Boat jobs

Time for boat jobs - repairs, installations, and cleaning. During our absence, poor Sea Turtle became coated with layers of grimy, dusty dirt all over her decks. Where did that come from? I think the winds and their dust accomplices know when we are away, and they (and the pelicans) take advantage of our absence by resting and  messing on our decks. It always seems so much cleaner while we are in and about the boat.

As we are moored, we had to use 20 L bottles of water, packed out in the dinghy, to clean her decks. The interior was a little dusty and had a small bit of mildew, but nothing like in Panama.

A neighbouring boat made arrangements to get anchor chain re-galvanized, but a minimum of 500 kilos was required, so Jordan included our chain as did 2 or 3 other boats to get the required weight for a discounted price. Of course, the arrangements fell through (common problem in Mexico and Central/South American countries) and new arrangements were made, with everyone's chain waiting on land. Still waiting but it looks promising!

So far, dinghy engine parts have been replaced and the motor now runs great. And the stainless steel has all been polished bright and shiny, new gaskets have been installed, and the water pump has been taken to a shop to be rebuilt. Still need to replace some port and hatch moldings, attach new sheets (sail lines), and attach new electronics to our depth sounder so the display will work properly. And finally, the repaired and installed autopilot needs to be tested.

A little early for Poinsettias back home, but apparently not here...

Time to go sailing - sitting still is so much work!