Projects and Repairs since the last post

We have done quite a bit more to Blue Moon in preparation for our upcoming trip. We had to have a new survey to satisfy an insurance requirement so while the boat was out of the water we repaired some dings and dents of outrageous fortunes from out last trip. I also wanted some "girly" things like a prettier place to powder my nose and a cushion for my sore bobo when riding full tilt in the dinghy with a madman at the helm.  A really major undertaking was replacing our floor.  It was damaged when we bought the boat and even more damaged when we  cut into it to replace the holding tank.  We also added a new tv/dvd combo, an auxiliary solar panel.  If that wasn't enough since March we also took several trips to visit family, cleaned the cushions throughout the boat, made hatch rain covers and made repairs to the plumbing.  WHEW!  On top of all that we had a little thing like Hurricane Michael hit just east of here, causing widespread devastation.  We were able to go and volunteer through our church distributing food, toiletries and other essentials.  Our friends and family supplied us with a van full of requested items to take over.  That's what the face of neighbors looks like for sure.  Follow along for the adventure.

I kissed a dock in February and not in a good way.  Now that I think about it I can't ever
imagine a good way to kiss a dock.  anyway, this is phase one of many in the repair process.

Lots of stands kept us safe from the boat falling over.  They moved them as required
when we need to paint underneath them.

Some of the paint we put on previously bubbled due to surface contamination caused by
bad caulk used years before.  Never, ever use silicon anywhere near a place you want to paint.
We thought we had sanded and prepped well enough but obviously not.  We hauled out the big
chemical guns this time requiring use of respirators and heavy gloves.  Should work this time.

The master at work.

Sanding the bottom was my job.  I will diligently strive to win a lottery and never do this again!

Thank God for friends like Bill.  He spent a day helping me sanding thencame
back the next day to help on the paint.

She's all finished and pretty again.

Haulout at Pelican's Perch in Pensacola.  Always a scary event for customers.  The yard
people know that the straps won't break but we don"t!

Our survey is tasked with giving the boat a thorough inspection inside and out.  James had already completed
the inside portion.  Overall, it takes 2 days but keeps the insurance company happy.  He gave us a hug compliment
on our work since purchasing the boat and valued her about $2K over our purchase price.

When working in a small space, especially on a sailboat, there are so many challenges
Lots of nooks and crannies, strange angles and hatch covers that all have to be considered. 

All the stuff has to go someplace while you work the areas.  A real pain to move it
but easier than removing to the house and then reloading.

Tada! Gorgeous floor.

In order to keep up with our power needs at anchor, (ok my need for hot water)
we added a solar panel that can hang on the rail and be moved with the angle of
the sun.  When not needed, it lives down below.

I had a hard time getting a good picture of the new decorations.  I was just tired of
the 1982 look so I sanded the old finish and painted.  I found a shimmery shower curtain
and Suz lent her decorating skills in helping match a good paint color.  I added some
pretty, matching hand towels and new towel rings.  Voila!  Girls retreat.

Better picture of the new color but sadly it's because we had to replace a major sewer
hose.  The job is exactly as awful as it sounds.  David had to cut away flooring and a bit of
stringer to run the hose.  Apparently they plumbed and wired the boat then put in the
cabinetry. 

This is the pantry minus all shelving.  It was the only way to access the plumbing.
The white hose at the lower edge of the picture is the one that I had to stuff into a hole and then try and guide
it to David in the head area.  It involved a lot of hunting around in the dark and more patience that either of
us really have.  There was a tremendous satisfaction with a successful flush.  I'm just not a poop in the bucket girl.