The pits!
Added 2025-04-18 01:22:39 +0000 UTCHi guys!
Since recording this video last week, I've had some time to think things over (in regards to the pits). I was talking with Claus, and he asked if I had considered sand or ice blasting the hull. I think that might be what we end up doing, but no matter what we end up choosing, now is not the time. Ava comes back to Florida on the 23rd. Our goal is to be out of here (with Athena) a couple of days later. Ava goes back to London on July 1st. That means we need to get the catamaran in the water by the middle of June. The short version: we're so freaking pressed for time right now 😬 So much needs to happen between then and now. As of right now, this is my list:
Install new diesel tanks and connect engines (including fuel filters and tank senders)
Install bilge pumps
Install at least one depth sounder
Temporary NMEA 2000 network (to get depth data and tank level data)
Engine plumbing: raw water and exhaust
Install engine control cables (won't be here until May 12th)
Temporarily seal up through-hulls we won't need
Basic DC system
Antifouling
Install props
Anchor and anchor chain
Get a survey and find liability insurance
Clean the inside of the boat
Bring aboard everything we need - including a mattress to sleep on
Figure out a way to carry water and diesel
This list does not include what I've already done this week, like engine controls, control panels, helm seat, and nav lights, etc. I guess the silver lining is we won't run out of content anytime soon 😉 Oh yeah and add to that that I committed to making an ad for Renege about a month and a half ago that then got delayed because some hardware was out of stock so I also need to install solar and LiFePO4 in the tool trailer.
I hope you'll have a less hectic weekend than me 😉 Thank you so much for your support!
Comments
Have a safe voyage! I noticed Athena pop up on AIS this morning heading north. Just in case you forgot, I don’t see your official Garmin tracker active.
Devnull
2025-04-25 18:57:40 +0000 UTCI agree with everyone one the pits, option 2 is the 'belt and braces' gold plated option! And option 1 would work. I'd probably go with an option 1.5, sand (or other media) blast the pits to get rid of as much old antifoul as possible and then fair it and coppercoat. I had some of these pin holes and a few pit sized holes on my hull after sand blasting (I did that myself using a diesel pressure washer and sand blast attachment, it was excellent). I used west systems epoxy and fairing, then copper coated after the glorious sanding! It's worked flawlessly for 3 years so far, not long a ringing endorsement, but it's not falled straight off! Also, is there any merit to going up north with no bottom costing at all and then giving it all a good pressure wash (or wet sand blast) in your new home?
Ben Kern
2025-04-20 20:35:28 +0000 UTC
