S/V Lillie Mae... Underway!
The Springer family sailing adventure aboard our Sparkman and Stevens designed 47' sailboat. The sailing vessel "Lillie Mae" is named in honor of the Captains grandmother... Lillie Mae Springer, aged 100 and still kicking!
10 November 2010
19 September 2010 | Generica
21 July 2010 | Jekyll Island, GA
21 July 2010 | Jekyll Island, GA
09 June 2010 | Green Turtle Cay, Abacos
08 June 2010 | Green Turtle Cay, Abacos
04 June 2010 | Hope Town, Abaco, Bahamas
25 May 2010 | Spanish Wells, Bahamas
16 May 2010 | Warderick Wells
10 May 2010 | Black Point, Great Guana Cay, Exumas
08 May 2010 | New Bight, Cat Island
26 April 2010 | Georgetown, Exumas, Bahamas
11 April 2010 | Georgetown, Exumas, Bahamas
10 April 2010 | Off Monument Beach, Georgetown, Bahamas
06 April 2010 | Off Monument Beach, Georgetown, Bahamas
04 April 2010 | Georgetown, Exumas, Bahamas
23 March 2010 | Nassau Harbor Club Marina, Nassau, Bahamas
22 March 2010 | Nassau Harbor Club Marina, Nassau, Bahamas
18 March 2010 | Outside No Name Harbor, Key Biscayne
17 March 2010 | Marine Stadium anchorage, Miami
For Sale Website Up
10 November 2010
I just finished up a MASSIVE amount of new cosmetic work on Lillie Mae and am now getting serious about trying to sell her.
I refinished the entire cabin sole.. from bare wood.... and it looks really great. I also did a ton of varnishing and teak repairs, lots of painting and cleaning/detailing. She now looks FANTASTIC.
Check out the new gallery of pictures showing how good she looks and a complete listing of all her gear and equipment here:
www.svlilliemae.com
She is still lying in Jekyll Island but I will probably be moving her to south Florida sometime within the next month.
If anyone knows of anyone looking for a REALLY great boat, please let me know!
Terry
I refinished the entire cabin sole.. from bare wood.... and it looks really great. I also did a ton of varnishing and teak repairs, lots of painting and cleaning/detailing. She now looks FANTASTIC.
Check out the new gallery of pictures showing how good she looks and a complete listing of all her gear and equipment here:
www.svlilliemae.com
She is still lying in Jekyll Island but I will probably be moving her to south Florida sometime within the next month.
If anyone knows of anyone looking for a REALLY great boat, please let me know!
Terry
Return to Generica
19 September 2010 | Generica
Terry
Why post a blog after a cruise is done? Good question. Why not? I figure that nobody is likely to be checking it now anyhow, so why not keep the log of the Lillie Mae going. A sounding board for myself.
It is now over 3 months since we got back from the Bahamas, a longer period of time than we were actually out cruising (away from the dock...). Looking back, things were an incredible whirlwind when we first arrived, and they have not slowed down.
After returning to the boat from 3+ weeks away on a roving tour of relatives and holidays, we were all exhausted. What we had hoped would include a week or more of very quiet, slow and relaxed rest time did not pan out. Michele was literally falling apart. Her fibromyalgia and chronic fatique syndrom reached new peaks of intensity and she was rendered into a pain wracked gelatin gooped in her berth. We were trying to get away from Jekyll and on our way north to the Elizabeth Islands so I was very busy with boat prep and the stress really got to her.
Her situation was bad enough that we set our plans aside and decided to head back to Atlanta so Michele could visit her doctors and seek new help and tests to try and figure out what was going on. We were both afraid, she had all the symptoms for MS among other things.
Off to the doctors and hospitals we went. She began seeing her chiropractor several times a week along with a massage therapist. She also starting taking between 10 and 500 of every vitamin and supplement ever invented, several times a day. At least it seemed like it. We met several times with a neurologist as well as her regular doctor. We had 2 MRIs done, a spinal tap and every blood test known to man in an effort to seek and identify ANY possible disease or syndrome. This included several visits to the emergency room including for an EXTREMELY painful blood patch procedure where she had the spinal tap done to try and alleviate monumental migraine headaches that went on constantly for over 10 days. I figured that with the supposed salvation of the massive Health Care Bill signed into law while we were off sailing, the bills would be reasonable. Oooooops. Lets just say I could purchase a LARGE new dinghy complete with engine for what all this medical care costs. (our health insurance is a catastrophic policy.... Giant deductible, all we can afford). The funny thing is, because we knew we would be paying out of pocket for all the care we sought, we were very diligent about asking care providers what things would cost. Nobody knew. Ever. Not one doctor could tell us what their services cost. The hospital could not tell us. None of the bills we received were remotely close to what we had ever been told. It's crazy. I figure any business where the service providers have no idea how much their services cost is BROKEN. Glad to know the Govt. is on top of all that.
All the tests came back negative. She does not have MS (thank God!). She does not have anything that the tests can specifically identify. This means...... Fibro hell. Fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome..... some others too I am pretty sure. The Cure? That's up to us to figure out.
When we first returned to the boat, I had begun a big project - Refinishing all the interior cabin sole, repainting in both the heads and doing tons of varnishing work. While Michele was staying with her parents and recuperating/seeing doctors, I came back to the boat several time to focus on getting all this work done. I am on the boat now doing the same. One thing for sure... this is going to be an amazingly good boat for someone. The interior is really looking fantastic.
When I returned home after the last trip to the boat, Michele was feeling somewhat better (meaning she was not totally bedridden) and I learned that she had decided that we were definitely done with cruising. We had not really discussed plans or options too much. I had started efforts to sell the boat, but I also had figured we would stay aboard and cruise slowly while we were trying to sell, planning to come ashore when the sale was complete. Yes... I hoped that selling the boat might just take a LOOOOONG time. That's off the table.
As I was digesting this, we got all our stuff out of storage and moved into Michele's parents rental townhouse which happened to become available.... Just in the nick of time, or as a horrible coincidence depending on your point of view. J
So before I knew what was happening, we were suddenly full tilt back into life in Suburbia America. Walmart... Publix...Massive Traffic...Cable TV...Money flowing like beer at a fraternity party... and a nagging question in my head about how on earth I was going to earn a living.
I was in the Mortgage Industry for over 17 years. But as I have learned over the past month, the industry I left is gone. It has been replaced with an absurd Govt. micro-managed joke that is doing more to destroy the US housing market than its easy to believe through enforcing credit guidelines that are so tight even the best borrowers get dizzy with the hoops. We have not gone back to sane lending as done before the latest housing bubble stupidity.... We have knee jerked FAR to the opposite side of the spectrum. Still, I am somewhat desperate to get an income stream coming in and mortgages are what I know. Hate yes.... But at least know.
I spent 20 hours in special licensing classes, had to spend tens of hours navigating the online hell that is the new National Mortgage Licensing System, had to take a National and State Licensing tests that made the SAT's look like cake (yet does absolutely nothing meaningful relative to all the problems that caused the housing debacle). The Feds are down right serious about making sure all loan professionals know exactly what all the cute acronyms for all the massive new Federal bureaucracies mean and how many new agencies said loan professional must now pay new and large annual fees too. I also had to get fingerprinted, retinal scan, anal probe.... Well, that first one at least for real. Also passport photo sent in and criminal background checks that I bet go beyond CIA screening for double-nought secret agents.
So now I have all my licensing stuff submitted, but I cannot actually take any actions to participate in the mortgage business until the license is approved. That means until the State of GA says I am approved to work and earn a living. Gee I sure hope they grant me the privilege!
