After a lightning strike in 2011 forced our hands for an early electronics refit, we've had few to no major projects on the list for a few years. However, every 2 years we are usually due for new anti-fouling bottom paint.
Guatemala's Rio Dulce was the place selected for this year's haulout. Besides being a beautiful country to visit, prices are reasonable for dockage and boatyard. Plus, we are taking advantage of its skilled workforce and convenient shipping options for a Reach "aesthetic" refit. Namely, a few beautifying projects, functional replacements and system upgrades.
Outdoors:
- Cockpit canvas ~ Persian green sunbrella purchased at Pesqueros, sewn over old cushions, shrunk to fit
- Dodger ~ Strataglass & vinyl shipped in via Almacen Naval, sewn with Tenera thread
- Dinghy patches ~ vinyl underlay and sunbrella patch over seat wear & tear spots
- Weather station ~ replace useless LaCrosse system with new Davis system
- Outboard ~ new 20 hp Suzuki 4-stroke shipped in via Captain John's
- Bottom paint ~ Islands Seahawk 44 shipped in via Almacen Naval, haulout scheduled for RAM Marina
Indoors:
- Settee covers ~ JSI sewn using original pattern, color "Cambridge Blue", Ultrafabrics Brisa
- Window trim ~ Original "sand" pattern found to replace 15 yr old trim
- Water-maker ~ CruiseRO watermaker arrived via Captain John's
We obtained and provided most of the materials for canvas work using both local sources or shipped in from the States. The canvas sewing is being done by Rony and we are very pleased with the work so far (~1 week turnaround for cockpit cushions, still waiting on the dodger) . Existing cushions were re-used for both the cockpit and settee projects.
Although the material prices are low for new foam, it was logistically too difficult and expensive to ship this in bulk being charged for size of shipment.
The cushions were in good enough shape to re-use; however they do shrink. The coverings were therefore shrunk to approximately 7% smaller size by JSI and fit perfectly around the foam.
Our trusty Village Marine 6 gal/hr watermaker went to a good home with James (Karma). The new CruiseRO [AC] system with two 40" membranes will bring us 30 gal/hr once installed if Mark can get it to fit into the old space somehow...!
Stay tuned for the new dodger to round out our canvas work, a water-maker installation and haul-out for a bottom job that will keep some of us busy over the foreseeable future!