Summer Layup
29 April 2011 | Bocas Marina
Hotter than ever and still no wind!
Estelle tucked in for Summer
On Monday (April 25th), we came into the marina to begin the lay-up process for Estelle's summer stay. And it was a full five day job in the sweltering heat.
Here's the list:
o Contract storage- done
o Contract periodic maintenance & check-up-done
o Contract hull cleaning. - Leave zincs with diver-done
o Rig dehumidifier-done
o Buy and install awnings-done
o Touch up brightwork whops... boatyard project
o Remove sails... not done
o Wash down topsides-done
o Clean hull-done
o Polish Stainless-done
o Clean underwater hull-done
o Change shaft zinc-done
o Rat-proof dorades, hawse holes, and engine air vents-done... very carefully!!!
o Wash all interior walls and cielings with vinegar and water- done
o Take to hotel everything that goes home-done
o Remove all food, except that in jars or cans-done
o Empty each locker & wash w/ chlorox-done
o Wash all bedding and clothes staying on board-done
o Clean bilges w/ fresh water and detergent-sort of done
o Stow cushions on end-done
o Put tin foil in windows-done
o Close non-essential sea valves-done
o Change engine and generator oil and filter-done
o Change all fuel filters (5)-3 of 5 done
o Flush w/ fresh water-done
o Fog cylinders- not done
o Oil linkages-done
o Cover exhaust and intake-not done
o Check transmission fluid-not done
o Clean engine space w/ detergent-sort of done
o Top up tank; add biocide and Stabil-done
o Drain separator-done
o Equalize batteries-done, but with little effect
o Remove batteries from hand-held, GPS, dinghy lights, and all flashlights-whops, forgot a few!
o Add bleach to fresh water tanks-done
o Flush holding tank with fresh water, twice-done
o Drain holding tank, add disinfectant-done
o Flush bowls and discharge hoses with fresh water-done... carefully
o Add a little oil to water on the final flush-done
o Drain Shower sumps at filter-done
o Add small amount of bleach-done
o Close and disconnect propane tanks-done
o Clean dinghy w/ fresh water-done
o Stow dinghy on deck-done
o Fog outboard-done
The good part of the project was that we had to move off the boat to do it, so we checked into the air-conditioned comfort of the Palma Royale. For anyone heading to Bocas, we highly recommend it.
By week's end, we were exhausted, but we feel that Estelle is ready for her extended stay in Bocas. Our final job was to deliver our medicines and other perishables to Kate, the Peace Corps worker on Isla Popa.
In addition to our storage we have contracted with the marina for weekly inspections, inside and out and for monthly bottom cleaning, checking the propellor zincs etc. And given the nimber and quality of other boats stored, we are confident that Estelle is in good hands.
From here, we're off to Boquete in the mountains for a few days, then home to PEI for the summer. Next fall, we'll return and head out again, but who knows where???