Well, here we are. Still at Cutter Marina. Essex, MD.

We are in a holding pattern but are still slowly making progress every day.

Progress on the Outside

In the last week, we have been hauled out, bottom sanded and painted and zincs replaced on the boat.

Then, re-splashed (back in the water) and relocated to a new slip, where we hooked up to the electric and have water onboard. It’s only cold water but still. It’s water.

Progress on the Inside

We had preventative engine maintenance scheduled, but it is going slow due to parts backlog.

Our starboard engine is all put back together with new nozzles and reset valves. It’s been a really long time since we have heard such a beautiful sound as the engine starting and purring like new.

The port engine is next and once it is finished, they will be able to install the new hot water heater and replace a generator hose.

Having hot water will allow us to use our showers on the boat.

Right now we are using the ones at the clubhouse.

It’s sometimes a long, chilly, windy walk with wet hair but we feel lucky to have a hot shower.

Dinghy Time

While all this has been going on, we purchased a new inflatable dinghy and engine that will be delivered soon.

This addition will be placed on our FreedomLift aft of the swim platform.

We had to order CO2 cartridges for our automatic inflatable life jackets because when that dinghy is delivered, we will want to jump on it and go exploring in the neighborhood.

Maybe even visit a new restaurant or two.

But seriously, do we really have time for fun?

Our Inside Tables

There are three new tables that we had designed and made in Texas.

Sam stained, bolted and installed them but not without some drama.

The large table in the salon was mounted on a stand that we ordered online.

It was good enough to take a picture but was top heavy so we had to search, find and put together the new base.

Thank you to The Restaurant Store!

Mo Money

It seems like we are just moving from one unfinished project to the next. And, of course, each one requires a new dip in the wallet.

As you could guess, we have been keeping the Amazon delivery guys really busy.

In addition, we have also been contributing heartily to the Baltimore economy.

You’re welcome, Maryland.

Learning Where the Smells Come From

Way back in the dreaming stage of owning a boat, never did we imagine we would encounter so many strange and mostly, horrific smells.

This was NOT part of the fantasy!

But here we are “googling” and watching YouTube videos of all the smelly systems on a boat.

Sam stepped up to the plate and cleaned out one of the bilge areas and let me tell you, it was not only gross but something that has to be regularly.

Oh great.

The Yacht Life

What we have learned early on is that yachting life is only glamorous on TV, in the movies, or if you have a large crew to take care of your every need.

But when you are the crew, you have to do all the fixing, cleaning, maintaining or hire someone to get it done.

It’s just like owning a home.

But with extra mysterious smells.

Next Steps Before We Leave

There are still a few things to be done before we go like:

• installation of our re-fabricated lower hardtop windows
• a complete electrical survey to determine various ways of charging and the exact operation of this system
• a hands-on training session with a mechanic to have us practice replacing and maintaining stuff

Even though everything seems to be taking so long, we are trying to be patient knowing that whatever we get fixed here will most likely not break when we finally get underway.

Right?

Or maybe I’m back in the fantasy.

I guess we won’t know until we get out there.