A Lazy Recovery Day Making Plans.

My legs got badly sunburned on the trip around the island. Other than that, Micky and I did not have the expected soreness after paddling for that distance and time. But we still just took it easy yesterday. I did happen across a spectacular flowering whatever growing beside the road in the park. I haven't a clue on what it is, or if it's a native species, but it is gorgeous. Micky thinks it's some version of lily. Any ideas?

We did get out for a little while checking out the monthly rates at Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge. We love the place, but next year we plan on cruising in "Jazz" to the Bahamas. This year we want to use the boat on the Lake and begin the modifications and preparations to transform her into a real cruiser. Although she's a good boat for a week or maybe two in close to American-style marinas, she'd be a pain in the butt for remote locations.

Here's what I plan to do, in a nutshell. Add refrigeration, solar power, and storage.

The boat uses an ice box built into the hull. At the Sailing Club ice is free, so 40 pounds for a weekend is okay. When ice costs $3-4.00 for 10 pounds and takes 2-3 hours to get in a dinghy, when you can get it, an ice box is not a good option.

Once you put refrigeration on the boat, power generation and storage have to be increased or the motor must run for 1-2 hours each day. The fuel cost is not extreme, but the heat in the boat, noise, and wear on the motor are objectionable. Wind and solar are expensive to install, but free after that. I prefer solar to cut down the noise. A rack of solar panels will fit over the bimini aft of the boom and provide a large amount of power in the sunny southern latitudes.

Sailboats have a lot of internal volume that can be used to store all the stuff and food needed for cruising. The problem is most of it is really inconvenient to access. For sailing trim, it's better to have weighty stuff as low as possible, but getting down on all fours to retrieve a can of pork 'n beans gets old. By putting hinges on dinette seats and creating vertical storage areas, we can stack and load much more efficiently.

Fuel storage will be plastic Jerry cans tied to the rails. Water is in similar containers kept below. My boat has good sails, anchors, and electronics. We do need better cockpit cushions, though. And all the bimini/dodger canvas will need replacement.

For Micky and I preparation is half the fun.