DREAM BOAT TOUR (plans to sail delayed + what's next for us) | Expedition Evans 42

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Things are taking a big change...Winter is HERE! Jade worked so hard while I was gone to get the boat ready to launch and she rocked it. Unfortunately, we had to wait 3 months before we could get our mast stepped. This delay ultimately made us miss our chance to move the boat further south before the weather turned sour on us.
Time for new plans - something I think we'll be doing a lot of with this life! Let's do a bit of a tour of the boat. We go fore to aft and point out all the things we need to fix on the boat, and all the things we just want to fix or add to the boat. This is our home, and our dream, so might as well dream big!
Thanks for watching-
With love
The Evans'
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Our Boat
2008 Beneteau 49
3 cabin 2 head
4JH4-TE
Westerbeke generator
Mast, sails and rig are in excellent condition and in storage
Here's what we think we know about her past. Keep in mind we bought her at auction without ever meeting the owner! The owner was sailing along and ran aground - hard. Hard enough that the keel pivoted and pushed the aft end up into the hull. This force cracked the internal grid in several places and broke a portion of the grid free from hull. At some point an inspection was done, insurance was called and decisions were made. See • We Buy a SALVAGE SAILB... for how we came to own her!
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Find Us Elsewhere
Facebook: / expeditionevans
J Instagram: / jadexploring
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Penny Instagram: / penntelopeevans
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[@garrykennedy5653]

I’m older boater who has a 46 Benny, which we have owned for six years. We have made many of the need to do jobs you are talking about so you can cruise for extended periods. Currently cruising the east coast of Australia. My only advice is do only the necessary projects now and then use the boat and learn as you go and check out all the other boaters out there who normally love to share their knowledge and experience.

[@ExpeditionEvans]

THIS VIDEO IS NOT REAL TIME. It was filmed about 2 weeks after our first sail in January 2021. Between that awesome day on the water and this day we finally came to terms with the fact that our boat was stuck in New England for the winter. We worked our bums off to get our boat finished in time to sail south and managed to pull it off. But then the rigging company wouldn't step our mast until into January (it was a huge drama behind the scenes). We sat on our hands and waited it out - all the while holding on to hope that we would still make it south. Unfortunately once January rolls around, the sea state in the North Atlantic isn't safe enough or stable enough. Especially with our untested boat. We really wanted to go for it anyway but eventually accepted some good advice to stay put and wait out winter. It took us a couple weeks to film this, honestly because I was crying a lot. After our mourning period we decided to get ourselves excited for the sailing and projects we will fill our time with while we wait for the Caribbean Sailing season in Fall of this year (2021). The ocean started to freeze and our heat was having a hard time keeping up. So we decided the best thing to do was to haul out the boat and move back west to stay with family for a few months. The next few vlogs will finish off the story with us winterizing and hauling out the boat. Then we will skip ahead to near real time, July 2021 🙂

[@-TruthHurts]

i would highly recommend you get your stainless steel works (hand rails, arch, davits) quoted by some companies in Middle America since it might be a lot cheaper.... same goes for upholstering, custom rugs , canopies and many other things.... try to get some trustworthy contacts via sailing forums and cruiser networks to save you time & money..... rather focus on watermaker, electronics and stuff being difficult to get done while abroad.... and always remember, boat projects never end :)....so take it frkn easy

[@jovanni_orb5116]

You both are an inspiration.

[@RTJsims]

Seriously looking forward to more video's. You guys help me feel motivated on my own fiddly (by comparison) little DIY projects.

[@cliffdavis5244]

Amazing… To think about what you have already done to this boat and now all the things on your need and wish list would it have not been cheaper to buy a brand new boat? Just curious… Been following you and liking you!

[@tomburton8239]

What a bummer. So sorry for you losing the Caribbean season. Re your lists... great to write them now, before you’re settled into accepting everything. But are you writing the lists from the viewpoint of being on the dock after a fit-out - whereas the real priorities are set by using the boat intensively. It’s now June, so I hope you’re planning a shake-down cruise of a few short trips right now (within range of support), then a trip of a few weeks to get to know the boat well and prioritise the list sharply. Then back for a month to do the must-do essentials (and plan the next group of jobs for, say, at a good yard in Florida in the winter). Maybe head south early via the Intracoastal Waterway with the mast down [not sure, I’ve not done it]. But what an opportunity to get the boat sorted: much easier in a yard/area you know than down south. Top priority: service the mast while it’s out (or if not, a loooong trip up). Top to bottom: every detail. Make sure it will never fail in the slightest way. And while you’re up there.... do you have a tiny up-light to illuminate the Windex at night? And a radar reflector, maybe active?

[@tomeidt7057]

I have met people living at the dock for four years making everything perfect before they go south. Don't fall into this pattern. You've got great ideas and you should do some of them first. But set yourself a hard deadline and go. Perfect boat or not.

[@Purlee100]

You can spend a lot of time at the dock and suddenly realise that the boat has become the reason for having the boat! Don't lose sight of the fact that the boat exists to take you sailing, go sailing and build the dream boat as you go. Do the stuff that makes you safe and comfortable, then go sailing!

[@scottswineford6714]

Probably to late but I highly recommend you watch the recent refit, in particular the deck hardware mounts, on Mirool, Free Range Sailing channel. Troy is a fussy marine engineer and rigger, his solutions are simple, cost effective and bullet proof. He and Pascale pretty much made a 50 year old boat better than new. Their current videos are of them sailing across the Australian Night, the Southern Ocean immediately after the refit. I strongly recommend having a notebook at hand when watching. Pascale's previous episodes on provisioning, storage, food prep underway and ocean foraging are brilliant. Hell, just binge watch the whole thing, for contrast of systems Sailing Uma is top shelf as well.

[@svbarryduckworth628]

Using plinths for raising all the stanchion bases a little above the level of the deck and any incidental water sloshing around gives added security to the seals on the through deck bolts. Beneteaus often use cheesy undersized one-piece stanchions with welded-on bases to save manufacturing costs. Upgrading to better and wider bases would be worth the investment, especially to be able to mount beefier stanchions if they want a solid top rail instead of a lifeline.

[@AlienX69]

Test for true sailors .... give them a sextant an see if they locate where they are. Electronics can fail. I was sailing b4 GPS existed for pleasure craft.

[@heathergrammaticas1138]

Oh, I love Free Range Sailing! Those guys are amazing!!!

