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.