Yesterday, I began removing the old AC wiring from Wilparina. This task isn't all that easy. I would say that the original installation was done very well. It is very securely attached, with wire ties, and sections of plastic conduit and vigorous wraps of electrical tape. All of this makes it difficult to remove. It's crazy; this all seems very ironic to be putting in such an effort to remove the most secure wiring on the entire boat. Frankly, there are numerous wire rats' nests on the boat, yet the first thing we start tearing out first, is the system that at least looks the best of the lot.

Interestingly, there is another set of DC power lines running parallel to the AC lines. Next to every AC outlet was also installed an DC outlet. Other than a couple of"cigarette lighter" connectors, we really don't need the DC wiring, so out it goes.

Electrical Dave hooked up an auxiliary AC connection so during the work this winter, we can have some lights and an electric heater working. For the moment, there is no DC source to recharge the battery. I started and ran the diesel for 30 minutes on Saturday. The batteries still have some juice and will run the bilge pump, but at some point soon, we'll get the battery charger back on line. We have parts on order - the isolation transformer and new circuit panels will arrive soon.

Coming in the next wave of electrical work will be new batteries, and a new charger.