First off - myth dispelling. I am not brave; I am not doing this, primarily, out of any desire for adventure, or because normal life is not exciting enough for me. I'm doing this because two failed relationships have left me 250 miles from home, with no home (and nowhere near enough funds to obtain a home), few friends in my new home town, and little other options.
I could pack up, leave the coast behind and move back inland - but I have no reason really to do so, especially not given that I've worked hard for the past two years to really make this place feel like home. I could house share - I don't think so, I am anti social and intolerant - not a good mix for house sharing! Or I could continue as is, renting a room from my ex's sister and her family - yeah, and I'd be walking into the water soon, the pressure of having no space for myself causes white noise in my head which I am having increasing difficulty in drowning out. And that's before dealing with my ex - joyous I tell thee!
Luckily, despite not actively seeking excitement, I am cut out to enjoy it and make the most of it. I can rough it quite happily.....
(The people I live with at the moment believe that I am odd and somehow dysfunctional because I don't own a TV and couldn't even tell you what X-Factor / Big Brother / Simply Ballroom on Ice / Blahblahblah is all about?! If I can live for 10 weeks in a very small tent, surely a floating caravan shouldn't be that difficult?)
So, the lovely Maestro is still on dry land but, after an agonising time waiting for paperwork to be completed, I have finally been able to start ripping out the insides and making her mine.
My major concerns at the moment are:
- Are composting toilets all they've cracked up to be?
- How does one begin to insulate a boat?
- Where the hell do I find an owner's manual?
- How do I plumb a shower in?
- Oh yeah, nearly forgot...... what job will I find so that I can afford the astronomical marina fees?
Another task on the list is the fuel tank. It leaks. In a big way - so much so that the existing carpet, some of the seat cushions, and a host of other stuff has had to be thrown out to try and get rid of the all pervading diesel smell - it's getting there slowly... Given that her holey old tank is bonded in, I believe the best solution is leaving it there and (as there is plenty of room) just putting a new plastic one in next to it. Simples!
And the title? Well I'd love a dog but the sheer effort involved is rather off putting so I have found the perfect sailing companion....... Meet Monkey..
After having been orphaned on the beach I have offered him a new lease of life as first mate! He's quiet, well behaved, doesn't eat much and best of all - conversation is good!
Holy crap. Can I just say that this is pretty much the single coolest thing I've seen anyone attempt before. Seriously, you're rebuilding a boat and planning to live out of it. Cheers to you! That is all sorts of awesome. I don't say it often, but this blog is one I will really look forward to reading more in the future. I promise to come back and catch up with your past posts after I make it through returning the rest of our comments!
ReplyDeleteHah, I just found that my blog partner was way ahead of me in reading your earlier posts. Cheers!
ReplyDelete-brandon
Buying an old sailboat and getting it prepped for use can be really be satisfying, as is the sailing that eventually comes with it. We're currently doing the same thing with a 1986 Pearson 303, so don't feel like you're alone.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of your leaking fuel tank, have you considered putting a flexible lining in the old tank?? You will need all the space you can find onboard once you start passagemaking so a redundant tank may become a real nuisance.
ReplyDeleteI have been working and sailing on boats for a long time now, and would not have it any other way. I have a 40 ft ketch at the moment, that I bought, cheap, from an estate donation to a charity group. She was on the hard and looking forlorn... but after three years of part-time work and a few dollars, we are on our way to the Caribbean for the winter. Hand in there and don't let the "No" crowd get in the way.
ReplyDeleteThank you guys, it's good to know I'm not alone!
ReplyDeleteFuel tank - putting a liner in was one of my first ideas but unfortunately there's no access, if I could get to it to fit a liner I'd remove and replace it. Fortunately, there's loads of room in the "engine room" to fit a plastic one!
Cut out the top, install it in the void. Loads of room goes quick.
ReplyDeleteSVNever Land, I could do but it would mean cutting the lockers in the cockpit apart as the bottom of these is bonded to the top of the fuel tank..... not high on the list of priorities at the moment though....
ReplyDelete