[@ivyshy98]

if you haven't purchased the solar panels already, you should look into bifacial panels instead of normal panels. bifacial panels are glassed on the back side so they can collect light on both sides. it would work great on a solar arch in the back since light could reflect off the water and give you greater yield. I saw another sailing channel do this and they maxed out at 500 watts on a 400 watt rated bifacial panel. since you have a pretty big boat, you can probably fit 2-3 400 watt bifacial panels on the rear solar arch.

[@MrNoclutch]

A must do selection, collect not "Just what you need." But all that you can. Make the best of what you have and choose the best you can afford.

[@jeffreydarabaner1906]

For extra power, change the alternator on the main engine to a high output alternator. You can get more energy back into the batteries while motoring.. you’ll run the main engine more often than a genset. Love the videos

[@jackdbur]

Or add a second high output alternator for the house bank.

[@steveknight878]

I believe that there is a system available where, when under sail, you can use the propeller to charge batteries...

[@tomaskrashevsky818]

As Garry K. said: do what is necessary and go sailing, learn as you go and do some other projects in the meantime. Boats are never finished and never perfect for a needs of a person. Change, improve, add or remove but in small steps and while you move and enjoy you new sailing life on the boat. Otherwise, you will get stuck under hundreds of unfinished or in progress projects completely crippling you from what you meant doing - sailing and living on the sailing boat. I am a sailor since my 11. I repaired, rebuilt, re-fitted boats, it is never ending process and I came across many 'enthusiastic' project boat owners who never sailed or finished their boats. You have done massive and high quality work and your boat IS sea-worthy, go and enjoy it, don't loose yourselves into endless and overly expensive, maybe unnecessary projects. But ... it is your life and your decisions. :)

[@lynxshd]

Have you thought about moving batteries out of the bilge, so if water comes in, you can still, run your pumps, and start the motor. Like sailing zingaro.

[@bobhamilton298]

You mentioned a second anchor. I think you probably need a first anchor. What you have is barely a lunch hook. Look into a modern anchor like a Mantus. And for sure get a bigger anchor. 🙂

[@ryancarlson1041]

I think putting a lip on the stairs would be more of a hazard for you guys than it would be helpful for the dogs to climb up.

[@jimduffy9773]

Having batteries in a bilge is a bad idea. I f you ever leak, you'll loose power for the pumps.

[@percival4597]

Agreed you need one independent battery at least high up to operate a pump if taking on water.

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

@@percival4597 Independent batteries for radios and navigation equipment.

[@bootybandy]

Yes, Sailing Zingaro realised that. An expensive error in battery placement.

[@AlienX69]

@@bootybandy James the Destroyer ... ROTF

[@andrewseaman7012]

​@mansb jagpr I think using the primary engine coolant pump is a bad idea. Junk from the bilge may clog your engine heat exchanger.

[@mschrodter]

Move your battery bank to higher ground, out of the bilge, I have mine in the deck locker 900 amp lipo4,

[@sallykoep]

Here are a few things that make life on a boat your size more comfortable, and which help you stay out of expensive ports and marinas: a water maker; an AC generator; solar panels (which you’ve mentioned); an induction hot plate (goodbye gas); hot water; a front opening fridge; lots of freezer capacity; SSB as well as VHF radio; a couple of SCUBA tanks and a compressor - the list goes on. Comfort and being able to stay off the grid are good goals. Ah - a big fuel tank and a big fresh water tank. Good luck!

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

A couple of safety suggestion. • Bilge alarms. Blinking lights, sirens. Both below deck and in the cockpit. Obviously the switch need to be a couple inches higher than the bilge pump switch. (always carry a spare bilge pump and the hoses and wire required to use it as a "crash pump". • When reinstalling electronics, place them as high as possible above the waterline. Radios and navigation equipment should be mounted to the underside of the cabin roof. You may even consider some kind of secondary battery system miniature UPS) just to run that equipment also mount to the cabin roof. (8 - 32650 lithium cells will give your radios and navigation equipment hours of run time.)

[@komerwest3748]

Water maker. Can we all say WATER MAKER!

[@vxnova1]

There is a lot of people sailing without one, and some said they didn’t really miss it until they hit the pacific, it’s also expensive and another thing to maintain

[@frankferris300]

You can not make fuel and you can not live without water get a 12 volt water maker . A separate component one BECAUSE your boat was never meant for long term living. Your freezer and refrigerator is for a week . Good luck with your wants and dreams if you try to sand and change the veneer color it will sand through or just delaminate from the sanding heat. The color is what it is without paint .The reason your bilge paint did not stick is you applied it on epoxy disconnect your hot water heater from the engine or just use the engine to heat it when the element shorts out it will dissolve your heat exchanger.

[@mikekubassek4987]

Water Maker

[@kenphillips4558]

@@mikekubassek4987 v

[@mrmike1346]

If you want a dry bilge, BUY A SPONGE! If you want a cabin that smells mildewed all the time, install carpet. The islands are humid. Find a good dehumidifier that doesn’t use a lot of power. It’ll help keep you more comfortable in the tropics. Make sure when replacing your inverter, you buy a pure sine wave inverter so you don’t fry your electronics.

[@hidesertmusic]

Water maker and solar power will make your lives much better. Your idea for a solar arch is great. You could also get Manuel’s for the front deck. I’ve think I’ve seen panels you can walk on. There are so many new innovations that will allow to be of grid and still have all the comforts of home, which is now your boat. What a huge list you have! You can do it, you’ve already proven that. Go for it!

[@jimalders4890]

While you do all that, you need to sail. Just for fun & mental health. All of us constantly sort thru who/what are we here for.

[@notj5712]

If you don't like cords all over, try this. Figure out where you habitually put down your phones in the main cabin, galley, nav station, stateroom, cockpit. Then imbed/flushmount wireless inductive chargers in those locations. Phones will always be charged when you pick them up and no cords anywhere.

[@robinmetcalfe3416]

I pick one up on Ebay for $11.00

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

Inductive charging pads are awesome. Sooooo convenient!

