Hello everyone,

A recent question made me realize that most people have not seen our boat and have no idea how we do even the simplest things. Thus this latest message.

Our “head” or bathroom is quite large as boat heads go. It is approximately 4 ft by 4 ft, with a counter along one side. This gives us about a 2 by 4 foot floor space. Part of this space is taken up by the toilet. The counter has a small sink in it, cupboards above and below and a cut-out in the top called “the hell hole”. This hole gives me lots of room to store extra towels and supplies.

To shower in the head, we string a cut-down shower curtain along the windows, protecting the counter and drawers from water. One person sits on the closed toilet seat while the other sprays water on them. The waste water accumulates below the floor grate and is pumped over by a sump pump. But, as the pump doesn’t always work and the whole room then needs to be dried, we seldom use the indoor shower.

Instead, Murray has cut a shower panel with hot and cold water, into the cockpit combing. This works very well. Except when it is cold, as it has been the last few days. The cold wind blowing over wet skin is not especially inviting. And, of course, the water is only hot if we have been motoring. Otherwise, it is just at the water temperature of the surrounding seas. That might be in the low 70’s ( 20C ) or cooler.

To shower, we sit on the cockpit seats, slightly out of view from neighbouring boats. One person, seated next to the shower controls, runs the water and gets us both wet and then turns off the water. We apply shampoo and then soap ourselves. Then, the rinse cycle, making sure to get all of the soap off but not use too much of the precious water supply. Then we wrap ourselves in large towels to warm up and dry off. Murray mops the cockpit seats with a string mop and the job is completed.

Once the days warm up, we will take navy showers. That is, we jump into the salt water and wash hair and all with shampoo. Bar soap will not suds in salt water. Once we are squeaky clean, we climb back aboard using the ladder and rinse off with fresh water to remove the salt. This can all be done either in bathing suits or without, depending on the closeness of nearby vessels.

So, as you can well imagine, we very much appreciate the first few showers at home, where the water is always hot, the shower has a door and the wind isn’t whistling through the rigging.

That is life aboard.

Hugs from the clean,
Heather & Murray

Hello everyone,

On Dec 26th, our alarm sounded at 0430. It was time to go! The wind had died somewhat overnight and we were making a daylight crossing of the Gulf Stream, an unusual event for us. By shortly after 0500, we were underway in the dark, finding our way between the lit markers ( and some unlit ones ) out into the Atlantic. Course was set for Lucaya and we settled back to allow the autopilot to do it’s job.

The seas were confused, as usual, with waves coming from all directions making the boat toss to and fro. Both of the sails were full but with not quite enough wind to allow us to sail. So, the motor continued to tick over and we started the watermaker ( with it’s new, expensive membranes ). Clear drinkable water was produced within 15 minutes! Yeah, at least that problem is fixed.

There was a definite lack of shipping within our sight during this trip, even when we reached Freeport. There were only three or four large ships awaiting attention at the busy seaport that Freeport has become. The sun set as we piloted the south coast of Grand Bahamas and it was full dark when we arrived at Lucaya. The entrance markers were brightly lit and we boldly entered, making our way into a canal to anchor. The trip only took 13 hours but we were pretty tired.

In the morning, we hauled anchor and proceeded to Lucayan Marina to re-fuel and clear customs. That process was accomplished quickly and efficiently and soon we were back at anchor. After launching the dinghy, we wandered through the town and marvelled at the scant number of tourists around. Most of the shops were empty of customers and this was the busy Christmas season.

First light found us underway once again, this time headed south towards the Berry Islands. The seas were flat calm, with no wind when we set out. By noon, the wind filled in but still behind us. Motorsailing on, we reached Great Stirrup Cay by 1700 hrs and, after some difficulty, got the anchor set. Overnight the wind howled in the rigging.

Early morning once again, we hauled anchor and headed out the cut. Once in deep water we turned the bow southward again, headed to Devil’s/Hoffman Cays just 25 miles away. Just one vessel was anchored within our sight as we dropped the anchor on the shallow banks behind Hoffman Cay. The dinghy was launched once again as we planned to be here a few days.

Devil’s Cay’s beaches beckoned and we planned a shelling expedition. But, on the way, Murray dragged a hook and landed a 6 lb Yellow Jack. Back to the boat to store him out of the sun and off we headed again. A few hours were spent hiking the beaches in search of unusual shells. Some specimens were added to the buckets but nothing really special.

