Initial Thoughts on the New Boat
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been away from home. This trip had three legs: the first was to Blue Turtle, where I spent my first few nights aboard as owner, the second was on a delivery from St. Thomas to Florida, and the third was back aboard Blue Turtle for some practice manuvering her under power in close quarters.
I left Rhode Island on January 29, and flew down south, renting a car in Savannah and then driving to where the boat is docked. It’s strange to think that I’ve been aboard so many times (the first viewing, when Kim and Randy were both aboard, twice for the rigging and primary surveys, and now for the fourth time as owner), and Joy has never seen her in person; I called Joy as I arrived, and was on FaceTime as I first went aboard.
It was hot, and I was tired, but the obligatory first picture was taken.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but I effectively took the same picture when we bought Wanderer back in 2020. (There are a few more lines around my eyes these days!)
Blue Turtle is inarguably better suited for us - not only is she larger, but she’s heavier, designed for long-term cruising, and I know a heck of a lot more about how to outfit her and get moving this time around.
Our plan is to move aboard Blue Turtle as soon as possible, and then head out cruising. That said, there is a list of work to be completed beforehand, of course - as with any boat. We have an Asana board going to manage the details, but from a high level, the big projects are:
Rigging - the standing rigging needs replacement, and we’re going to replace the mast tangs and running rigging at the same time; I’m going to do a closer inspection of the chainplates, as well, although they passed a rig inspection during purchase.
Lifelines - all are vinyl coated and showing sigs of corrosion, and will be replaced when we address the rigging - debated going synthetic, but I think we’ll stick with uncoated wire. May also add netting for Copper!
Stanchions - the gate stanchions show signs of crevice corrosion at their base, so I plan to inspect and replace every one that needs it
Anchor - I’ve replaced the original 75lb Vulcan anchor with a 77lb Ultra Marine anchor, but need to modify the bow roller, which does not let the anchor shank come fully aboard; likely a welding job.
Electronics - all are ancient Furuno devices, and will be replaced with modern Raymarine kit; I have an Axiom 2 Pro S, new wind, depth, speed, and autopilot displays, new depth and speed sensors, a new anemometer, and lots of SeatalkNG wiring to install!
Autopilot - currently an older Autohelm unit, and a Type 1; we have a Raymarine Type III hydraulic unit waiting to go in, and their EV-400 autopilot computer kit. Also, the autopilot arm is connected to the quadrant by a stack of washers serving as shims, which won’t hold the arm in sheer; planning to have a machine shop fabricate a stainless steer spacer, bored appropriately to accept a grade 8 bolt.
Bottom paint - starting to get a little tired, and since we’ll be out for a while, I’m going to bite the bullet and put on 3-5 coats of hard paint
Sails - all new mainsail, staysail, and headsail on order with Mack Sails
Plumbing - planning to replace the existing manual toilets with electric flush, and replumb them to fill from the freshwater tanks, rather than via the faucets; also adding an accumulator tank to the galley sink even out the water pressure, and potentially a new Seagull filter for use in the galley
Galley - replacing the rather tired Force 10 with a new Dickinson Mediterranean propane stove, and replacing the lines, tanks, and regulators at the same time
Aft Cabin - the existing mattress is a bit squishy for us, so we’re quoting out firmer replacements
Cabins - we’re swapping out all of the existing lights and fans, and adding a number more throughout the boat, along with our matching brass oil lamps, barometers / clocks, Sonos speakers, a new TV and soundbar for the aft cabin, and so on
Bilges - I have a deep distrust of float switches, so swapping this out for Waterwich sensors and panels, and adding a secondary bilge pump to assist the primary
Electrical - when the mast comes out, I’m planning to replace the existing busbar with something a bit newer, with a cover
Prop -I have a brand new Maxprop feathering prop on board, which I’ll swap out once she’s on the hard
It’s a long list, and that’s just the immediate stuff, but I’m preparing to move her from our marina down to St. Mary’s, where I can DIY much of this work. I’m renting a 10’ uhaul in a week, loading it up with tools and parts, and driving by myself for ~18 hours (split over a few days) to prepare the boat for the move and work.
It’s a bit strange to be planning to effectively be alone on board, especially since Joy has yet to see her in person. However, she’ll be on the hard for a month or so, and I’m glad that I will be able to tackle a lot of the quality-of-life jobs before she moves on with Copper.
Soon enough, the place in Newport will be emptied out of all of this boat stuff, and we’ll be one step closer to living this life!