Projects to get done for the next voyage.

While we were back on the boat this fall, we had a list of projects that needed to be accomplished to prepare for our trip down south next year. Preparing the boat for past cruises was a great learning experience, but this next trip will be a lot longer and since we wont be returning to Portland, we needed to accomplish a ton of repairs, upgrades and some much needed TLC.

Below is a short list of projects.

1) Make shade’s for the Cockpit, bow and replace the old shade’s on Pilot house window’s.
2) Rework/Refurbish the dingy.
3) Clean out and organize all storage area’s.
4) Replace main and toilet Macerator’s.
5) Replace all Hydronic heater hoses and new circulation pumps.
6) Replace the dock water regulator.
7) Complete inventory of Consumable and Spare parts, and purchase needed items.
8) Research a possible replacement of our existing refrigerator.
9) Rebuild auto steering hydraulic cylinder.

With just two months onboard this trip, we had a pretty extensive list of chores to accomplish, and still get a few short cruises in also. So first up was some sewing.

Ok, sewing done, now onto the Dingy.

The Dink has served us well over the last few years, but we need to do a bit of work on the old gal in order to ensure a few more years of reliable use. Since she is gonna be our “Car” for the next few years, she needed a major rework. Most of the work was accomplished by a local company here in Portland and we were extremely happy with the work. And while this was being done, the Cleaning of our storage areas needed to be started.

While we were doing all this, an enterprising couple of guys decided they needed our tire’s and rims more than we did!

We were able to get new tires and rims, but only after dealing with the insurance company, who didn’t seem to understand the urgency of having a vehicle with tires.
We did the Macerator’s and while we were tearing up access panels for this the Hydronic hose replacement was finished up, thankfully Jimmy Palmer’s crew did a great job with that. Should of had them take on the Macerator’s also, a shitty job for sure that took almost 2 days, and I have the wounds to prove it.
Pairadice decided to add another small project to the list. A kink in the drain hose for the Washer/Dryer decided to get worse and cause me another two day job.

The inventory was accomplished, spreadsheet updated.....Jeeezzzz this replacement parts order is gonna cost me. The refrigerator upgrade was a day trip up to Seattle and Bellingham for possible replacements. And I think we have come to a solution, thanks to a fellow TFer and his “Apartment Fridge”
We ran out of time and had to get back home for the winter. We have no desire to spend any part of winter in Portland again, and wouldn’t ya know it, they are forecasting the warmest/low rainfall winter. Another one of those 100 year events dont ya know. The hydraulic cylinder repair will get done while we are away this winter.
Now that we are back home and receiving packages for the boat on a daily basis, we hope to enjoy a winter and holidays with family and friends, as we most likely wont be back during the winter time over the next few years.

Cheers all, John

John, thanks for taking us through your list of projects. Do you mind sharing the name of the company in Portland you used that you were happy with? You know of my experience with the yard I used. Very disappointed with their total lack of time management skills.

GFC said:

John, thanks for taking us through your list of projects. Do you mind sharing the name of the company in Portland you used that you were happy with? You know of my experience with the yard I used. Very disappointed with their total lack of time management skills.

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Mike,

Jimmy Palmer, owner of Palmer Marine, 360-904-7525 is my go to guy for almost everything.
If he cant do it, he will provide the contact info for his guy that he uses. As well as vendors if you want to do the work yourself.

Cheers

Hi John,
Looks like your well underway with your projects. If you're still on the fence with your refrigerator replacement, I can only say that I couldn't be happier with my Summit refrigerator. If you have any questions or need additional information, don't hesitate to PM me. Will be heading to Mexico on Saturday for a week, but should have internet access.

Ted

O C Diver said:

Hi John,
Looks like your well underway with your projects. If you're still on the fence with your refrigerator replacement, I can only say that I couldn't be happier with my Summit refrigerator. If you have any questions or need additional information, don't hesitate to PM me. Will be heading to Mexico on Saturday for a week, but should have internet access.

Ted

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Thanks Ted, U da Man! And I will, enjoy your trip!

Wow, are people still stealing wheels?? I thought that was just a cliched old joke from National Lampoon movies at this point. What a bunch of bastards.

Wayfarer said:

Wow, are people still stealing wheels?? I thought that was just a cliched old joke from National Lampoon movies at this point. What a bunch of bastards.

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Maybe a special order placed with the local "Midnight Spare Parts" branch.

Hey Crusty, Driest November on record!!!! Not just 100 years, driest EVER!!!!

Wayfarer said:

Wow, are people still stealing wheels?? I thought that was just a cliched old joke from National Lampoon movies at this point. What a bunch of bastards.

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You betcha. And we watched them on film within a few hours after taking them. We watched them walk the property looking for material to support the axels, and removing the wheels and driving off. Unfortunately, the local police showed little interest because the recording wasent clear enuff for them.

Just a recommendation for you all, wheel locks are cheap and dont think they aren’t interested in stock rims. The replacement rims for the Denali and tires was quoted at almost 5K, wished I put the locking lugs on. They are now!

Alaskan Sea-Duction said:

Hey Crusty, Driest November on record!!!! Not just 100 years, driest EVER!!!!

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Well of course it was, we weren’t there this year. LOL

It sucks when you can’t even leave your car without it getting the wheels stolen. Here we don’t even lock the car when it is outside.

"1) Make shade’s for the Cockpit, bow and replace the old shade’s on Pilot house window’s.
2) Rework/Refurbish the dingy.
3) Clean out and organize all storage area’s.
4) Replace main and toilet Macerator’s.
5) Replace all Hydronic heater hoses and new circulation pumps.
6) Replace the dock water regulator.
7) Complete inventory of Consumable and Spare parts, and purchase needed items.
8) Research a possible replacement of our existing refrigerator.
9) Rebuild auto steering hydraulic cylinder. "

Plus......
10) Convince ASD to make the Mexico Trip with us next year.
11) Ask John nicely to return my wheels!

Ken E. said:

"1)
10) Convince ASD to make the Mexico Trip with us next year.

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ahhhhhhh NO! Have no desire to go south yet. Too much exploring due NORTH yet to do!

We can do a ship to ship transfer of AA when we pass each other. Navy has experience in this type of maneuver.....

Got it. Thanks Chief.