This year is an expensive one for boat maintenance. Vida Dulce is in great shape and proactive preventative measures will keep her that way.

As delivered from the factory, the hulls are antifouling bottom paint over fiberglass. No epoxy barrier primer. During this year's haul-out we will address this deficiency. The haul-out also will address the usual sail-drive maintenance, thru-hull inspection / replacement, new zincs, topside wax, plus a new thru-hull for the new Garmin fish finder / chart plotter. We will haul-out at Abel's, the only place that can haul her in the Rio. Abel's is primarily a commercial shipyard; they also maintain Moorings charter boats so are very familiar with the work we want to have done.

The original anchor chain is rusty but hopefully not too far gone to be re-galvanized. We can have this done through Mar Marine (they send it to Guatemala City). Hopefully it'll extend the life of the chain at least a couple of years.

The factory installed trampoline netting needs to be replaced as a preventative safety measure. This has to be shipped in; we're told shipping can take a bit of time.

The generator needs its elbow replaced. We have the parts, just need the expertise.

We have several sewing projects, some more critical than others: replacement bimini, line bags, dinghy chaps, dinghy outboard cover, dinghy davit rub guard, bbq cover, and outdoor cushion covers (the foam is fine). We have a recommendation from other cruisers - Elmer - who does excellent work at good prices.

Although our wallets will be hurting by the time we pay for all of this, it is good to be in a place where quality work can be done.