I understand it may take awhile. There are apparently only a couple of guys at the Dept. of Banking and Finance who are working through a massive stack of licensing paperwork. The State takes in over $16 million a year in fees and fines from mortgage licensee's but all that money just goes into the States general fund so the Dept. has no funds to hire enough people to deal with all the paperwork all the new bureaucracies have mandated. So it could be after the first of the year before I am actually licensed. When I am.... What then? I have no idea if it is even possible to earn a living in the business now with all the issues with negative equity, declining property values and crazy tight credit standards.
Back in America.... Or Generica as Michele and I like to call it. Generic. Everything in the US sure seems the same. Walmart, Applebys, McDonalds....traffic jams...bad news on TV constantly and a simmering economic depression sitting like whipped cream on top.
I have tasted of the forbidden fruit, and it was SWEET. A shame really as it makes the fare that is my fate all the more bitter.
It is now over 3 months since we got back from the Bahamas, a longer period of time than we were actually out cruising (away from the dock...). Looking back, things were an incredible whirlwind when we first arrived, and they have not slowed down.
After returning to the boat from 3+ weeks away on a roving tour of relatives and holidays, we were all exhausted. What we had hoped would include a week or more of very quiet, slow and relaxed rest time did not pan out. Michele was literally falling apart. Her fibromyalgia and chronic fatique syndrom reached new peaks of intensity and she was rendered into a pain wracked gelatin gooped in her berth. We were trying to get away from Jekyll and on our way north to the Elizabeth Islands so I was very busy with boat prep and the stress really got to her.
Her situation was bad enough that we set our plans aside and decided to head back to Atlanta so Michele could visit her doctors and seek new help and tests to try and figure out what was going on. We were both afraid, she had all the symptoms for MS among other things.
Off to the doctors and hospitals we went. She began seeing her chiropractor several times a week along with a massage therapist. She also starting taking between 10 and 500 of every vitamin and supplement ever invented, several times a day. At least it seemed like it. We met several times with a neurologist as well as her regular doctor. We had 2 MRIs done, a spinal tap and every blood test known to man in an effort to seek and identify ANY possible disease or syndrome. This included several visits to the emergency room including for an EXTREMELY painful blood patch procedure where she had the spinal tap done to try and alleviate monumental migraine headaches that went on constantly for over 10 days. I figured that with the supposed salvation of the massive Health Care Bill signed into law while we were off sailing, the bills would be reasonable. Oooooops. Lets just say I could purchase a LARGE new dinghy complete with engine for what all this medical care costs. (our health insurance is a catastrophic policy.... Giant deductible, all we can afford). The funny thing is, because we knew we would be paying out of pocket for all the care we sought, we were very diligent about asking care providers what things would cost. Nobody knew. Ever. Not one doctor could tell us what their services cost. The hospital could not tell us. None of the bills we received were remotely close to what we had ever been told. It's crazy. I figure any business where the service providers have no idea how much their services cost is BROKEN. Glad to know the Govt. is on top of all that.
All the tests came back negative. She does not have MS (thank God!). She does not have anything that the tests can specifically identify. This means...... Fibro hell. Fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome..... some others too I am pretty sure. The Cure? That's up to us to figure out.
When we first returned to the boat, I had begun a big project - Refinishing all the interior cabin sole, repainting in both the heads and doing tons of varnishing work. While Michele was staying with her parents and recuperating/seeing doctors, I came back to the boat several time to focus on getting all this work done. I am on the boat now doing the same. One thing for sure... this is going to be an amazingly good boat for someone. The interior is really looking fantastic.
When I returned home after the last trip to the boat, Michele was feeling somewhat better (meaning she was not totally bedridden) and I learned that she had decided that we were definitely done with cruising. We had not really discussed plans or options too much. I had started efforts to sell the boat, but I also had figured we would stay aboard and cruise slowly while we were trying to sell, planning to come ashore when the sale was complete. Yes... I hoped that selling the boat might just take a LOOOOONG time. That's off the table.
As I was digesting this, we got all our stuff out of storage and moved into Michele's parents rental townhouse which happened to become available.... Just in the nick of time, or as a horrible coincidence depending on your point of view. J
So before I knew what was happening, we were suddenly full tilt back into life in Suburbia America. Walmart... Publix...Massive Traffic...Cable TV...Money flowing like beer at a fraternity party... and a nagging question in my head about how on earth I was going to earn a living.
I was in the Mortgage Industry for over 17 years. But as I have learned over the past month, the industry I left is gone. It has been replaced with an absurd Govt. micro-managed joke that is doing more to destroy the US housing market than its easy to believe through enforcing credit guidelines that are so tight even the best borrowers get dizzy with the hoops. We have not gone back to sane lending as done before the latest housing bubble stupidity.... We have knee jerked FAR to the opposite side of the spectrum. Still, I am somewhat desperate to get an income stream coming in and mortgages are what I know. Hate yes.... But at least know.
I spent 20 hours in special licensing classes, had to spend tens of hours navigating the online hell that is the new National Mortgage Licensing System, had to take a National and State Licensing tests that made the SAT's look like cake (yet does absolutely nothing meaningful relative to all the problems that caused the housing debacle). The Feds are down right serious about making sure all loan professionals know exactly what all the cute acronyms for all the massive new Federal bureaucracies mean and how many new agencies said loan professional must now pay new and large annual fees too. I also had to get fingerprinted, retinal scan, anal probe.... Well, that first one at least for real. Also passport photo sent in and criminal background checks that I bet go beyond CIA screening for double-nought secret agents.
So now I have all my licensing stuff submitted, but I cannot actually take any actions to participate in the mortgage business until the license is approved. That means until the State of GA says I am approved to work and earn a living. Gee I sure hope they grant me the privilege!
I understand it may take awhile. There are apparently only a couple of guys at the Dept. of Banking and Finance who are working through a massive stack of licensing paperwork. The State takes in over $16 million a year in fees and fines from mortgage licensee's but all that money just goes into the States general fund so the Dept. has no funds to hire enough people to deal with all the paperwork all the new bureaucracies have mandated. So it could be after the first of the year before I am actually licensed. When I am.... What then? I have no idea if it is even possible to earn a living in the business now with all the issues with negative equity, declining property values and crazy tight credit standards.
Back in America.... Or Generica as Michele and I like to call it. Generic. Everything in the US sure seems the same. Walmart, Applebys, McDonalds....traffic jams...bad news on TV constantly and a simmering economic depression sitting like whipped cream on top.
I have tasted of the forbidden fruit, and it was SWEET. A shame really as it makes the fare that is my fate all the more bitter.
Boat Listing
21 July 2010 | Jekyll Island, GA
1981 Stevens Custom 47 $249,000
Builder: Queen Long Marine Designer: Sparkman & Stephens
Dimensions:
LOA: 46'10" LWL: 37'9" Beam: 14'3"
Displacement: 32,000lb Draft: 6' 0" Ballast: 14,500lb
Engine:
Yanmar 4JH4-TE NEW Engine and Transmission 2010 - 155.5 total hours. 4 Cylinder, Turbocharged. 16 valve cylinder head. 75hp ZF Transmission 2.12:1 reduction ratio. New Flexible drive saver.
Engine and Transmission are under factory Yanmar warranty!
Tankage:
Fuel: 100 gallons. Water: 225 Gallons Holding: 15 gallons
This classic Sparkman & Stevens design is world renown for its blue water capabilities, fantastic sailing performance and spacious interior. The Stevens 47, manufactured by Queen Long Marine, was built from 1981 to 1985 when the brand name was changed to Hylas. The Hylas 47 and Stevens 47 are sister ships from the same yard and molds with minor cosmetic and interior layout differences.
This Stevens 47 was commissioned in 1983 and was in charter service for 2 seasons in St. Lucia. The yacht then passed through several experienced owners and received comprehensive maintenance and upgrades throughout its life. Documentation and maintenance records that accompany the vessel are extensive and show the care the vessel has received.
