I know, it’s funny…, why should I be stressed right?
I always get stressed before a trip. I was a stress monster leaving Panama to cross the Pacific, and as well when I started my journey in 2003. Now I have a whole new boat and a family. It’s just part of it I guess, I hope I don’t drive Sam out of her mind, God knows I tax her sometimes. She is turning out to be a natural when it comes to varnish, she has the patience and temperament for it.
Sam and I drove up to Jacksonville the other day to pick up my little motor from my friend Bobby. We drove up with my buddy Eric and his girlfriend Susan. It was about 4 and a half hours each way but so worth it. I love this little engine. Funny to think I was about to pitch it in the sea a few months back. It uses about an 1/8 of a gallon an hour and is just over 4 horse power. I’m going to load it up with my 130 amp electromaxx alternator and smart charger. My entire electric system makes sense to me now. Eventually we are going to get a 12 volt water maker. The nice thing about this is If I do need to burn diesel to charge my bank I can do it quite conservatively. 
I have a desulfator and I’m excited to get it connected. It’s a small unit and may take a few months to condition the batteries but once I get them up to par they should stay on top of the situation.
Man the weather stinks. I don’t think we will be leaving at the end of the week as a big cold front will be going through the area later in the week.
Here is a tale of a great deal. A guy contacted me through the internet because he just bought a 1973 Cheoy Lee MidShipman. He had a bunch of questions and he is in for a good amount of work. His boat has the original masts but guess what he paid for it? FIVE GRAND! So if you are planning on getting a boat and have the money go shopping before the market turns around. The business at the boat shows is starting to pick up and the screaming deals will not be around too much longer.
Cheers.
Sail far and live slowly.
– Alex