And The Frustration Continues

Well, as of today we do have two of the four new hatches installed. I have no idea where the other two hatches are. By the way, if any Vagabond owners are considering replacing original hatches, they are bolted to the entire deck area. So you have to remove the ceiling liner and cut the bolts out. Otherwise, it will be an almost impossible challenge to get the hatches out. We think we are happy with the hatches but we are waiting for the hurricane which is supposed to hit sometime this weekend. It sure would be nice to have dry sheets after a downpour.

Today, we had an experienced marine electricial come to re-wire some of the switches that were "jerry rigged" (sp) and we found a lot of things wrong and possibly a fire hazard. It's all just gutting us, but I guess that's what to expect when you buy someone else's boat. The electrician expects to work on the wiring for three days, and then the electronics technician can come in an install the electronics properly. He thinks he might just be able to get the auto-pilot to work. Fingers crossed!

Think the mizzen boom stackpack is all finished and we are just waiting for the sailmaker to find time in his busy day to bring it down and fit it on. Mac has been busy working around the boat, while I pretty well do nothing. Whenever I clean out a corner, a little elf finds something to put there. I guess space on a boat is a valuable commodity.

I think I will be happiest when Ryen's Quest is finally put on the stern and we celebrate by making the Gods happy.

I am not entirely sure that Ryen's Quest will be ready to push off in October, but Allan swears if he has to row the boat out of the harbour, he will be leaving on his date. And with Mac as his crew, this is one thing I can count on!

So in two days I will be leaving the boat and going to visit with my family for as long as they will have me . Hopefully, all will be done when I return.

Can Almost See The Forward Cabin!

We have been working steadily to get things stowed properly and although there is still lots to do we can almost see the forward cabin which is good for Mac. As soon as he can get to his bunk, he is moving aboard as well. Mac has been coming down to the marina, when he can, and helps to roll rope and do all the stuff a bosun does. Al and Mac are so anxious to shove off, it's like watching kids waiting to go to Disney Land.

We put up the main mast stack-pack and it almost felt like Ryen's Quest wanted to get off the jetty as much as we do. She pulled against the lines with the slightest of wind. It won't be long!

As much as I love the galley on the Vagabond 42, cooking has been frustrating. I am not familiar with propane, and the stove door opens if I lean against it. We have a bar to install in front of the stove knobs, so that should fix the door issue.

We have gotten to know more of the members here at the Club. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful. We met a crew from Italy who put their boat on the hard and will return in the spring to begin the next leg of their journey up the St Lawrence canal to Ottawa. They have been cruising for two years, their most recent stop being in the Carribean. We also met a young man who works in Iraq with the University of America. The stories he told about his personal security and the local culture was amazing. He goes back to Iraq in a couple of weeks for what he thinks will be his last year. I can only imagine the stress he lives with on a daily basis.

Joe the carpenter was just here to measure up the hatches one last time. He expects to have them in by the end of this week depending on the weather. No more leaks, and no more garbage bags on the deck. The garbage bags definitely do not enhance the appearance of Ryen's Quest. This is finally her turn to have a make-over and show her as the beautiful boat she is.