"Lillie Mae" has benefited from a $100,000+ refit since August of 2009. She also received a comprehensive refit in 1999-2000. Details of the refit are noted throughout the descriptions. "Lillie Mae" is a true turn-key cruising vessel, ready to go now and fulfill dreams of self sufficient cruising in style.
Accommodations:
Three private staterooms with two heads provide comfortable accommodations for a crew of up to 8. Starting forward is a generous guest cabin with a double v-berth, hanging locker, storage drawers, additional lockers and a fan. Huge storage space is available under the berth. A large opening hatch provides ventilation and a small seating area aids dressing. Access to the forward chain locker and windlass is through double doors at the front of the bunk.
Just aft of the forward cabin to port is the second guest stateroom with over/under bunks, storage lockers and a large hanging locker. This cabin has an opening port and hatch plus fans for each bunk. To starboard across from this second cabin is the forward head featuring marble countertops with custom inlays (2010), Lavac marine toilet (the best marine toilets made - never clogs!), Lectra-San Type I MSD, stainless steel sink, mirrored cabinet, and teak floor grate. This head has been fitted with a stainless steel sliding adjustable massage shower head and custom shower curtain and track providing a very large shower area, double the space of a built in shower stall without the inconvenience of a wet head.
The Salon is furnished with an L shaped settee and teak table to port. This table folds out to seat up to 8 for entertaining and provides a large storage cubbie. To starboard is a straight settee that pulls out to provide an excellent sea berth or additional guest accommodations. This settee, along with all bunks aboard the vessel, is fitted with a lee cloth. To port behind the settee are large storage lockers and above is custom cabinetry including gorgeous doors providing additional storage and wine bottle rack. There are storage lockers behind the starboard settee and open storage book shelves and space above. A 32" flat panel display is mounted on a sturdy articulating arm that allows it to be adjusted for viewing in the salon for movies and television. There is also a surround sound stereo system with subwoofer to complement the flat panel television. At sea, the flat panel is folded flat at the navigation station where it can be used in conjunction with the laptop computer for navigation.
The forward facing navigation station and seat is located further aft to starboard, easily accessible from the cockpit. "Lillie Mae" is fitted with a full suite of electronics and radios. The galley is situated to port along the full length of the walk through to the aft cabin. The owners cabin is furnished with a large double bed to port and a single to starboard, both excellent sea berths. There are two large hanging lockers, mirrored cabinet, drawers and lockers under both bunks and a large central cabinet that provides ample storage. The owners cabin also features a custom central cabinet with storage and entertainment center including a 21" flat panel display and speakers. This entertainment center allows occupants of both rear bunks to enjoy movies in style. En-suite with the owners cabin and also accessible via walk through by the navigation station is the rear head. This head also has a Lavac marine toilet, mirrored cabinet, multiple storage lockers, teak doors, marble countertops and a stainless steel sink. As in the forward head, all plumbing fixtures are new (2009).
The interior of "Lillie Mae" is finished with warm varnished teak joinery, a real teak and holly planked sole, teal green ultra suede upholstery throughout (new 1999 - excellent shape) and white vinyl headliner. The amount and quality of the teak woodwork throughout the boat is something that is simply cost prohibitive to duplicate in boats being manufactured today, short of a multi-million dollar yacht. Head compartments feature white formica, varnished teak trim and cabinet doors and marble countertops. The galley also features beautiful custom marble countertops (2009). There are 12 Atkins and Hoyle aluminum opening ports (new seals 2009) and numerous hatches providing excellent ventilation and lighting. Four dorade vents provide additional ventilation along with fans throughout the vessel. In port, Lillie Mae is cooled via dual Flagship Marine self contained built in air-conditioning units, a 12K btu unit in the rear and an 18K btu in front, both with electronic thermostats and built in electric heating elements, both new in 2009.
Galley
The in-line configuration is situated along the full length of the port walk through providing plenty of space and headroom. Deep double stainless steel sinks with new (2009) polished stainless fixtures are inboard with marble countertops and a stainless steel faced microwave (2010). The Force 10 propane stove and refrigeration / freezer are located to port along with a deep storage locker for pots and pans. There are numerous storage compartments with new teak sliding doors. Drawers provide ample storage for cooking utensils and larger cooking pans and trays. (extensive cookware is included with the boat). The Force 10 stove was completely rebuilt in 12/09 with new updated burners and automatic lighting system. The propane solenoid was replaced and has a lighted switch panel in the galley, in addition the rear propane locker was cleaned and painted (as new now) and it houses two 20lb alloy propane tanks (enough propane to last over 4 months with our live aboard high propane use).
The most serious flaw with the Stevens and Hylas yachts regards the refrigeration and freezer. The factory installed fiberglass boxes with large holding plates operated by an engine driven compressor. The issue regards the insulation, which is largely non-existent. The factory fridge/freezer compartments have ample poured foam insulation behind, filling the space to the bare hull but this allows no space for ventilation and results in the foam deteriorating or worse, holding moisture. The remaining 3 sides have 1" of Styrofoam insulation and there are 2" of foam insulation on the bottom. The lids have 2" of ineffective foam and a very poor sealing system. The overall effect is extremely poor insulation that results in excessive engine running in order to barely keep the refrigerator and freezer cold. Updating these boxes with more efficient and modern cooling systems is not effective because the insulation is so terrible.
On Lillie Mae, the entire factory refrigeration and freezer system was removed including all of the cabinetry and insulation to the point where the bare hull was completely exposed from the stove to the rear bulkhead. From this beginning the entire system was totally rebuilt using only the very best technology and systems available. The goal was to achieve large efficient refrigerator and freezer operations at a very minimum of power consumption without requiring any engine or 110 volt operation. The resulting DC powered systems achieved this goal.
New refrigeration and freezer boxes were constructed using 1" Styrofoam board lined outside with reflective insulation material. Custom constructed Vacuum Insulation Panels from Glacier Bay line the interior of each box. These VIP panels have an insulation value of R50 - equal too over 8" of traditional Styrofoam insulation. These were covered with ¼" marine plywood that was subsequently given 6 coats of epoxy before being painted gloss white. The lids are custom VIP panels from rParts.com. Frigoboat BD50 Danfoss compressor units with smart speed controllers were installed, a separate unit for the refrigerator and freezer. These compressor systems utilize a large evaporator plate inside each box and the refrigerant is cooled via dual keel-coolers. They are completely quiet and extremely efficient.
The end result of this $9K+ project is a 6.5sq ft freezer compartment that stays between 0 and 5 degrees and a 14 Sq. Ft. refrigerator that stays 35 degrees, both requiring the compressor unit to cycle at lower speeds and using extremely small amounts of power. This battery-powered system is completely run with power generated by the solar panels with ample capacity left to run the rest of the boat.
· Double Stainless Steel Sinks
· All New Polished Stainless Fixtures - 2009
· 3M water purification system with dedicated tap at the sink. - 2009
· Whale foot pumps
· Force 10 propane stove, 3 burners with stove - completely rebuilt
with all new burners - 2009
· Propane solenoid switch
· (2) 20lb Aluminum propane tanks - new in 1999
· All new propane lines and fittings - 2009
· New Stainless faced microwave - 2009
· Custom built refrigerator and freezer boxes- 5.5sq ft. freezer and 12
sq ft. refrigerator - 2009
· New Glacier Bay VIP panel insulated refrigerator and freezer boxes -
2009
· (2) Frigoboat BD50 compressors w/ smart speed controllers,
evaporator plates and keel-coolers. - 2009
· Rparts.com VIP panel refrigerator and freezer lids. - 2009
· New custom countertops throughout, marble tile with glass/ceramic
inlays on the fridge/freezer doors.
