I know I had decided to continue my journey without an H2O maker but opportunity presented itself and my good friend Roger traded me an old Sea Recovery system for a few days work when he hauls his new boat in March. It’s a 110 system and all I need to get it going is a 1.5hp DC motor (1800 RPM) and new membrane. I’m tossing the 110 motor, well, giving it away. I could direct drive it off of the Kubota but if the Kubota fails for any reason I can still power it with my main engine. I’m all about redundancy! It will produce 16.5 gallons of fresh water an hour, I’m really psyched! It was purchased in 1987 but the cat pump and pressure vessel are good. The system only had 314 hours on it. If you know anything about watermakers you know they are basically very simple. The 
cat pump is the stainless version and totally rebuildable as are the other parts. I put the system in the closet until I have about $500.00 to invest in it.
Curtis…, in response to your comment on my last blog you’re absolutely right.
Restoring Splendid took more out of me than I had expected. Small boats are the way for single-handers to go, especially for those with limited financial means like myself. That coupled with fighting an uphill battle with a woman and child connected to another man was exhausting. The last 6 months was a healing stage in my life, and I can safely say “I’m through it”.
Alex coming was the best thing as I really realized in no way, shape, or form, am I looking for any sort of relationship. I am a solo-sailor and “love” is the green grass on the other side of the “proverbial” fence. It just doesn’t fit into my lifestyle, not now at least.
I got my “MOJO” back and I’m very motivated to get moving again. I haven’t lifted the anchor since Sam left and I’ve been stuck, it happens to sailors, sometimes they get “stuck” for years, or even a lifetime. It’s almost always related to a matter of the heart. I call it “La Guma Breeza” (the sticky wind). It’s an inland wind that doesn’t exist off shore. It’s also not a good idea for me to spend too much time in one port as “la guma breeza” can unknowingly attach itself to single-handers and their boats. It can be quite hard to shake off.
My reality is I need some money. I’m not “asking”, it’s just the way it is. I’m happy to have the opportunity to bring backpackers to Colombia and do local charters. I’m working on a solid budget and plan. My minimum to cross an ocean is I need a drifter and mizzen stay sail (the big expense). I also want to get through the canal which will be another $1,200. The idea of Europe and Brazil is fading and Asia seems the logical path and rings true in my heart. I need to paint Splendid and re-bed my stanchions and port lights. She needs to be water tight and proud so we can continue our journey. I also want to buy a good camera (Cannon T2i) so I can make another film and take decent photographs. At the moment I only have my camera phone. My luck has changed and I can feel it in the air. I had to turn down a 5 day ($1500.00) charter today as I cant be ready in 24 hrs, BUMMER! My friend Hanz here who owns the hotel is going to start drumming up some business for me, obviously I’ll compensate him.
I’ve also developed a system for my main sheet to get it off the mizzen mast, it’s dangerous the way it’s rigged. The main is always trying to pull the mizzen mast off of the deck. I just need a double block at the end of my boom, and two stand up single blocks one of which needs a becket. I’m going to check prices with Garhauer as they have really good hardware at a fair price. This is a lot cheaper than trying to get my hands on a main sheet track and will work fine.
I don’t know if it’s the “economy” or I’ve just saturated my market but I don’t sell many films any more even though my website has quadrupled in traffic. My income is lower than when I was cruising on Namaste and I have more expenses with Splendid.
I knew putting together a big boat wouldn’t be easy but I’m still happy I did it. Once I leave I’ll have the ability to survive in remote areas for extended periods of time, and that was the whole idea, and the way I want to grow old cruising. I just need to get over the “restoring/engineering and manufacturing” hump, and get Splendid into “maintenance” mode which will make my life MUCH easier, not to mention cheaper than when I was cruising on Namaste. The upfront work and expense is the killer!
I need a few weeks to work on my fuel system. My engine is hunting and I think I have an air leek somewhere, or maybe bad fuel? After that I’m going to PC for a few days and stay in various hostels getting to know the managers. They all want $25.00 a head for referral fees and to keep your bulletin posted on the board. There are a lot of “shady” captains and boats doing this so I know with my reputation I’ll be successful with passengers as I can offer safe passage.
