It has been almost a year since my last post.  Lots of things have happened.  Mona is walking and doing well.  Her doctor/surgeon Dr. Cierny has died of Pancreotic Cancer. We sold our business and in August 2013 we sold our home in Durham, NC and moved on board our boat Continuum.



Progress on Continuum continuued in 2013.
Spectra watermaker installed (not commisioned yet)
Shims under the forward engine mounts
Satellite phone installed
Battery compartment moved aft
2 Life Line 8D batteries  (255 amp hrs ea)
New Battery Charger (Master Volt)
More LED lights installed
New slip covers made for the sette cushions
New genoa sail make by Mack Sails
4 Shouldered eye bolts mounted in cockpit to secure lanyards
Oceanair hatch cover mounted on the interior
New Garmin Autopilot which we named Genevieve after our new grand daughter
New 210 watt Sanyo solar panels

We are now preparing for the Salty Dawg Rally.  Virginia to the BVI
Saltydawgrally.org
Click on "Follow the Fleet"

Spectra Ventura 150 Water Maker

I started the installation of our water maker this week. I chose this particular model because of its efficiency,  9 amps.   Running the saltwater hoses from the port side settee to the lazarett was a challenge.  Caliber did not  put in runways under the sole of the  boat so I used a borascope to inch my way through.  So far this has been the biggest challenge.  I don't plan on commissioning the system till we leave in the Fall.

Salty Dawg Rally

Well it's not Continuum, however, Rum Runner is her sister ship.  I got an invitation to sail in the Salty Dawg Rally with Capt. Phil Worrall.  It was a great trip despite weather delays.  It took us 10 days, and 1350 miles to go from Hampton, VA to Sopers Hole, Tortola, BVI.

 

 

 

 The fishing was great and tasted pretty good.  Good to be home.

I made some great friends during this trip.  Indiana John, put together this video. 

http://youtu.be/zZPs3cncWx8

Cast off

Well not casting off the way we are hoping to with Continuum, however, it is a start. Flew to San Diego and they removed her plaster cast.  She is in a removable boot now.  Hoping to finally take Continuum out for a Fall sail. 

Hatch Shades and Rebedding

We added peek-a-boo shades to the side ports in the forward cabin and an Oceanair hatch cover with shade cover and screen in the forward cabin. This will be a nice feature on sunny mornings
when extra sleep is needed. 

 After I replaced the hatch liner I developed a small leak.  I did not want to take any chances so I called in Glen Lysogorski.  Glen used to work at the Hatteras Boat plant but has retired.  Great guy, and very talented.  After loosening all the screws arond the hatch, we realized there were 4 bolts holding the hatch on the hinged side.  The interior liner had to be removed.  Easy.  Off came the hatch. 

Cleaning the surface is 80% of a successful hatch rebeding.  We used GM 400 as our sealant.  It's important to use a product that will stay flexible.  I still covered the hatch with a tarp when I left Continuum.  I didn't want to take a chance on a failure.  I will return next weekend. 

Surgery 3

Finally seeing progress.  Leg is healing and the external fixator and 14 rods are removed from Mona's leg.  I like San Diego, however, all my memories are of Sharp hospital and surgeries.  Would like to return to experience this area without medical attention.  The cast will be on for at least 2 months.  It is a walking cast.  It will be a slow process.

   

Spectra Ventura VT-150-MPC 5000

We we had given this addition alot of thought.  The Ventura 150 with the with the MPC 5000 Control modual seemed to be the best unit to supply our needs.  We will give the install alot of thought before we proceed.  This will give us control over our fresh water on board.  Very expensive but will be well worth it.