[@vxnova1]

@@PatrickKQ4HBD I wonder what their efficiency is, how much they use when they aren’t charging a device

[@michaelhaardt5988]

If you want to live off grid, safety, redundancy and fault recover ability are a must. In no particular order: Bilge pump alarm, backup bilge pump and a mobile pump, hoses to operate it, redundant raw water intake with valves to allow blowing out either intake with air pressure to remove obstacles, redundant battery bank (different position, independent wiring, in particular one bank positioned outside the bilge), the most solar you can fit AND wind generator, a satellite phone, spare parts for everything not redundant that causes deep trouble if it fails. Air condition that can be run off batteries, because tired crew is a risk. Have emergency procedures: MoB, fire, water intrusion, basic medical emergency treatment. Forward looking sonar to avoid hitting your keel a second time. A supply of epoxy metal putty and underwater epoxy. Sorry if that does not sound cheerful, but you asked how to spend your time sensibly. If you are prepared for most common problems, life is much better and somehow the chances of those problems decrease.

[@percival4597]

Ha, great video guys. Ok a couple ideas for ya. * Flooring Faux Teak Stick on decking for boats has a little cushion for dog grip, water resistant. For steps leave off the ridge ya'll mentioned thats a possible trip hazard, instead use stick on Berber carpet, best for dogs grip at such a vertical steep. * Consider front facing sonar for floating hard to see ocean debris that can ruin a trip one dark moonless night. * Is it possible to weave in flexible 100W solar panels into a sail and string up? Yeah baby! * Maybe a new hard top that cracks open in the middle and folds down like wings when not sailing?? * I'm completely off grid now after 15 months or so I would prefer to have a bigger battery bank than all the extra weight of solar panels. Tip. Keep up the videos )

[@andyh6533]

Skateboard Grip Tape on the steps will be cheap and actually work as a Safety thing

[@maccoolmac5191]

Guys you need a chart plotter, sonar, vhf, radar, AIS and safety equipment . If your vhf doesn't work well, check your antenna/cable.

[@svbarryduckworth628]

Lot's of cruisers don't have radar. Nice to have but not a total need. Their boat already has all that other stuff, okay maybe not AIS transmit. They showed their chartplotter once way back in the beginning.

[@maccoolmac5191]

I like radar for a night or fog passage.

[@smeggy7979]

Cheap and easy way to hold stuff in place in any weather....Velcro tape. It's nice and cheap and easy to do, great for holding ornaments etc in place in rough seas.

[@RTJsims]

"Pepperidge Farm Remembers"- What you did there, We seen it! Yes I laughed way to hard when you did that.

[@bidmanjoespage4031]

Just binge watched your whole channel and cannot wait to see you enjoy the fruits of your labor. But as a lifelong Cape Cod resident and now part time Floridian you absolutely made the proper decision to post pone. Have an employee who lost his Sailboat coming back north at the wrong time fortunately they had life suits and his EPIRB and the Coast Gaurd saved them but could not get the boat to safety. Looking forward to new adventures now that the weather is nice again in New England.

[@walterhiegel3020]

So on the solar panels please use SunPower panels. Without a doubt they are the best hands down. They do carry a premium price so that will probably be a consideration. The number 1 reason is that they degrade power output by 0.1 percent per year. Yes they have a 25 year warranty but you will only have to buy panels once. I have had SunPower panels for 15 years and they are awesome. I don't see any degradation in my production numbers. I recently added a 2nd set of SunPower panels. In the end it is your choice and while I have a strong opinion you have to live with whatever panels you choose, That means that I am completely energy independent. In the end it is your choice and while I have a strong opinion your choice is more important than my opinion. BTW I love watching you guys.

[@Wearyman]

as far as the rugs, you can get underlayment that is a rubberized foam "grid" (polyesters screen style cloth with foam rubber dots in a grid pattern) that is intended to keep area rugs from sliding. Not sure what the proper name for it is (I always just called it the "grippy stuff") but it works great for keeping carpet from sliding on wood. Since it isn't actually attached down by anything other than friction, you can just whip it off anytime you need to get under the floorboards.

[@chefron8]

Hey there. I've been enjoying your refit... etc. I wanted to touch on two points. The first is that the dogs are fine now with those steep stairs, but as they age their hips will give them trouble. :) The second point is about your cooker/oven. I like the idea of the induction cooktop and have seen others use them with success. As for your oven... I know you guys said you didn't have or want a microwave. However, Toshiba makes a convection microwave that also air-fries. You couldn't put it where the old microwave went as it needs clearance in the back and top because it gets hot when using the oven settings. It pretty much does all the work of a regular oven but in a microwave size. The air-fried haddock is wonderful. :)

[@wjhann4836]

Water heater: - As a boat owner you are nearly always in project mode. - warm water in not so hot areas is so much pleasing, take the time for it. - As I learned from charter company: The 110V heater ist expendable material - due to corrosion you have to replace it one over the other year. > so, replacing is not a big job - but it will be a checkmark on the job list.

[@Arnaud58]

So you got caught up by the season. All the major repairs have been done, you've had a test-sail: great, so haul out the boat, go have a rest for a few months, and take it from there.

[@chrispomfret8592]

Yeah go travel & make interesting travel videos

[@generossano2800]

Thanks for keeping us posted on your plans. It is great that you love your sailboat. Enjoy ! ! !

[@gogo22976]

With that super-exhaustive project list you will probably never experience the boat what it was meant to do: to set off and SAIL!

[@vxnova1]

I thought they could go down the icw or are they ina place where they have to take the Atlantic,

[@tomatobrush3283]

Replacing the fridge and freezers with modern fridge is definitely a good idea, I have seen several boats do it and they never regret it.

[@simcimo]

We've had a double induction cooktop & a small air fryer combo for a while now (48V system, gel batteries, never ever in a marina). I use the air fryer almost daily and I've never had a cleaner stove as it's stupid simple to clean. Although I miss the adventures with a propane tank strapped to my back, wandering through foregin countries looking for a refill place 😁 Biggest disadvantage I see is that on those long rainy days, I want to be making endless tea and bake bread. I suppose the magical lithium would help with that. Also used large solar panels over the cockpit as a hardtop. Built on an angle they collect enough rainwater and store surfboards underneath 🙃

[@dtonvista]

Since I live in AZ and next week we will go into the 1 teens, I know you must be back on the boat! things to title as first from my experience, everything safety 1st, make sure the water maker works, if not fix it, do a once over on the engine and fuel system, everything electrical, cook top, AC, Fridge/freezer, water heater, then everything can be worked as you get time. A nice sleeping mattress also makes the nights go better, sails and a good anchor, check the wear on your ropes and rigging.

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

You can TOTALLY make new floorboards that fit, don't squeak, and have a rough enough surface that the dogs don't slip and slide. Just start with some plywood test pieces that you copy from the existing boards, which you aren't going to throw away yet.

