We're gonna do what??

It’s been a while since we last posted because…WE GOT HIM! El Vagabundo is official and already registered!

Over the past few days I have moved my things off Pussy Galore and said my goodbyes to her. I really am going to miss her.  It seems as if I was just getting to know the boat and now I’m moving on…… It was a sad day when I finally moved all my things.

I have been sleeping on board for the last week and getting to know El V.  The first couple of nights were rough as I didn’t have my own bedding.  Sleeping is a chore for me as it is and not having proper sheets and blankets just wasn’t going to cut it! My back was hurting on the second day so I went over to Pussy Galore and grabbed the extra padding we bought and my bedding and have been getting better sleep. I am slowly warming up to the boat, and sleep has been patchy at best, but it’s getting better.

I have had a couple of visitors since I’ve been aboard and haven’t had much time to do anything.  I have cleaned, but I’m sure when “La Vagabunda” gets here in a few days, she will do a full “spring” cleaning and hopefully she and I can knock out a few projects during her 10-day visit.

When I first came aboard the motor wouldn’t start, so Carlos (our new best friend and local mechanic) and I stayed up one night til 2 am rebuilding and reinstalling the starter. Once installed, it only took one crank and El V started right up! I was very impressed with the motor.  It’s a Perkins 4.236 85 HP. I’m going to replace all the hoses and belts and throw on a new alternator and it should be fine.

I have since worked on the water pressure pump and I’m now getting ready to tackle the bilge and shower pump. My plan is to install a foot pump in the galley and head and bring in sea water to wash dishes while underway. I plan to to clean the bottom and do antifouling in the next 2 weeks.

Tags: Amateur Sailors, Blue Water, Circumnavigation, Cruising, Endurance 40, FerroCement, Mediterranean Cruising, No Experience, Ocean Crossing, Peter Ibold, Sailing, Spain, Travel, Vagabonds, World Voyage

This entry was posted on Monday, September 28th, 2009 at 9:56 pm and is filed under In The Beginning, preparation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.