The Adventures of Sylphide

I'm currently anchored at Barnegat Inlet, and man, what a pleasant spot this is. I dunno what It's like during the high season, I imagine it's really busy. Right now though, I've got this anchorage to myself, and it's so quiet and peaceful. This is the first real comfortable night at anchor I've had, and it's brilliant.

Dave, did you ever find that listing for Sylphide? I'd really like to see her details. Cheers

Wayfarer said:

Another big first for today was a hot shower aboard. You read that right, a hot shower. I finally decided to feed that damnable thermostatic valve to the local swan, and just installed a different unit. It's a cheap RV job, but it works, and even looks good enough that I'm happy to leave it alone until it breaks.

Click to expand...

fractalphreak said:

The hot shower makes me laugh too, because I too spent the weekend on boat projects, and out of the three I struck out on two and finished one (new galley sink drain hose and fix leaky sink.) It turns out that someone in Taiwan decided to make custom sized stainless sink drains back in the 1980's, and everyone here laughed at me when I tried to find a new one. My final solution when the threads stripped? Epoxy a barb fitting onto the dang thing, epoxy lasts forever! Victory is mine! And now I replaced that dang stinky hose and the boat smells better!

Click to expand...

Speaking of hot showers... or NOT, as the case here was, for a while...

We were expecting to finally head south on Tuesday, after an irritating and unwarranted delay from our previous Saturday plan (awaiting new eyeglasses that still didn't arrive)...

We discovered on the Sunday that our water heater thermostat had gone south. Fine. Slightly surprisingly, not available at the local likely places where I've found one before. Fine. Found 2-day delivery from an on-line place, so had it shipped to our Portsmouth destination. Fine. Learn from that retailer on Wednesday (i.e., NOT 5 minutes after placing the order) that they we're just kidding, thermostat not actually in stock. Note they waited two days to tell me that. Fine.

Local searching in Portsmouth, with some good help from a local Raritan dealer who used to stock our brand and from another helpful RV dealer here, finally turned up yet another RV dealer not too far away (VA Beach) who had one. Actually, they had two. Fine. Uber'd over and back, 45 minutes later we're back in bid'ness. (Would have been a 10-minute job, on the bench.)

Anyway... fine. The Uber, each way, was more $$$ than the part.

The worst part, though, is that I actually had on my pre-flight checklist to order a spare thermostat. Didn't; actually made the conscious decision to not order, thinking not to worry, we can easily get one delivered to where we'll be in JAX if we needed one. Dufus.

<Sigh>...

-Chris

Looks like your boat has it's own brand of beer. In a hull matching aluminum can - no less.

ranger42c said:

finally turned up yet another RV dealer not too far away (VA Beach) who had one. Actually, they had two. Fine. Uber'd over and back, 45 minutes later we're back in bid'ness. (Would have been a 10-minute job, on the bench.)

Anyway... fine. The Uber, each way, was more $$$ than the part.

The worst part, though, is that I actually had on my pre-flight checklist to order a spare thermostat. Didn't; actually made the conscious decision to not order, thinking not to worry, we can easily get one delivered to where we'll be in JAX if we needed one. Dufus.

<Sigh>...

-Chris

Click to expand...

And you didn't just buy BOTH of them when you there standing at the counter?!?

slowgoesit said:

And you didn't just buy BOTH of them when you there standing at the counter?!?

Click to expand...

Yep, I bought both. Hopefully that will mean I never ever have to replace one again.

Yeah, right.

-Chris

Where are you David? I’m betting it will be a cold one today.

Kit_L said:

Dave, did you ever find that listing for Sylphide? I'd really like to see her details. Cheers

Click to expand...

Hey Kit, I posted it back in post #84.

ranger42c said:

Speaking of hot showers... or NOT, as the case here was, for a while...

We were expecting to finally head south on Tuesday, after an irritating and unwarranted delay from our previous Saturday plan (awaiting new eyeglasses that still didn't arrive)...

We discovered on the Sunday that our water heater thermostat had gone south. Fine. Slightly surprisingly, not available at the local likely places where I've found one before. Fine. Found 2-day delivery from an on-line place, so had it shipped to our Portsmouth destination. Fine. Learn from that retailer on Wednesday (i.e., NOT 5 minutes after placing the order) that they we're just kidding, thermostat not actually in stock. Note they waited two days to tell me that. Fine.

