Maintaining the safety and well-being of a 50-year-old sailboat is not easy. Especially in hot and humid climates. We are disappointed that many of the components on our boat that we upgraded last year have disintegrated. Salt water and electrolysis can wreak havoc on metal, plastic, canvas, electrical systems and other components. Nevertheless, we are charging through the challenges and improving what we can in order to make the boat safe and ready to sail.
Changing the oil in our diesel engineOur engine is a 30 horsepower Yanmar diesel. Despite its relatively low hours, it does require a lot of maintenance. The engine is extremely important on a sailboat. Yes, you can go without one, but it is very handy to motor in and out of ports, maneuver in anchorages and power through strong headwinds and bashing waves. Sailing can be dirty, hot, painful, stressful and sometimes downright disgusting. Jeremyah shown here contorting himself behind the engine to replace the packing gland. The bilge is the armpit of a sailboat. It collects excess waste from the engine and other gray water leaks. Amanda had a great time cleaning it out. Cleaning out the water tanksOn a different note, Christmas came early! We scored a new foresail/jib for super cheap! Our old one is showing some wear at the top and we were hoping to find a backup or a better sail to use instead!
Kite Cruising 
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