Winter Jobs

Winter is the ideal time to tackle some of the bigger jobs and upgrades that you have been planning for your boat. We usually start with a small list and end up with a huge list with some of the jobs inevitably not being finished before spring rolls back around and the cruising season begins.

This year our list so far comprises:

· Changing the galley work surface. This is a job we have wanted to do for the last three years. We hate the surface that is currently installed and think that the boat would benefit hugely from a fresh new surface, to lift the interior space. This won’t be a hugely expensive job to complete but will make a big difference to life onboard.

· Installing an inverter. This job was on last year’s list but due to other jobs being completed never got started. This year will be the ideal time to install the inverter so that we can have 240V power away from a shore power post. If only to boil the kettle in the morning it will make a huge saving on gas. We will of course have to watch our power consumption and be careful not to over stretch the battery bank. Another cheap job that we just need a little time to complete.

. Installing a 240v socket in the cockpit Another of those small jobs that keeps getting put off. We spend a lot of time in the cockpit area and the nearest 240V socket is in the galley area. It would be a great benefit for us to have an exterior water proof socket in the cockpit area beneath the table area, so that we can bring out the coffee machine, plug in the laptop, charge phones etc. Another cheap job that we just need a little time to complete.

· Service the windlass. This is one of those jobs that keep getting put off. Now that we are using the anchor winch a lot more we need to make sure that it is in full working order and to keep it in full working order it will need some attention. The motor will need stripping and inspecting and if all is fine reassembling with a liberal application of waterproof grease. Does not sound like a bad job until you try to access the winch in the tight confines of the anchor locker.

· Replacing the cabin carpets. Due to our recurring water leaks we have suffered this season, now hopefully fixed, our cabin carpets have suffered badly from water staining. Earlier in the year we removed them and washed them at home only for the water leak to reoccur a few weeks later. This time the carpets are beyond washing so we will take them out, use them as templates for the new carpets and replace them with a much easier to clean synthetic carpet. At the same time we will wash our over carpets which should help to keep the new carpets clean and tidy.

· The outboard bracket. This has been one of those nightmare jobs, a real thorn in the side. This winter we need to fabricate a way of attaching the outboard for the dinghy to the transom of Naughty-Cal. With the davits installed the dinghy is a breeze to hook on the back but the outboard is still proving to be a challenge some six months after we started the search for a suitable bracket. We have come to the conclusion that a custom made stainless steel bracket is the way forward but we need to design it and make sure it will work so will mock it up in mild steel first.

· Servicing the Outboard. This needs doing about once a year and winter is the ideal time. We will take the outboard home to do the service in the warm and cosy surroundings of the garage. We won’t use the dinghy much during the winter months anyway so we may as well take it home and offer it some protection from the elements.

· Spruce up the dinghy. We have had dinghy for most of a year now and the heavy season of use is starting to show. During the winter we will deflate the dinghy and take it home before reinflating it in the garage and giving it a thorough clean up. We will also install the bow bag and repaint the wooden floor which is starting to peel and look unattractive. This will also be the ideal time to check the tubes for any signs of damage or general wear and tear, hopefully ensuring a trouble free season next year.

This little lot should keep us occupied during the long winter months and should also ensure that both Naughty-Cal and Asbo are well prepared for the 2012 cruising season which promises to be the most action packed season for us to date.