As is the tradition on a New Year I took a look at what had been done in the last six months and started to plan for 2017. As with most things in life, a lot of the projects are limited to timing due to budget, but there are a lot of projects that require more “elbow grease” than supplies, so I’ll be able to work on those in between budget controlled items.
This year I’ve worked on:
- Remodeled the head
- Started to paint and renovate the interior of the cabin
- Replaced the genoa with a larger furler and sail
- Removed the inner stay system (making it easy to replace if needed for a storm jib sail)
- Ran all the control lines to the cockpit for safety and ease of use while single handing
- Refinished the exterior wood work
- Removed the boom gallows
- Debugged the boat (as it was stored in a field for a while)
Also, as I’ve ordered (and paid for) the new genoa sail, I’ll be able to sail starting in 4 – 6 weeks. My goal is to take the boat out at least once a month for practice.
So here is the schedule for 2017
- February – Install new refrigerator and mast steps
- March – Install new jib sheet winches
- April & May – Phase II on the running rig project with SparmanUSA. Move mainsheet traveler to the cabin top, fit mainsail track, lazy jacks, new sail cover, and rigid vang.
- June – Replace the running rigging
- July – Sailrite sewing machine (for doing projects like seat cushions, bimini, etc.)
- August – Install wind speed, direction, and boat speed sensors
- September – Install autopilot, controller, and helm display
- October – Rewire electrical system
- November – Install new freezer
- December – New anchor, rebuild anchor locker (some rot on the bulkhead and I want to build a metal grate to keep the chain off the bottom of the locker), possibly install windlass.
This will get me to the end of 2017 with about 80% of the project done. The only major projects at that point will be hull paint (probably hold off on this for a year or two as I will want to inspect thru hulls and propeller system at that time and will need to have a chunk of change ready for this in case there are necessary repairs as the boat will be out of the water at that time), solar system w/ arch, chart plotter and deck paint.
Here’s to a prosperous 2017.
