We have been spending quality time with Mapache 2.0, going over her every inch, from the bottom of her keel to the top of her mast. We do this every year before returning to the water for the cruising season. For some context, our list of completed jobs on Mapache 2.0 in the last couple of months includes:
Sew new cover for life raft; Repair dinghy chaps; Repair window covers; Repair seat covers; Sew new hatch covers; Repair zipper on stack pack; Reinforce mainsail at spreader points; Replace head hosing (toilet plumbing); Repair fridge seal; Add fasteners to dodger-window covers; Paint name on boat (realize paint is bad, remove paint, order vinyl letters, install vinyl letters); Clean and buff boat; Polish stainless steel on boat; Insulate heater exhaust hose; Service winches; Replace bug screen on berth porthole; Clean and repair anchor bridal; Clean anchor locker; Clean and mark depths on anchor chain; Clean out lazarette and remove extra stern anchor rode; Reinstall stern anchor rode in quick deploy bag for emergency use; Cold galvanize anchor; Service anchor windlass; Install new windex at top of mast; Install new water filter under sink; Install water pressure accumulator; Replace bumpers on shower drain lid and in cockpit settees; Replace dinghy motor hoist strap and lines; Replace dingy davit lines; Relocate stern light; Relocate Automatic Identification System GPS antenna; Rebuild outboard rail mount; Replace engine exhaust elbow; Repack shaft seal; Remove rusted shaft coupler; Paint shaft coupler; Replace raw water impeller; Change engine oil, filter, and fuel filter; Clean entire engine; Paint engine mounts (in place); Clean bilge; Replace cutlass bearing; Replace steering cables; Remove Rudder and Replace bushings; Replace radial drive for steering; Clean water speed indicator; Sand and paint bottom ; Barnacle paint prop and shaft; Install new zincs; Clean and reinstall shaft line cutter; Re-mount Starlink, LTE antenna, and WiFi Access Point; Replace LTE modem; Reconfigure VPNs for work/television; Install new battery monitor and configure for remote access; Install new tablet at navigation station; Install Predict Wind data hub; Configure all device to receive data hub info via WiFi network; Update all navigation software and device firmware; Drill, tap, and screw all “set screw” connections on bimini, dodger, and davits; Replace mounting hardware on life sling; Replace deck mount blocks for reefing lines; Replace furler line; Seal leaking fenders with Fix a Flat; Clean dinghy; Mount fishing pole holder in dinghy; Replace fuel hose and hand prime bulb for dinghy outboard; Rebuild outboard carburetor; Replace outboard water impeller; Change both outboard oils; Remount hardware for dinghy chaps; Inventory all spare parts; Inventory and donate extra lines; Modify chain locker hawse pipe; Relocate man overboard pole; Relocate flag mount; Install cutoff valve to “make water” from marina hose; Install Hookah DC power connectors; Install quick disconnect for extra fridge; Patch fiberglass from old autopilot ram mount; Paint quadrant steering area; Fix engine hour meter; Install underwater lights and wire to helm switch; Sort and reorganize all chemicals
All We Need is Sunshine and Saltwater
Regular and thorough maintenance is important when you live in something that floats around in the corrosive elements of sun and salt. I have seen the cute throw pillows, decorative signs, and coffee mugs with quotes like, “all I need is sunshine and saltwater.” But, as we witness on the boat, those two things are incredibly efficient at destroying metals, fabrics, and even plastic. Still, the retail industry is not wrong. And so we spend our sweat, tears, money, and time upkeeping our boat so that we can continue to live salty, sun-kissed lives.
That time, in addition to some unplanned and unwanted events (see past two logs), has taken us through December, and we now look toward a departure date. One of our first stops will be Mazatlán. It is almost identical timing to when we first sailed down the Pacific side of Mexico, arriving in Mazatlán on Christmas Day 2021. This time, we plan to continue beyond Mexico’s southern border with the goal of reaching Panama by the end of this sailing season (May 2024).
Happy 2024!
During this time of year, we always reflect on how great we have it. Experiencing the world like this remains weird and wonderful. And having you as our crew (virtual and in real life) is inspiring. Thank you. Salud to you and to 2024!
“All we need” (plus a lot of maintenance that this induces)
We finally properly put the boat’s name and hailing port on her hull.
Rob, painting Mapache 2.0’s bottom
The corroded windex (wind direction indicator) mount that Sarah removed and replaced at the top of the mast.
Mapache 2.0’s rudder, out for inspection
The old (corroded and then broken during removal) steering radial drive
Brand new radial drive and steering cables – installed
Winch servicing
Old exhaust elbow with corrosion and carbon buildup
Brand new, shiny exhaust elbow – installed
Rob, cleaning the boat with some toxic chemicals (hence the respirator mask and heavy gloves)
One of the old (completely disintegrated) hatch covers
New hatch covers and life raft cover – installed
Affixing new bug screen to porthole frame with a MacGyver weight system
We had some special visitors, who provided moral support during the boat maintenance. Thanks, Sarah’s Mom and Dad!
We also took a break to celebrate Día de los Muertos and watched Sayonara perform.
Everyone, even the bartenders at La Calaca, participated in the celebration of Día de los Muertos.
And we, of course, joined in.