· New varnished teak sliding doors to numerous storage lockers - 2010
· LED lighting fixtures throughout provide ample light at extremely low
power consumption
Electronics and Navigation
Lillie Mae received extensive upgrades and improvements to her suite of electronics and navigation gear during the complete refit in late 2009 - 2010. This included comprehensive upgrades to all wiring, conduits, circuit breakers and mounting systems.
· Standard Horizon CPF 300i GPS / Chart Plotter with Fish Finder depth
sounding at the helm.- 2009
· C-Map Max Pro charts for plotter - entire US and Caribbean. - 2009
· Acer AIS-B system with dedicated GPS / VHS, integrated with chart
plotter and at Nav. Station - 2009
· Lowrance H2Oc color hand held chart plotter with entire US and
Caribbean Navionics chart chips. 2009
· EarthNT / Google Earth chart pack for laptop w/ dedicated GPS
antenna - entire US and Bahamas. 2009
· Raymarine ST6001 autopilot - 2002
· Raymarine electric autopilot linear drive with massive bronze rudder
stock - 2006
· Raymarine remote control for ST-6001 autopilot operation. 2002
· Monitor self-steering windvane with 3 extra blades - 1999
· Panasonic KXG 2220 VHF Radio with masthead antenna
· Icom ICM700 Pro SSB radio with automatic antenna tuner. Radio
serviced at ICOM - 2009
· Furuno 1721 Mk II Radar - 1999 (works as new)
· Radar mast mount with guard - 2006
· JVC stereo with CD player, iPod input and USB port - 2009
· Speaker zone control system - main cabin, rear cabin, cockpit and
arch mounted speakers.
· Infinity speakers main cabin + cockpit, Polk Audio in rear cabin,
waterproof speakers @ arch. - 2009
· Hanns-G 32" flat panel monitor with heavy-duty steel articulating
mount, main salon - 2009
· Sony surround speaker system with subwoofer for entertainment
system, main salon. - 2009
· Viewsonic 21" flat panel display with Logitech speakers, aft cabin -
2009
· Ritchie Binnacle Mounted Compass with Light - 1999
· Datamarine 3000 depth sounder
· Datamarine LX 360 Wind Indicator
· Datamarine S100KL II Knot Meter and Log
· Datamarine Instrument Repeaters in Cockpit
· ICOM hand held VHF radio
· Explorer Chart Books, Entire Bahamas set - 2008
· Comprehensive collection of paper charts, covers entire US East Coast
and Caribbean.
Electrical and Plumbing Systems.
During the 2009-2010 refit the entire electrical system was evaluated and upgraded. This included extensive new wiring, circuit breakers and fuses, all new battery cabling, new additional 30 amp shore power input (2 circuits now) and the replacement of all wiring circuits associated with the bilge. The house battery bank was more than doubled in size and a new custom battery support trey and box were installed in the front of the engine room. Lillie Mae has been fitted with dual automatic electric bilge pumps, all plumbing hoses and fittings associated with all of the bilge pumps were replaced in 2009. The entire pressure water system was rebuilt in 2009 including a new pump, accumulator tank, all hoses, water distribution manifold, fittings and hose clamps, drain manifold with anti-siphon and a new primary fresh water filtration system. In addition to the main water filter, a dedicated 3M drinking water filtration system ensures good tasting water. Everything associated with all plumbing systems aboard the vessel was replaced and upgraded in 2009. All hoses, fittings, Y-Valves and vented loops associated with both Lavac Marine toilets were replaced in 2009. Only Sealand Odor-Safe Plus 1.5" diameter sanitation hose was used throughout the sanitation system plumbing. The rear master cabin houses a 12,000 BTU built in air conditioning unit while an 18,000 BTU unit forward ensures that at the dock the boat is always cool inside. Both units also have electric heating elements with ample capacity to keep things warm no matter how cold the weather outside.
All of the DC systems aboard Lillie Mae were integrated with the single goal of having the boat be as self sufficient as possible on the hook. The 4 Kyocera 130 watt solar panels are mounted at the top of a dedicated rear arch to ensure they are not blanketed by the rig. Coupled with a Blue Sky Systems Solar Boost 50 MPPT smart controller, these panels provide up to 44 amps of charging (the most I have personally seen) at mid day. Even with a family of 4 including kids aboard using multiple computers and flat panel displays, stereo, video games, lots of lights burning, DC powered fridge and freezer, fans..... even with all of this stuff running Lillie Mae's battery bank is typically fully charged by 2pm. On days when it is very cloudy we supplement charging with the Honda 2KW Eu2000i gas generator which simply plugs directly into the shore power plug as it quietly runs on the aft deck. We often use the Honda in the evening to run the hot water heater at the same time as the battery charger, 30 minutes of running is plenty to ensure hot showers for several people.
· Dual 30 amp 110v shore power inputs at rear deck. - 2009
· 110 volt and 12 volt circuits throughout the vessel with numerous GFI
receptacles.
· Marinetic A/C breaker panel with ammeters, voltage indicators and
warning lights.
· Magnum Energy ME2012 2Kw Inverter with built in multi-stage
100amp smart battery charger - 2009
· Magnum Energy ME-BMK battery monitoring and smart system
controller - 2009
· Balmar 100amp engine alternator with Balmar Max-Charge electronic
multi-stage controller - 2009
· Balmar 150 amp spare alternator with complete spare Max-Charge
controller and wiring harness
· 12 volt DC Marinetic breaker panel with battery selector switches,
voltage and ammeter gauges.
· Blue Sea Systems 110V Breaker panel with voltage gauge, wired as
second complete circuit - 2009
· 7 x Group 31 Lifeline AGM batteries in House Bank - 730 amp hours
capacity - new 2009
· Lifeline Group 27 AGM starting battery in dedicated start bank. -
new 2009
· Lifeline Group 31 AGM battery dedicated for Windlass, mounted
forward. - new 2009
· Battery selector switches, House Bank, Start Bank or Combined.
· Dual (2) Xantrex Digital Echo-Chargers - one for start battery, second
for windlass battery - 2009
· Sensi-Bulb LED lighting throughout the vessel, extreme low power
usage. - 2009
· OGM LED running lights, Bow and Stern. LED Tri-Color, Strobe +
Anchor light at masthead - 2009
· Raritan Lectra-San Type I MSD, totally rebuilt with new circuit board
and electrode plates - 2010
· Raritan 12 gallon hot water heater, electric and/or engine cooling
system operation - 2009
· All new mast wiring - 1999
· External grounding plate, all new grounding cables and fittings -
2009
· Jabsco 3680 automatic pressure water system pump with new
accumulator tank - 2009
· Spare Jabsco 3680 pressure water system pump - 2008
· PAR automatic electric bilge pump, plumbed to switch between main
bilge and engine room - 2009
· West Marine Ultra-Switch automatic bilge pump switch wired with PAR
automatic pump - 2009
· Rule 4,000 Gallon per Hour automatic electronic bilge pump with 1.5"
dedicated outlet - 2009
· Navigation Station dedicated fuse panel and breaker for Rule
4,000gph bilge pump
· Rule Shower Sump Box with automatic switch and 500gph pump -
2010
· Dedicated fuse panel and breaker at Navigation Station for Rule
Shower Sump - 2010
· All new hoses, filters, fittings and clamps associated with the entire
pressure water system. - 2009
· PAR deck washdown pump
· Flagship Marine 12,000 BTU marine A/C with electric heating element
and electronic thermostat - 2009
· Flagship Marine 18,000 BTU marine A/C with electric heating element
and electronic thermostat - 2009
· All new (8) Bronze seacocks and thru-hull fittings with new hoses,
clamps, fittings - 2008
· 4 Kyocera 130 watt solar panels (520 watts capacity) mounted on the
rear aluminum arch - 2009
· Blue Sky Energy Solar Boost 50 MPPT solar charge controller and all
new wiring - 2009
· Blue Sky Energy solar charge smart display with controls at the
navigation station - 2009
· All new Sealand Odor-Safe Plus Sanitation hoses, both heads and
to/from holding tank - 2009
· All Y-Valves and Vented Loops for bilge pumps, heads and all
sanitation hoses, replaced - 2009
· Honda Eu2000i 2Kw Gas Generator with shore power adaptor, stores
in aft deck box - 2009
Mechanical Systems
· Yanmar 4JH4-TE Turbocharged 75hp diesel engine, 155.5 hours,
Under Warranty! - 2010
· ZF Transmission, 2.21:1 reduction ratio, with new flexible shaft
saver, 155.5 hours - 2010
· New Yanmar Type-C main engine electrical panel with gauges and
new wiring harness - 2010
· Engine room cleaned and repainted - 2010
· New exhaust hoses, clamps and fittings - 2010
· All new engine room sound and heat insulation - 2005
· 1.5" Stainless Steel drive shaft, checked true, new keyway machined
- 2008
· New Cutlass Bearings - 2008
· Spurs line cutters at prop - 2009
· All Zincs replaced, March of 2010
· MaxProp feathering 3 blade bronze propeller, serviced and pitched
January of 2010.