Local searching in Portsmouth, with some good help from a local Raritan dealer who used to stock our brand and from another helpful RV dealer here, finally turned up yet another RV dealer not too far away (VA Beach) who had one. Actually, they had two. Fine. Uber'd over and back, 45 minutes later we're back in bid'ness. (Would have been a 10-minute job, on the bench.)

Anyway... fine. The Uber, each way, was more $$$ than the part.

The worst part, though, is that I actually had on my pre-flight checklist to order a spare thermostat. Didn't; actually made the conscious decision to not order, thinking not to worry, we can easily get one delivered to where we'll be in JAX if we needed one. Dufus.

<Sigh>...

-Chris

Click to expand...

See, now that's a spare part I never would have thought to carry in a million years...

Boat said:

Looks like your boat has it's own brand of beer. In a hull matching aluminum can - no less.

Click to expand...

That looks delicious! I should write to them and see if they'll send me some.

Cigatoo said:

Where are you David? I’m betting it will be a cold one today.

Click to expand...

I'm in Atlantic City, and it's everything I could have hoped and more.

Good morning Boatnerds. I've had a couple of good days of running. The trip from NY harbor to Barnegat went very well. The weather was good and sunny, and the boat ran well. The anchorage at Barnegat was exceedingly pleasant.

Yesterday was a blustery one. The wind was forecast to be out of the south in the high teens and low twenties, and so it was. I decided I didn't want to bash into a head sea all day, and took the inside route. I'd been a little nervous about that stretch, since I've heard a lot of reports of shifting shoals and grounded boats. I've spent some time aground in the past, and have found I don't much care for it. No such trouble, though. My charts were good, and the markers were reliable. We went on a rising tide, and took it slow. It felt like the current was against me most of the time, so it was a day of many hours, but not so many miles.

I arrived at the Chris Farley state marina at Atlantic city around 3:00 yesterday, took a splash of diesel, pumped out, and availed myself of water, electrical, and other services. A seagull tried to eat my garbage.

Sylphide was a dirty girl, and so I started giving her a good ol' sponge bath. I worked along for a bit until I realized that it had gone dark, and I was wet and cold, and probably looked a bit of an idiot. I figured, 'well, it's dark, and probably getting late, so I'll pack it in for the night.' Then I checked a clock and saw it was 5:30

I'm taking a zero today. It's cold and blowy, and the weather will be better tomorrow. I haven't set foot on land in four days, so I think I will today. I need a few fresh provisions, and I'd like to make a trip to the hardware store and maybe West Marine. My boat project today is to service the batteries. I've never done that before, so it'll be a learning experience, but it needs doing. My terminals are pretty corroded, and I think it's causing me to lose voltage.

Sounds like yer having a good run and lots o fun. Are you headed south fur wurmer weather or just getting to know ya new baby?

Cleaning the corrosion off and having dry, clean and tight cable to battery connections is important for best service.

Typically the corrosion on a flood cell battery is from the hydrogen gas being released from the acid in the battery. The gas gets out through venting in the caps when the battery is charging. if the corrosion is occurring on the negative terminal, your system is probably undercharging. If on the positive side, it is probably overcharging. In addition the faster the charge rate the more gas is produced. Keeping the batteries charged up so a big charge situation is not needed as much helps. Also coating the terminals or cable ends will help too. If you do use a coating it does not have to be a thick coating.

When cleaning use baking soda to neutralize the acid. Just don't get any inside the battery! The clean or flush with water. Having a clean battery case also helps eliminate stray current loss with current finding a conductive path through dirt to the other side of the battery.

“My boat project today is to service the batteries.”
Safety glasses please!

When done cleaning the terminals and reassembling, spray everything metal with Corrosion X. A little goes a long way. My terminals and connections looked the same as they did 4 years ago when I assembled them.

CorrosionX

Ted

Wayfarer said:

I'm taking a zero today. It's cold and blowy, and the weather will be better tomorrow. I haven't set foot on land in four days, so I think I will today. I need a few fresh provisions, and I'd like to make a trip to the hardware store and maybe West Marine. My boat project today is to service the batteries. I've never done that before, so it'll be a learning experience, but it needs doing. My terminals are pretty corroded, and I think it's causing me to lose voltage.

Click to expand...

Wifey B: Casinos? Buffets? There are things on land you may have forgotten about in your long period on the water.

