Captain’s log
Dateline: 25.04.2022

Washing machine

My Daewoo DWD-35MCRCR is here. Folks at Bob & Annie’s Boatyard had to write a $40+ check to UPS for delivery. Some 1970s’ shit, no idea why UPS only accepts checks in this day and age.

It’s a washer+dryer combo. 220V, but that’s what I plan for my boat to have when I finally get her rewired. In my mind, low voltage should stay as low as possible (12V and not 24V) — to save copper and just keep it less sparky, and high voltage should stay as high as possible (240V and not 120V) — so that when you need it to be high, you really have it as high as it comes. I’ll only need it for my computers, induction stovetop, and this washer/dryer. I’ve never liked these flimsy tiny 110V plugs that end up getting their terminals bent all the time.

Bumped into Randy, the guy who owns the yard. He used to be a firefighter, told me that it’s important to use marine electric wires because they’re designed to flex and move. Household ones eventually break and that’s how shorts happen. He briefly mentioned a 80’ boat that ended up burning down because the owner decided to hire a household electrician to do all the wiring. Cheap becomes expensive.

The box was big but huggable. 30Kg. As I was carrying it out of the store, one of the customers held the door for me. An older gentleman. He then offered to help me get it to my boat by putting it in his truck. When I asked for his name, he answered, "Wolf", and then paused for a second. I legit thought his name was Wolf. But then he added, "Gary, Gary Wolf". That was a relief, his first name wasn’t really Wolf. I introduced myself by my first name, and immidiately felt regret, I should’ve given him my last name as well, out of respect for sharing his last name with me. Or I should’ve pulled the same trick on him, say my last name, take a pause, and then give the full name. Maybe he heard my accent and wanted to know where I’m from, so gave his name for me to give mine, so he could then ask where that’s from. He had a tiny super-friendly dog that turned out to be named Sam. No last name, just Sam.

I love Florida, everybody drives a truck here, genuinely friendly, laid-back, and very kind. Pine Island is a great place to be stuck in, I almost don’t want to leave.

Laptop returned

Quit my job, the last day was Friday, had to send my laptop back. Accidentally forgot half-finished bottle of water inside the box. I think I’m getting old, but that’s alright. Will be funny how they’re gonna open the package and find not just MacBook Pro in there, but also a small half-empty bottle of Aquafina. I hope it doesn’t leak.

Finders keepers

Saw a rectangular plastic bag floating by at around 1800. At first thought it was a newspaper, but then realized it’s 2022, people get their brains washed online. Turned out to be a sealed package with three Orion distress smoke signals. Took two sticks and pulled the bag up from the bow, it’s currently resting on my trampoline, drying. Seems like a bit of salt water got inside the bag, but they could still be good.

Captain’s log
Dateline: 27.04.2022

Dead Fish

Found a dead fish laying on the dock this morning. At first thought it jumped out of the water and was still alive, not having any idea which way to go. But then its motionless body made it obvious the fish was completely dead. I poured a couple of buckets of fresh water on it to push it back into the ocean without having to making any contact. Maybe some hungry dolphin will eat it.

These fishes jump out of the water all the time here, even small ones do that. No idea why though. Not that it matters.

I’m no CSI, but my conclusion is that the fish jumped out and landed on the dock, then had a heart attack after seeing how big and beautiful my boat is.

Captain’s log
Dateline: 01.05.2022

Jim again

Saw Jim again today, the old captain that used to skipper my boat when she was young. He said he had some photos to show from those days, so I went to the bar where he likes to hang out, and he’s shown me three pictures where you could see how the sail was set on her. That should help me at least a little bit when I’m ready to depart for my next destination.

Northern Bounty TEK-45 circa 2005

He’s also shown me pictures of the trimaran that he built that he currently lives on, told some stories about his past adventures. Then we talked about trimarans for a bit, apparently he sailed on a 1984 Shuttleworth 42’ trimaran called Damiana. She’s right now for sale for $230K in Mexico.

Secret Treasure

While moving stuff around and cleaning up the boat, found another storage compartment. It’s full of all things kitchen: pans, pots, plates... was rather a nice surprise, considering the fact that I’ve been refitting and living on this boat for about a month now. Not sure I’ll need any of that, since I have fancy Japanese and Italian cookware tucked away on Maui. Can’t wait to ditch it all at some thrift store and bring my stuff aboard.