· Spare 2 blade bronze propeller
· Extensive engine spares aboard
· Conventional Bronze Stuffing Box, dripless packing, serviced January
of 2010
· Filter-Boss Commander Dual Racor 500 automatic filtration and fuel
polishing system - 2009
· New Rule dedicated Shower Sump with pump mounted in main bilge
- 2009
· Edson steering system chain and cables - complete system -
replaced 2009
· Brand new spare Edson steering system chain and cables set in
spares. - 2009
· Edson Steering Pedestal - 1999
· Yacht Specialties Steering Wheel with Elk Skin cover - 2005
· New Stainless Steel main fuel tank - 1999
· Rudder Stock Steering System Cage, rebuilt. - 2009
· Monitor Self-Steering Windvane - 1999
Rigging and Sails
Lillie Mae received a complete renovation and replacement of all standing and running rigging in 1999-2000 at Bennett Brothers Marine. This included the replacement of all chain plates with larger thickness 316 Stainless Steel items and all wire standing rigging was replaced with one size oversized 316 stainless 1x19 wire. Stay-Loc stainless fittings and terminals were used throughout. Since that time, Lillie Mae has received very light usage and no abuse. The standing rigging has been inspected and serviced annually and it remains in excellent condition. Sails were replaced in 2004 and have seen very limited use since, never stored in the sun, all sails are in excellent condition. Running rigging has been replaced and upgraded constantly and everything is in ready-to-go condition.
· Masthead Sloop Rig with removable staysail stay and running
backstays.
· Keel Stepped Double Spreader Anodized Aluminum Mast
· Anodized Aluminum Boom
· Anodized Aluminum Spinnaker Pole mounted on the mast with a
dedicated track system. - 2000
· Harken MKII roller furling gear on headstay - 2000
· Forespar Rigid Boom Vang - 1999
· All Mast and Boom Fittings removed and refastened - 1999
· All Stainless Steel Wire Standing Rigging plus new Stay-Loc Fittings
- 2000
· New Tie-Rods and fittings for aft lower shrouds - 2000
· All New 316 Stainless Steel Chain Plates - 1999-2000
· Strong System Mast Track for Mainsail
· Removable Stainless Steel Staysail stay
· Dedicated Mast Track for the Storm Trysail
· Running Backstays
· Multiple Adjustable cars on side deck track for Genoa, Jib and/or
Staysail.
· Stay-Loc backstay insulators for SSB antenna - 2000
· (2) Barient ST 36 primary winches
· (2) Harken ST 48 secondary winches
· (1) Barient ST 27 mainsheet winch
· (2) Barient ST 27 mast winches
· (2) Barient 25 mast winches
· (1) Harken ST 10 boom winch
· New Stay-Set X main halyard - 2010
· Extensive spare running rigging, halyards, blocks, hardware and line
in spare parts inventory
SAILS:
· Doyle 10oz Full Batten Mainsail - 2004
· Doyle Stack Pack Cradle Cover with Lazy Jacks - 2004
· Doyle 10oz 120% Genoa on roller furler - 2004
· Doyle 9oz High-Cut Yankee, cut for roller furler - 2004
· Symmetrical Spinnaker, lightweight with bag and lines - 2004
· UK-Halsey Hank-On Staysail with control lines and bag
· UK-Halsey Storm Trysail for dedicated mast track, with control lines
and bag
Hull and Deck
· Solid Hand Layed Fiberglass Hull with 4 Longitudinal Stringers
· Fully Encapsulated lead ballast in deep fin keel with full skeg hung
rudder
· New Custom Built Rudder - 2007
· Hull Exterior Sealed with Epoxy Barrier coating - 1999
· Custom Teak Rub-Rail, Full Length with Stainless Striker - 1999
· Spartan Bow Chocks - 1999
· Anti-Fouling Bottom Paint, in Tortola, BVI, Fall of 2008, in excellent
shape.
· Hull Topsides painted in Matterhorn White Awlgrip - 2002
· Dark Blue Awlgrip double boot stripe - 2002
· Foam Cored Deck with molded in nonskid
· Solid Fiberglass Deck at all load points
· Complete removal and rebedding of all deck hardware and fittings -
2000
· Deck Painted - Matterhorn White Awlgrip - 2000
· Large Aft Deck Lazarette with hatch access to huge storage space.
· Aft Deck Propane Locker with 2 x 20lb aluminum tanks and drain,
refurbished 2009
· Stainless Steel Bow Pulpit, completely replaced in 2008
· Stainless Steel Stanchions and bases, several spares included
· Double Stainless Steel Vinyl Coated Lifelines with stainless
turnbuckles and fittings - all new 2009
· Port and Starboard stainless boarding gates with integrated ladders
· Stainless Steel swim ladder
· (1) Bomar Deck Hatch - 2006
· (5) Bomar Deck Hatchs - Rebuilt 1999
· (1) Lewmar Deck Hatch - 2005
· (1) Atkins and Hoyle Deck Hatch - 1999
· (12) Atkins and Hoyle Opening Ports - 1999 (new seals 2010)
· New Bimini and Dodger with stainless steel frames, Blue Sunbrella
- 2009
· Complete Professional New Blue Sunbrella and Clear Plastic Enclosure
for Cockpit, DRY! - 2009
· Mesh Bimini and Dodger side and aft curtains for sunscreening
· Sunbrella wheel and pedestal covers, white, - 2005
· Sun Reflective Tarps for Shading: Front, Sides and Rear - 2010
· Custom Aluminum Rear Arch - Morgan Metals in Jacksonville, FL -
Fantastic Quality! - 2009
· Custom Arch mounting for (4) Kyocera 130 watt solar panels
· (2) Hella Marine LED Mega-Beam spotlights mounted on rear arch
- 2009
· (2) West Marine Waterproof Stereo Speakers mounted on rear arch
- 2009
· Deck Platform incorporated into rear arch with supports - 2009
· (2) Igloo 160 Quart Coolers on Arch Deck Platform, Excellent Storage
and Seating! - 2009
Additional Equipment.
· Lewmar V5 Anchor Windlass with Manual Override - 2005
· Spectra Cape Horn Extreme Watermaker, DC Powered, 14 Gallons
per Hour - 2010
· Whale 30 High Capacity Manual Bilge Pump, completely rebuilt -
2010
· Whale 10 Manual Bilge Pump, rebuilt - 2010
· 65lb CQR Primary Anchor on bow roller with 270ft of 5/16" Grade 40
ACCO chain - 1999
· 44lb Bruce Anchor
· 40lb Danforth Anchor, mounted at starboard rear with rail mounting
system.