Sorry, if I'm in Atlantic City, hardware store and West Marine aren't the first thing I think of. Enjoy some of your day there.

ben2go said:

Sounds like yer having a good run and lots o fun. Are you headed south fur wurmer weather or just getting to know ya new baby?

Click to expand...

A little of both, really, but mostly running from the cold. It's snowing at the dirt house!

Action said:

Cleaning the corrosion off and having dry, clean and tight cable to battery connections is important for best service.

Typically the corrosion on a flood cell battery is from the hydrogen gas being released from the acid in the battery. The gas gets out through venting in the caps when the battery is charging. if the corrosion is occurring on the negative terminal, your system is probably undercharging. If on the positive side, it is probably overcharging. In addition the faster the charge rate the more gas is produced. Keeping the batteries charged up so a big charge situation is not needed as much helps. Also coating the terminals or cable ends will help too. If you do use a coating it does not have to be a thick coating.

When cleaning use baking soda to neutralize the acid. Just don't get any inside the battery! The clean or flush with water. Having a clean battery case also helps eliminate stray current loss with current finding a conductive path through dirt to the other side of the battery.

Click to expand...

Excellent, thank you for that information. I picked up some baking soda and one of those terminal cleaner brush things, and a fluid tester. I was hoping to find one of those pitchers that fills to the correct level automatically, but they didn't have any.

Cigatoo said:

“My boat project today is to service the batteries.”
Safety glasses please!

Click to expand...

100% guaranteed! I also have gloves, long sleeves, and I'll be wearing two condoms.

O C Diver said:

When done cleaning the terminals and reassembling, spray everything metal with Corrosion X. A little goes a long way. My terminals and connections looked the same as they did 4 years ago when I assembled them.

CorrosionX

Ted

Click to expand...

Another excellent tip. I'll have to get me some of that.

BandB said:

Wifey B: Casinos? Buffets? There are things on land you may have forgotten about in your long period on the water.

Sorry, if I'm in Atlantic City, hardware store and West Marine aren't the first thing I think of. Enjoy some of your day there.

Click to expand...

I did wander into the casino to get some quarters for the laundry machine... does that count?? lol.

In the battery surgery, wear clothes that you have little fondness for.
If they sustain a lil acid rain you can re-purpose as a rag to check the oil.

Wayfarer said:

A little of both, really, but mostly running from the cold. It's snowing at the dirt house!

100% guaranteed! I also have gloves, long sleeves, and I'll be wearing two condoms.


Another excellent tip. I'll have to get me some of that.

Click to expand...

We're expecting below freezing weather over the weekend.


:lol::lol::lol: Three for extra safety measures



CorrosionX is a spray wax. I checked the MSDS to be sure it didn't have sillycone in it.

This is the third time I've typed this entry over the course of the last couple of days. I keep thinking, naa, just cool down Dave, and then I delete it. Well, the time has come. I need to vent.

I have not been enjoying the last several days of this adventure. I spent most of my time in Atlantic City just trying, and failing, to do simple chores. I knew everything was going to take a little longer and more effort living aboard, but actually living it has been really frustrating. It took me all morning to get my laundry started, after wandering around an enormous marina, trying to find someone who worked there to give me the code, then wandering around a casino trying to find change to make the broken machines work. Getting groceries and making a failed attempt at picking some things up at the hardware store got me to sunset, and by the time I'd eaten something and cleaned a few things, I was spent for the day.

That night, woke up at 0330 to a funny sound and a very cold boat. The funny sound and cold air were both coming from my furnace. I was out of propane. No worries, I had a second tank that I'd just filled up a few days before. When I went to hook it up, I found that it had emptied itself. I suspect a faulty tank valve, because when I tried to work the valve, it felt wonky, and I couldn't tell if it was open or closed. So I went back to bed with extra blankets. It got down to 27 that night.

The next morning, I spent a couple of hours taking my empty propane tanks for a ride into town, and meeting new and interesting uber drivers.

Once I finally got underway, I found good, calm, sunny weather for my passage to Cape May. The seas were oily smooth, and I made good time. I wished I could carry on with the good weather, but there wasn't really any obvious destination I could reach before nightfall, aside from Cape May. I dropped the hook at around 1500.

I had a long list of things I should be trying to fix, but wasn't interested, and was really tired of troubleshooting and thinking about boat stuff. I feel like I've been spending a lot of my time trying to figure out why any number of devices is beeping at me, or not working like I think they should, and it's really grating on my nerves.

