A Successful Erection

ThE Erection Party was held July 29th. The weather was beautiful. Smiles were a-plenty.
If I wasn't having so much fun, I'd almost consider this work ;p
Course, this wouldn't be so much fun without the love and support I've received from some awesome friends... Brian, Beth, Bill, Mark, Pam, Russell, Vicki. What great big Karma you all have!
Some photos and notes on the day...
No project should be done without duct tape and a smile :)
Boat is a little off the seawall because we "grounded" the boat as close as we could due to lower tide...
One of these pics reminds me of a historical statue...
It took moving to one side of the boat to align the mast for final restepping onto the keel.

And some trips up the mast to adjust rigging...

Time to roast the weenies ;)

Special Thanks to Beth and Dexter for the photos !!

Top O' Mast

The top o' mast is ready to be raised.
New triplex wiring (for new mast light) and VHF cable (for VHF antenna) run through mast.
New top o' mast light (all around white for anchoring, red/green/white for sailing at night) and bracket.
New VHF antenna and bracket.
New windex (to tell the direction of the wind).
New roller furler (for jib).
Thanks beyond words to Russell for his help and smiles while straddling the mast in preparation for the erection party ;)

There was a lot of drilling and tapping going on ;)

Not only did the top o mast have lots of task work...
Two new spreaders and spreader brackets were made by JSI in St. Pete. One of the brackets a "special" bracket for covering the mast dent resulting from Hurricane Wilma. Drilling and tapping had to be done to secure the new spreader bracket as well.

Three Coins

Three coins under the mast for good luck.

Patty Spots take 2

Patty found a new spot to explore...
the "engine room"
I've also found she likes to sit on and scratch paper bags...
This afternoon though, I found her not so playful and panting on a very hot humid day. It feels like the first day of Florida's summer, which I find runs from end of July through end of September.
The heat seems to be getting too much for the cats, so I went out this evening and bought an AC. Found a small window AC half off (used but still works!) and installed into the hatchway. A little more climbing to do to get in and out of the boat; and, I've added a more significant drain to the grid which I would like to remove myself from; but, the cats seem happy again as we sit in our chill zone on water, and that makes me happy too.

Patty Spots

My lovey Peppermint Patty loves to follow me around the boat when I'm working. One day when I was working on the freshwater system, she was constantly beneath my feet, until she found a new hiding place... behind the head (i.e. restroom facilities).



And, whenever I open a storage place, she's sure to be there on a moments notice to check it out ;)

Tradition - Silver Coin Under Mast

An important part of sailing is tradition.
I have embraced learning and taking part in the traditions and lore of sailing.
This week I have been enjoying the search for the proper coin(s) to put beneath the mast before the mast is restepped.
There appear to be different versions of this tradition.
In some instances a gold coin was to be placed beneath the mast when a ship was built to pay the toll to the ferryman (the reaper) to cross the river Styx if the ship was sunk.
Some say to place a silver coin beneath a mast prior to restepping the mast for good luck.
The coin may have the date of the building of the boat, the birthyear of the namesake, or some other significance. And, if the mast comes out, those coins are to go back in !
There was no coin found upon removal of Athena's mast. Thus the search for a proper coin began.
And, one was found.

A 2100+ year old Greek silver Tetradrachm, minted in Athens between 146-145 BC.
Obverse: Head of Athena facing right, wearing a crested Athenian helmet.
Reverse: Owl standing right on prostrate amphora, head facing, cock with palm and magistrates names in field.
Size: 33 mm 1 1/4"
Weight: 16.6 grams of silver
The coin bears ancient test cut on the cheek of Athena. Cuts such as this were often used to verify the precious metal of coins when presented to ancient money changers for conversion to another currency.

To go along with this precious coin, my mom is giving me one of her silver dollars dated 1972 (my birth year). I'm hoping she has one from 1978 too, the sailboat's birth year.

The pieces are slowly falling together.

Go with the flow ~~~~~

It's amazing how living on a sailboat makes one inherently more adaptable. I live in a space most would consider unbearable. I've minimized to those things most important to me. I've realized there really are things that are just plain out of my control. I've learned to give up on perfectionism, there's no such thing when working on an old boat.
When sailing, and even overall, one is at the mercy of the Earth herself.

Or, perhaps I have this backwards.
Perhaps I, and even the Earth, have been too accommodating at times...

I'm not sure where this journey is leading. I'm sure there are many unforeseen changes in the currents and in the direction of the winds. But, I do look forward to the adventure. It seems to get better every day that I let go and go with the flow ~~~~~

Simple Abundance abounds with the soothing sound of raindrops on the deck above as one is wisked to sleep in the waves.

