s\v Elegant'sea is getting covered for the summer season - 2018

Hurricane Bud came by us and while it wasn't a threat, the winds and a good surge came. So on it goes with the preparation for the season. 

June 2018- Currently in Paradise Village Marina in Banderas Bay Mexico

Dodger, seperator and bimini are all now a tarp. The tarp helps shed the rain and helps shield us and the boat from the sun.

 As you can see we are in a protected area of Paradise Village Marina. Nothing happening up here - no breezes, no surge etc. Great for hurricane season.

 Here you can see more of the area. This is at the bow. 
Also, Debbie washed the Lifesling and re-packed it.

We had an unexpected rain storm and this is what happened 

to the un-prepared.Here you see a small boat with outboard motor - 

you can not see the outboard because it is underwater.

He got the boat-motor up and was able to start the motor and save it.

 Here we are using the dock cart to wash some cockpit shade 
screen we put up during cruising season..

Debbie working on the side shade on the life lines. You can see, if you look close, a blue and silver tarp over the Shadetree boat awning systems cover that is over the boom. It is worn out and needs replacing so for now we added a tarp. Home Depot was out of the good tarps so we opted for this one.

 The 30 amp power chord(s) are set up and now Debbie is ready to fashion a piece of tarp to cover the bow pulpit.

 It takes time and work but this section provides a lot of protection from the sun and rain.

 

 We have pillows, bedding and other items in the chain locker, 
head and the stateroom companionway

 
 Our bed is loaded as well with items from the cockpit and salon.

 
 
 Here is our dehumidifier all set up. We have it set at 40 percent humidity. Usually it is set between 35-45 percent humidity. It has worked great in the past years.

We drain it to the bilge. That way we have a thru-hull valve open below the water line. After some time there will be no water in the boat at all, including the bilge.

 
 As I am writing this I see in the pictures that the cockpit rail mount table was left out. Usually we store it away. Missed that one 😎

All set for summer!

Now we have decided to improve on this system. We have contacted a canvas person in a small town nearby who does boat work. He is going to give us an estimate for a full boat cover. That would make so much easier.

Also next year we have decided to budget in a mechanic to do the diesel summarizing. I am a bit tired of changing all the fluids, filter and heat exchanger stack tube seal and cleaning etc.