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Since we have always been in the

Since we have always been in the Great Lakes we have never concerned our selves with fresh water.Talking to others who have done the"Loop" got us a little concerned.The Bahamas leg will take a little extra planning

We are planning to do the Great Loop next year and are curious about fresh water tankage. Has any one done the the  "Loop" and did you find it necessary to add water capacity? In our case adding a forward tank in the v berth. We may add a side trip to the Bahamas.

When I had my wet deck repaired we did away the vented staunchion by cutting off the vent tube  and rerouted the vent out the side of the hull  below the rub rail.
Marsh

I also found engine coolant low and engine compartment clean. The heat exchanger was leaking and the coolant was pooling in the aft cabin.
Marsh

I have a wing keel and standard mast and use 110 head sail in early part of summer and in the fall when winds are stronger. The 110 is easier to tack and you won't notice much loss of speed. With a reef in the main she'll stay on her feet in 20 knots.I also have the Seafurl upgrade which I purchased from our local Hood dealer. Upgrade is an undersatement!
Marsh

I had the baffles installed about 6 years ago at a cost of C$140.00 plus tax. They cut the top off the tank,welded in 3 "plates" and welded it back together .
Marsh

The aft tank thumping used to drive us crazy too! I removed the tank, sent it to a plastics welding shop and had baffles installed.All is quiet now.
Marsh

We have Red Sunbrella, and I've also been told it is the most affected , but here in the northern climes it still lasts quite well.Since 1989 we are on our second dodger and second sail cover, both of which are now ready for replacement.

In May of 2008 I traded my 915 line drive in on the Hood Sea Furl 325.The dealer asked that I hand in the old drum only and for $1525.00(Can$) I received a complete new system.I am much happier for having done this. Now I have positive furling and a large, shiny, stainless steel drum,that doesn't interfere with the launching of my 15kg Rocna anchor.I rationalized for 19 years about the 915LD but the fact is, its not a good system.

Yes there is a cut back of 2'' and a "cut up" from the boom also of 2''.
Marsh

I have purchased 100's of "golf cart" batteries over the years and found that all manufacturers have a very competitive product, Trojan, East Penn, Interstate, Douglas, Crown, but the worst by far in my experience is Exide.
When reading your hydrometer you should place more emphasis on the difference between cell readings than on the individual readings. A difference of 10% or more between cells is not good.Also note any discoloration in the electrolyte as a dark color will indicate overcharging and damage to the cells.
                                 Marsh

Dave, This is my second season with a Rocna 15kg anchor.I have yet to be able to retrieve it without assistance from the engine or oncoming waves.I also installed a self launching anchor roller in place of the original and moved the original to the port side. This required modifying the the anchor locker closure to accommodate the anchor shank. You asked earlier about an anchor windlass and it is the Rocna that has me looking for help in that area because it sets so well. If you drop by to see the factory windlass maybe the anchor rollers will be of some help too.
                                 Marsh

Kerk, we have had no extreme temperatures in the area and battery casings are a pretty durable item so I doubt that leakage will be a problem.If, when you return, you need help testing or replacing your batteries feel free to contact me here or at Doral Marine in Midland. I normally stock 6 volt batteries in my service van and can do much better than yacht pricing.
                   Marsh Tonner

The mainsail is getting old but the head sail is fairly new. My next step over the winter will be to move the mast step even further forward so as to get the mast at least centered in the partners.If the result is not good it wont take much to lift the mast a few inches and put it back .

Both the fore stay and back stay have been replaced , the sides are original. I'll have the back stay shortened this winter and check my position again in the spring. Seven weeks to go till mandatory haul out and I'm already getting depressed