What size footprint?

Everyone has an impact on the Earth. Some more than others. Living on the sailboat is one of my efforts towards minimizing my impact on the Earth - a small footprint.
My sailboat is to me like my little home off the grid, and by it's nature, it's smaller than most homes and there's no well manicured yard ! I'm not quite there yet, but working towards complete reliance on solar power. I've been basking in solar showers; have plans to obtain a solar oven; minimize water use; increase solar panels (already a small one hooked up to my batteries); and, eat vegan with plans to eat more raw foods (two raw food "cook" books already in hand). Although it may not seem obvious, our consumption, in ways beyond the consumption of food, determines our footprint.
What size footprint will you leave?

Bristol 29.9

As I was skimming over my entries to date, I noticed I failed to indicate the type of Bristol sailing vessel -soon to be- Athena is...
She is a Bristol 29.9 having a LOA (length overall) of 29 feet 11 inches and LWL (waterline length) of 24 feet and draft of 4 feet 4 inches.
Her hull ID number identifies her as built in 1978 and being the 74th hull constructed in the 29.9 series. There were 216 of the 29.9's built between 1977 and 1986. The Bristol 29.9 was designed by Halsey Herreshoff, grandson of the famous Captain Nat Herreshoff. Designed for successful racing under MORC and IOR, which are handicap systems for sailboat racing. International Offshore Rule (IOR). Midget Ocean Racing Fleet (MORC).

First Nite - July 15, 2006

First night on the sailboat :)
It's taken more time and effort than I could have imagined to get to this point. There have been frustrations and I'm still not at the point I'd like to be with the boat. In my eyes my top priorties are getting the mast back up (waiting for new rigging, roller furling, and patch for mast dent and fixed spreaders), re-plumbing the freshwater system, installing all the new lenses into the portlights, and finish finding and sealing to the best possible all leaks for the rainy season.
It's been a long day though, and before we can start back on the todo list, I'm reflecting on how far I've come and how much I've done in the past year, as in the last 12 months. Of that 12 months I've had Athena for about 9 of those. There is a lot of emotion attached to this night. Tears of happiness, frustrations worked through, a goal obtained at the cost of being MIA from friends, work, and other fun activities in life.
But, we're here. the cats and I. relishing in the evening. getting use to the boat, and the heat... No AC yet, and no bug screens yet either... A fan is keeping me cool and doing a fairly good job at keeping the bugs at bay, Rookery Bay that is, the reserve next door, breeding ground for mosquitoes and no-see-ums ;) but also a very very beautiful piece of this earth.
Well, the cats seem to know what to do. It's time for some rest.

Silicone or Caulk

I've been told that silicone shouldn't be used because it turns black in the southern climates, sun, and air pollution...
When removing a number of the portlights, I discovered this black ewy gooey stuff... I wonder if that's what happens to silicone... I think I'm going to stick to Lifecaulk or 3M 4200, depending on the situation of course ;)
So there sit the portlights on the bench, holes in the boat where these once were, while the radio forecasts thunderstorms with 40 mph winds...
such has been life trying to work on the boat during SWFL's wonderful rainy season... not to mention the boat doesn't have AC and the weather has been in the low 90's. I'm getting use to the heat and humidity. I just wish it wasn't rainy season, it's making it really difficult to get the much needed work done before move-on date in just four days now...

"I'd rather be dry than beautiful"

Now, I know when Depends Undergarments discovers this quote of mine, I'm going to be rich ;)
This is my new mantra for caulking, something, that I seem to not be very good at... sorry guys ;)

Coffee... Muffins...

Meet the girls of Dunkin Donuts on Marco Island!
These friendly faces supply me with much needed caffeine and sugar ;)
A taste of "home." Did you know that Dunkin Donuts was founded in Massachusetts and the first store was opened in 1950 by Bill Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts.
There may be a Publix (grocery store) on almost every corner in Southwest Florida, but in Massachusetts it's a Dunkin Donuts on almost every corner !!!!
https://www.dunkindonuts.com/

Ace Hardware

Meet John K. of Ace Hardware, Marco Island.
John couldn't help but laugh the day Tina and I went into Ace Hardware talking about our adventures of earlier screwing (bolts), holding nuts, and caulking (stanchions).
I've spent a fair amount of time (and money!) in Ace. They're newly expanding, it's wonderful. I have this strange idea of fun wandering around a hardware store... The manager even offered me a job!

