We’ve been makin’ a list an’ checkin’ it twice…

My word there’s allot to do before we’re blue water ready! Hafskip is a very seaworthy vessel but her original owner made quite a few alterations and enhancements that make her a tad complex to operate and understand. Not to mention the alterations we’ll need to make to ensure we can store and operate everything we’ll be needing….. Hmmm….I get the distinct impression that if Ralph wasn’t so technically minded we’d be screwed.

Just to give you an idea of what I mean……

The repair or service bits as they currently stand:

Water leak in generator, GPS (won’t power up), Front staunchen (maybe others), Deck, running and anchor lights, Zodiac Life raft (Need to go to Townsville for this one), Lazy jack connections (gotta head up the mast for this one), Marine toilet seals and plumbing (hmmmm), Davit 'D' rings (easy), Hull - clean and anti-foul (hard stand job), Deck - sand and repaint, Woodwork - sand and varnish, Engine - oil change and service, Sand back and re-paint bilge areas (rust is not our friend)

The build or alter bits (this is mostly to enhance functionality):

Forward cabin storage area

Access holes for under seat/kitchen/cabin storage, Seat behind steering wheel, Compartment for Laptops and camera gear, Airex wind generator blades, Cockpit instrument panel, Storage bracket and compartment for dive gear, Fuel storage area

The stuff to install bits…. (so far…)

Solar panels, Life raft and bracket, Radar, HF/VHF ham radio and antennas

The ‘To-buy’ bits:

Second anchor, New 7 stage battery charger, Cargo nets, Safety lines, Bimini for cockpit (if possible)

So…we’ll be busy eh?.... and who knows we may even get it done before Christmas. If not, ol’ St. Nick better have some spare storage in his sleigh!