Getting Ready for Launch

The weather has been horrible for working on the boat. The priority is the getting the bottom paint on so Ariel will be ready to launch. Bottom paint has a high copper content as well as some biocides which resist marine growth. We use an ablative paint which slowing wears away. Since we will not have the boat hauled again until 2008 we want to give extra special attention to getting the bottom right. Well so far we have not been able to work outside so I decided to do the watermaker installation.

It took three weekends but the watermaker installation is now complete, but it will be quite awhile before we are able test it. Until we are ready to run it on a routine basis it cannot be started. This system has several components that can be installed in separate locations. .The final design is not much like my original plan, but my original plan was done away from the boat and my memory of the dimensions of some spaces was a bit off. I am pleased with the result however and it is very efficient with all of the components installed close to the others and also very close to electrical and water connections. The only concern I have is the module is mounted upside down attached to a shelf so that is hanging. This was to keep as much usable space as possible. The concern I have is that repairs, if necessary will be very difficult, and anything stored in this same area will need to be protected against potential water leaks. Routine maintenance, such as filter changes should be fairly easy.

We are also busy taking things to the boat. With the closing date set we have to make the final decisions soon as what stays and what goes. We are actually in pretty good shape with the final choices around clothing and kitchen items. We have had some strange dishes lately as Linda is cleaning out the cupboards.