Plastic Specialties

I took my old lenses from my portlights to a family-owned business in Naples. They were very helpful and I got to see the cutting machine in action !!!
http://www.plasticspecialtiesofflorida.com/

Steve (pictured) and Carrie Gnerre helped put to rest the debate of Plexiglas vs. Lexan. It appears that Lexan didn't use to last as long in the sun compared to Plexiglas, although Lexan is known to be stronger. They filled me in that there have been advances in recent years for Lexan and there is now a UV coating on Lexan to protect it from sun degradation! I also definitely preferred the light tint of Lexan compared to the darker tint of Plexiglas. Lexan it is !!!! I can't wait to get my new portlight lenses in and hopefully seal up the "rainboat."

9 days til move

I'm getting excited :)
Fluff and I lived on a sailboat a couple months last year, so Fluff will have to show Patty "the ropes" ;)
See Fluff relaxing in sails ;)
9 days to go chores:
1) remove one each of small and large portlights and bring up to Plastic Specialties in Naples to have new ones cut. Will try to convince cutter to have his picture taken for the Blog...
2) Continue cleaning of storage areas for painting. Some were/are not near as easy to clean as the example storage area photos below.
3) Hope to hear back from JSI in St. Petersburg regarding repair to spreader and mast dent, as well as a quote for new standing rigging. Also hoping to arrange to spend the day up in St. Pete while they prepare my new rigging and try to convince the JSI staff to have their pictures taken for Blog too :)
4) If JSI pricing too high for roller furling, I may order from a place in California... might be tough to convince them to have their picture taken for the Blog ;) will have to see what I can swing... Smile !! It keeps people wondering what you're up to !!!! click !

Standing Rigging

The standing rigging on a sailboat should be changed every 10 years or so they say...
Who knows when Athena's standing rigging was last changed.

In attempting to keep tuned to the flow of the universe, I happen to be at a party that my friend Brian invited me to. At the party were a few sailors, including one that did rigging, who's name will be kept confidential... let's call him Vern ;) Now Vern is a really nice helpful guy and is willing to help me with replacing my rigging. All excited that the universe works in wonderous ways, I had Vern inspect my sailboat, which is located only a few houses away from where he is currently living, very convenient of the universe I'm thinking... Vern inspected and gave me the crushing news that replacing the standing rigging he estimated at $3,400, and that did NOT included fixing the dent in the mast and the bent spreader. ugh. At that moment, for a multitude of various emotions culminating with this value, I considered giving up and selling the boat... It seemed at the time, more than I was willing to give. Perhaps Athena would remain a houseboat as opposed to a sailboat... Of course, this doesn't mean that Vern isn't a nice person, I think he had/has too many other priorities in his life to connect with mine.

Anywho, as fate would have it ;) advice flowed from other friends and I was introduced to Russell.
The positive energy was instant, and I was excited about working on Athena again, and have been plugging away with determination ever since.

Reflecting on meeting Vern and Russell, I was reminded that adversity is the reference point for knowing when the universe is truly flowing. Without having gone through the set back of lost motivation after attempting to work with Vern on my rigging, I might not have been as appreciative as I am of the very positive energy and working relationship with Russell. I am most greatful for all of my experiences, good and bad, as they set reference points for appreciating the importance of each other.

I have met many wonderful people on this quest to restore Athena, and I know I will meet many more.

As for the standing rigging, Russell has allowed me to learn again how to do things hands-on myself.

The 1st photo here shows the starboard shrouds connected to the chainplates (2nd photo showing removed and cleaned), which pass through the deck (potential rain leak spots), and are secured to the boat's hull.

Erection Party

Everyone is eagerly awaiting the erection party... that is, when the mast is put back in place on the boat. Stay tuned for party details. We will be roasting veggie weenies ;) No viagra required ;p

Before the mast goes back up...

Before the mast is to go back up, the following are items I wish to do...
1 - Modify existing bracket on top of mast to install new VHF antenna, including sending new VHF cable down the 42 foot mast...
2 - Take off old mast light and install new tri-color light, including sending new triplex wire down the 42 foot mast...
3 - Take off old tattered battered windex and install new.
4 - and perhaps change out the pulleys and standing rigging terminals...
Course, that's not to mention the main reason the mast is down ! to fix the bent spreader and dent in the mast !! also working on getting all new standing rigging and a new roller furling.
Standing rigging consists of a forestay (or headstay), backstay, and lower and upper stays (shrouds). The roller furling will be attached to the headstay.
Earlier in the year I had changed out the old running rigging, which was a wire/rope combo to all rope.
The running rigging changed on Athena to date consists of the main sheet and halyard, the boomvang, traveler, spinnaker sheet and halyard, topping lift, and the downhaul.
http://www.diybob.com/lesson1.htm