My trip to Panama City was fantastic, I had a really good time and got so much accomplished :)
I’m told I may not have access to internet during my job which starts on the 10th. The ship is upgrading wireless. I may not be able to check in until the second week of May. It is what it is. I’m hoping the time goes fast. When I’m on the ship I work, eat, and sleep. I’m not there to make friends, or party like a lot of the guys like to do. I’m hoping to bunk with my buddy Darren, or some old guy who likes to rest in his time off.
It is inevitable that most people get sick during the job, everyone gets “boat throat” from yelling over loud machinery, ventilation issues, and copious amount of dust. I try to keep a mask on as much as possible. This job will be in a hot climate as opposed to the last time we were up in Canada. It make complicate things but I’m used to working in the heat, its just harder. The company I work for is really good about taking care of their crew and keeping us in a good working environment and well fed. It really is such a sight to dry dock a ship of this size.
My own little ship has her own issues. Splendid has a deep small bilge and I’ve been trying to figure out how to best keep it dry for over three years!
I have a diaphragm (belt driven) pump and a manual pump that will pump the bilge dry. The diaphragm pump has no switch and my little 1100 GPH rule pump that has a little magnetic float switch inside just died. it was however mounted at the top of the bilge and leaves 40 gallons or so in the hole. Well I bought another kind of Rule pump that turns on every two and a half minutes and senses if there is a load on the impellor. I’m installing this tomorrow in hopes it will protect Splendid from water. It is installed near the top of the bilge so it doesn’t keep the bilge dry but it is what it is.
When I return I need to figure out a switch at the bottom of the bilge that will turn on the diaphragm pump to keep it as dry as possible. I’m thinking an electric pressure switch is my best option? Any bilge pump guru please comment.
My buddy Paul will be keeping a close eye on on Splendid, he is only about 50 feet away. He is a good friend and has been cruising for thirty-three years on the same boat (Sun Runner). I’ll be closing most of the threw hulls (not the scuppers), and rationally I know she will be safe, I’m just a worrisome father and don’t like being away from her.
The wet season is starting a bit early, its been raining for two days, strange for this time of year.
I’m so apprehensive about leaving my home but am looking forward to the reward it brings. Mostly I’m looking forward to a fridge large enough to carry large amounts of fresh produce. My new way of eating is really paying off and i feel great, not to mention I’m loosing some weight. It does require more fresh raw food and protein than I’m able to manage in my little Engel. Quality of life is so important to me. I’m amazed at how badly most people eat. So many people make a good living and eat junk and fast food. They call it the Standard American Diet (SAD). If money is good for anything we should feed our bodies well. I’m going to get back into juicing and sprouting when I return. I believe the vita mix I want to buy will also juice wheat grass, a really good source of vitamins. Wheat grass is also easy to grow on the boat.
Well guys I’ll check in when I can and maybe make another post but I’m pretty busy. As soon as I return I have a charter for a few weeks, then I’ll be getting to the business of spending some of my wealth.
Sail far and live slowly.
Peace, Love, and Money, Money, Money :)
Alex