Update:
So we are coming up on 3ish years since refit/cruise beginning.
First note: fix everything before you leave, parts are at least twice as expensive everywhere we have been vs. US (if you can even get it). Bring all of the repair and maintenance items with you.
Failures:
2 trojan L16 batteries shorted unexpectedly. (Trojan warranty was crap) $1k each locally, see note 1)
Jabsco 4” centrifugal fan for Engine room rated for 5000hr runtime. Cutting out on internal motor high temp switch after 2000hrs. Don’t ask me about the warranty!
Shurflo Aqua King II pump bypass failure. I installed this in Key west as I have had problems with variable speed electronically controlled pumps on last boat. This is a mechanical bypass that is supposed to be similar. It makes the hot cold temperature variation more pleasing to my wife. The bypass has stopped working.
Northern lights gen raw water pump lost impeller at 200hrs, salt water shaft seal at 300hrs and oil shaft seal at 400hrs. Replaced entire pump with new spare. In fairness it is a jabso pump, not NL. New pump leaking oil at mounting flange o ring. Exhaust elbow clogged with carbon at 600hrs.
Raritan heads, one leak on both heads different parts, but both manufacturers defect on plastic parts.
Mercury 3.3hp 2 stroke. Original 2005 model became unreliable after constant carburetor issues over the life of ownership. Parts cost more then engine was worth. Purchased new 3.3hp 2 stroke in Grenada (weight to hp ratio w/ gearbox can’t be beat), already having carb issues.
Force 10 oven/stove. Electronic ignition stopped working after 6 months. (Battery good, needs $100+ module)
Davis weather station. Replaced wired original when it broke with new wireless(only available option). On fourth outside station component due to lack of comms.
3M 4000uv has all powdered and cracked.
I have not mentioned any equipment that was on the boat when I purchased her as they were all at least 10yrs or older. Can’t think of anything else currently.
The dependable:
Galley maid windlass, Rocna (couldn’t help myself), Kyocera solar w/ outback flexmax 80, 2003 Yamaha 15hp enduro, Caframo fans, Bristol finish, Engel (from last boat) Still excellent, Bowmac reman FL120 (purchased second hand), Cruise RO watermaker (one plastic valve failure replaced for free), Dometic refrigeration, Delorme despite some iPad connectivity issues, 2003 Furuno electronics.
That was the harder category, as I typically don’t pay attention to things that work well....But those listed exceeded expectations.
Finally, coming from the Chesapeake bay, I am not used to the constant assault from salt. From making passages with open doors/windows, I have tarnished so much interior metals etc. Luckily the boat was pretty old and tarnished to begin with. If I ever found myself in a newish boat, I would think of being closed up on passage to eliminate the salt mist from accessing the interior. The exterior SS is always rusting etc. maybe different on a better quality of today, but a battle for us. I would probably go with a fresh water anchor wash down if the chain was new (near future), as the chain has been suffering.
I am overdue for an in depth captain’s corner on the blog.