Monday, January 25, 2010

The "to do" list

For those of you who don't have yachts, one of the great (or otherwise) things about them is that there is always something that needs to be done. Whether it be a major project or simply washing it because it's got dirting since you washed it yesterday - having a yacht that was built in the mid to late 70's (I really must try and find out exactly when it was built) there is always something that needs replacing, fixing, improving, changing, etc....

The things that are on the "to do" list generally fall into either the cheap and just require time or expensive ($$) category.

Just so I can keep track of my thoughts, as much as anything, I'm putting together my official "to do" list.

Trailer ($$$$) - the current trailer is suitable as a yard trailer only, i.e. covered in rust, etc, and we therefore need a new trailer prior to taking ourselves to new waterways.

Sails ($$$) - the sail we are currently using are quite old and grubby and not really holding a good shape. The jib is also not quite the correct shape for the boat and appears to have been a genoa for a smaller yacht with a shorter mast. Also, toying with the idea of a spinnaker.

Tidy up Keels- the keels, which are a big lump of steel (possibly cast iron - tbc) are also suffering from a bit of surface rust. This just needs to be ground back and tidied up. This however requires Maggie to be put up into a cradle for a few weekends - might be a winter lay-up project?? 

Hard wire capability for GPS - to save running through a shed load of batteries, the plan is to run the GPS off the boats internal battery system. This just requires a cable and a bit of jigging of the electronics.

New storm boards - which is as simple as getting some ply, cutting it to shape and water proofing it / painting it - probably yellow??

Length makings on anchor chain / warp - actually check entire anchor system is satisfactory for over night holding and potentially look at anchor suitable for current changing direction and different ground conditions

Replace lines - mainsheet, main halyard, topping lift

Sort out once and for all how this water is getting into the cockpit locker.

Bilge pump  - I need to get some way of getting water out of the cabin other than with a bucket - the positioning of this may be a little tricky as the cabin floor and lower sides are all compartmentalised.

GPS "talking" to autohelm 

Install wind instrumentation - probably Raymarine ST40 Wind to go with the existing ST40 bi-data (depth and speed log)




General check of all the lighting to allow Maggie to venture out into the darkness and anchor overnight

Re-jigging the electrics in general re-charge off the outboard, greater capacity, larger solar input (inc. mounting panels.)

I also need to get one of those horseshoe lifebuoys and a stainless steel frame for it to attach onto 


The numbering on the hull needs to be redone and we need also need to put the name on Maggie - once again nothing tricky, just need to order / buy some vinyl lettering/numbering and do it. Yes I know I could be ordering it on-line now instead of crapping on - must remember to measure letter heights!!

And of course the perennial, sandy and varnishing timber and restoring the gelcoat to a really bright yellow!! 

And yes, I know it would probably be cheaper in the long run to buy a newer yacht with all of these things already done...but where's the fun in that!! And this way I can do things as I find the debris that has fallen from the bucket of money!

Most of it is just little bits of project work and it's getting to the stage where James is able to be entertained for a couple of hours at the Marina, which makes me feel less like I am abandoning my family on the weekend.


Hmmm...i need more photos....






Number 1 thing off my "to do" list was to buy the headlamp for a bit of light at night. I ended up going the Princeton Tec Quad. It will also come in handy for cycling at night. And yes I realise it wasn't on my list to begin with - but I needed one!!







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