Thoughts

Well the rain has subsided today. Too bad that we have a touch of the flu and feel fairly unmotivated to do much else other than internet research and some epoxy work. As far as the electrical on the interior goes, we have replaced all the wiring inside now. Bow to stern. We have also replaced the light fixtures to fit the more effecient LED lights. Neil tweaked the keel cooled refrigeration unit to where it hardly runs at all and will still keep my ice cream cold in tropical weather. (yep, I am spoiled). As for the lighting I must say I am very impressed with the LED lights. The amount of light they put out is comparible to that of the conventional lighting with little drain on the batteries. We have also replaced our steaming ,deck, and anchor lights with LEDs and it is amazing. You will definately see us coming. My biggest worry before was being without power. Not so much the lighting, tv, or other on the inside, but more or less having the ability to have others see us when offshore and having battery power separated so that we can always start our engine if need be. Problem solved. We separated the battery banks so that no matter what, our starter battery is 100% isolated from the house. We have the two battery banks divided well enought that there will be no significant drain on either bank. A new panel allows room for new additons to our electrical draw. This will include the SSB radio, radar and auto pilot. With the wind generator and solar panels this will charge most of our daily usage. We have other sailing friends who have given reports of no wind, no sun (cloudy) and this poses quite the problem. So to remedy this I think we will invest in a suitcase generator for such an occasion without giving up the starter battery for such an instance. Hoping to get over this flu quickly as we have so much to do in such a short time. In the meantime I am taking advantage of having shore power by cranking up the heat and playing video games with the family without worry of power distribution. Tonight I am missing our oldest whom at last report was headed to an indoor rodeo. Our dog and mascott has spent most of the day looking at the door and barking at every little noise. We are beginning to wonder if she thinks we took Katie to the pound!