MOOWHOHAHAHA. This is the first time I’ve asked for money for anything but my films (feature length) and it is working. I’ve made $21.00 in two days. It may not seem like much to you but it makes me quite happy. If I can make $50.00 a week I almost double my income. I am a minimalist for sure but a little more goes a long way in getting Splendid ready to cross an ocean. If you haven “fessed” up you dollar for the video yet, here is your chance, just visit the store at the top of the page. I’m also running the Charter raffle again and will try to sell 30 tickets ($50 each) by May 1st. If your interested you’ll find the “charter donation” button in the store as well. Maybe I’m a capitalist after all :)
Realistically I’m looking at a year in Panama. During this time I will get my watermaker & refrigerator sorted out, new life line stanchions, remanufacturing the part that the forestay attaches to, and paint. I’m thinking these paid videos may set me free? Man the bigger boat really is so much more expensive to cruise in than a smaller boat, even if you live on the hook like i do. I’m going to get another video up early next week ;)
I’ve been doing a lot of reading on marine refrigeration and comparing all the units, wow, lots of information! My favorite seems to be the isotherm ASU 4901. Isotherm has a energy management system that runs the compressor faster when alternative energy (alternator, solar, wind) is present and stores in in the cold plate. I’ve contacted them for sponsorship, we’ll see what happens, they already offered a 40% discount but still way to expensive. 
I’ve also been on the phone with cat pumps. A friend gave me this old cat pump and I think I’m going to drive it with a DC motor. I will run the Kubota while the watermaker would be in operation as I’m sure it will draw 20+ amps. I need to get the motor, a flexible coupling, and a bell housing. After that I’ll need pre filters, a membrane, pressure vessel, and various pluming to build a water maker.
After much thought I may or may not continue with my engine driven refrigeration system. If I just use my little kubota to drive an alternator it keeps the system really simple, and I like simple. When I can afford it I will put together a DC system.
I don’t know so much about refrigeration, and I hate wasting things. I have 4 holding plates on board. Two that came with Splendid, and two that came with the Grunert system. I always prefer restoring something than buying something new. If I don’t install it I will make sure to give it to someone who will get good use out of it.
I’m off to PC (Panama City) in the morning. I have to pick up a package and buy some food.
Man did it rain hard the last few days!!!! The wet season is supposed to be over in a few weeks, getting water will become more difficult.
Life is good.
Peace,, Love, and autonomy on the sea!!!
Alex