I went to bed early.

The next morning, I checked the forecast and decided to make a run across Delaware bay. The forecasts I'd seen were calling for 1-2 footers. I did not find 1-2 footers. I found steep 4 and 5 footers. I tried for a while to see if I could find a comfortable course and failed. I got my ass handed to me. When the coffee grinder destroyed itself in an epic explosion of beans, I bravely turned tail and headed back to anchorage.

I spent the rest of the day trying to figure out why my propane system won't stop beeping at me. I could not. I also tried to figure out why my tank tender isn't accurate. I could not. It was another frustrating day, and I found myself questioning my life choices.

I also found myself wondering why my house batteries are discharging so quickly. I then found myself wondering why my generator isn't charging the batteries. Now that I'm in a marina, I'm also wondering why the hell I can't get any AC power onto the boat. Also, as of about 10 minutes ago, my generator wont run. It starts, then stalls. excellent.



This whole enterprise is starting to feel like a huge mistake. I'm feeling very disappointed, and very lonely.

Sorry to hear that you are having troubles. Keep in mind that you aren’t alone, everyone here is with you. My suggestion would be to pick your challenges and knock them down one by one. We completely understand how difficult some things are to get done. It is strange how some supposedly simple things like getting change for the washer and dryer can be a pain. We went to 3 banks in Virginia before we left to bring our boat home and none of them would even give us change for a $20 because we were not a customer of the bank. In Cape May we found a marina that kept rolls of quarters and was happy to sell us a bunch of rolls. Keep at it and things will work out. Anytime you need some support, we are here for you.

I've oft heard it repeated that cruising is really just fixing your boat in exotic locales.

That said, one more cliche for your entertainment and perhaps direction;

"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time..."

So, make a list, prioritize by difficulty and importance and start chomping!

Though you don't really know many of us out of the web world, we're, at least I'm, pulling for you to make a sucess of this adventure. I enjoy following along and look forward to reading about your solutions so I can add them to my boating "bag O tricks" down the road.

Get the electrical figured out, then the heat. I'd think this route would provide the most options as the list gets shortened to a point where they become convenience vice safety items. Good luck!!

Well, it sounds like normal boat life times three, or so. This is a great adventure thread and it might retain more it's flavor accompanied by separate technical threads.

Maybe start new threads on separate discussions of different problems and link them here.

Atlantic City holds fond memories from my childhood with big wooden hotels, diving horses, electric eels lighting light bulbs, and such. Last time back, more recently, it was like a third world slum. Leaving was probably a good start.

Wayfarer said:

This is the third time I've typed this entry over the course of the last couple of days. I keep thinking, naa, just cool down Dave, and then I delete it. Well, the time has come. I need to vent.

I have not been enjoying the last several days of this adventure. I spent most of my time in Atlantic City just trying, and failing, to do simple chores. I knew everything was going to take a little longer and more effort living aboard, but actually living it has been really frustrating. It took me all morning to get my laundry started, after wandering around an enormous marina, trying to find someone who worked there to give me the code, then wandering around a casino trying to find change to make the broken machines work. Getting groceries and making a failed attempt at picking some things up at the hardware store got me to sunset, and by the time I'd eaten something and cleaned a few things, I was spent for the day.

That night, woke up at 0330 to a funny sound and a very cold boat. The funny sound and cold air were both coming from my furnace. I was out of propane. No worries, I had a second tank that I'd just filled up a few days before. When I went to hook it up, I found that it had emptied itself. I suspect a faulty tank valve, because when I tried to work the valve, it felt wonky, and I couldn't tell if it was open or closed. So I went back to bed with extra blankets. It got down to 27 that night.

The next morning, I spent a couple of hours taking my empty propane tanks for a ride into town, and meeting new and interesting uber drivers.

Once I finally got underway, I found good, calm, sunny weather for my passage to Cape May. The seas were oily smooth, and I made good time. I wished I could carry on with the good weather, but there wasn't really any obvious destination I could reach before nightfall, aside from Cape May. I dropped the hook at around 1500.

I had a long list of things I should be trying to fix, but wasn't interested, and was really tired of troubleshooting and thinking about boat stuff. I feel like I've been spending a lot of my time trying to figure out why any number of devices is beeping at me, or not working like I think they should, and it's really grating on my nerves.

I went to bed early.