· 50lb Fortress 3 piece fisherman style anchor with storage bag
· (2) Secondary Anchor chains with shackles
· (1) 300' x ¾" Nylon Anchor Rode, stores in aft deck box.
· (1) 150' x ¾" Heavy Nylon Anchor Rode
· Grey with blue trim vinyl mesh cockpit cushion covers, excellent
shape, - 1999
· Slip covers for suede interior cushions
· Givens Buoy 6 man liferaft in valise - repacked in 2006
· Acer 406Mhz EPIRB - Battery Tested Current
· New Emergency Kit with Flares etc. 2010
· (10) Lifejackets
· 8+ Large Fenders with Sunbrella Covers
· Extensive spares in halyards, line and running rigging.
· Lifesling MOB Recovery System with rail mount.
· Caribe 10.5ft RIB Dinghy with bow storage locker, folding oars, seat
- new 2008
· Yamaha 15hp two stroke outboard dinghy engine with tank and
hardware - new 2008
· Avon 9' Rollup Dinghy with storage bag, excellent condition, stores in
aft lazarette.
· Mariner 4hp two stroke outboard engine, excellent shape (for Avon
dinghy)
Lillie Mae also comes with extensive cruising spares. She is being reluctantly sold due to family illness which precludes further cruising. There are no other sailboats in this class so equipped and ready to go on the market today at anywhere near this price. Lillie Mae was painstakingly renovated with no expense spared using only the best hardware and systems to provide a safe, comfortable full time cruising platform for a family of 4. Since 2008 over $100K has been spent on updated systems and hardware, not including labor! There is simply no way she could be duplicated for anywhere near the asking price. She is offered for sale directly by the owner. Included with the sale, the owner will provide as much instruction as required on all aspects of safely operating the vessel and her systems. Also included are comprehensive records on her maintenance history, upgrades and systems.
Builder: Queen Long Marine Designer: Sparkman & Stephens
Dimensions:
LOA: 46'10" LWL: 37'9" Beam: 14'3"
Displacement: 32,000lb Draft: 6' 0" Ballast: 14,500lb
Engine:
Yanmar 4JH4-TE NEW Engine and Transmission 2010 - 155.5 total hours. 4 Cylinder, Turbocharged. 16 valve cylinder head. 75hp ZF Transmission 2.12:1 reduction ratio. New Flexible drive saver.
Engine and Transmission are under factory Yanmar warranty!
Tankage:
Fuel: 100 gallons. Water: 225 Gallons Holding: 15 gallons
This classic Sparkman & Stevens design is world renown for its blue water capabilities, fantastic sailing performance and spacious interior. The Stevens 47, manufactured by Queen Long Marine, was built from 1981 to 1985 when the brand name was changed to Hylas. The Hylas 47 and Stevens 47 are sister ships from the same yard and molds with minor cosmetic and interior layout differences.
This Stevens 47 was commissioned in 1983 and was in charter service for 2 seasons in St. Lucia. The yacht then passed through several experienced owners and received comprehensive maintenance and upgrades throughout its life. Documentation and maintenance records that accompany the vessel are extensive and show the care the vessel has received.
"Lillie Mae" has benefited from a $100,000+ refit since August of 2009. She also received a comprehensive refit in 1999-2000. Details of the refit are noted throughout the descriptions. "Lillie Mae" is a true turn-key cruising vessel, ready to go now and fulfill dreams of self sufficient cruising in style.
Accommodations:
Three private staterooms with two heads provide comfortable accommodations for a crew of up to 8. Starting forward is a generous guest cabin with a double v-berth, hanging locker, storage drawers, additional lockers and a fan. Huge storage space is available under the berth. A large opening hatch provides ventilation and a small seating area aids dressing. Access to the forward chain locker and windlass is through double doors at the front of the bunk.
Just aft of the forward cabin to port is the second guest stateroom with over/under bunks, storage lockers and a large hanging locker. This cabin has an opening port and hatch plus fans for each bunk. To starboard across from this second cabin is the forward head featuring marble countertops with custom inlays (2010), Lavac marine toilet (the best marine toilets made - never clogs!), Lectra-San Type I MSD, stainless steel sink, mirrored cabinet, and teak floor grate. This head has been fitted with a stainless steel sliding adjustable massage shower head and custom shower curtain and track providing a very large shower area, double the space of a built in shower stall without the inconvenience of a wet head.
The Salon is furnished with an L shaped settee and teak table to port. This table folds out to seat up to 8 for entertaining and provides a large storage cubbie. To starboard is a straight settee that pulls out to provide an excellent sea berth or additional guest accommodations. This settee, along with all bunks aboard the vessel, is fitted with a lee cloth. To port behind the settee are large storage lockers and above is custom cabinetry including gorgeous doors providing additional storage and wine bottle rack. There are storage lockers behind the starboard settee and open storage book shelves and space above. A 32" flat panel display is mounted on a sturdy articulating arm that allows it to be adjusted for viewing in the salon for movies and television. There is also a surround sound stereo system with subwoofer to complement the flat panel television. At sea, the flat panel is folded flat at the navigation station where it can be used in conjunction with the laptop computer for navigation.
The forward facing navigation station and seat is located further aft to starboard, easily accessible from the cockpit. "Lillie Mae" is fitted with a full suite of electronics and radios. The galley is situated to port along the full length of the walk through to the aft cabin. The owners cabin is furnished with a large double bed to port and a single to starboard, both excellent sea berths. There are two large hanging lockers, mirrored cabinet, drawers and lockers under both bunks and a large central cabinet that provides ample storage. The owners cabin also features a custom central cabinet with storage and entertainment center including a 21" flat panel display and speakers. This entertainment center allows occupants of both rear bunks to enjoy movies in style. En-suite with the owners cabin and also accessible via walk through by the navigation station is the rear head. This head also has a Lavac marine toilet, mirrored cabinet, multiple storage lockers, teak doors, marble countertops and a stainless steel sink. As in the forward head, all plumbing fixtures are new (2009).
The interior of "Lillie Mae" is finished with warm varnished teak joinery, a real teak and holly planked sole, teal green ultra suede upholstery throughout (new 1999 - excellent shape) and white vinyl headliner. The amount and quality of the teak woodwork throughout the boat is something that is simply cost prohibitive to duplicate in boats being manufactured today, short of a multi-million dollar yacht. Head compartments feature white formica, varnished teak trim and cabinet doors and marble countertops. The galley also features beautiful custom marble countertops (2009). There are 12 Atkins and Hoyle aluminum opening ports (new seals 2009) and numerous hatches providing excellent ventilation and lighting. Four dorade vents provide additional ventilation along with fans throughout the vessel. In port, Lillie Mae is cooled via dual Flagship Marine self contained built in air-conditioning units, a 12K btu unit in the rear and an 18K btu in front, both with electronic thermostats and built in electric heating elements, both new in 2009.
Galley
The in-line configuration is situated along the full length of the port walk through providing plenty of space and headroom. Deep double stainless steel sinks with new (2009) polished stainless fixtures are inboard with marble countertops and a stainless steel faced microwave (2010). The Force 10 propane stove and refrigeration / freezer are located to port along with a deep storage locker for pots and pans. There are numerous storage compartments with new teak sliding doors. Drawers provide ample storage for cooking utensils and larger cooking pans and trays. (extensive cookware is included with the boat). The Force 10 stove was completely rebuilt in 12/09 with new updated burners and automatic lighting system. The propane solenoid was replaced and has a lighted switch panel in the galley, in addition the rear propane locker was cleaned and painted (as new now) and it houses two 20lb alloy propane tanks (enough propane to last over 4 months with our live aboard high propane use).
