IP-38 Freezer project

I started working on an Island Packet 38 several days ago removing old unlined foam insulation as part of a planned effort to reinsulate and line both the reefer and freezer.  After removing the old foam and wiping up trapped moisture I noticed that the freezer holding plate was badly corroded and was leaking!  On hold now till the owner decides if he wants to repair or replace the 20+ year old Glacier Bay system.

In the meantime I am finishing up a summers worth of work on an IP-31 and getting started on the installation of a Garmin Autopilot on an IP-32.

This has been a busy summer so far.

Storm?

We spent several days helping boat owners in the area prep for predicted hurricane Isaac.  Some boats were prepped and others were left alone with dingy's on, sails on, lines dangling etc.  Every storm update that we've seen since yesterday keeps moving the projected track of the storm westward away from us which is a good thing.

The latest update from the NHC has now predicted that the storm will not become a hurricane until it is well up the Gulf toward Louisiana (good for us - bad for them).  I even saw a most amazing post on CNN from an "iReporter" in Punta Gorda reporting heavy rains and stating that he already had his emergency generator running?

We are seeing light rain, moderate winds, not even a blip with our power and we are cooking meatloaf in the oven and having corn and parslied potates for dinner.  We watched some of the Americas Catamaran Cup on NBC and are taking it easy.

We have friends in Fort Myers Beach and the national news reported a mandatory evacuation.  Voluntary evacuation perhaps......

Ridin the storm out..................    

6:30PM UPDATE - Local news now confirms that there is a MANDATORY evacuation notice for Fort Myers Beach - except they forgot to tell the residents................

Boat Work this summer

We are about half way thru our summer here in Florida and have made good progress with both home and boat projects and are starting to fill up our barrels of items that we will ship back to Grenada later this year.

I've also been busy with boat projects on other peoples boats.  I started out the summer helping good friend Peter move his IP38 up to Bradenton where it was placed for sale and then skippering it for the shakedown and survey after sale.

Then I began working on an IP-31 replacing the fresh water tank and all plumbing, modifying the cockpit icebox locker so it would accept a small propane tank and then installed a propane alarm and solenoid.

My next project was on an IP-32 making and installing a stainless steel mounting frame for two 140 watt Kyocera solar panels and installation of the panels and controller/wiring.  I also installed an additional Garmin instrument, cleaned up the data/power wiring for helm mounted instruments and did some chainplate maintenance.

I was then contacted by the owner of a 43' Beneteau who wanted me to add some supports to his davits so that they would support the planned installation of three solar panels.  I opted out of this project - a Beneteau is not as sturdy as an IP!

I'm now scheduled to do some major work on an ice box on an IP-38 here in the Marina.

So I'm having a great summer working on my favorite boats and enjoying time ashore.

   

Lesley's landscaping

For the past two summers Lesley has been spiffing up the yard with lots of new plants.  Here are some pictures of some of the plants in the back yard in full bloom.

Desert Rose

Jatropha

Bridal Veil Plumeria

Kimchi

Several weeks ago I talked about some Korean Kimchi that I made - we had it for the first time along with Bulgogi and sauteed snow peas.  Was really good, after we finish this batch I'm planning to make some more!