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Today I installed a new Standard Horizon GX2200 VHF radio. It has built-in GPS and AIS, so I’ll be able to pipe that information into the boat network as a backup GPS, and use the AIS to identify commercial ships (and other AIS transmitters) and avoid collisions. Here’s a link to information about this wonderful Read More

Decided that wire is too expensive to buy enough to reach across the pacific ocean, so we bought a bigger battery charger. That way when there’s no wind and no sun, we can recharge the batteries from the generator. We could do that before, but only at about 8-10 amps per hour. Now we should Read More

To help protect us from the elements… Also, the color matches the sail covers, so everything looks “purty”.

With the Iridium “GO” we’ll be able to communicate with family and friends no matter where we are in the world. Just have to figure out how it all works. Also got an “ATN Mastclimber”. Everyone I’ve talked to says if you’re going up the mast, this is the way to do it. http://www.atninc.com/atn-mastclimber-sailing-equipment.shtml Should Read More

Enjoyed a nice (long) day driving up to Orlando to visit Epcot Center. Had a great day.

Fixed the aft head today, so now we have 2 fully functioning heads. Went to a flea market yesterday and found some oars for the dinghy for $15 (along with a few other misc. treasures) , so I’m going to try and get those put on today too.

So, the big news of the day is that we fixed the windlass. We replaced the controller and the remote, re-wired everything, and it’s up and running with a shiny new remote. We’ve been running the refrigerator since Tuesday the 9th, trying to get the temperature down and be self sufficient on power. However, it’s looking Read More

Needed to make sure our new mainsail and jib were all working fine, nice day. We’re sailing!!! Captain Cathy at the helm! Nice looking mainsail. And the jib! 130% Genoa. Nice day for a sail. Bow cutting through the water.

Got to play with stingrays, see some sea turtles and game fish, and had nice nature walk where Dean was introduced to many fine mosquitoes! What a smile! Also ordered more stuff for offshore communications.

It rained right in the middle of the installation, and it was somewhat unnerving drilling holes in the deck… But it’s all done and putting amps into our house batteries like crazy!