aaand we're back...

By Sailor Keddy -
Yes, I know this is only my second post in 2015, which is almost over. Not much to report on however, just living in New Jersey and teaching math at a local public high school. Soveraine has been on the hard in that trailer park in Sarasota since last November, and I've been down a few times to work on her. As of right now, she is completely gutted with the exception of the engine, which will be coming out next week.

Elizabeth and I purchased a new Beta 25 3-cylinder diesel from the boat show in Annapolis in October. I decided a few months ago to go the repower route as opposed to trying to keep up with an aging foreign model for which spare parts are harder and harder to come by. The Beta was our choice for a few reasons, not the least of which is the support they offer along with many options that make a repower from an older diesel a breeze.

In addition to the new engine, I will be replacing her standing rigging with new stays and a set of swageless fittings, probably the Hi-MOD brand. I'll be upgrading her nav equipment to something more modern, possibly with AIS, as well as a new galley with a small fridge unit and a couple of 100 watt solar panels. A fresh coat of paint inside and out and replacing some ancient teak trim should round out the refit nicely.

It should be a busy 6 months, with a light at the end of the tunnel of some real cruising.

Comments

sgkuhner said…
Definitely install a new AIS both send and receive. We have found ours to be VERY useful. Not only does it warn you when you may be on a collision course with another boat; but, you also see the boat's name and when you call him by name they must answer you. Coming up outside from Florida last spring, each night we were on a collision course with a freighter and when I called he acknowledged us and said that they would alter course for us.
December 20, 2015 at 12:25 PM
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