This is it… ‘The List.’
[cue dramatic music]
No no no. It’s not that bad.
[grimace]
Oh, come on. Seriously.
Everyone who has ever had a boat gets it. The moment water touched the hull the list started. Inconceivable is certainly no different. In fact, we knew we were taking on a project as soon as we stepped off the pier… After all, that was sort of the idea. But, what made Inconceivable so perfect for us was that she was sailable as is. We were not looking for a boat that would have to spend a year or more on the hard before we got any tiller time at all.
So, here, take a look at the list:
Engine:
- Fuel return line – replace
- Electric fuel pump needs to be rewired
- Coolant overflow Install
- Transmission linkage misaligned
- Test/check oil pressure light/transducer
- Install engine compartment fan
Hoses and fittings:
- fasten loose starboard cockpit scupper
- Replace aging or non-marine spec hose clamps
Hull:
- Inspect/replace all zincs – rudder, centerboard, heat exchanger
- Bottom paint
Electrical:
- Anchor light lamp replace
- All lamps replace with LEDs
Mast/rig:
- Install windicater on masthead
- Replace mainsail telltales and install telltales on shrouds
- Replace main battens
Decking/brightwork:
- Replace companionway frame woodwork and build new companionway boards(s)
- Oil brightwork
- Deal with peeling paint
Not bad, right? Each item on that list… we are talking a single day, or even just a few hours. But, it’s all still a thing, you know? And, before it was organized and written down – I might be standing on the deck, looking at the peeling paint, the raw faded brightwork, the cracked companionway frame… Argh!!!
At times, it does feel overwhelming. I was never really good at logistics. Writing stuff down helps – It encapsulates the work as a single volume of manageable pieces. When it starts to get into my head, all I have to do is consult the list. Now, since the required work is managed, I can start thinking about the non-essentials without feeling like the more urgent items will be overlooked. Speaking of non-essentials:
Upgrades:
- Buy a dinghy – preferably with a sailing rig
- Install shore power
- Install water system
- Install battery meter
Major Upgrades:
- Bow anchor locker
- Propane system including stove
Dream Upgrades:
- Chart plotter
- Multifunction instruments including wind, speed, and depth
- Solar
- Wind power
The upgrades will come as we see fit. Our long term goals will make requirements out of some of these. But, for now, we will concentrate on the more immediate items from the repair and replace list.
As of this writing, we are less than a month from opening day at the marina. The few below the waterline items need addressing before that (we would like to be floating sooner than later). Also, I have already begun work on a couple of the engine items, requiring that those move up on the list, too.
So, in the coming months, we will tackle these one by one. The plan is to use this site, YouTube, and social media to create a running report of our progress. A web maintenance log. And, we will throw in some sailing, too. Because, that’s what it’s all about.
~Hans