I've got a List of things to do, on the boat.
I've got a List of things to do, in the condo.
I've got a List of things to do, for the car.
Have you considered, when you accomplish everything on your lists, it's "check out" time?
Work top down, add at the bottom. Just like in the corporate world we all detested and left.
There will come a time when we are forced into 'assisted living' unless we are lucky enough to die in our sleep.
Capt Kangeroo, we all wish your wife and you great good fortune. May she steadily improve for one last voyage.
God bless you both.
No need to worry Gordon! Those who do not livaboard are missing a great life and are jealous!
We bought our tub Sept 2013, moved aboard in April 2014. So far we have been to SE Alaska twice and put almost 10K miles on ASD. Things break. This year it was our windlass. But that seems to be the norm in Alaska this year, broke windlasses. It also happened to our friends on Pairadice and on Mr. Fleming's 65ft Venture. There were also a few more...
Hang in there buddy! Its a GREAT life!
I don't mind repairs and maintenance that I can do myself. It's the items where I have to depend on others that I dread. For example, I need (want) to repaint the non-skid on the bow and it should be done inside the storage building. The facility managers frown on owners doing paint work. Understandable because of overspray concerns....but it makes me dependent on them, their schedule, and their quality of workmanship. The problem is compounded because the boat is 1500 miles from the dirt residence.
AKS
Based upon reading of your windlass travails this post season, we elected to have our Maxwell torn down, serviced, inspected and a few bits replaced. Good thing we did, several issues that would have bitten us cropped up.
I'm looking at a late 80's TT that has fuel, water and holding tanks replaced recently - thinking I should pull the trigger
When someone is selling their boat it's usually because they are anticipating a significant repair cost or they've become overwhelmed with things breaking. It's a boat! Even new boats have many things that need adjusting or fixing. I've owned both.
Or... while a boat is in good condition it's being sold, because... owner died, got divorced, came into $$$ and decided to move up to another boat, had a stroke, got too old, decided to tour in a diesel pusher on the road, had the kids grow up and move away........ etc....... etc.
In other words and of course as always: Caveat Emptor! That said: Not every boat for sale is on the market because it's in some sort of dilapidated condition.
I've purchased used boats in really good condition. And, some not so good. However, by carefully checking out each boat first I know what to expect.
One of my favorite quotes, from the old salt pro captain of a high end custom sportfisher"
"Even as we sit here enjoying our drinks, all tied up and safe and sound, something is breaking"
I am not a live aboard and excluding the engine maintenance and addition of galvanic isolater, grounding/bonding etc., I have replaced 2 toilets, 3 faucets, 1 of 2 air conditioners, stove, refrigerator and the list goes on for big ticket items. I knew what I was getting into. It’s a boat and I love spending time on the water. Gotta do what ya gotta do!
My first boat was from the wife of a doctor that passed away. I must have paid for the boat a couple of times replacing the heat exchangers, risers, impellers, bottom paint, zincs, hoses and on and on, about $14k. A few months later the outdrive needed rebuilding.
I bought a new boat after that. I figured the warrantee would cover anything that went wrong and it did until the warrantee expired. After that I just started writing checks. I have a folder about an inch thick with repair receipts.
Maybe I'm just unlucky. I bought the boat in 2014 and sold it in 2017. I figure they are boats. You either learn how to work on it or make lots of money to pay someone else to work on it. New or used, it doesn't matter. You put a very expensive device with multiple systems in to salt water and it will start the corroding process the minute that it's launched.
Boats cost lots of money or lots of time fixing and maintaining them.
Near as I can figure, my 2008 34ft American Tug is completed.
Test the main engine and drive line at the dock, start the generator and put a load on it for a couple of hours too. I do this a couple times a month.
I added 5 custom cabinets of various sizes with the intent of stuffing more stuff on board. I still haven't figured out a way to expand the hanging closet.
There are one or two small project left to do but, that will keep the next owner busy for a couple of days.
The electronics are 10 years old but still working well.
Added a Splendie non-venting washer dryer.
I added a second stand alone depth sounder and a second stand alone rudder indicator. Just one of my quirks. With a depth sounder, rudder indicator, compass and reasonable current charts, one can reach land at some point.
Have a new tender (10ft RIB) with a new Honda 6hp outboard.
Ah, replaced both 10 year old reverse cycle A/C. The new ones are more power efficient and the condensate pans are a plastic material which in my feeble mind is a major plus.
Replaced the carpet, through out the boat.
Added 3 additional bilge pumps (for a total of 4) and high water alarms. These are connected to a LOUD bell.
Ah, put in a 400gpd 12vt water maker to supplement the 150 water tank.
Added a 1500 watt inverter to run the microwave when I use the stove. Yes, a 2000 or 2500 watt might be better but.... remember, the inverter is sucking off the house batteries. If I am careful, I can last 2 or 3 days if I am careful, without starting the generator or main engine.
Added 2 solar panels to float the batteries. Added a 3rd house battery.
The boat is ready but, I cant find a lady to go with me to that famous place called "somewhere".
Remember, the 34 ft is a one stateroom, one head boat plus the infamous convertible settee. (Has anyone convinced their company, that settee sleeps well?)
I have kept some marine industry people busy working on my boat so they are happy.
I am most definitely at the point where the next owner will be proud to own this boat.
Now, I sit each morning, drink my coffee, read the multi-posts here, smoke a cigar and promise myself I will make breakfast soon and listen to the satellite radio. I enjoy classical music and the mystery programs from the 30s, 40s and 50s.
Seldom do I listen to any news programs.... they are all downers.
Life is good if you let it be good.
Now, it is almost 9am, I shall make breakfast.
Ah, one unanswered question. How much has this 'updating' cost? I dont know, I dont want to know either. I would like to believe, everything I did was done well and will last.
Great! Now when are you selling her so the next owner can take advantage of the all the upgrades you did?! Sorry, couldn't resist!