This post may not be of interest to most readers. But I know there there are a handful of folks reading this who are hoping to embark on an extended cruise sometime in the coming years. And since I'm frequently asked about onboard repair/maintenance expectations, I thought it might be helpful to share the following list of projects we've completed over the past 30 days. Items followed by an asterisk were hired out and the others I completed myself:

- Replace zinc anodes before launch
- Install new socket for passarelle in lower transom step* (MAJOR improvement!)
- Install new VHF handset and speaker at helm*
- Install high water bilge alarm*
- Send EPIRB to Istanbul for mtce inspection & battery replacement
- Fix loose connection on forward head flush switch
- Design and rig new system to lift/lower passarelle
- Make custom rope harnesses with eye splices for lifting dingy on davits
- Replace anchor swivel (old stainless bolt was bent and had to be sawn off)
- Replace broken electrical connector to anchor windlass
- Install new cockpit supply kill switch at helm station*
- Repair leaky refrigerator compressor*
- Caulk around perimeter of cockpit chart plotter
- Repair failed seawater pump for air conditioning system*
- Replace check valves on forward head grey water pump
- Replace furling line lead roller on deck.
- Fix shower door track in aft head
- Remove failed masthead anchor light; test and order replacement unit
- Troubleshoot helm chartplotter data master alarm: test cables & upgrade software*
- Replace anchor windlass foot switches
- Replace springs on companionway washboard
- Replace transom shower hose
- Epoxy new wood base for repositioning water maker primer pump in engine room
- Make custom dinghy painter with two double-braid eye splices and caribiner
- Troubleshoot VHF and AIS transmission issues (ongoing)

All things considered, this has been a manageable set of projects for us. No show-stoppers at all. I typically spend 2-3 hours / day on these kinds of projects which includes the time spent shopping for necessary parts & materials. Sometimes these shopping excursions turn into fun little scavenger hunts, taking us to places that we wouldn't otherwise get to see. For instance, when we needed a 24x30cm piece of wood to reposition the watermaker primer pump, Chris and I hopped a dolmuş (a Turkish mini-bus) to the sanyaii which is the industrial section of Fethiye. We wandered for a few blocks passing auto repair shops, junkyards, welding shops, etc. until we found a lumberyard. They only sold large bulk lumber but directed me to a "furniture shop" a few blocks further down the road. Eventually we found what clearly was a workshop and, although I didn't see any furniture being made, there were a few guys in there with large table saws. The man who helped me didn't speak english but I was able to convey what I needed and he was eager to help. (The Turkish people in general are extremely friendly and eager to please.) We scrounged around and found a suitable piece of wood, then he cut AND sanded it for me. Total cost: 5 turkish lira (about $3.00) plus 2 lira each way for the dolmuş rides. In the end, we had a memorable excursion along with a nice improvement to one of our onboard systems.