[@william.s.goodwin]

Still think Expedition is the best name for your boat

[@domalash]

I think you should consider a 48v power system. You may not get all the power you could from your battery bank if you're using a 12v system. Basically, your inverter draws lots of amps to increase the voltage from 12v to 120v and the more amps you draw the less power your batteries will actually provide. Most batteries have a chart to show actual power you get when you draw at different amp rates. You may be surprised how much less you get from the stated amp hour rating when you discharge them at high amp rates. Also 48v systems use smaller wires and cheaper inverters and more. A great video to watch is "48v Solar Power System for Beginners: Lower Cost and More Power!" from Will Prowse. Also, I know nothing about sailing or rigging but I'm thinking a spool might be a good idea to tidy up the lines. And maybe put the spool in a hatch with a rain guarded hole like a U pipe and maybe have a winch to wind and unwind some slack when needed.

[@SailingSharingLife]

Really interesting. The plans you two have for your boat - many we have already implemented, or plan to (we also have an OC50 - the G5 version, which we love as you two do yours). First the rear arch. We integrated ours with the pushpit (so it's not an ugly 'bolt-on'). It also has a compound curve to reflect the curve of the bimini (and in our case - the main arch). The rear arch holds solar panels, various comm's antennae, and davits - if anything, it enhances the look of the boat, certainly has made all that area far more solid, and gives us a lot more to hang onto when the going gets rough. Generator - we suspect the reason you hate your generator is the wet exhaust you have. Get rid of that, and you wont hear it (very simple - just a water separator, so the water goes via a below the waterline through-hull, and the silenced and dry exhaust exists via your current outlet - whisper quiet! Desal' - normally that goes in the stb locker just before the main bulkhead (control panel), with the pump and filters under the stb seating area. Fwd cabin lighting - LED strips concealed under the shelves either side - this transformed our cabin!!! We did this in the aft cabins also - very nice! For the saloon, it is not just an aesthetic feature, but a safety feature with that floor-level lighting at night not affecting night vision. Saloon table - yes, on our list. You can get telescoping legs, to lower the table, and then (what we are thinking so far) the squab from the stb side can be used as the in-fill. We will be watching to see what you do there. Hot water - we would not think of being without it - washing dishes and washing crew. If it doesn't work, it will just be the element. 20 minute job. also, the engine gives you hot water after just 20 minutes running - brilliant! Extra fridge - we installed a Dometic CD 030 under the squab area just in front of the galley return. Looks like it was factory fitted - love it! Washing machine goes very well in the port aft locker. Ours is a Baby Nova and it works amazingly well - does two double sheets with no problem, and spins them till they are little more than just damp (with no creases). As for drying - when the deck is not an option, those grab-rails you want to extend, are perfect. Just arrange the sheets draped over coat hangers, and hang from the rails overnight - they are dry in the morning. We also installed a pull-out drying line in the aft heads - from above the mirror to the far side of the shower bulkhead (the little round cylinder the holds the line by spring return - you find in hotel rooms). Teak decking - suggest stripping the varnish stuff off, give a light sand, treat with Semco cleaner and brightener (amazing difference), then seal with Semco Natural Tone teak sealer - the teak will look like freshly sanded teak, but will only need treating once or twice a year with full-time use (we do once a year, but only use out boat 'in-season'). Very quick and easy to apply and maintain. Assume you have black-water holding, but consider grey-water also - depending where you are, that can be an issue. Installed a system in ours - a nice little project and it works perfectly. Vertical shelving in the port lazarette is a worthwhile project to - far more efficient use of the space. Also, rubber matting or boat carpet down there make moving around sooo much easier and safer. Cabin sole - agree - those panels ....! On our list is to screw down the panels but cut hinged panels into them, so it is much easier to access with lift-ring catches rather than struggling with big panels - especially in an urgent situation with the boat in a sea-way. As for your comment on rugs, we are having carpet fitted - not edge to edge, but to look like fitted rugs with a bound border to still show a little of the timber sole. Where those hatches or lift-up panels will go, there will be an edge-bound flap. There is one YT video of an OC50 walk-through (boat was for sale) where this had been done, and it looks good. Fixing by the way is with snap studs - very easy and secure. We could go on, but there is some feedback for you. We will leave you with a couple of links. The first shows the Semco application and look, the second shows that arch from the cockpit area - you will see how we have integrated it with the pushpit (and yes, next stage is to replace the wire safety lines with stainless tube, up to the side gates (love your enclosure by the way - have been planning one of those for a while). Happy to Skype or WhatsApp if you would like to have a chat, but here are those links. Bye for now, David & Karen kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6WTppiilNtgobs kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmTJZ4V7hatliKc (you will have to pause here and there to get a look at the arch, but we can dig out some detail photos if you like - you will see the BBQ mounted on the rail also - under the white cover, same as we use for the steering covers etc).

[@luckybeanzphoto]

You can do that solid "life line" pretty cheap with just as tubing and fittings, I've just done a whole solar arch and davits like this using 25mm/2mm tube. It holds 3 400 watt panels and a wooden dingy.

[@dougwatson821]

As far as storing your paddle boards... Check out how wake boarders store their wakeboards on a ski boat. Something a little larger in scale could work well your arch. Also check how Sophie and Ryan built an arch on their Beneteau incorporating the fixed rails at the stern of their boat into the design....

[@bradlywilkins652]

Great job so far! You mentioned the gear/throttle lever touching the helm. Just give the top cover a firm push downwards and it’ll slide back down onto the shaft. It slips up from time to time. Took me quite a while to figure this out on mine! Also, your electric winch, this may be stating the obvious but have you checked the breaker (it’s located in an obscure position and could easily have been missed. Port aft cabin, engine compartment panel. Top left side above the water strainer.) if this isn’t tripped, it’s the control box in the panel just below the winch. Ask me how I know……

[@johnkoontz2282]

Lotusnut2 I follow you because 40-50 yr ago I and my wife were you - sort of. My first bit if advice would be to keep in mind that life only gets shorter! DO what you want now while you don't have too many things getting in the way. Keep the pilot's license active and up dated you'll need it. Remember,PFE, Practical, feasible and cost effective. As for the grinder, Sailing Doodles used a right angle heavy duty drill with the appropriate winch keys (SD resent). Another source I like is Sailing Uma, again two very similar young adults with similar wants and needs doing what your doing, folding winch handles, electric do and redo, interior design and ambition. Sorry for the diatribe, but best luck and my the force be with you.