The next morning, I checked the forecast and decided to make a run across Delaware bay. The forecasts I'd seen were calling for 1-2 footers. I did not find 1-2 footers. I found steep 4 and 5 footers. I tried for a while to see if I could find a comfortable course and failed. I got my ass handed to me. When the coffee grinder destroyed itself in an epic explosion of beans, I bravely turned tail and headed back to anchorage.

I spent the rest of the day trying to figure out why my propane system won't stop beeping at me. I could not. I also tried to figure out why my tank tender isn't accurate. I could not. It was another frustrating day, and I found myself questioning my life choices.

I also found myself wondering why my house batteries are discharging so quickly. I then found myself wondering why my generator isn't charging the batteries. Now that I'm in a marina, I'm also wondering why the hell I can't get any AC power onto the boat. Also, as of about 10 minutes ago, my generator wont run. It starts, then stalls. excellent.



This whole enterprise is starting to feel like a huge mistake. I'm feeling very disappointed, and very lonely.

Click to expand...

David, maybe get a hotel room for the night or two. A good nights sleep in a warm, quite environment, will make a big difference. The weather is going to suck Tuesday and Wednesday so will be good days to sort things out on the boat and go back to a warm room at night.
I have never boated on the Delaware but I am guessing it is like many other bays and inlets. The seas are dependent on current and wind direction. When opposing they will not be good. Don’t rely on weather forecast to predict seas in these bays. Look at current and wind.
Hang in there! We’re rooting for ya!

2nd the take one at the time to fix with the additional caveat that you first establish which is most important. If you plan to fix a bunch of stuff before moving on, you may want to have the heating problem resolved first so you can be comfortable and rested for the next day's challenges. The battery charging issue might be next since really bad things can happen when they are dead. The generator issue ranks right up there, but its place in the lineup will be dependent upon your plans for moving on down the line. I forget, where are you bound?

rgano said:

2nd the take one at the time to fix with the additional caveat that you first establish which is most important. If you plan to fix a bunch of stuff before moving on, you may want to have the heating problem resolved first so you can be comfortable and rested for the next day's challenges. The battery charging issue might be next since really bad things can happen when they are dead. The generator issue ranks right up there, but its place in the lineup will be dependent upon your plans for moving on down the line. I forget, where are you bound?

Click to expand...

Good advice. Triage is the key.

Get some rest first, to bring back that Clint Eastwood gunslinger glint back into your eyes, then start picking off those puppies one by one.

If it was easy, any schmo could do it.

Dave, sounds like a let down after a high. Remember, you`ve changed your life, radically. You had companionship on board and you don`t now. And you were cold, and frustrated in a variety of ways trying to get warm, that has to make things testing. Just being cold, persistently, is not good, especially if it`s getting borderline hypothermic.
You probably need to take a few days out and get some things fixed, with professional help if the jobs need it, or just to speed up the fixes.
That you typed the post multiple times before posting says you are bothered about admitting all is not smooth going. But that`s life, new boat,new systems, new lifestyle. You might be setting expectations high, and disappointed when reality doesn`t live up to hopes.
Keep at it. Keep posting. Find friends, even transient ones. Socialize. Keep talking here.

Wayfarer said:

This is the third time I've typed this entry over the course of the last couple of days. I keep thinking, naa, just cool down Dave, and then I delete it. Well, the time has come. I need to vent.

I have not been enjoying the last several days of this adventure. I spent most of my time in Atlantic City just trying, and failing, to do simple chores. I knew everything was going to take a little longer and more effort living aboard, but actually living it has been really frustrating. It took me all morning to get my laundry started, after wandering around an enormous marina, trying to find someone who worked there to give me the code, then wandering around a casino trying to find change to make the broken machines work. Getting groceries and making a failed attempt at picking some things up at the hardware store got me to sunset, and by the time I'd eaten something and cleaned a few things, I was spent for the day.

That night, woke up at 0330 to a funny sound and a very cold boat. The funny sound and cold air were both coming from my furnace. I was out of propane. No worries, I had a second tank that I'd just filled up a few days before. When I went to hook it up, I found that it had emptied itself. I suspect a faulty tank valve, because when I tried to work the valve, it felt wonky, and I couldn't tell if it was open or closed. So I went back to bed with extra blankets. It got down to 27 that night.

The next morning, I spent a couple of hours taking my empty propane tanks for a ride into town, and meeting new and interesting uber drivers.

