Major Projects Underway

While this post will again be about preparations for the trip, I assure you that it will become infinitely more interesting once we begin our trip.  There are three major projects underway.  First is the install of a 6.5 KW generator.  We chose the Fisher-Panda 6500 as it will fit in the confined space we have or such a unit.  It has a Kobota engine and is only 28"x 23" x 21".  It is being installed by Bristol Marine just forward of the main engine.  Because it is a new instillation, Bristol has to build the exhaust system,  install a new thru-hull fitting for cooling water, and tap into the fuel system.  The second major project is the instillation of a water maker.  We are going with the Spectra Catalina 300.  This will provide us with ample fresh drinking water.  Again, Bristol Marine is going to install the unit prior to launching in April.  The last "big" project is the refinishing of the cabin's teak and holly sole (floor).  I have been picked away at it all winter and have about 60% completed.  The pictures below show the first two steps in the process.  First all old varnish is removed with the assistance of a heat gun.  Next it is sanded with 80 grit, then 120, 220 and finally 330.  The first two coats of Epifane Varnish are cut to 50% with Interlux 330 thinner.  The third through 8th coat is cut to 10% thinner.  The 9th and 10th coats are applied with Epifane's flat finish varnish.  The end result is "like new."  Stay posted for more news as we ready Atalanta for the water.

Punch List for the Trip

As Kay and I prepare for the journey, we are planning and preparing.  Below is a partial list of what we  need to do to prep ourselves and Atalanta for two years of sailing.  Hope you find it mildly interesting.
To dos:

• Refinish cabin sole (floor) - 50% completed as of today: Richard and Kay
• Refinish cockpit table - Epifane Gloss: Richard and Kay
• Purchase and have Watermaker installed (to provide fresh water) - Bristol Marine
• Complete instal of 6.5 KW generator - Bristol Marine
• Replace damaged hatch lenses - Hatchmasters, Norwalk, CT
• Install wash down pump: Richard and Kay
• Complete switch over of interior lights to LED: Richard and Kay
• Paint cabin coach top: Richard and Kay
• Replace leather wheel cover - in process: Richard and Kay
• Acquire needed national flags countries that will be visited: Richard and Kay
• Upgrade refrigeration - Ocean Options, Newport, RI
• Rebuild head (toilet) pumps: Richard 
• Install SAT phone or SSB (single side band) radio for communication - Custom Navigation, Newport, RI
• Acquire sea anchor or drogue: Richard and Kay
• Replace screens for 18 port lights/holes - Larry Steeneck, E> Fairfield, VT
• Finish repairs on main diesel (oil leaks) - Hanson Marin
• Sail repairs: VT Sailing Partners, Winooski, VT
• Finish re-bunging teak deck: Richard 
• Paint bottom (2 coats): Richard 

We are well on our way with many of these projects and have some completed.  It sounds like allot but some of it is just the normal maintenance that we go through each year.  It is my belief that you do for yourself that which you can and you only pay others for those things that you do not have the ability or expertise to do.  Unfortunately, I am expert at rebuilding heads.  Only by doing as much as you can are you prepared to do what is needed when offshore.  Its hard to call on anyone when your offshore.  The key to safety with such an endeavor is redundancy, prior prep, and building your skill set to deal with the issues that mother nature will surely throw at you.  Its a process that can take a lifetime.

New Year's Update: Still on the hard

Kay and I made a trip to RI to check in on Atalanta this weekend and to pick up our 4 person offshore life raft from Life Raft Survival Equipment in Tiverton.  It is now inspected and certified for the next three years.  Hopefully, it will sit on the deck of Atalanta and never need to be deployed.  It's one of those items you want to be of high quality and never use.  Thanks to Scott.

Upon entering Atalanta for the first time since she had been covered (November) the interior is pretty much torn apart as the new generator is being installed.  We are looking forward to having it up and running for the new season.  It will provide us with the juice to be able to run the existing AC and heat as well as to make water and charge batteries without taxing the Perkins diesel.  Thanks to Bristol Marine for their work with this job.

We are continuing to refinish the teak and holly sole.  Fortunately, 90% of the sole (floor) comes up and can be worked on in the basement at home.  We are using Epithane high gloss for the first 8 coats and a matte finish for the final two.  Thanks to the high quality of the Little Harbor, we are able to sand out all the imperfections as the sole is not a laminate but instead a solid teak and holly.  Once finished, the interior is going to look great.

Thats it for now.  Stay posted as we continue winter preparations.

A few pics from last summer aboard

Intro Posting

Kay and Richard are retired educators planning an extended cruise aboard their Little Harbor 44 CC.  The goal is to set out for points south starting in September 2013.  This blog will eventually cronicle that trip but first there is a great deal of preparation which we are currently involved with.  We have sold our house and are renting from fellow sailors that are away for two years.  By renting, we have the opportunity to thin out all that will be stored while we are away.  Our winter planning includes upgrades to Atalanta, development of possible itineraries, identifying safety needs, addressing communication requirements, research regarding customs and visitation requirements and much more.  This blog will explore our preparations and ultimately our journey.  We hope to spend time with family along the East Coast prior to launching into the Caribbean.  Eventually we hope to reach South and Central America.

Richard has been sailing most of his 61 years while Kay has been going to sea for the past 6.  Kay prefers the rank of "vice captain" and so she is.  Her knowledge and skills are amazing given her relative short time on the water.  Together we are a great team, well prepared for the adventure of sailing south together.

Atalanta is a strong and capable blue water boat that has seen her share of East Coast ports.  She is 44 feet, 34,000 lbs, sloop rigged and carries a scant 3 sails.  Once Ted Hood's Robin Too, she has sailed primarily along the coast.  Recent upgrades include a gen-set, watermaker (to be installed), new windlass, life raft, EPIRB, engine repairs, upgrades to navigation software, and more.  She currently (winter 2012-3) sits on the hard in Bristol, RI awaiting warmer waters.  

This blog will initally focus on our thought and preparations for the trip and eventually the trip itself. We hope you will use it to follow and communicate with us as it all unfolds.  Best always, Richard  and Kay