Maybe it’s the ending of the rainy season, or perhaps my heart has been freed, but the days seem brighter and fuller than they have in a while. I know some of you have become bored with my blog but conceder it my captains log that I share with you. If you want the whole experience of a single-handers (my) life you have to take the good with the bad just as I do, sorry.
I just posted another video for sale. It’s not the way I want to make future videos as I’m going to start producing “cruising classes” if you will. My target market is men who are looking to single hand. I’m no expert in “family” cruising although I gave it my best shot. My classes will be about self-sufficiency for the minimalist sailor as that is what I know, and what I’m good at. I want the first episode (next one) to be a crash course in what to look for in a little cruising boat.
In this episode you will get a chance to see the cal 46 my buddy picked up for a song. If your looking to buy a boat its the season to walk the docks with cash in your pocket :)
Peace from Panama.
Sail far and live slowly.
Alex
Hey Alex, looking forward to new ‘educational’ videos. I’m your target audience having just bought my first boat and now working towards self sufficiency so i can make my escape. The small boat stuff is important to “us”. Your venture with Splendid has been interesting to watch and as much as I would love a boat like that, and as much as i like to cheer you on, it has mostly strengthened my desire to keep my boat as small and simple as I can comfortably manage…
anyway,
As others have said, it is very nice to see you being your old self again. La Guma Breeza never Prevails :)
Alex, You might double check the web site store for purchasing your films. I went there to buy one and had no luck. First it asks for your account number but doesn’t reference who it is. I assume it’s Paypal but when I tried my Paypal account it wouldn’t work. It could be that people just can’t figure it out and if it isn’t really easy they are going to give up. Or hey, maybe it’s just me and I can’t figure it out… LOL!
Take care,
Kirk
“My classes will be about self-sufficiency for the minimalist sailor”
OK,, I’m in! …………………………………………….This is what I have been waiting over a year for!! Thanks!
Kirk,
I dont know why your having problems with the video?
Have any of you used this type of “multi function” tool.
http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/multifunction-tools/variable-speed-multifunction-power-tool-67537.html
I just played around with a friends an i have to get one of these, it’s awsome!!!!! It makes really straight cuts through wood and scrapes like a dream, and sands corners really well.
Cheers.
Input please.
Okay, go ahead and make fun of me, this is me simplifying Splendid :(
I know I have a lot of boat-tech junkies out there most of which are much smarter than I am. Here is my dilemma.
My watermaker has a 115V (20 amp) electric motor. I did some calculating and have decided it will require 2300 watts of AC power. I have a 110 volt 1800 watt inverter so It will not handle the AC load. My thinking for going DC is if the Kubota dies for any reason and the watermaker was belt driven I would loose the membrane because I wasn’t able to pickle it. In a DC motor situation I’d still be able to charge with my main engine, or even run it off the solar panels with good sun. When I get to thinking about it though DC motors fail as well. What would be the simplest and most reliable route to take? AC, DC, or directly driving the cat pump off of the Kubota. My other question is do you need hi pressure (1000 PSI) to pickle a membrane? If you don’t, I would revert to direct drive off of the Kubota engine.
AHHHHH, I’m going to shoot a fish!
I hope you feel lucky, I’m looking out my window here at work and it’s snowing like crazy. Last night wife says maybe its time to move south, I said ya sell the house, boat get a bigger boat. So her brain is getting there.
I have to wonder if you’ll ever get done working on your boat, maybe go back to basics.
Tim,
I do feel lucky I’m not so good with cold.
Freedom is a funny thing, it means many things to many different people. I like living with no one looking over my shoulder. That’s why I’m not so excited to go to Europe, I don’t need the bureaucracy, its the same reason I don’t enjoy cruising in the US or French territories/islands.
