Tuesday, October 15, 2013
We Must Go Down to the Seas Again
Our morning departure on Friday, October 11th was, generally, as scheduled. We'd hoped to leave at 7:00 am, but I'm pretty sure it was closer to 8:00am before the final dock line was released. Our friend Don made a morning visit with a cup of black coffee (bless his soul!) and then watched with our friend John from the shores as s/v Malabar embarked on the first leg of her journey. It took us a couple, okay, FOUR attempts to back out of our slip. Maybe there were a few more nerves at play than either of us wanted to admit. But there we were with the Golden Gate Bridge slowly fading in the morning fog and us off to see the lonely sea and the sky.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Departure Update
After my last day of work on the 27th and a great bon voyage party on the 28th we were ready to go! Well...almost. Okay, not really ready at all!
We spent the last week working on projects. Jack lines, lee clothes and the first half of our nose cone are complete. New halyard up and new anchor locker hinge installed. BUT, we found out that our propeller shaft is offset by 1/4", so we have to re-adjust the engine and one of the burners on our stove keeps shooting out fireballs, so we still have a few SMALL issues to deal with before departure.
It has been both wonderful a great distraction to have our good friend Noel in town this week from Ohio. Amazing to get to spend a few days with him and share our boat. We also figured out how to sleep a third person on Malabar even when we're fully provisioned.
We are leaving. We are leaving soon, hopefully. I feel like we are in this weird purgatory where everyone knows we are leaving and we know we are leaving but no one knows when. So, each time we see a friend we're not entirely sure if this is the last time or not. Keegan and I are just trying to keep focused and get our bow pointed south as soon as possible.
Updates and pictures will be along soon. Hopefully an update from outside of Marina Bay Yacht Harbor before...oh, I don't know...Christmas?
We spent the last week working on projects. Jack lines, lee clothes and the first half of our nose cone are complete. New halyard up and new anchor locker hinge installed. BUT, we found out that our propeller shaft is offset by 1/4", so we have to re-adjust the engine and one of the burners on our stove keeps shooting out fireballs, so we still have a few SMALL issues to deal with before departure.
It has been both wonderful a great distraction to have our good friend Noel in town this week from Ohio. Amazing to get to spend a few days with him and share our boat. We also figured out how to sleep a third person on Malabar even when we're fully provisioned.
We are leaving. We are leaving soon, hopefully. I feel like we are in this weird purgatory where everyone knows we are leaving and we know we are leaving but no one knows when. So, each time we see a friend we're not entirely sure if this is the last time or not. Keegan and I are just trying to keep focused and get our bow pointed south as soon as possible.
Updates and pictures will be along soon. Hopefully an update from outside of Marina Bay Yacht Harbor before...oh, I don't know...Christmas?
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The Art of Knowing Nothing
As departure approaches we have many interested parties asking questions about our impending adventure. As much as I love that so many people are interested in our story I'm starting to feel like I'm failing some sort of test.
When will you be leaving? "Well, I don't know. Sometime in October. Maybe the first week? I guess, when we have the last few things done?"
How much does it cost to cruise? "Well, I don't know. I guess it depends on how many luxuries you're interested in."
What do your parents think? Are you scared? How many days will it take to reach San Diego? Are you ready to go thru customs? "Seriously, I don't know."
It's a funny thing about getting ready to take a course in life that many people think about, but few actually do. There is a natural curiosity and I can appreciate the questions, but it has made me think, "What you are you doing, you crazy girl? Do you know NOTHING about what you're about to do?!?"
Well, as a matter of fact.... I know what the entirety of my standing rigging looks like and I can tell you what is located at the very top of my mast. I know how to re-plumb my head, re-wire my lights and re-pack my stuffing box. I can tell you exactly how my bimini and sail cover are constructed, how all of my emergency equipment works and how to live without refrigeration.
I know exactly what it's like to feel the bubbling excitement of all the unknowns that lay before us and overwhelming anxiety of all the unknowns that lay before us. My heart is heavy with good-byes and light with the anticipation of completing a goal we committed ourselves to just one year ago.
Right now, each day is a struggle to keep all of the things I know, all of the positives, in the forefront of my mind and be okay with the fact that there are so many things that we'll just have to wait and see.
We have come to the edge. The good byes, the provisioning and the casting off. When will we see these shores again? I don't know.
When will you be leaving? "Well, I don't know. Sometime in October. Maybe the first week? I guess, when we have the last few things done?"
How much does it cost to cruise? "Well, I don't know. I guess it depends on how many luxuries you're interested in."
What do your parents think? Are you scared? How many days will it take to reach San Diego? Are you ready to go thru customs? "Seriously, I don't know."
It's a funny thing about getting ready to take a course in life that many people think about, but few actually do. There is a natural curiosity and I can appreciate the questions, but it has made me think, "What you are you doing, you crazy girl? Do you know NOTHING about what you're about to do?!?"
