Battery-Powered and Bullsh*t-Resistant: Sailing Past Ugly Profiles & Crusty Crew
Had some time this morning so I thought I’d talk to myself for a bit… Excited about this upgrade! The new batteries are going to be a game-changer—two of them take up the same space as just one of my current ones. The plan is to revamp the battery locker:
Batteries will be stacked neatly on shelves—two wide, two high.
The distribution circuits and battery management system will also be housed there.
A clear, removable plexiglass side panel will make it easy to inspect everything without dismantling the housing.
I’m integrating the bow thruster battery into this setup as well.
OH, and I found out w/ the new set up, I do not need soft starts on the air-conditioners!
Every detail they are doing is by the book and designed with serviceability in mind! The sense of comfort I have from them doing the work is incredible!
As for what’s coming off the boat, I sold the solar panels and SSB radio, which pretty much covered the cost of the B&G Vulcan plotter I’m installing place of the SSB. With so many changes happening, I’m also rethinking storage—bikes, SUPs, and scuba gear will now live in the aft cockpit locker, freeing up the lifeguard cabin for guests. The forward cockpit floor locker stays dedicated to cleaning supplies and a big-ass isolation transformer—so when I’m in the Med, I can easily plug into 220v 50Hz.
Now, about finding a replacement first mate… well, let’s just say it’s going to be a challange. Yes, I’m still chating w/ “Ohana Lisa.” I have not met her yet…she could be bat-ass crazy or pictures she shared were from high-school (Yes, she looks that youthful.) So keeping my feelers out “Just In Cases.”
The first mate pool? More like a first mate puddle. Sure, younger women find older men attractive, but most still need to work and aren’t in a position to just sail away or still have kids at home. And honestly, I’m done waiting. I’m heading south after the fall boat shows—no matter what.
Match.com? Feels more like a witness protection program for bad mates. New names, new photos… but when you show up? Surprise! It’s the same person that had people running in the first place. More like Gotcha.com—because every time you meet someone, you’re like, “Gotdamn! Who is this?!”
Crew finder sites? It’s less of a “find a crew” site and more of a retirement home for sailors who’ve been at sea since the Titanic went down. I checked it out, posted a crew request, and let’s just say… if you’re into someone with “a nice personality” or someone who’s been on the water so long they’ve got barnacles growing in places they shouldn’t, then it’s perfect.
So, for now, my focus is on my sexy girl Ohana—the adventure ahead, the open water, and seeing what (or who) I might stumble across along the way.