[@nietfier]

For the rugs, maybe have one of those short rods with a pin in it, that turns 90 degrees to lock in, so it’ll be quick and more secure. Maybe consider those pins, with a rug frame, to prevent slipping into the rug edges, and tearing big holes around where the pins lock in.

[@aquaholic3]

One of the best cleaner I use, is the Clorox spray cleaner and I buy it at Dollar stores. Works great on surfaces, like your cockpit table! Be sure to give a few minutes to work, then rinse and wax. Because it is already diluted, there is not risk. When you design the solar panel rack, be sure the panels are behind the boom. Since you plan on having davits, perhaps make panels go over the stern so it covers the swim platform area and a little over the dinghy, keeping it shaded as much as possible. Also, make sure the panels don't block your view from the Bimini window to see the tip of the mast from the helm.

[@vincentbarkley9121]

Loved the fiberglass work. Yes to backing plates, water maker, nav electronics, through hulls, solar arch and water heater. No to gilding the lily.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Giant projects are just a lot of tiny projects strung together. You two have come a long way and accomplished a tremendous amount. Just be sure to reward yourselves with a little sailing now and then so you remember why you are doing all of this. Take care and have a great week ahead.

[@SuperBobby1974]

On the water heater itself there is mostly an automatic fuse for shore power. Turning on the heater element with no water in the tank blows this fuse. You can hear it click 😀. Easy fix 👍🏻😉

[@svvoyager]

For picking up your hatch boards get a couple of suction cup handles, cheap, easy.

[@andrewwilliams7508]

I live on my Hanse 540, with our border collie!. We were so worried about our dog falling overboard. So rather than fitting netting, which normal with time looks horrible. So we fitted a 3rd guard rail between the deak and the mid guard rail. We call it the “Dog Rail”. After doing two ocean crossings, we realised that it also makes it much safer for us humans, not possible to fall and slide under the rails. Very exciting to see you turn your boat into a blue water cruiser.

[@Paul_Crosbie]

Nothing better, two people in love doing what they love! I think your ideas sound great, many of them I have put in place on my own boat over the years. One item I would definitely keep on the needs list is the ‘through hulls’ as they need to be regularly checked and replaced. Also a good idea is to attach a wooden bung of appropriate size to each through hull in your boat in case of a problem.

[@michiganengineer8621]

You can get rugs/carpet runners with "sticky" rubberized backs for the salon flooring. You can find them at Walmart lol. For the companionway steps, go with a QUALITY indoor/outdoor carpet. Lips on the steps are a trip hazard, especially if you're in a hurry. You can recover those trim panels on the sides and overhead, probably for a _LOT_ cheaper than buying replacements. (Too late but, that would have been a perfect project for the winter vacation)

[@bobd9775]

For the teak, there is a 2 part teak cleaner called Teak-Nu. a couple of passes using scrub brushes will remove the old finish and leave it in a sanded like state. Non skid rubber mat, like you would use under the laptop works great for under carpet. Forget velcro, use 3m dual lock for that type of fastening.

[@michaelmerrithew578]

I use rubber back rugs aboard my boat, have for years. Easy to purchase at Wally Mart, Target, etc. Cheap and can be pitched when you get tired of them. Trim as necessary and use light layers of clear silicone to keep the cut edges from fraying. And....they don't slip when wet feet bring water below. As far as batteries go, Lithium Ion batteries can be purchased directly from China. Very high quality and mine cost me about $265.00 each, including shipping for 100 Ah with BMS. Purchase a good Lithium charger. I have 4 now, but when I move aboard will get 2 more. You kids are a riot, and I appreciate seeing how others live with OCD. LMAO! Hang in there. Fair winds

[@chuckm.5032]

"Love the Journey!" Cant wait to see you on the open seas and off grid again!

[@zx10danny1]

I would think something more important than solar panels for off grid living is water. You need a water maker before you get into solar. You have an engine with an alternator and a generator. You don’t have water. Great channel, keep the videos coming!

[@shanevillis4079]

I agree, watermaker first

[@percival4597]

With dogs get a back up water maker as well.

[@jm3779]

As you have a engine check out that water maker Sailing Nahoa installed, simple system with high output. If you think t power it just from solar, then you should look at Sailing Uma as they have to save power and going with a more efficient but much more expensive and complex system. I might also suggest when you redoing your electric system prepare it for booth electric power systems of the world. 120V US and 240V Europe as this is what they have in most countries around the world now. Go for better quality and not for cheap price - you don’t want your boat burning because you saved a few bucks for some power outlets.

[@rwcox8666]

Not rugs, they hold moisture take for ever to dry, think about Seadek instead.

[@andrewseaman7012]

Exactly, rugs will look dirty and smell badly, and mould may grow in there.

[@vxnova1]

Sailing nahoa puts carpet in their saloon and change it out regularly,

[@ChrisF3F3]

No rugs

[@larrytalley117]

To consolidate your hard drives, consider a NAS (network accessible storage). Getting a router allows you to create your own local network and then you can access all of your data and printers. Also consider moving to solid state drives. Lots of options. With a NAS it can be configured as well to run a continuous back up for data safety.

[@iacopobianchi330]