Well, as a matter of fact.... I know what the entirety of my standing rigging looks like and I can tell you what is located at the very top of my mast. I know how to re-plumb my head, re-wire my lights and re-pack my stuffing box. I can tell you exactly how my bimini and sail cover are constructed, how all of my emergency equipment works and how to live without refrigeration.
I know exactly what it's like to feel the bubbling excitement of all the unknowns that lay before us and overwhelming anxiety of all the unknowns that lay before us. My heart is heavy with good-byes and light with the anticipation of completing a goal we committed ourselves to just one year ago.
Right now, each day is a struggle to keep all of the things I know, all of the positives, in the forefront of my mind and be okay with the fact that there are so many things that we'll just have to wait and see.
We have come to the edge. The good byes, the provisioning and the casting off. When will we see these shores again? I don't know.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Countdown and Last Minute Projects
Thirteen days till departure! The crew (and family of the crew) of s/v Malabar have been working hard over the last few weeks to wrap up all of the loose ends before departure! My parents, Jeff and Carol, have been here all week lending their expertise.
Keegan finished the installation of the SSB radio last week! Woo hoo! Jeff converted the Compressed Natural Gas stove over to a Propane system this week and Carol and I have been sewing and sewing and sewing to create a new sail cover and a rain catch system.
We have finally finished the installation of the Monitor windvane and are going to take her out for a test drive this weekend.
I am happy to report that we have been running entirely off of our solar panels for almost two weeks now. It feels pretty awesome to no longer be plugged into the shore.
I can't believe we are down to the final days of preparation! One more week of work for me, a bon voyage part on the 28th, then we are off! It seems impossible that Malabar has only been part of our life for one year. It has been one amazing year! Can hardly wait to see where we go next.
Keegan finished the installation of the SSB radio last week! Woo hoo! Jeff converted the Compressed Natural Gas stove over to a Propane system this week and Carol and I have been sewing and sewing and sewing to create a new sail cover and a rain catch system.
We have finally finished the installation of the Monitor windvane and are going to take her out for a test drive this weekend.
I am happy to report that we have been running entirely off of our solar panels for almost two weeks now. It feels pretty awesome to no longer be plugged into the shore.
I can't believe we are down to the final days of preparation! One more week of work for me, a bon voyage part on the 28th, then we are off! It seems impossible that Malabar has only been part of our life for one year. It has been one amazing year! Can hardly wait to see where we go next.
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| Keegan adds final blocks to the windvane |
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| Antenne running up backstay for the SSB radio |
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| Unplugged! We are solar! |
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| Keegan breaking in the new outboard engine |
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| Our new power regulator |
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| SSB and a messy desk |
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| The family takes time out for breakfast |
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| Beautiful trip to Tomales Bay |
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| The Family enjoying oysters |
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| New propane tube ready for the stove/oven |
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| Our converted stove goes back in |
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| Evening entertainment in the cockpit |
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| Dad and Keegan checking out some systems |
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| Inspecting the water tanks |
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| New sail cover! Go me! |
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| Mom, sewing up the rain catchers. |
Friday, September 6, 2013
As Departure Nears....An Invitation Arrives
With 24 days to departure life at the s/v Malabar is, well, hectic. Keegan and I have been working away and I'll get a post up soon about the last minute upgrades that have been happening over the last two weeks. But first, an invitation!
On September 28th we will be having an open house (boat) at 5pm followed by a Bon Voyage party at 6pm. The party will be a Tradewinds Sailing School next to the marina (Marina Bay in Richmond). If you'd like to stop by and see what a sailing vessel about to head out on a voyage looks like, or to share a pint with us, please consider yourselves invited! All are welcomed! If you'd like to stay and share a meal, please bring along something to share!
-Amanda + Keegan
On September 28th we will be having an open house (boat) at 5pm followed by a Bon Voyage party at 6pm. The party will be a Tradewinds Sailing School next to the marina (Marina Bay in Richmond). If you'd like to stop by and see what a sailing vessel about to head out on a voyage looks like, or to share a pint with us, please consider yourselves invited! All are welcomed! If you'd like to stay and share a meal, please bring along something to share!
-Amanda + Keegan
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
We Have to Move What?
When you read articles about re-packing a stuffing box they never include the words, "then tie a rope around your engine and yank it forward 3". But, that is what we were faced with as last weekend's project inched forward.
A stuffing box is located on the shaft that goes thru a boat, connecting to your propeller on one end and your engine's transmission on the other. This gland it packed with a kind of flax material so that when the motor is running and the shaft is spinning it can be lubricated by sea water, but when it is at rest it prevents a waterfall of salt water from coming into the boat. When that material gets old it leaks and leaks and leaks and your bilge pump has to go off every 35 minutes to keep your boat from sinking.
Removing the old packing material and replacing it with new should be a simple job, but what fun would that be? Here on S/V Malabar our engine is much larger than the original one and it takes up so much space that there is not enough room to unscrew the stuffing box without a LOT more work.