The most serious flaw with the Stevens and Hylas yachts regards the refrigeration and freezer. The factory installed fiberglass boxes with large holding plates operated by an engine driven compressor. The issue regards the insulation, which is largely non-existent. The factory fridge/freezer compartments have ample poured foam insulation behind, filling the space to the bare hull but this allows no space for ventilation and results in the foam deteriorating or worse, holding moisture. The remaining 3 sides have 1" of Styrofoam insulation and there are 2" of foam insulation on the bottom. The lids have 2" of ineffective foam and a very poor sealing system. The overall effect is extremely poor insulation that results in excessive engine running in order to barely keep the refrigerator and freezer cold. Updating these boxes with more efficient and modern cooling systems is not effective because the insulation is so terrible.
On Lillie Mae, the entire factory refrigeration and freezer system was removed including all of the cabinetry and insulation to the point where the bare hull was completely exposed from the stove to the rear bulkhead. From this beginning the entire system was totally rebuilt using only the very best technology and systems available. The goal was to achieve large efficient refrigerator and freezer operations at a very minimum of power consumption without requiring any engine or 110 volt operation. The resulting DC powered systems achieved this goal.
New refrigeration and freezer boxes were constructed using 1" Styrofoam board lined outside with reflective insulation material. Custom constructed Vacuum Insulation Panels from Glacier Bay line the interior of each box. These VIP panels have an insulation value of R50 - equal too over 8" of traditional Styrofoam insulation. These were covered with ¼" marine plywood that was subsequently given 6 coats of epoxy before being painted gloss white. The lids are custom VIP panels from rParts.com. Frigoboat BD50 Danfoss compressor units with smart speed controllers were installed, a separate unit for the refrigerator and freezer. These compressor systems utilize a large evaporator plate inside each box and the refrigerant is cooled via dual keel-coolers. They are completely quiet and extremely efficient.
The end result of this $9K+ project is a 6.5sq ft freezer compartment that stays between 0 and 5 degrees and a 14 Sq. Ft. refrigerator that stays 35 degrees, both requiring the compressor unit to cycle at lower speeds and using extremely small amounts of power. This battery-powered system is completely run with power generated by the solar panels with ample capacity left to run the rest of the boat.
· Double Stainless Steel Sinks
· All New Polished Stainless Fixtures - 2009
· 3M water purification system with dedicated tap at the sink. - 2009
· Whale foot pumps
· Force 10 propane stove, 3 burners with stove - completely rebuilt
with all new burners - 2009
· Propane solenoid switch
· (2) 20lb Aluminum propane tanks - new in 1999
· All new propane lines and fittings - 2009
· New Stainless faced microwave - 2009
· Custom built refrigerator and freezer boxes- 5.5sq ft. freezer and 12
sq ft. refrigerator - 2009
· New Glacier Bay VIP panel insulated refrigerator and freezer boxes -
2009
· (2) Frigoboat BD50 compressors w/ smart speed controllers,
evaporator plates and keel-coolers. - 2009
· Rparts.com VIP panel refrigerator and freezer lids. - 2009
· New custom countertops throughout, marble tile with glass/ceramic
inlays on the fridge/freezer doors.
· New varnished teak sliding doors to numerous storage lockers - 2010
· LED lighting fixtures throughout provide ample light at extremely low
power consumption
Electronics and Navigation
Lillie Mae received extensive upgrades and improvements to her suite of electronics and navigation gear during the complete refit in late 2009 - 2010. This included comprehensive upgrades to all wiring, conduits, circuit breakers and mounting systems.
· Standard Horizon CPF 300i GPS / Chart Plotter with Fish Finder depth
sounding at the helm.- 2009
· C-Map Max Pro charts for plotter - entire US and Caribbean. - 2009
· Acer AIS-B system with dedicated GPS / VHS, integrated with chart
plotter and at Nav. Station - 2009
· Lowrance H2Oc color hand held chart plotter with entire US and
Caribbean Navionics chart chips. 2009
· EarthNT / Google Earth chart pack for laptop w/ dedicated GPS
antenna - entire US and Bahamas. 2009
· Raymarine ST6001 autopilot - 2002
· Raymarine electric autopilot linear drive with massive bronze rudder
stock - 2006
· Raymarine remote control for ST-6001 autopilot operation. 2002
· Monitor self-steering windvane with 3 extra blades - 1999
· Panasonic KXG 2220 VHF Radio with masthead antenna
· Icom ICM700 Pro SSB radio with automatic antenna tuner. Radio
serviced at ICOM - 2009
· Furuno 1721 Mk II Radar - 1999 (works as new)
· Radar mast mount with guard - 2006
· JVC stereo with CD player, iPod input and USB port - 2009
· Speaker zone control system - main cabin, rear cabin, cockpit and
arch mounted speakers.
· Infinity speakers main cabin + cockpit, Polk Audio in rear cabin,
waterproof speakers @ arch. - 2009
· Hanns-G 32" flat panel monitor with heavy-duty steel articulating
mount, main salon - 2009
· Sony surround speaker system with subwoofer for entertainment
system, main salon. - 2009
· Viewsonic 21" flat panel display with Logitech speakers, aft cabin -
2009
· Ritchie Binnacle Mounted Compass with Light - 1999
· Datamarine 3000 depth sounder
· Datamarine LX 360 Wind Indicator
· Datamarine S100KL II Knot Meter and Log
· Datamarine Instrument Repeaters in Cockpit
· ICOM hand held VHF radio
· Explorer Chart Books, Entire Bahamas set - 2008
· Comprehensive collection of paper charts, covers entire US East Coast
and Caribbean.
Electrical and Plumbing Systems.
During the 2009-2010 refit the entire electrical system was evaluated and upgraded. This included extensive new wiring, circuit breakers and fuses, all new battery cabling, new additional 30 amp shore power input (2 circuits now) and the replacement of all wiring circuits associated with the bilge. The house battery bank was more than doubled in size and a new custom battery support trey and box were installed in the front of the engine room. Lillie Mae has been fitted with dual automatic electric bilge pumps, all plumbing hoses and fittings associated with all of the bilge pumps were replaced in 2009. The entire pressure water system was rebuilt in 2009 including a new pump, accumulator tank, all hoses, water distribution manifold, fittings and hose clamps, drain manifold with anti-siphon and a new primary fresh water filtration system. In addition to the main water filter, a dedicated 3M drinking water filtration system ensures good tasting water. Everything associated with all plumbing systems aboard the vessel was replaced and upgraded in 2009. All hoses, fittings, Y-Valves and vented loops associated with both Lavac Marine toilets were replaced in 2009. Only Sealand Odor-Safe Plus 1.5" diameter sanitation hose was used throughout the sanitation system plumbing. The rear master cabin houses a 12,000 BTU built in air conditioning unit while an 18,000 BTU unit forward ensures that at the dock the boat is always cool inside. Both units also have electric heating elements with ample capacity to keep things warm no matter how cold the weather outside.
All of the DC systems aboard Lillie Mae were integrated with the single goal of having the boat be as self sufficient as possible on the hook. The 4 Kyocera 130 watt solar panels are mounted at the top of a dedicated rear arch to ensure they are not blanketed by the rig. Coupled with a Blue Sky Systems Solar Boost 50 MPPT smart controller, these panels provide up to 44 amps of charging (the most I have personally seen) at mid day. Even with a family of 4 including kids aboard using multiple computers and flat panel displays, stereo, video games, lots of lights burning, DC powered fridge and freezer, fans..... even with all of this stuff running Lillie Mae's battery bank is typically fully charged by 2pm. On days when it is very cloudy we supplement charging with the Honda 2KW Eu2000i gas generator which simply plugs directly into the shore power plug as it quietly runs on the aft deck. We often use the Honda in the evening to run the hot water heater at the same time as the battery charger, 30 minutes of running is plenty to ensure hot showers for several people.
