I don’t know what all the hype is about when talking about a “properly” built ferrocement boat, but so far (knock on wood), I have no complaints. While cleaning the hull we found 2 clams and a small crab and some other thing that looked like a sea cucumber. No rust or exposed wire frame or any other horror stories associated with ferrocement sailboats.

I did, however, find that the shaft is moving a bit and the rudder needs to be removed and repaired a bit. Apparently, it’s fiberglass and needs to be fixed. All the anodes looked good and I was surprised that there were any left at all given the last owner’s non-boating skills. There was a place where there were supposed to be some anodes and someone took the cheap route and didn’t put anything! I’ll be putting those in, as well as a couple extra big ones.

There are also a couple of places that looked as if someone ran aground, which actually made me smile. Knowing that the boat didn’t crumble at the point of contact with something other than water made me feel comfortable in knowing that some of the BAD PRESS that ferrocement has gotten is just that…BAD PRESS.

It’s really comforting to see everyone that I have told this boat is cement have not turned their noses up or even flinched, for that matter. All I get is “Wow, that’s a strong boat” or “It will take care of you”. There was a Scottish couple on the yard today actually admiring the boat and even asked to go aboard and take a look. They were amazed at how big it was and loved the roomy interior.

I saw the speed paddle and depth sounder transducers and hope to replace both this coming week. I have also asked them to give me a quote for repairing some of the paint work above the water line.

As far as I can tell, this boat has all the same problems that fiberglass, wood or steel boats would have and nothing more! Sure, we have a lot of work to do, but so does everyone else with a sailboat!

EL V

I’m going to install a pump closer to the tank and see if that works. If not… It’s time to get dirty and remove the old tank!!!

HUGE JOB!

El Vagabundo

So I set out to get the job done. I was hoping to have the help of a local mechanic, but he was busy, so I had to man up and do it myself. Mind you, I am not a mechanic and, although I know my way around a tool box, I’m far from a DIY Guru dude. The idea was to install a new pump and run new hoses. Well, it’s a bigger job now. Four pumps and a new system is in order! So far, I have replaced the main pump and the water is out of both bilge areas and the shower is draining.

Now that a new hose has been run, all I have to do is install the new pumps!

We took off at 4 p.m. and he showed me a few “dinghy maneuvers”. We also tacked a few times and tried sailing to windward, but there just wasn’t enough breeze. I’m heading back out today and hopefully I will have more to report.

I want to talk about El Vagabundo for a minute. Man, there is so much work to do, I don’t know where to start! One thing is for sure, I’m starting with that damn head! There is stagnant water in the shower because the pump needs to be replaced, so I am setting out to replace the hoses and pumps this weekend after “La Vagabunda” gets settled in.

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.