There's a Tunnel. And it Has Light at the End.

This past weekend presented an unexpected break from the winter darkness, and I just happened to be free to get to The Boat Yard to do some work. The to-do list is shortening, and the Nautical MasterCard has the room on it to get this thing done soon. The way I see it, here is what is left:

• Finalize AC electrical. This is mostly a matter of finishing the wire runs to the panel and doing the final connections. The AC plan is simple: 2 outlets, a battery charger, and a small hot water heater. Low priority for launch, but easy to do.
• Finalize fresh water system. Like the AC electrical, this is mostly a matter of final connections. I have to build a new pick-up tube for the water tank and just haven't sat down to measure and plan it out. This also includes tubing runs to the hot water tank and sink, but the basics are all in place including the pressure pump and the tubing runs to and from the water tank.
• Finalize propane system. I need to purchase and install the LPG "sniffer" and solenoid shut off valve and connect the overboard drain on the propane locker. A one-day job.
• Build up the engine bed for install. This is a big job, but mostly because I haven't decided how to do it. I am leaning toward just doing it with hardwood and fiberglass. I can't see a reason not to, and it's way easier than having aluminum fabbed to do the same job.
• Exhaust system. I need to move the exhaust outlet to the port side of the boat to keep the hose run on one side, install the water-lock muffler, and run the hose. Most of this needs to be done before the engine is in. Likely I will build a base for the muffler at the same time I am building up the engine bed. Also, exhaust hose is brutally expensive.
• A few miscellaneous hose runs for vents: fuel tank and holding tank, specifically. Quick jobs once I have the hose.
• Bottom paint removal and repaint. Ugh. This job blows. There is no good way to get the paint off and it just takes forever. 
• A few miscellaneous topsides jobs to get the boat ready for the water (engine controls, engine panel, tiller install...)
• Mast wiring, polishing, and re-rigging. Most of the rigging will be done at the actual boat yard when we launch, and since I am probably installing a new furler at the same time, I'll likely just have the yard do all of the rigging. One less thing to worry about.
• I'll also have to send the sails in to get them modified for the new furler. Can't forget that one...I have my eyes on new sails, but that will have to wait.

 Then we have her trucked to Port Townsend and the yard at SeaMarine.  They will do the final measuring and install of the prop shaft, including the dripless shaft seal and the prop itself. They will do the final engine hookup, alignment, and testing.

And then we're sailing. We can finish deck painting and brightwork in the water. Anything we don't get done before launch will have to happen in the marina.

In the short term, I did get some work done this weekend.

The stereo and VHF radio are installed and working. Having an 8 year old around to help run wire through lazarettes and lockers is very handy.

Child Labor Laws Don't Exist at The Boat Yard

Seriously, after I taught him how to use an electric screwdriver and zip ties, I just set him loose to bundle wire runs and pull new wires through bulkheads. I can't fit in that locker now that the batteries are also in place. Thanks kid.

A blurry picture of the stereo and VHF install. This is the starboard side, aft near the icebox. Reachable from the companionway.

We went back and forth on where to locate the electronics down below. Finally we settled on flush mounting them into the panel behind the starboard settee. This made wiring pretty easy and keeps things together, minimizing wire runs and clutter. The chartplotter will sit above these on a swivel mount so it can be seen from the cockpit.

The remote RAM Mic for the VHF, located in the aft bulkhead of the cockpit, behind the tiller.

I also managed to get about a quarter of the bottom stripped and sanded. That job is going to kill me. Probably literally.

Fair winds.