So, I’ve started working through things in lists. It seems easier that way, and tackling a project at a time means that I’ll have a sense of accomplishment as I move along through all the systems to be dealt with. Originally, I had intended to haul out immediately and soda blast the bottom for repair, barrier and paint. With the mast issues, that makes no real sense, so I’ve been pulling her down up top. The sails have all been downrigged and are in storage. The boom is on deck. I’m still working a scheduling the crane around my work schedule. I had intended to give shears a try, but a few rough calculations determined that building shears tall enough would essentially be the same as hiring the crane to pull my stick.
With that project as far as I can personally take it, I’ve started looking at what I’ll need to make it through the summer living aboard. With the Whitby, I was spoiled. Twin a/c units onboard, as well as a reefer and freezer. Nautilus touts none of these. Already though, it’s become apparent that ice in the cooler isn’t going to cut it. I need refrigeration, and intend to add it anyway, so it’s moved to the forefront of the list. Engel makes a really sweet unit that’s [relatively] inexpensive and extremely reliable. It’s simply a matter of measuring and ordering, as well as re-insulating my icebox until I can whip up some aerogel. I’ll hopefully be ordering that in the next week, but it’s also become apparent that I’m going to have to upgrade my electrical system sooner rather than later. To that end, I’ve been shopping distribution panels and trying to make sense. Should I keep the panels (12vdc/120vac) separate? Should I get a combined panel? Do I like the current installation, under the companionway? Would I be better suited redesigning the layout? Should I redesign the whole boat? I think I need to slow down a bit. As it stands, I’m leaning towards simply replacing and rewiring the existing components. While I very much enjoy Nautilus, I don’t know how long I’ll ultimately have her. I also don’t want to gut her and end up with a floating “basket case.”
Lastly, and as much as I hate to admit it, air conditioning is a necessity. I say this because I live with my dog. While I’m off sailing tall ships during the day, he patiently waits at home, chewing up my blankets and rummaging through the trash. It hits upwards of 100F here during the summer, and he simply won’t last without a/c. Admittedly, it helps me sleep better too, after being outside all day pulling on halyards. With that being said, I do not want integrated a/c. I bought Nautilus because she is not complicated. The last thing I want is a ton of onboard, unnecessary systems. As far as I’m concerned, once I set sail, I’ll simply find a different latitude if I find myself too hot or cold. Therefore, I’ll be either modifying a window unit (super trailer park, I know) to fit the boat, or going with a removable hatch mounted unit.
Enough for now, I’m back on Alliance tomorrow. Come see me and let’s go for a sail.
- CC