Hi guys I have followed all the work you have done on the boat and I have to congratulate you because few shipyards would have the same care and precision, in Italy we say that no shipyard works at the level of the worst owner. Now don't stop and since you asked for suggestions I allow myself to do my part. You are doubtful about the effectiveness of the bilge pumps, keep in mind that a little water is normal, the non-return valves on the drain pipes help a little, but only a little, and in addition they decrease the efficiency of the pump itself. You have the best pump you can look for, as standard: the inboard engine. Let me explain: you set up a T-valve on the pipe that carries the cooling water to the engine, one of the outlets will continue to carry the water to the intercooler the other you prepare it with a reinforced pipe that reaches anywhere in the boat (bilges + lockers ) equipped at the end with a filter. Start the engine, turn the valve and voilà you will suck in water (always monitoring the suction) as long as you have diesel left! Consider installing a slightly larger seawater pump just in case (the manufacturer of the motor or of the pump itself will tell you which model is compatible without necessarily giving you a headache; prepare some plug or cap in soft wood close each seacock. Batteries: Lithium and water do not get along very well install the batteries (of any type) inside watertight containers and lash them down with great care so that they do not constitute a thought or worse a danger in case of heavy sea and heeling boat (MASTERVOLT has interesting articles) you can install a second alternator always on the beloved main engine with a good calibration and a supply as a spare of charge regulators you will charge double the batteries or it will take half the time. You need a good Radar mounted on one of those poles to be placed on deck such as Scanstrut, so to speak, on which you can also fix a second antenna for the VHF / SSB radio in case of dismasting. The masthead of the short portable VHF type will never break. Always pay attention to the weights because a boat weighed down by accessories that is not designed to carry such as deep freezer fridge oven dishwasher thumble dryer but also length over length of anchor chain goes below the design waterline and becomes no longer seaworth safe. Wildest dream replace the mast and the furling mainsail with a traditional fullbatten mainsail and a Battcar type system, always to favor safety and reliability. Since you will travel in two, always wear jack line no matter what: the life jacket is the cure, the jack line and life-line is the prevention, no one will blame you if the tan is not perfect as long as we can continue dreaming with you. If some other dream comes to mind, I will make myself feel, do not worry, good wind! And even if you are a sailboat, a good three-blade folding propeller (MaxProp?) Will not fill it up at all. kind regards!

[@nealfenster8056]

Leave the propane oven and add a air/convection oven in the microwave area.

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

Depending on how much solar and batteries they add to the boat, I would get rid of propane. It can be a problem refilling your propane in foreign countries.

[@svbarryduckworth628]

I really like this idea. Use that space! Might even be able to reuse the wiring. Leave the LP stove where it is and maybe also get a thin flat induction HOB to mount into the countertop for when they are on shorepower. Or just get a portable one that can be secured yet still removable right on top of the LP stovetop. Keeping the LP is just common sense. An LP burner is basically failure-free and rhe stove has redundancy. Issues can easily be fixed. But electric cooking requires power and a boat's off-grid power generation system is complex with a lot of different parts. It would suck not to be able to cook because an inverter fried, or the generator was broken down or there was a battery bank issue. Needing to eat out every meal because of not having a stove for a few days while on the hook in the middle of nowhere is a drag. Keep the LP, it's going to be needed for that rail-mount BBQ unless one is going to only use expensive green disposable LP bottles.

[@andrewseaman7012]

@@jackpatteeuw9244 Propane is very easy to come buy in many countries. It is normally used for cooking from South America to Africa, North America and Europe. Wherever I went I found propane cheaply.

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

@@andrewseaman7012 It is not the fuel itself, it is the FITTINGS !

[@jackdbur]

Buy a set of propane adaptors

[@SeattleLifeguard]

As someone who has sailed away, I will tell you to, #1) make your boat seaworthy, and #2) sail away, but only when proper conditions exist. Don't focus on making your boat "perfect". No matter what you do to it, you'll sail away and change your mind about this and that. This life is about the voyage and not the destination. Do what makes sense for you. Go visit family now and then and cruise when you can. Making sure your stanchions are firmly in place is the only thing (besides weather) that would keep me from sailing away one more day. Make sure you can reef your sails easily and have a backup steerage plan, in case you lose use of your rudder. You can and will always be doing projects on your boat while cruising.

[@donpetrey8007]

Also keep a log of things done and also which thru hulls you replaced and what year you did them or just do them all at once. Everything has a lifespan no need to sink you boat cause you want to be cheap and only do a couple thru hulls at once.

[@johnchase9697]

Hard dodger nearly a need. Bilge pump extremely small for that sized boat. I had that size or larger in a 25ft daysailor. Picture hitting a semi submerged shipping container in the middle of night while surfing down a wave at 12knots in a storm. You need a pump large enough to buy you time to make a repair / isolate the leak etc. Consider induction cooktop coupled with invertor. Keeps you from having to go look for propane. While high elec load (1200watts?) You typically only cook for 10 to 15 minutes.

[@allgonquin]

Elk hide. For your wheels. Measure wheel diameter, tube diameter, order kit on line. Spend some quality time lacing with the right stitch, and enjoy the fruit of your labor!

[@1dahoJoe]

There are "rubber" rug mats that go under your rugs and keep them from slipping around. The nice thing is that they're not glued/taped to the floor like "Velcro" and they lift easily with the rug. I'm not sure how they would do when you get water on your hardwood floors though. Rubber can slide on hard wet surfaces.

[@kevinosmundsen4057]

Try attaching separate rugs to each individual sole. Look into corian countertops.

[@darcygoesfast]

if you changed everything to make it ideal, you'd never leave the dock. I'd say, the list you have can be separated into mission critical for safe open water travel (servicing running gear, safety gear upgrades, EPIRB, electrical upgrades, safety boat) and the nice to haves. Looking forward to the continuing adventure.

[@jwascher]

I would second you looking at Sailing Uma. They converted their sailboat to all electric, including the motor, so electric usage is very important. They picked a water maker based on power consumption, but also have other power techniques for running their boat. Has been fun watching you salvage your boat, keep up the channel!

[@DCGULL01]

LiFePO4- Alibaba. 280AH cells- 12v= $388ish, 24v= $834ish and up from there!! Considering longevity, storage, etc...Great value.

[@thomasmiller2669]

I did it to my Bavaria 46 cruiser, it’s a 2006, I purchased in Mallorca. I had the railing put in while I was staying in Oppequimar marina in Puerto Vallarta. I single hand and it makes moving around on deck so much easier and safer.

[@lescaylor7211]

A water maker would fit well in one of the lazarettes or behind the settee or dining benches. For the induction and electric oven/ fryer ideas check out the setups that Delos and Sailing with the Wynns have done. Changing the countertops to Corian is another option that works well since it is heat and stain resistant.

[@dgrant2467]

Instead of felt for the floors, I suggest you consider using the small, round, round-faced, stick-on, silicone pads or bumpers. In my experience, felt can become moldy in damp places. Also, you may need to move your solar panels forward over some of your cockpit in order to meet all of your desires (dingy storage, SUP storage, solar panels, etc.). Just remember that the windvane's arm/vane/wing will need a fair amount of open space so the windvane can function properly (the amount of space needed will vary by manufacturer). Check out the channel, Sail Life, by Mads. He has installed an induction cooktop stove unit on his 38' boat, and like you, he and his fiancé, Ava, have a lot of electrical needs.