Once I finally got underway, I found good, calm, sunny weather for my passage to Cape May. The seas were oily smooth, and I made good time. I wished I could carry on with the good weather, but there wasn't really any obvious destination I could reach before nightfall, aside from Cape May. I dropped the hook at around 1500.

I had a long list of things I should be trying to fix, but wasn't interested, and was really tired of troubleshooting and thinking about boat stuff. I feel like I've been spending a lot of my time trying to figure out why any number of devices is beeping at me, or not working like I think they should, and it's really grating on my nerves.

I went to bed early.

The next morning, I checked the forecast and decided to make a run across Delaware bay. The forecasts I'd seen were calling for 1-2 footers. I did not find 1-2 footers. I found steep 4 and 5 footers. I tried for a while to see if I could find a comfortable course and failed. I got my ass handed to me. When the coffee grinder destroyed itself in an epic explosion of beans, I bravely turned tail and headed back to anchorage.

I spent the rest of the day trying to figure out why my propane system won't stop beeping at me. I could not. I also tried to figure out why my tank tender isn't accurate. I could not. It was another frustrating day, and I found myself questioning my life choices.

I also found myself wondering why my house batteries are discharging so quickly. I then found myself wondering why my generator isn't charging the batteries. Now that I'm in a marina, I'm also wondering why the hell I can't get any AC power onto the boat. Also, as of about 10 minutes ago, my generator wont run. It starts, then stalls. excellent.



This whole enterprise is starting to feel like a huge mistake. I'm feeling very disappointed, and very lonely.

Click to expand...

Ok, let's talk about the problems.

Generator may be starving for fuel. After your foray in 4 to 5' seas, you may have stirred up some gunk in the bottom of the fuel tank. Check the first filter on the generator. If that is the problem, check the first filter on the engine as it may be getting plugged also.

Regarding the batteries: check the water level if open lead acid. Check voltage of each battery to see if they are all the same.

Regarding the generator charging the batteries: Does the battery charger work on shore power? Do the batteries charge off of running the main engine?

Regarding shore power: Do you have a multi meter to check voltage? If so, start with the pedestal outlet. Then the boat end of your shore power cord. Did you switch the breaker panel from generator to shore power?

If you get frustrated or need some helpful suggestions, give me a call. I will PM you my cell number.

Best of luck!

Ted

Hang in there Dave.
Like the idea about staying at a hotel (at night) for a day or two. Also, try to get some second eyes and hands to help with troubleshooting / repairs.
wishing u the best!

Wayfarer said:

This is the third time I've typed this entry over the course of the last couple of days. I keep thinking, naa, just cool down Dave, and then I delete it. Well, the time has come. I need to vent.

I have not been enjoying the last several days of this adventure. I spent most of my time in Atlantic City just trying, and failing, to do simple chores. I knew everything was going to take a little longer and more effort living aboard, but actually living it has been really frustrating. It took me all morning to get my laundry started, after wandering around an enormous marina, trying to find someone who worked there to give me the code, then wandering around a casino trying to find change to make the broken machines work. Getting groceries and making a failed attempt at picking some things up at the hardware store got me to sunset, and by the time I'd eaten something and cleaned a few things, I was spent for the day.

That night, woke up at 0330 to a funny sound and a very cold boat. The funny sound and cold air were both coming from my furnace. I was out of propane. No worries, I had a second tank that I'd just filled up a few days before. When I went to hook it up, I found that it had emptied itself. I suspect a faulty tank valve, because when I tried to work the valve, it felt wonky, and I couldn't tell if it was open or closed. So I went back to bed with extra blankets. It got down to 27 that night.

The next morning, I spent a couple of hours taking my empty propane tanks for a ride into town, and meeting new and interesting uber drivers.

Once I finally got underway, I found good, calm, sunny weather for my passage to Cape May. The seas were oily smooth, and I made good time. I wished I could carry on with the good weather, but there wasn't really any obvious destination I could reach before nightfall, aside from Cape May. I dropped the hook at around 1500.

I had a long list of things I should be trying to fix, but wasn't interested, and was really tired of troubleshooting and thinking about boat stuff. I feel like I've been spending a lot of my time trying to figure out why any number of devices is beeping at me, or not working like I think they should, and it's really grating on my nerves.

I went to bed early.

