I saw that our good friend from Darwin, Brian, had left a blog comment a couple of days ago with another excellent suggestion. He asked that I do a “techno-tip” on what procedures we do to mothball Leu Cat. For those of you who have been fortunate enough to not read our blog during years 1 through 4, I used to do a “techno-tip of the day” with each day’s blog. However, after 3.5 years of writing such “techno-tips” I ran out of ideas for tips. At the start of this cruising season I had hoped that I would be able to come up with enough new “tips” where I would at least be able to write a “techno-tip of the week”. However, I failed in that so I have just kind of stopped writing “techno-tips”. Sorry about that...

Anyway, I thought Brian’s idea was a good one and instead of boring you with what we did today (which, besides working on the boat, was not much), Mary Margaret and I thought we would just share this checklist for mothballing Leu Cat instead. By reading this list, I think you can get an idea as to why it takes about a week for us to Mothball Leu Cat.
Checklist For Mothballing Leu Cat
1. Inspect and address any mechanical, engine or electrical issues;
2. Inspect and address any boat structural issues (including any dings in gelcoat);
3. Inspect and fix any sail issues;
4. Inspect and address any standing and running rigging issues;
5. Inspect and fix any canvas issues;
6. Inspect and tighten any lose hose clamps;
7. Inspect, drain and clean any wet bilges. This includes inspecting and repairing any bilge pumps;
8. Inspect and fix any leaking hatch seals; lubricate all seals with Lanocote grease;
9. Remove Speedometer impeller (“speedo”);
10. Remove, dry and fold head sail (store inside boat);
11. Wrap line around sailbag to secure for storms;
12. Wash Interior ceiling and walls down with bleach to address and prevent mold;
13. Turn off and mothball freezer and refrigerators;
14. Inspect and repair any dinghy issues;
15. Remove, drain and stow dinghy fuel tank and rubber hose;
16. Clean dinghy and cover
17. Mothball dinghy engine (including flushing cooling water system with fresh water and fogging engine);
18. Inspect and change any dirty fuel, oil and drinking water filters;
19. Seal Dorade Boxes;
20. Inspect and lubricate all winches and windlass;
21. Run each heat pump to make sure all rubber seals are good and internally lubricated;
22. Inspect and replace any batteries if they will not hold charge;
23. Create list of boat parts to get when back in the States;
24. Turn off and tie down wind generator;
25. Adjust settings on solar panels if plugged into shore power;
26. Inspect thru hulls. Repair/replace any defective or leaking when boat is hauled out;
27. Close all unused thru hulls;
28. Wash and, if needed, polish exterior of boat;
29. Inventory remaining can goods, dry goods, and bottle goods. Toss expired or questionable goods out;
30. Do all laundry and wash all carpets;
31. Wash all screens;
32. Sweep entire boat;
33. Scrub the interior living spaces of the boat;
34. Clean Stainless Steel countertop and sinks and fixtures;
35. Polish Wood Surfaces;
36. Wash Windows;
37. Be sure to lock all hatches and door when leaving;
38. Find someone to look after your boat to conduct weekly/monthly inspection of bilges and batteries.