Two other boats had arrived and it was time to plan a New Year’s Eve beach party. We made the rounds of the anchored boats to extend invitations for the following evening at a nearby beach. Murray snorkeled on a shallow reef and shot a couple of lobsters to add to the menu. He made some smashed fish and I mixed up curried lobster ( all from Devil’s/Hoffman! ). Everyone showed up and even Chester, the owner of Flo’s Conch Bar on Little Harbour Cay, came. It was an early evening though as we all sped back to our vessels before the sunset.

On New Years Day, Murray went out dragging a line from the dinghy again and caught a ten pound mutton snapper! He said that it was like having a cement block on the line as it almost pulled him out of the dinghy. During the early evening, the wind picked up and a nearby vessel started to swing wildly around their anchor. It was a full-keeled sailboat and, with the wind and current, it was doing doughnuts around their anchor. Some of the passes were coming uncomfortably close to us! We pulled in some chain and also put down another anchor to try to stay safe. Neither one of us slept much and we moved over near White Cay early in the morning.

By the morning of Jan 3rd, the winds and seas had subsided, allowing us to head on to Nassau. All fishing lines were deployed but without any luck today. Monday, the job list was quickly ticked off, as groceries, fuel and clean laundry were bundled aboard and stowed. Today the wind is blowing hard again and I have taken advantage of the cool weather to bake some banana muffins and a pumpkin quick bread for treats or even a fast breakfast in the coming days.

Yes, I did say cool weather. It isn’t snowing here but most people are bundled up in coats and hats. Temperatures may reach the mid 60’sF.

Tomorrow we plan to head south again, into the Exumas. Another cold front, with lots of west and northwest winds, is due soon and we will need to find someplace to hide. Never have we seen so much wind from the west and northwest as we have experienced so far this winter. Hopefully, it will soon get back to the usual pattern of east winds, clocking briefly into the west only when a front passes.

Take care all and write when you have time.

Hugs,
Murray & Heather

I have updated the appearance of the website. Not sure that the photo interface is as good as the old one but I will see if I can improve that a bit in the future. But, I think things look better this way. Let us know if you have any issues with these changes.

On Saturday, we picked up our repaired generator and departed our friends’ dock the next day, headed for West Palm and a possible weather window to cross to the islands. The weather guru, Chris Parker on Bel Ami, had said that it might be the last opening before the end of the year.

Murray made preparations on deck while I baked some muffins, hard-boiled some eggs and made our dinner in advance. Due to the limited length of the window, we decided to head straight to Great Harbour Cay, in the Berry Islands. This would entail a departure around 10 or 11 am out of West Palm Beach.

At 11 am we hauled anchor and I started to head for the inlet. But, my way was blocked by “The Bounty”, a very large replica of the original square-rigger. It was making a turn in the channel and took up all of the space! I made about three circles before finding space to pass him on ” two whistles” or his starboard side. Then, with the way clear, we headed for the inlet and set sail for the Bahamas.

It was very warm with a wind blowing from the north east. That was funny, as it was forecast to be SOUTH east! But, off we headed, flying full sail but with the motor chugging along as well. Down belowdecks, Murray got the watermaker fired up. The last thing that we hadn’t tried out before our departure.

After a half hour, Murray brought me a measuring cup and asked me to take a taste. It was salty! Maybe it hadn’t run long enough yet. We tasted the water every 5 minutes for another hour, still finding the salt taste. It seemed to be diminishing but we couldn’t be sure.

Eventually at ten miles out, we turned around to head back. If we needed a new membrane, it would cost 50% more with the duties in the Bahamas. And 50% of a thousand dollars could be quite a sum. We continued to run the watermaker and taste the product water. By now, I couldn’t be if I was tasting salt or if it was just my imagination. We do have a TDS meter ( total dissolved solids ) but it didn’t seem to want to work.

Not wanting to give up yet, we sailed south of the inlet, continuing to taste the water. Finally we had to concede that it was not improving. It was time to give up.

As we headed back to the anchorage, I got out my “Dollar Store” phone and made calls, first to the manufacturer. Their response was that membranes usually last 5 to 8 years and we had had these for 12 years. If we could get internet access, we could order from them for $340 each, and, oh by the way, remember that the PUR 80 needs two of those membranes. Yes, we did know that. Our marina was next on the list of calls, to see if Ports Supply could get us a better price.

Today we moved the boat to North Lake Worth anchorage, in the rain, got on-line and order two membranes for Katadyn, to be delivered to a local marina that agreed to receive them for us. The parcel should arrive in 3 to 5 business days and then we will commence watching for another of those elusive weather windows.

The on-going saga of our continuing problems aboard Windswept IV. Oh well, the sun will shine and we have still more friends nearby to visit. Life is good.

