Trip Update - Broken Gauges and Finding a Babe With a Nice Rack?

This morning, I was sitting inside, enjoying my breakfast while watching Joe captain the boat. He looked like he was filming himself—probably to show his girlfriend Brea. It’s entertaining watching him dash around, snapping pictures of everything from the sunrise to pulling up the anchor in the dark. For Joe to be taking this many pictures, he must be pretty damn impressed with the lifestyle.

The only real hiccup on this trip so far? Fuel gauge drama. The port-side gauge has always had an issue, and I suspect the MDI control box was the culprit. But now the starboard gauge is pulling the same stunt. Those MDI boxes cost $800 each—highway robbery for a part that’s so common to fail. But I’m starting to think the real issue might be the sending unit in the tank. Case in point: after some rough chop, the starboard gauge suddenly started working again, like something got knocked back into place. So, before I fork over the cash, I’ll check all the wire crimps and spade connections to make sure they’re snug and not corroded. I’ve already checked the port gauge once, but I’ll give everything another once-over.

The good thing? On every trip, something will break. That’s just part of the deal. At least this time, it’s something I can manage.

The weather has been warm enough. At night, when I drop anchor, I run the generator and space heaters for a bit to take the chill off. But for sleeping? No heaters needed—just cool night air and plenty of blankets. Perfect.

Now I’m outside, behind the wheel. Autopilot engaged for a four-hour motor, straight ahead, no turns, no boats out here—just me and my thoughts. Naturally, they drift to my new friend, Lisa. 😍

And then it hit me—she can’t be “New Lisa.” She has to be “Ohana Lisa!” See, I go by "Capt. Ohana Dave" in the Antares world because there’s another Dave in the group. And, crazy enough, he is married to a Lisa. So naturally, my Lisa has to be "Ohana Lisa." It’s only fair.

From my chats w/ “Ohana Lisa”, one thing is crystal clear— She really, really, really, really loves boats and the cruising lifestyle. And honestly? That’s starting to feel like my number one must-have trait in a partner. I used to think anyone could learn to love it, but I’m realizing that’s just wishful thinking. Back in the day, my top priority was... well, a nice rack. 🤪 But when you’re living this lifestyle, having a partner who actually enjoys it—not just tolerates it—is absolutely non-negotiable. I’ve heard too many stories of cruisers selling their boats after just a couple of years because their wife decided she’d rather spend more time with the grandkids.

That said, don’t worry—I do still have my priorities straight. Her loving the boat life is number one, but a nice rack? That’s a very, very close second. 😆