Final Preperations Again

Well we are planning on leaving Panama City on April 1st. It feels like leaving Houston all over again, but hopefully with better results. We have been refitting Sandy ever since we got here, and now we are prepared for anything (probably not!!). But we are prepared for all the problems we had on the way here. I installed 3 more solar panels, at 125 watts each. When we left Houston we had 180 watts of solar and 400 watts of wind generator (that's if the wind is blowing 30 knots) Now we have 555 watts of solar. Which sitting at the dock is more than enough to handle our load. I also installed 3 new alternators, and KNOW that all three are working. And I bought a 3000 watt gas generator as a backup for the backups. Better safe than sorry.

I also added a new solar charge controller as our old one wasn't large enough to handle the additional power.

I also added AIS to our Raymarine system. I purchased the send and receive model, and installed the unit on a switch in case I don't want people to see me. I am currently waiting on a cable to hook it up, so we might not get to use it this trip. I also got my wind, depth, and speed units hooked up to the E120. The more I learn about the system the more I'm amazed by it's abilities.
For all those non mariners out there, curious about AIS?? www.navcen.uscg.gov/enav/AIS/default.htm

Jen has been re sanding our rail, because we didn't varnish it last spring when she was done sanding. So far she has about 3/4 of one side done. She would be done, but claims she is retired and can't work when the weather is too crappy, or too perfect. So in between too crappy and too perfect she only works about 3 days a month.

Before, During, and After.

I also re-polished our train horns, as it is our most important piece of equipment, and needs to be working properly. (I think they sound better polished)

As the crow flies Carrabelle is 59 miles away, but from marina to marina it is 100 miles going around Cape San Blas. We are still too tall to do any of the intercoastal waterways and will be offshore the entire way. We should be able to make the trip in 24 hours, but due to my lack of planning skills and everything taking twice as long as it should, I am planning 48 hours for this trip.



We are all looking forward to getting back out on the water. With fingers crossed and happy thoughts, we are ready to try again. Knock on wood this trip will be better than the last.