Hugs to all,
Heather & Murray

Almost every mystery story starts with ” it was a dark and foggy night”. But this was a bright but foggy day, as we headed on south of Ft Pierce in the ICW. Suddenly both of us again heard the ” squealing ” that signified problems in the transmission. Veering off to the side of the waterway, we stopped and dropped anchor. Murray pulled everything out of the cockpit locker and checked the transmission. The drain plug was lying below the transmission! And, of course, there again was no fluid in the transmission.

Upon investigation, Murray discovered a crimp in the soft, copper washer that prevented the plug from being fully seated into place. Thus the fluid very slowly dripped out. He had NOT forgotten to replace the fluid in the spring. By switching the washer with one from the fill plug on the top of the transmission, he was able to fully tighten the plug and then re-fill the transmission. Then we cautiously started the engine once again and put the transmission into gear. No grinding and no squealing. Now we have concerns about the reliability of the transmission as it has twice been run dry.

Luckily, friends had offered us the use of their dock while we had our Honda generator repaired at a local shop. They have a house on a canal near Stuart, Florida with a very long dock, which will accommodate their boat, Trumpeter, as well as room for a guest. The Honda has defeated Murray this year. It starts and runs well, but doesn’t put out any power for charging our batteries. Thus, we will not be able to leave until this unit is repaired.

So, we are doing a few jobs from the list, picking up final items at the stores and waiting for a call from the repair shop.

Our visit to Vero Beach was quick. Sunday afternoon we picked up a mooring and, on Monday, we caught the bus, did Christmas and grocery shopping. Tuesday, we mailed Christmas presents and I did laundry while Murray checked the engine( added transmission fluid ) and worked on the generator. Wednesday morning, we met some old friends for breakfast, dropped the mooring, motored to Ft Pierce and joined some more friends for dinner. A busy few days!

Now we are forced to sit and wait. The dock is available to us for approximately two weeks and we will try to make ourselves useful around here.

That is life aboard. Hope all is well with you and yours. Write when you can.

Hugs from,
Heather & Murray

It was long past the time to replace our old lifelines as the vinyl coating was cracked and rusty in many places. All of the stainless fittings would also need replacing as the swaged ends showed the effects of corrosion. A professional rigger is needed to install the swaged ends and it would be expensive.

But, this summer, Murray had started to investigate replacing the wire with line. The line needed to be a low stretch type with a high breaking strength. By far the biggest advantage of the line option was the ability to do the job yourself. The racers appreciate the reduction in weight of the line lifelines but, on a cruising boat, this wasn’t our priority.

Johnson Marine makes the fittings necessary to use a spliced line, as a lifeline, and these fittings are carried by West Marine. It still isn’t a cheap process as we had three gates needing Gate Hooks and Gate Eye-to-Eye fittings.

For the line, we chose Sta-Set X both for breaking strength and cost. The upper line is 5/16 and has a breaking strength of 4,400 lbs while the lowers are 1/4 with a breaking strength of 2,700.

Due to the difficulty splicing this line, Murray used his ClampTite tool ( available at ClampTite.com ) to clamp the loops around the stainless thimbles. Each thimble is double clamped with stainless wire. Alternately, the loop could be whipped and sewn. All screw-together connections were assembled with blue Loctite.

The line is tightened with lashings of sufficient number and strength to equal the strength of the low stretch line. Further, the lashings allow the lifelines to be tightened if they stretch over time.

Approximate cost of this job – under $300. But, now the lifelines can easily be replaced for just the cost of the line ( less than $100 ) as the fittings should for last many years. At this time, manufacturers recommendations suggest replacing the line every four years due to uv damage.

For more photos of this project, see our photo gallery.

The weird sound was getting louder and now was almost a screech. Just 2 miles behind us was the dock at Reynolds where we had worked so hard on the boat for 2 weeks. Would we need to return? Could we return?

All of these thoughts ran through my head as Murray eliminated the possible culprits. It sounded like a bearing. Maybe the fan belt housing or the transmission or the new cutlass bearing we had installed while on the hard. He removed the fan belt but the sound persisted. Not that bearing. OK, he then checked the transmission…. it was cool to the touch. Next he rotated the shaft by hand, but it seemed to spin freely. Not the cutlass bearing then. Back he went to the transmission again, to check the fluid level. There was NO FLUID! Yikes, where did it go? He quickly filled the reservoir and felt beneath the transmission, looking for leaks. After a few minutes he checked the fluid level again and found that it was holding. Now, time for the test. We put the transmission in gear and it went easily, without any trace of the screech. Slowly the revs were increased and the boat chugged on down the river towards Jacksonville.