Another freedom I want is an abundant clean water source. I lived for many years getting water from rivers and Jerry-jugging water till I was blue in the face. It’s a luxury for sure but one I will want to enjoy as I get older. Splendid is about self sufficiency. She is large enough for me to charter, have space-consuming wine and beer making gear, welding gear, copious amount of tools, and plenty of storage for my stores.
I don’t know many crusers who are ever “done” working on their boats. I need more power than most because of my website. I write on the computer a lot and work with video. Many times I think of “pulling the plug” but I really enjoy the interaction with my community of people and conversing with “like minded” peers.
I often think of a smaller boat but while I’m young enough I’m going to really put together a boat the way I want it.
I’ve been writing about refitting my bigger boat in Panama since Tahiti. This was all part of the plan.
Off for a mid day swim.
Cheers.
Alex,
Trying to download your newest video…….it just comes back to the same page. I have purchased in the past w/o any problems. Thought possibly it would show up in the checkout but no luck.
r/ John B
I seem to remember a friend telling me little, simple system boats were the way to go…..but my memory is not what it used to be………………g hook it to the kubota…….diesel always runs if you have fuel(clean), and air….if it bothers you, make the bracke t so you can put a dc motor on the other side from the kubota….
Alex, your sounding great!!
This is mostly for Kirk- I read your coment about not being able to download. so I went through the checkout process for #3 in the check-out section of the store, it then loaded the sign in page, which I did, then it went to my account page and I checked the box labled checkout, which sent me to paypals site and I checked the confirm and pay and wala, Paypal sent me a payment receipt for $2.75 n my e-mail. Then you go back to Projectbluesphere and go to “my accounts” and choose “select” for #3 and then where it says “download”, you right click and “save as”, and I choose to desktop. I have never had a problem. Stew
Alex,
as a long time off grid character, I find dc motors more reliable ie fans, water pumps, i may be wrong but check hp and rpm, these should match your ac motor . good luck,
I just feel so rude, as I forgot to tell CaptPaul, that I was in Clearwater over xmas watcching the Penn-state
cheerleaders at the Clearwater Hilton. Nobody missed anything as it was blowing 40 and the temp was low 50’s.
I was trying to convince all my freinds and family members to take a cruise with CaptPaul but it was just too colld. Apoligies CaptPaul—-Stewart
I just feel so rude, as I forgot to tell CaptPaul, that I was in Clearwater over xmas watcching the Penn-state
cheerleaders at the Clearwater Hilton. Nobody missed anything as it was blowing 40 and the temp was low 50’s.
I was trying to convince all my freinds and family members to take a cruise with CaptPaul but it was just too colld. Apoligies CaptPaul—-Stewart
No Problem Stewart… It was cold. Weather happens. BUT, get that group together and give me a call. I’ve got dates open right now and the weather is doing just fine down here.
Alex: Got the video no problem. I understand the “big” boat expense thing. I’ve been sailing for 39 years and I always told myself that I would not have a boat over 40. That seems to be the turning line on parts, sails, well everything… It’s a BIG jump in price at the 40 foot mark.
My 43 foot Endeavor is an amazing boat. Panacea sails great and I’m loving her, but in the last year, I’ve dumped a ton of money bringing her up to the sea going vessel she is, and I’m not done with the list. Re-fitting is great, but maintenance goes on and costs dough too.
So choices are always made and the list priority changes, it seems, on a daily basis.
I too am looking forward to your video series. Keep up what you are doing and stay in touch.
Capt. Paul
s/v Panacea
Alex you wonder why your video sales have declined after doing so well in the past. Well here might be the answer…
I saw a sailboat on the horizon. For some reason I knew who it was even though I thought he was still a few hundred miles behind me. I called “Liberty” on the VHF, and my very good friend Aki replied. What are the chances that we would meet to make landfall together, he left Panama a week after I did.
As we approached Hive Oa I was in total awe. The only word I can think of to describe these beautiful volcanic mountains is “majestic”! I’ve never seen a more beautiful site. The smell of earth and fire filled my lungs, and I enjoyed the sensation like one would savor the taste of the finest wine. The peaks pierce the clouds as mist rolls down the steep cliffs and onto the water.
