Not All Sun and Fun

Cruising on a boat (sailboat in our case) is not all sun and fun; it’s a bit of work.

We have a 30 foot sailboat, though completely restored it still involves regular routine maintenance to keep it from developing major issues. 

This involves making water every third or fourth day, doing laundry, washing and cleaning the outside of boat to keep salt and rust at bay, washing our bodies, and also servicing consumables (filters changes every so often).  Other parts are performing boat system maintenance at rated hours.  For example changing engine oil and filter, fuel filter, replacing zinc anodes on heat exchanger and prop shaft, changing out a water pump impeller, complete pump due to leaking seals, adjusting belts, inspecting and adjusting stuffing box packing, and so on. We also service the seacocks regularly (greasing and working back and forth) to keep them operating correctly. Another maintenance item is inspecting our fire system monthly so they are ready for use in the event we have a fire on board.  Anchoring system is also very important to maintain; servicing the windlass (cleaning and greasing) and inspecting chain so we can weigh anchor each and every time without difficulty. 

Sail rigging is another area we inspect and service.  Such as checking for cracks, adjusting standing rigging, inspecting running rigging and roller furler.  There are several other systems we inspect which would make this a longer list for another time.

So, it isn’t all sun and fun, but it does break up the monotony of daily living on a sailboat when we aren’t having sun and fun.

I added this section to Chris’ blog because I think folks believe it is all sun and fun sailing in paradise on a sailboat based on YouTube videos that some folks watch on cruising in exotic places.  I believe if folks can truly see what cruising really is they can make an informed decision on whether they would like this lifestyle.  Well, that’s it for now from Chris’ other half.  Fair winds and following seas to all.

Chris’s Voice

In addition to being Bruce’s gopher when he is in the midst of a big job, I clean the inside of the boat daily.  Our boat is too small to allow it to become disorganized by clutter.  I pick up and return everything back to its allocated spot, sweep, make the v-berth bed, cook and wash the dishes.  Washing the dishes is usually not a big job and if it is, Bruce will help with that chore.  Usually I am washing a dish or two throughout the day, because there is no room for accumulation of unwashed dishes.  Most days I will also have one extra job that is usually done on a weekly basis that includes cleaning the brass, dusting, (it is amazing how much dust you can accumulate on a boat), adding tung oil to the bright work (done less frequently), etc.  I also have been baking our bread since reaching the Bahamas it is not as easy to find.  The one bright side of cleaning the cabin is it does not take long. 

So that is the summary of the other things we do on the boat when we aren’t having sundowners (isn’t it 5:00 somewhere?), snorkeling, checking out the local bar, having sundowners, trying to fish, or whatever takes our fancy.

Living in Paradise