What had happened? There are two possible explanations. The first is that after draining the transmission fluid in the spring, Murray neglected to refill the reservoir. The other possibility is that in re-filling the reservoir, he missed the small funnel and poured the fluid into the bilge. Neither option is great but mistakes happen and we were lucky this time.

But, it was a sunny Sunday and we were headed down the St John River with other adventures ahead of us. The weather was still cool with very light winds. That night we anchored near Blount Island, just a few miles from the junction with the ICW. Shortly after dawn on Monday we motored into the ICW and headed south. In St Augustine, radio contact was made with friends anchored there ( Dave & Kathy on Dyad ). The Bridge of Lions was still under construction but opened on it’s usual schedule. As the Matanzas Inlet area came closer, radio calls from boats aground were heard. “TowBoatUS, TowBoatUS”. It was almost a full moon tonight and the low tide was extremely low. But, our plan was to stop early, anchor at Fort Matanzas and catch the high tide at first light. As we approached, three boats were aground. Murray remembered an alternate route into the anchorage and we slowly made our way into the deep water and dropped the hook. I had roasted a turkey breast as we motored along, so we had turkey, squash, potatoes, stuffing and gravy for our dinner. What a feast!

With the dawn, the tide was high and there was no difficulty piloting through the buoys. It was another quiet day with few boats out and about. Our planned anchorage was reached much too early to stop, so on we pressed. I took the helm as Murray worked to finish installing the new lifelines ( photos and report to be posted later on the website ). The dolphins swam along beside us and the pelicans and osprey fished from the air. A lovely quiet afternoon. By 4:30 we found a small spot just off of the ICW in Mosquito Lagoon, just in time to enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand.

Today, we were up at first light again. Strong winds are forecast and we wanted to be securely anchored. By 0930, we were anchor down at Titusville where we will spend a few days, visit with friends ashore ( Don Wilson on Next Exit ) and pick up some odds and ends from the ongoing shopping list. Mostly we will be waiting for the wind to switch around and blow from the north to let us more easily sail on further south.

Future plans? Vero Beach is a day and a half south and some generator parts are supposed to be waiting at the marina for our arrival. There we will re-stock, repair whatever has broken and start to watch the weather for an opening to cross to the islands. When that might happen is anybody’s guess. Until then, we will just be glad to be back on the water and in the warm.

Hugs to all,
Heather & Murray

It has been a busy 10 days but we are splashing later today. Murray and I worked for 2 days, cleaning up the mildew and vacuuming up ants. Dead ants were all through almost every article of clothing aboard and that gave me seven garbage bags full of laundry. Then we had a new mattress cover and bottom sheet to modify to fit onto the vee berth. It was made easier as this time I had purchased king sized which fit so much better ( at least at the head of the bed, the foot is a whole other story ). But, when that job was done, we removed two thru-hulls and installed the two new transducers for speed and depth. Then the wires had to be run, through limber holes in cross members in the bilge for that purpose. These were already filled with other wires , so it was a challenge.

But, once the inside jobs were accomplished, we worked outside. Two more days were spent trying to remove the worn cutlass bearing. But, with some help and Murray’s ingenuity, it was removed. The new one went in easily and the cleaned prop re-installed. Then bottom paint and wax was applied and we were ready to launch. Due to the pier closure here, we will be docking at Reynolds Yacht Center for approx a week to finish the interior work, bend on the sails and stock the boat.

Then we shall be underway once more. The work of getting there and the hell of living on the hard will begin to fade from our memory, allowing us to face it once again next year.

Hugs,
Heather & Murray

Well, we got to St Augustine by 6 pm last night ( after a long detour in Tennessee due to a rock slide taking out I-40, between Knoxville and Asheville, NC ) and stayed in the International Golf Village. Today, we got an early start and arrived at the marina just after 8 am. Once we said our hellos and arranged for a ladder, we climbed aboard.

What a mess!! All of the teak belowdecks was covered with mildew, the cans that had been stored carefully in a plastic tub had rusted due to dripping water from a leaking hatch above it and there were thousands of dead ants covering everything! While Murray readied the boat for the move to the workyard, I started wiping down all surfaces with a diluted vinegar mixture. After the last two years of little to no mildew, I was not prepared to see such a mess especially as we wipe everything down before we leave in the spring.

