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