Where Is The End Of The “To Do” List ?

We’re still in the marina working on projects. The engine issue turned out to be the electronic control module, so replacing it has resolved that issue. Time to go up the mast and make sure everything looks good there. I pick a day when Barb is happy with me as she holds the end of my rope 🙂

While i’m up here
She controls the line from down there.

Onto the next big one – the lithium battery changeover. We packed with us 2 Wakespeed regulators, 2 Victron DC to DC chargers, 1 Victron Solar controller, 1 Cerbo GX Unit and 5” display, assorted wires, network cables, wire ends, heat shrink tubing and a hydraulic crimping tool.  We had shipped, from Miami, 3 Victron 330amp hour batteries, one 3000-watt Invertor charger and two 50 ft. spools of 2/0 battery cable. We had schematic drawings of how to do the install from Pacific Yacht Systems in Vancouver who designed the system for us.

Old stuff has to come out
So new stuff can go in
The finished project

When the old lead acid batteries came out of the boat, we discovered the plywood sub floor needed some repair work. Even getting some plywood turned into an all day job. I caught the shuttle bus to the first store, they had plywood but would only sell it in full sheets and would not cut it for me, I checked 2 other stores, they had none, so back to the first store I go. I plead again for them to cut it to no avail and ask if they have any suggestions of how to get it back to the marina because the bus or a taxi wasn’t going to work. By luck a guy with a flat deck truck overheard and offered to deliver the plywood to the marina ½ hour away for $15. Perfecto!

But first we need just a small portion of this for a wall and to fix the subfloor
Why a sheet of plywood would not work on the bus

Derick worked away in the Port aft cabin, doing lots more boat yoga, in the heat for 3 weeks. Multiple trips to town to get more wires of various sizes and more connectors. Its pretty much like rewiring the whole boat. Its all installed now. We are short one Wakespeed network terminator plug. Will have to order that and wait 10 days for a $15 part. Now all we have to do is figure out how to program it and set the parameters. In the meantime we get to see what our electricity is doing on a 5 inch screen.

More entertaining than most TV shows

The project also required removing the alternators to have them converted from internal regulators to external ones. Fortunately, Mr. Ranger, the shuttle bus driver, knows everyone in town. So, we stayed on the bus after everyone else was let off at the mall and he drove us to Isaac’s shop. For $50 each he changed over the two engine alternators and the new spare unit I had.  4 days later we returned to pick them up.

It’s a good thing Mr. Ranger provides this service as Colon is a bit of a sketchy town.

Isaac’s Electrical shop, Taller means workshop

We got our salon cushions redone with the fabric we packed from home. David came to the boat to make the patterns and take measurements and his mom did the sewing. They had them back to us in 2 ½ weeks, we will give them a 9 out of 10.

Shooting scenes for a Hallmark movie on the dock
Two 80 foot Sunreef Catamarans. The left one is diesel powered. The right one sail and electric powered, solar panels everywhere.

We rented a car one day to do a few errands in Panama City. We also did a big provision at PriceSmart (like a Costco) and Discovery Center which was probably the biggest hardware store we have ever seen.

View of the locks from the bridge. Old locks on the left new on the right, Lake in the background
Panama City. Haven’t seen this view in almost two years

The day was going quite well until we received a phone call that Derick’s dad had been found unresponsive in his room and rushed to hospital. Most of you know already, unfortunately he succumbed to a heart attack and passed away later that evening.

This lifestyle we have chosen is, for the most part, an excellent adventure even when there is lots of work. The downside is the amount of time we are away from family and friends and the important events we are not there for. We have the technology that allows for phone calls and video chats from anywhere but its not the same as being there in person. It is a sacrifice you must be willing to make and not a whole lot different from families separated by long distances.

While we wait for parts for one project, we work on other with the hope of being underway in a couple of weeks. All with the understanding that the projects and the weather must cooperate with us.

Rest in Peace Dad

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2 thoughts on “Where Is The End Of The “To Do” List ?

  1. Hi
    Wow , I had been picturing you sailing among all the beautiful islands you had told us about. Good thing Derick knows a lot about fixing the boat.. sorry it’s giving you so many issues. Sounds like it will be good as new soon so you can be on your way.
    Sad to hear of your dad’s passing.
    It is hard to lose such a great man and dad.
    Salon cushions look good.

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