Once they moved the boat, Mur and I washed the majority of the summer’s grit off of the decks and then tackled the dead ants. All the cushions had been stored in the vee berth where the ants seemed to be the most numerous. The cushions had to be vacuumed and then the bedding carefully removed, shaken and the bed re-made. Murray got the inverter re-connected and the power on to the boat. The frig didn’t start cooling but we will tackle that problem tomorrow. The rusty cans have been sorted and the worst ones tossed in the trash.

We sure have a long work list for the next few days! Besides the planned installation of depth and speed transducers, removal and replacement of the cutlass bearing, usual washing and waxing of the hull and bottom painting, I also have to modify a pair of sheets and mattress cover, finish washing all surfaces belowdecks for mould/mildew, un-pack car/ suitcases etc etc. It makes me tired just thinking about it. But the sun shone today and we wore shorts. Also, the wireless works here on the boat and we have a cell phone as well to order parts etc.

Hugs from
Heather & Murray

Close to the middle of September, we flew to California to visit our family out there and also to see some of the sights. Jeremy and Cynthia welcomed us into their home in Sunnyvale and allowed us to spoil the grandchildren just a little.

After only a couple of days, we met our friends Linda and Kuyler at the San Francisco airport and headed into the big city, utilizing the BART ( Bay Area Rapid Transit ) and a streetcar. Being deposited at Fisherman’s Wharf, we soon found our hotel, changed into walking shoes and headed off. Fisherman’s Wharf seemed like the place to start and we meandered through the stores, enjoying the sights until food and beverages were needed. Linda and Kuyler made it an early night while we continued to enjoy the city for a while longer.

Daylight found us again out and about, with a boat cruise of the Bay first on our agenda. It was a perfect morning for being on the water with hardly a ripple on the water’s surface and only wisps of fog to be seen. A ride on the famous San Francisco trolley car was next and we stayed on until it neared Chinatown. That area was a very unique streetscape and the stores sold items that none of us had ever seen before. Back down the famous hills we trod with the next destination being the most crooked street, Lombard Street. My heels were blistered and these old knees complaining about all of the walking. So, the rest of the gang made the climb while I took a shortcut and awaited their arrival on flatter streets. Back to the hotel to get our gear and the gang separated then for a few days. Our 24 hours in San Francisco was over! Linda and Kuyler drove to the Sacramento area to visit his brother while we took the Caltrain back to Sunnyvale and another visit with the grandkids.

Monday morning found the fearless four headed southwest towards the coast and Big Basin Redwood State Park. Murray was in rally mode down the narrow, twisty roads and the trees lived up to their reputations. Photos cannot show their grandeur but it was very much worth the effort to spend some time in the shadow of these giants.

The coast highway drew us on southward with many beautiful vistas to stop and enjoy. Murray again was the driver of choice for this famous and dangerous roadway. The night was spent at a lovely hotel near Cambria, right on the beach. In the morning, we toured Hearst Castle and enjoyed the beauty and opulence of that place very much. The day continued warm and sunny while we shopped in the nearby village.

Northward, back across the foggy Golden Gate Bridge, Linda piloted us into the Sonoma Valley and the wine region there, destination Healdsburg. In the morning, we toured the Simi Winery, learning of all of the steps it takes to produce the wine we enjoy. Then, out into the countryside and more wine tasting followed by wine buying. With all of that wine before lunch, a nap was needed by all! Then, off to downtown and the unique shops there. Just looking, thanks.

After a leisurely breakfast, we turned the car back towards San Francisco with an unplanned side trip into Sausalito. The marina area drew us like a magnet with Murray spotting the biggest sailboat we had ever seen. She is the Janice of Wyoming and 130 feet long, with a composite mast that reached far into the sky. What a gorgeous thing!

After picking up a few bargains in a local shop, we crossed the Golden Gate, again in fog. Jeremy and Cynthia invited all of us into their home for the usual Friday evening pizza event. The fearsome four split up again here with Linda and Kuyler headed off to a hotel for a couple of nights. We, of course, spent some more time with our family.

Sunday morning came all too soon and it was time to fly back home again. Those twelve days just flew by.

Coughs and colds became the norm around our house for the next few weeks as we did the final jobs in preparation for our departure to the boat. The sewing jobs on the list were accomplished with replacing a fifteen foot zipper in the sailcover being the most difficult task. I don’t think that I will ever be nervous of sewing zippers again after putting that one in. I took some time out from the jobs to spend a few days up north with my mom, hopefully not passing on my cold to her.

But, now the house is ready to be abandoned, the car is packed to the roofline and we are ready for the next adventure aboard Windswept IV. Stay in touch with us when you can. We so enjoy hearing from all of you back here.

Take care of yourselves. Hugs from,

Heather & Murray