So, we began by disconnecting the transmission from the shaft. We then had to un-bolt the engine from its mounts and employ our friend Jonathan to come over and pull our engine out of its compartment. At this point we could very carful slide the propeller shaft into the boat an extra two inches, making sure not to pull too far and damage the propeller on the other end as it hits the underside of the boat.
We were finally prepped for the actual re-stuffing. So, I unscrewed the box and scraped out all of the old packing material. As I prepared to install the new packing material it became very apparent that we had purchased packing material that was about three sizes too big. Not a huge deal except at this point we have a very steady stream of water coming into the boat and it was not draining into the bilge fast enough. So, I grab a cup and start scooping while Keegan runs to find new packing material. Luckily for us, Tradewinds Sailing School and Club had a box of packing material and were kind enough to let us frantically pillage their supplies! Thanks for saving the day, again, Tradewinds!
With new packing material in place we were just left with the task of moving the engine back into the exact same location as it started using the largest crowbar you've ever seen, lining up the transmission and bolting everything down. The moment of truth came when we fired up the engine and pushed up the throttle. Patience, persistence and a little bit of luck helped us with this job and we are so relieved to have it complete. It's a great feeling to know that your boat is no longer sinking.
As luck would have it, while I was in the engine compartment for the better part of two days we noticed a small leak coming from the hot water exchanger, so we added an extra hose clamp. It turns out that small leak was the reason our water pump recycles so frequently and why our Starboard water tank has never had as good of water pressure as our Port tank. I love it when we accidentally fix problems!
A stuffing box is located on the shaft that goes thru a boat, connecting to your propeller on one end and your engine's transmission on the other. This gland it packed with a kind of flax material so that when the motor is running and the shaft is spinning it can be lubricated by sea water, but when it is at rest it prevents a waterfall of salt water from coming into the boat. When that material gets old it leaks and leaks and leaks and your bilge pump has to go off every 35 minutes to keep your boat from sinking.
Removing the old packing material and replacing it with new should be a simple job, but what fun would that be? Here on S/V Malabar our engine is much larger than the original one and it takes up so much space that there is not enough room to unscrew the stuffing box without a LOT more work.
So, we began by disconnecting the transmission from the shaft. We then had to un-bolt the engine from its mounts and employ our friend Jonathan to come over and pull our engine out of its compartment. At this point we could very carful slide the propeller shaft into the boat an extra two inches, making sure not to pull too far and damage the propeller on the other end as it hits the underside of the boat.
We were finally prepped for the actual re-stuffing. So, I unscrewed the box and scraped out all of the old packing material. As I prepared to install the new packing material it became very apparent that we had purchased packing material that was about three sizes too big. Not a huge deal except at this point we have a very steady stream of water coming into the boat and it was not draining into the bilge fast enough. So, I grab a cup and start scooping while Keegan runs to find new packing material. Luckily for us, Tradewinds Sailing School and Club had a box of packing material and were kind enough to let us frantically pillage their supplies! Thanks for saving the day, again, Tradewinds!
With new packing material in place we were just left with the task of moving the engine back into the exact same location as it started using the largest crowbar you've ever seen, lining up the transmission and bolting everything down. The moment of truth came when we fired up the engine and pushed up the throttle. Patience, persistence and a little bit of luck helped us with this job and we are so relieved to have it complete. It's a great feeling to know that your boat is no longer sinking.
As luck would have it, while I was in the engine compartment for the better part of two days we noticed a small leak coming from the hot water exchanger, so we added an extra hose clamp. It turns out that small leak was the reason our water pump recycles so frequently and why our Starboard water tank has never had as good of water pressure as our Port tank. I love it when we accidentally fix problems!
Engine compartment access is...a challenge.
Where propeller shaft meets transmission.
What our boat looks like when we have to unload the quarter berth.
Boat work = tight spaces.
Old packing material.
Where's Amanda?
YAY! Crow bar of victory!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Obladi Oblada
Last weekend was a busy one for the crew of Malabar. Keegan and I finally bit the bullet and installed our Monitor Windvane. This awesome piece of equipment mounts onto the back of our boat and acts as a self steering mechanism. Using the wind and water to steer, the windvane will be a third crew member as we are making passages. We are very excited to go out this weekend to give it a try! Imagine, a machine steering the boat for us and using NO ELECTRICITY!
After a long, sweaty, bloody day of work on this project we joined in at the Tradewinds Sailing School and Club's bi-monthly social. Thanks to The Castaways for letting me join in for a few songs!
Sunday was a day of celebration as we played host to a brunch for our friends Cathy and Steve and then were able to host a surprise birthday dinner for our friends Andrew and Jen.
La la how the life goes on!
After a long, sweaty, bloody day of work on this project we joined in at the Tradewinds Sailing School and Club's bi-monthly social. Thanks to The Castaways for letting me join in for a few songs!
Sunday was a day of celebration as we played host to a brunch for our friends Cathy and Steve and then were able to host a surprise birthday dinner for our friends Andrew and Jen.
La la how the life goes on!
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