I am such a lucky man!
You see Alex all of us land lubbers followed every day leading up too and then on your journey to Hiva Oa. When you would write on your blogs we had a picture in our minds on what you went thru. Every day or so we would get a teaser like a small blog or a video clip. It was like a new movie in a theatre. The Trailers on TV make the movie look so good. Then you finally get to go see it and the sales sky rocket. In time as the
excitement ends the movie ends up in the video store and then the bargin bin for 99 cents. I guess what i am saying is all of us really want you to get moving again. I know that is easier said then done because Splendid needs to be a safe ship and that costs money.
Just can’t wait till the day you start to prevision and set sail on the high seas.
PS do you ever hear from Aki?
Curtis
Curtis,
Wow, did I write that, it’s not so bad, kind of poetic!
You can be sure of one thing. I want to get moving again much more than any of you guys! I spend my nights pouring over charts on an unconventional way across the Pacific. I’m want to Spend the Pacific cyclone season anchored in the lagoon on Kanton island Kiribati, check it out on Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanton_Island
Money comes in really slow for me and I just have to wait it out. I just got confirmation I’m working on a ship as a carpenter the last few weeks of April into May. I should clear about 4K. That coupled with some backpacker runs and a few charters will get me what I need. Right now I cant buy paint, supplies, or even finish filling up my fuel tanks. Remember the old saying price, quality, or time, pick two. Well I always have to pick quality and time as I cant afford the price. I’d love to go buy supplies now and higher a few guys but just don’t have the means, and I’m cool with it, it’s just part of how I lead my life. I could skipper a boat here for $100 bucks a day but the guy is an ass and I just don’t want to, so in many ways I’m my own worst enemy, or a victim of my own circumstance.
Splendid will cross the Pacific, my words and heart will fill with the splendor of exploration and all will be right in my world :), just takes time and hard work, both of which I have.
Last i heard from Aki he was lost sailing around Asia, I hope to share an anchorage with him again.
Peace!
Hi Alex,
It’s -12C outside, read your blog and watched your latest vid, helps winter go by.
Have you heard of the shards? Paul and Sheryll Shard are a Canadian couple who sailed the Caribbean and went across the pond to the Med. They filmed their journey on 25 minute episodes, they didn’t made a 2 hour dvd or short vids, this way they were able to sell it to tv stations so it can be broadcasted in 1/2 hour episodes with some advertisement, they also sell DVD’s with a few episodes. anyways just an idea. they found the Med to be better than expected, but they never went to big expensive ports and they only had some problems with the guard in Croatia.anyways another idea
Take care
Luis in Toronto
Luis,
I sure do know about the Shards, nice folks, exchanged a few emails years back.
Man, I almost got hurt today. The part that I made (in the video) that bolts onto the fly wheel of the kubota came off at about 2200 rpm’s with me in the engine room (Lazerette). It flue by my face and bounced all over the damn place just missing me a few times, I cant believe it missed me so many times? I had the whole piece machined out of steel and it is much heavier than its aluminum predecessor. The holes in the fly wheel need to be drilled out and re-tapped for larger/deeper bolts to take the additional load and weight.
I gave my old cat pump to a friend who is a mechanic. He was so happy with the idea of building a water maker, and the fact he is a good friend, he came over and re-designed/engineered a few things with me. I was thinking to sell the cat pump (about $900 new) but since I was just given one along with the rest of a water maker I thought spreading the love was a good idea.
The folks that wanted the charter may come back in a few weeks at the end of their Panama trip and meet me in the San Blas. I also have another potential charter for March :)
The sun is going down and the moon rising, it’s quite a beautiful day today.
Point well taken Alex. Your doing a fantasic job with your boat. I”ve been working on mine for three years now and I have at least two more before its finished.
Have lots of respect for spinning mass, make sure the bolts are a grade suitable for the mass.
I can’t buy your videos because I forgot my password and heven’t been able to get another to log in.
Anyway have a fantasic day and catch fish.