[@Wakadui]

Have the same B49. Hull #117. Cruise the Pacific NW. Love watching your projects. I am in the midst of replacing the 11 year old AGM’s with LiFePO4. The CFO of the family (my sole mate) green lighted the project. I say go for it! Happy to share ideas.

[@orchidhouse297]

I suggest you look up RAN SAILING. In the event you don't know, they are a Swedish couple who sailed across the world and as far north as Alaska. Currently they are sailing the West coast of Sweden in a recently acquired boat. They have a wealth of experience on fixing and upgrading boats. In the meantime, enjoy your dreams.

[@DFMurray]

Put a one way check valve on your bilge pump line and paint the bottom of the bilge pickup pan with antifouling paint.

[@tethys81]

For the rug you can buy a grip cloth to have underneath. Here in Norway we can buy it in any store that sells table clothes, curtains and carpets...

[@WSallai]

Get folding winch handles that attach to each winch thus eliminating the need to attach a handle to operate it, and it is always at the ready. Check out Sailing Uma. Something that will be very useful is rainwater catchment system to take advantage of any rain that will come your way while anchored where you won’t always be able to use your water maker. You will need two additional anchors, one for the bow and the second for the stern. Getting a sewing machine to perform repairs on sails and seat cushions is an excellent thing to have. If you are good at it, you can use it as a source of income to do work on other boats. Space is critical for the galley for provisions, cookware, and appliances. Buy a nested set of stainless-steel pots and pans from Magma. They only take up one cubic foot of space and can work on all kinds of cooktops, including induction (Magma Products, A10-369-2-IND; A10-367; and A10-360L-IND). They can be found on Amazon, which is where I bought mine for my Motorhome.

[@larryboles629]

Hi, Y'all, did I understand you correctly, you need to install backing plates for the deck cleats? (sad what some boat builders will do to trim $100 off the build coast) Be happy, be safe.

[@swatsullivan]

All sounds good! Happy sailing!!

[@allan80supra]

Good call on the LiFePO4 batteries - my 2c of suggestion feel free to ignore... I Would go 48v and two inverter/charger combo units (something like a GroWatt and/or Victron), would sell the generator and put an electric motor with regen between existing engine and prop so you have options of charge and motor/charge/electric drive only/hydro charge under sail AND solar, more solar panels than you "need" in two strings (one to each inverter/charger) this gives you redundant propulsion and charging, For internet Starlink will change internet access for boaters in a big way - probably a year or so when they allow mobile installation, I would setup a small POE network switch, some well sealed wired IP cameras and a NAS (the NAS sealed in a waterproof locker just in case!) this will allow you to monitor all around the boat from inside in bad weather and security when your ashore. for your engine use a sealed Optima battery mounted up high in engine compartment and have a backup bilge pump with a easy to get to switch attached to it. can't wait to see your outcome!

[@andrewseaman7012]

You are experiencing exactly what I did after I had bought my boat: I never got ready to go! Although I kept working on it all my free time: extra handles all over the boat, Sterling a2b charge controller, new electronics, extension of heating, getting rid of the boiler (if you don't stay in cold climates you won't need it), new sails, bowsprit, safety lines along side decks, solar panels, new anchor chain, second anchor, new jib furler and stays, new sheets and halyards, new rope clutches, new fake teak on deck, complete engine overhaul, new mattrasses and cushions, new curtains, etc. etc..... we never got ready to go. My advice is: limit projects to the essential and just go! Or you will end up like myself. Perfectionism can kill dreams.

[@RayFamily1963]

A bunch of suggestions on your wants and needs. I agree on all of your ideas for things that need to be done on the exterior. On replacing the safety lines, that is a very expensive upgrade. I have seen them on the Amels and it is nice to have but you would need to have all of the custom made and installed $$$$. On the interior items and your wanting to live off-grid, I have made many of these upgrades to my boat that my wife and I have been living on for 6 years. For the watermaker I definitely recommend one of the Spectra systems, I have the 200T. It was a big ticket item but worth every penny. Our boat is a 1996 Jeanneau 50, which is very similar to yours in size. The 200T make 10 gallons per hour an only draws 10 amps while doing it. So you get about 1 gallon / hr / amp. For the bilge pump take the one you have and move it next to the sump where it is now and reinstall it as a secondary automatic pump. In the sump install a dry sump pump like this lifeempirically.com/2018/03/12/build-your-own-diy-arid-bilge-or-dry-bilge-system/ You are correct replacing the entire cabin sole is a huge job expensive job and as you know requires removing most of the fixtures in the cabin. You can resurface with a different laminate but that is not easy or cheap. You can buy latches to hold it down but that won't stop the creaking. Also the hull does flex, if the sole is attached too tight it could break latches, or buckle the panels. On adding solar make sure you work out where to place the solar controls so it is close to the batteries. I had to do a long (25ft) run which required huge cables from the controllers to the batteries. I have 1800 watts of solar with 6 controllers. I live in the tropics and wanted air conditioning. if you want carpets you can use snaps to hold them down or rubber backed rugs, Your headliner is held up with velcro if it is like mine. The problem is that when you try to take it down the velcro holds better than the glue they used to attach the boards to the fiberglass cabin roof. We had to re-attach the boards to the roof before we could re-install the headliner. Previous owners just used screws to put the headliner back up when they took it down. It looks like crap but it is easier to take down and put back up with the screws. In most cases the places where the headliner is sagging it is because the boards have come unglued from the fiberglass. You can buy pedestals for the table that allow it to go down to make a full size bunk. then you need cushions to fit that too. Not too hard or too expensive to do. We have only used our as a bunk once in 6 years and probably never will again. Too many people on the boat. On the water heater, they are pretty easy to replace but not cheap. Because of the dual heating setup from the engine the cost is higher than a standard water heater. You can purchase a 12v heating coil on Amazon for not much money www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0182BETBE you can hook it up to your solar to heat the water during the day when you have plenty of power after your batteries are charged and you are done making water. This coil will replace your existing coil in most marine water heaters. Just don't hook it up to the 110v it will fry it. Also before you do anything make sure your existing water heater is not leaking. They don't last very long in the marine environment. If your VHF is not working well replace it and the antenna and cables. As a pilot you should understand how important the radio is. Make sure the AIS will communicate with your chart plotter. That is where you want to see other boats and you may want to consider a Class B transponder so other boats can see you. In some ways AIS is better than radar. Keep dreaming, keep moving forward. Good luck.

[@TomJoyce]

You pulled it off. I wasn’t sure you would with that boat. Looking forward to many more sailing videos and no more sanding videos!

