2019 Abacos Trip
Another trip to the Abacos, one of our favorite places. Last year we didn't cruise as the first 6 months of the year was tied up in a remodeling project (house not boat). This year, we snuck in a 3-1/2 week trip, returning slightly early than planned to take care of some family matters. Some system issues, mainly the house batteries starting to fail, also pushed us to take a crossing window as it presented itself. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable trip.
Abacos in 2017
Last year, we planned another Bahamas trip, but discovered an engine issue during our sea trial. Power was reduced and speed was limited, even with a freshly painted bottom. While in retrospect, we probably could have completed the trip successfully, instead we used the time to do some extensive work on the engine and transmission, fix some leaks in the refrigeration system, and attend to a few other items. As a result of that effort, this year's trip was great and the boat performed flawlessly for the most part.
2015 Trip to the Abacos and Berrys
With 5 or 6 weeks to spend, we planned a trip to the Bahamas that would be laid back, but perhaps visit some new spots. An oil analysis at the last oil change showed some high level of wear components a couple of hundred hours after performing a top overhaul to repair some water ingestion damage to the forward cylinder, so we wanted to closely observe its performance prior to going anywhere too far away. As is our nature, we worried about it for a couple of weeks but everything was really OK. Compared to many trips, ...
2013 Abacos Trip
After a few years of mostly land-based activities, it was time to ease back into cruising a little, and a month in the Abacos seemed like a good way to test out our recent repairs and upgrades. From our base in the Palm Beach area, West End is only a short 50 mile hop across the gulf stream (weather permitting), but for some reason we haven't made the trip in 10 years. As you can see in the following chart, from West End we followed the Indian Cay channel to Mangrove Cay and Great Sale Cay, thence to Allan's-Pensacola where ...
Repower Project – 2008
Starting in June 2008, we upgraded Windwalker with a new engine. After a lot of dockside work, 37 days on the hard, and another several months of finish-up work at the dock, we declared victory just prior to New Year's of 2009. An extensive sea trial to the Florida Keys in the spring of 2009 completed the project. The new engine is a Westerbeke 44B, replacing a Volvo 2003T. Because the new engine is longer (4 cylinders versus 3), lower, and with a V-drive down-angle of 15 degrees instead of 20, the old beds had to be significantly modified. Other ...
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2019 Abacos Trip
Another trip to the Abacos, one of our favorite places. Last year we didn’t cruise as the first 6 months of the year was tied up in a remodeling...
Abacos in 2017
Last year, we planned another Bahamas trip, but discovered an engine issue during our sea trial. Power was reduced and speed was limited, even with a freshly...
2015 Trip to the Abacos and Berrys
With 5 or 6 weeks to spend, we planned a trip to the Bahamas that would be laid back, but perhaps visit some new spots. An oil analysis at the last oil...
2013 Abacos Trip
After a few years of mostly land-based activities, it was time to ease back into cruising a little, and a month in the Abacos seemed like a good way to...
Repower Project – 2008
Starting in June 2008, we upgraded Windwalker with a new engine. After a lot of dockside work, 37 days on the hard, and another several months of finish-up...