The next morning, I checked the forecast and decided to make a run across Delaware bay. The forecasts I'd seen were calling for 1-2 footers. I did not find 1-2 footers. I found steep 4 and 5 footers. I tried for a while to see if I could find a comfortable course and failed. I got my ass handed to me. When the coffee grinder destroyed itself in an epic explosion of beans, I bravely turned tail and headed back to anchorage.

I spent the rest of the day trying to figure out why my propane system won't stop beeping at me. I could not. I also tried to figure out why my tank tender isn't accurate. I could not. It was another frustrating day, and I found myself questioning my life choices.

I also found myself wondering why my house batteries are discharging so quickly. I then found myself wondering why my generator isn't charging the batteries. Now that I'm in a marina, I'm also wondering why the hell I can't get any AC power onto the boat. Also, as of about 10 minutes ago, my generator wont run. It starts, then stalls. excellent.



This whole enterprise is starting to feel like a huge mistake. I'm feeling very disappointed, and very lonely.

Click to expand...

Wifey B: I told you to go to the casino and gamble a little and eat at the buffet.

Seriously, that would have been good for you, or at least something similar. You can't focus on the boat every hour of every day. Watch a movie or read a book. Wake up in a boat with no heat, lots of hotels near and it's off season. Regardless you need some escape, even if just a day. Go see some nearby tourist sight.

Laundry. Ok, if there's any one thing that can make your life better on a boat, I vote for washer and dryer. Even a combo unit will handle what you have. It takes one of the most frustrating, time consuming items and reduces it to three minutes putting laundry in and three taking it out.

Then, sometimes you need to lean on others, professionals. It's worth paying for a couple of hours of a pro if it helps you keep your sanity....oops....I mean.....well, we know you're not sane, which is why I adore you....so whatever you have that comes close...oh helps you keep your good humor.

Also, understand there's experience and lessons learned. Every problem is new today, but down the waterway you'll recognize them. There will be fewer at a time. Plus you won't make the same mistakes, well more than a dozen times at least.

Spend some time around others. Did I mention Casino. Real thing wasn't to gamble but change environment for a day. Oh, the neon and lights and sounds are so good to liven you up. Go to the marina or wherever just to talk and pass the time or do so with another boater at the dock. Every hour, every day, doesn't have to be productive, waste some, it's yours to waste as you see fit.

Knowing when to hold em and when to fold em doesn't mean you quit the game forever, it just means you know when you have an unplayable hand so you wait for the next cards. It applies here. I remember once in NC we lost power, couldn't find a flashlight. Power came back soon, we didn't need one so didn't look. Lost it again. It was getting colder inside too. Now we find out it could be a while. Well, we put on some clothes and didn't even pack anything and jumped in the car and went to the nearest hotel. There simply was no use beating our heads against the wall or depending on power to return. It didn't until about 10:00 AM. Also, from knowing when to hold em and when to fold em, more poker analogy coming up. When you're at a table, you know when your focus is slipping. Maybe you had a bad beat or maybe you're bored or maybe something someone said or did or maybe you're tired. Well, you don't fight it. You get up and do a "walkabout." Or you leave. You just know to do so before it costs you as you might have made a stupid play on the next hand. Well, on the boat you have to know the same. When to get up and go do a walkabout.

Now, if you don't learn when and how to escape before it really gets to you, then it won't be the stupid %@$%$##& propane valve you're angry at but it will be the boat and the entire idea of boating. You enjoyed round one, with family, on the canals. Maybe call them and ask how things are and describe your problems with humor as you normally do. At least the conversation can help. I could talk to my five year old niece, Aurora, any time and suddenly life would be good. Keep the word "walkabout" in mind. It's for your own good.

You know, when I taught, there was a thing teachers would do sometimes and that is take a "mental health day." Students should do the same. We not only allow but encourage them in our business. When you just don't want to be there one day, then don't. I don't know if it's the whole feeling of playing hooky or what it is, but that one day can change your entire outlook. Don't be afraid to take one.

Don't be too tough on yourself or Sylphide. Relax a little, refresh, recover and then set easy expectation to just address one thing. Don't even think about the others until you deal with that one.

And don't forget: breathe, and relax. You're alive. You'll be fine. BandB's advice is priceless and many others, too.

*and thanks for the heads-up re. post #84; will look now.

Just read the specs and looked at the images: Slyphide is a magnificent vessel, one I'd be very happy to own. Some early teething problems, is all.Take one problem at a time, after deciding which is the most important to you; start with that one, once you're in a good frame of mind.