[@dougmyers6013]

After what you have done to date, there is no doubt you can transform this "pleasure cruiser" into a Blue Water type boat with system redundancy necessary for open ocean passages, however the boat is still not a "heavy displacement" open ocean design which is necessary for that 2% of "sheer terror" on the ocean. It's not uncommon for weather patterns to produce even briefly, force 10-11 winds & 60 foot seas in and about the Atlantic in the North or the Indian in the South & while "selecting the right time to cross is paramount" sudden severe storms & weather pattern convergence can be devastating for light displacement vessels. Just a thought. Can't wait to see the "Arch Design" for the continual upgrades, always looking forward to your weekly videos!

[@michaelbennett9643]

Have you spoken to Dan on Uma, he has really set up the way that you want for off grid?

[@vxnova1]

Parlay revival interviewed a boat recently where they used a Tesla battery bank as their battery, they said they can run for a month without recharging, I think they have 4000 watts of solar as well

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

That Buddy propane heater is a very good one; but they flat out dangerous in a boat. If you get a leak the propane will collect in the bilge just waiting for ignition like static. Ignition will instantly convert your boat into a convertible. If you insist on using it, install a flammable gas detector low and centered just above a reasonable bilge water level. Condensation is a big problem with propane. Everything just gets wet, it can even add water to the bilge. Besides having to have a little counterproductive window opening so you don’t burn up all the oxygen (yes it has a cut off but do you trust it) and build up CO2(you do have smoke & CO2 detectors). Then there’s that headache making odorant that when burned stinks. Think about installing a marine quality diesel heater. Do not install a check valve in the bilge pump line. They are notorious for sticking or clogging. If you don’t want water in the sump, sponge it out and find out where the water is coming from (condensation?). The best bilge paint I know of is Rustolium appliance epoxy paint by the quart. The fumes are the nastiest thing so ventilation, respiration and evacuation for a few days! Have fun you deserve to get away from the boat for a while, otherwise you begin to resent it. Balance of work and fun are important.

[@davidgroene1403]

Go sailing already. Enjoy the work you have done so far and get out there.

[@kalkudah]

Thanks you for your inspiring hard work. It is hard to advise not knowing where you are in real time, but since you asked ... Function first, then go sailing. Your past has taught you a ton, but some voyaging will inform you specifically to this boat with you on it. I worry the grinding has become your comfort zone. I like your thoughts about strengthening the stanchions and shifting from lifelines to rails. Ditch the wooden toe rails. You have enough to maintain and could improve function, there.. Replace them with structural glass ones, a metal toe rail, or bulwark to improve footing safety and to support your stanchions and netting for your dogs. I agree with other comments about the veneer on your interior. Yes to extending to overhead hand rails. Yes to jack lines. You have probably been inspired by these channels already: Look to Ryan and Sophie for challenges offshore with a similar boat. Look to Uma for simplifying, efficiency ideas, and slick design. Look to Delos for long term maintenance of a big system heavy vessel. Maine, Bermuda, Azores. Go sailing to appreciate what you have done. Come back to the yard to address those priorities informed by use. Health and peace, Sockeye Your lists had a lot of great ideas

[@raspberrypi]

👋 It's us! Happy sailing.

[@mikemoxley9477]

Great video... Good luck with the future work.

[@davidpaulin1015]

Enjoy The boat for a season then worry about all of the wants and needs. You worked hard you deserve to enjoy it for a Bit ... If you push too hard it will become a burden and you don't want that .. Take some time to enjoy all your hard work ..

[@chrispomfret8592]

Triple agree

[@rsrguy]

The cleats shouldn't surprise you... This company has a track record of building disposable boats. In your defense you've come a long way towards making this a solid unit! 👍 Congrats! Keep your eyes peeled for weaknesses and do whatever it takes to repair and reinforce it ASAP! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! You guys keel me.

[@chipandrews2892]

You guys have been doing such an awesome job on your boat! One thing I have come to terms with is "things happen for a reason..." So having to delay your original plans is not a bad thing, especially since you have identified the "need to do" things for safety. I love following and watching these kind of videos and there are some really talented folks out there doing the same thing you are...if you haven't seen "Sailing Uma" you probably should check out their channel. Dan has done some amazing things in fixing many of the issues you are wanting to address...safety railing fixes, water maker install, etc. At the very least, you might get some good ideas!

[@burgesskj]

Congratulations, you now have your repair-agenda for the next 5 years. Salt water warps wood. Either sand them down to fit now (and they'll stretch over time as the ship continues to warp and weave), or replace. Laminates? Yeah, ditch them. Tape glue on stainless pole: Goo-Gone is your friend. A couple of bucks anywhere. Use a soft scrubber pad (3M blue), or even just paper towel. Then follow up with regular dish soap. Pro-Tip: For the storage, build a 12V Storage Area Network (SAN) that's pretty much a few mirrored 8Tb drives, with a 1Tb (or less) boot Solid State Drive (SSD). QNap makes some good simple SAN banks, or you can go cheap and make one yourself. Even using your existing multi-Tb drives. That said: MOST OF YOUR STORAGE SHOULD BE IN THE CLOUD. Just use the local drives for editing, to speed upload & download times, but anything a boat is NOT permanent. HINT: Electronics & water do not mix well, especially salt water. But you knew that.

[@Sunnyoznorth]

Bret I like this idea Isotherm SP systems cool with the use of surrounding water. This means that refrigeration efficiency is completely independent from the air temperature inside the boat. ... This movement, by which warm water is continuously pumped out and cold water in, also prevents fouling. When I was out of Uni I converted a VW Combi Van Westfalia into same same as your Land Cruiser Terra Nova My only concern the FORD 350 is a juicey beast and your Beneteau 50' is Carbon fossil fuel free!!!

[@brianluck84]

Arid dry bilge system. Lots of diy versions out there. Basically a sponge that soaks up the leftover water and a small pump pulls it from the sponge

[@mikepetitt9624]

You guys have done such an amazing job! Sorry you have to Waite to go on the sailing adventure, but maybe its a good thing to get some more of the fixes in before you go! Like the water maker and solar gotta have that! Looking forward to more of your adventures!

[@JeffLatimer]

24:00 You should consider Sea Deck (or something similar). My friend has Sea Deck on his boat and his dog is on it all the time and it gives good traction as well as being all weather and can look really great. It might be something to consider for your floors as well.