Winter Sailing

The cold weather is creeping upon us slowly. I've been living aboard the Mariner for a few months now, and have made it a home. I've used Reflectix brand insulation wrap and duct tape on the hull to try and insulate from the cold somewhat, and got a small space heater that warms up the boat in no time at all.

This boat is only 19' long, and the cabin is about 10' long by 6' wide at its' widest. It's not a lot of room to store everything I need, but somehow I've been able to find little caches to put everything I need. When buying things at the store, I carry a tape measure to compare sizes with what would fit in different places. If it's off by even an inch, the product can't work for me.

I also managed to continue upgrading the boat's systems. There's two 85 amp hour batteries at the stern attached to a solar charger and the rest of the system. A smart car charger powers everything via the batteries when at dock (with the exception of the heater, which draws more energy than my inverter can provide.) There's also a 50lb thrust Minn Kota Riptide trolling motor which pushes the boat along at a meager 3 knots -- enough to get on and off the dock and motor for about 5 hours if I had to. Lighting has been a recent innovation as I've discovered that the cabin bulkhead is extremely strong and dense and most traditional screws won't go into it. Duct tape has been essential.

I've read a few other boat blogs about winter conditions and noted that they mentioned the condensation issue. I've noticed some condensation on the inside of the boat, but it's generally not too bad. The dockmates at my marina have asked me if I plan on shrinkwrapping the boat in the winter. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do, or how cold this winter is going to get. I'd love to go sailing on some warm winter's day!

Mariner gets its wings

I have become the proud owner of a 1967 O'Day mariner, number 1007, about two months ago. The boat has had an uneventful past. I got it for free from someone who wanted to give it a better home to someone who would really take care of it. As a tall ship sailor, I considered myself up for the task, got the boat launched, motored 20 miles to a yard location and started doing work on it. It is in great condition for its age. Sails look new, hull is perfect, and just some dirt and mold accumulation here and there. Some paint chipped off in the cockpit, and the cockpit sole boards need refinished. All in all, not a bad boat to get for free. 

I ended up moving into the boat a few weeks ago also. Its small, but I don't own a lot of things because of my traveling lifestyle. I installed a solar panel, and have been outfitting the electrical systems to be more robust. Most of the gauges are mounted on a custom made board insert with door assembly that let's you close off the cabin. Boat is fairly well sealed, with a small problem at the starboard chainplate leaking inside. 

Yesterday was a very monumentous occasion for the boat -- I decided to take Rhapsody for a sail. The boat hasn't sailed since the original owner had it, and without reference materials rigged the boat the best I could. There were small problems as I remedy sheets and such while underway, but we eventually sailed out past Boston Harbor and near Spectacle island. We returned at night, and I got to try out the running lights, which worked wonderfully. 

This boat sure is a keeper! Few things I need to find: cushions for cockpit and V berth, proper rigging pieces for the flew and topping lift, and a new interior light. Would love to replace all the lights with LEDs.

Where has the time gone?

Working aboard cruise ships offers a great experience, but not much time to write anything. Since then, a lot has happened which I never got a chance to write down. Things change so quickly, always on ones toes. But things always develop for the better. After visiting most of the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Eastern seaboard, I've returned back to Boston and found myself a boat!

A boat. Meet Rhapsody, a 1967 O'Day Mariner.

I acquired the boat for free from a friend of a friend. It was in great condition. When I saw it for the first time, it had a bit of dirt on it, sails hadn't been opened in 20 years, and needed some love. Well, it still needs some love, but I would have never imagined that the boat would set a course for such new and exciting things as it did...

  ... to be continued...

Big tin cans with rockets

Left for Logan Airport via the Massport Logan Express bus. On the way, I met this wonderful Norwegian fellow who was going back to his family, but he was carrying something special: a giant travel case full of chocolate! He said that they don't have anything quite like a Reeses in Norway, so this is how he brings it back for the family. Very cool!

Got to the airport very early just in case of problems. Currently waiting for my flight! Photos and other fun posts will follow once I touch down this evening at the Nina and Pinta!

So it begins...

I love adventure. Probably a little too much for my own good, actually. So when I heard about sailing to foreign countries, I couldn't resist! This is my story of a "Year on the Water"-- working, living, and exploring everywhere I can through maritime travel and work opportunities. This will certainly prove to be quite the adventure!