· Dual 30 amp 110v shore power inputs at rear deck. - 2009
· 110 volt and 12 volt circuits throughout the vessel with numerous GFI
receptacles.
· Marinetic A/C breaker panel with ammeters, voltage indicators and
warning lights.
· Magnum Energy ME2012 2Kw Inverter with built in multi-stage
100amp smart battery charger - 2009
· Magnum Energy ME-BMK battery monitoring and smart system
controller - 2009
· Balmar 100amp engine alternator with Balmar Max-Charge electronic
multi-stage controller - 2009
· Balmar 150 amp spare alternator with complete spare Max-Charge
controller and wiring harness
· 12 volt DC Marinetic breaker panel with battery selector switches,
voltage and ammeter gauges.
· Blue Sea Systems 110V Breaker panel with voltage gauge, wired as
second complete circuit - 2009
· 7 x Group 31 Lifeline AGM batteries in House Bank - 730 amp hours
capacity - new 2009
· Lifeline Group 27 AGM starting battery in dedicated start bank. -
new 2009
· Lifeline Group 31 AGM battery dedicated for Windlass, mounted
forward. - new 2009
· Battery selector switches, House Bank, Start Bank or Combined.
· Dual (2) Xantrex Digital Echo-Chargers - one for start battery, second
for windlass battery - 2009
· Sensi-Bulb LED lighting throughout the vessel, extreme low power
usage. - 2009
· OGM LED running lights, Bow and Stern. LED Tri-Color, Strobe +
Anchor light at masthead - 2009
· Raritan Lectra-San Type I MSD, totally rebuilt with new circuit board
and electrode plates - 2010
· Raritan 12 gallon hot water heater, electric and/or engine cooling
system operation - 2009
· All new mast wiring - 1999
· External grounding plate, all new grounding cables and fittings -
2009
· Jabsco 3680 automatic pressure water system pump with new
accumulator tank - 2009
· Spare Jabsco 3680 pressure water system pump - 2008
· PAR automatic electric bilge pump, plumbed to switch between main
bilge and engine room - 2009
· West Marine Ultra-Switch automatic bilge pump switch wired with PAR
automatic pump - 2009
· Rule 4,000 Gallon per Hour automatic electronic bilge pump with 1.5"
dedicated outlet - 2009
· Navigation Station dedicated fuse panel and breaker for Rule
4,000gph bilge pump
· Rule Shower Sump Box with automatic switch and 500gph pump -
2010
· Dedicated fuse panel and breaker at Navigation Station for Rule
Shower Sump - 2010
· All new hoses, filters, fittings and clamps associated with the entire
pressure water system. - 2009
· PAR deck washdown pump
· Flagship Marine 12,000 BTU marine A/C with electric heating element
and electronic thermostat - 2009
· Flagship Marine 18,000 BTU marine A/C with electric heating element
and electronic thermostat - 2009
· All new (8) Bronze seacocks and thru-hull fittings with new hoses,
clamps, fittings - 2008
· 4 Kyocera 130 watt solar panels (520 watts capacity) mounted on the
rear aluminum arch - 2009
· Blue Sky Energy Solar Boost 50 MPPT solar charge controller and all
new wiring - 2009
· Blue Sky Energy solar charge smart display with controls at the
navigation station - 2009
· All new Sealand Odor-Safe Plus Sanitation hoses, both heads and
to/from holding tank - 2009
· All Y-Valves and Vented Loops for bilge pumps, heads and all
sanitation hoses, replaced - 2009
· Honda Eu2000i 2Kw Gas Generator with shore power adaptor, stores
in aft deck box - 2009
Mechanical Systems
· Yanmar 4JH4-TE Turbocharged 75hp diesel engine, 155.5 hours,
Under Warranty! - 2010
· ZF Transmission, 2.21:1 reduction ratio, with new flexible shaft
saver, 155.5 hours - 2010
· New Yanmar Type-C main engine electrical panel with gauges and
new wiring harness - 2010
· Engine room cleaned and repainted - 2010
· New exhaust hoses, clamps and fittings - 2010
· All new engine room sound and heat insulation - 2005
· 1.5" Stainless Steel drive shaft, checked true, new keyway machined
- 2008
· New Cutlass Bearings - 2008
· Spurs line cutters at prop - 2009
· All Zincs replaced, March of 2010
· MaxProp feathering 3 blade bronze propeller, serviced and pitched
January of 2010.
· Spare 2 blade bronze propeller
· Extensive engine spares aboard
· Conventional Bronze Stuffing Box, dripless packing, serviced January
of 2010
· Filter-Boss Commander Dual Racor 500 automatic filtration and fuel
polishing system - 2009
· New Rule dedicated Shower Sump with pump mounted in main bilge
- 2009
· Edson steering system chain and cables - complete system -
replaced 2009
· Brand new spare Edson steering system chain and cables set in
spares. - 2009
· Edson Steering Pedestal - 1999
· Yacht Specialties Steering Wheel with Elk Skin cover - 2005
· New Stainless Steel main fuel tank - 1999
· Rudder Stock Steering System Cage, rebuilt. - 2009
· Monitor Self-Steering Windvane - 1999
Rigging and Sails
Lillie Mae received a complete renovation and replacement of all standing and running rigging in 1999-2000 at Bennett Brothers Marine. This included the replacement of all chain plates with larger thickness 316 Stainless Steel items and all wire standing rigging was replaced with one size oversized 316 stainless 1x19 wire. Stay-Loc stainless fittings and terminals were used throughout. Since that time, Lillie Mae has received very light usage and no abuse. The standing rigging has been inspected and serviced annually and it remains in excellent condition. Sails were replaced in 2004 and have seen very limited use since, never stored in the sun, all sails are in excellent condition. Running rigging has been replaced and upgraded constantly and everything is in ready-to-go condition.
· Masthead Sloop Rig with removable staysail stay and running
backstays.
· Keel Stepped Double Spreader Anodized Aluminum Mast
· Anodized Aluminum Boom
· Anodized Aluminum Spinnaker Pole mounted on the mast with a
dedicated track system. - 2000
· Harken MKII roller furling gear on headstay - 2000
· Forespar Rigid Boom Vang - 1999
· All Mast and Boom Fittings removed and refastened - 1999
· All Stainless Steel Wire Standing Rigging plus new Stay-Loc Fittings
- 2000
· New Tie-Rods and fittings for aft lower shrouds - 2000
· All New 316 Stainless Steel Chain Plates - 1999-2000
· Strong System Mast Track for Mainsail
· Removable Stainless Steel Staysail stay
· Dedicated Mast Track for the Storm Trysail
· Running Backstays
· Multiple Adjustable cars on side deck track for Genoa, Jib and/or
Staysail.
· Stay-Loc backstay insulators for SSB antenna - 2000
· (2) Barient ST 36 primary winches
· (2) Harken ST 48 secondary winches
· (1) Barient ST 27 mainsheet winch
· (2) Barient ST 27 mast winches
· (2) Barient 25 mast winches
· (1) Harken ST 10 boom winch
· New Stay-Set X main halyard - 2010
· Extensive spare running rigging, halyards, blocks, hardware and line
in spare parts inventory
SAILS:
· Doyle 10oz Full Batten Mainsail - 2004
· Doyle Stack Pack Cradle Cover with Lazy Jacks - 2004
· Doyle 10oz 120% Genoa on roller furler - 2004
· Doyle 9oz High-Cut Yankee, cut for roller furler - 2004
· Symmetrical Spinnaker, lightweight with bag and lines - 2004
· UK-Halsey Hank-On Staysail with control lines and bag
· UK-Halsey Storm Trysail for dedicated mast track, with control lines
and bag
Hull and Deck
· Solid Hand Layed Fiberglass Hull with 4 Longitudinal Stringers
· Fully Encapsulated lead ballast in deep fin keel with full skeg hung
rudder
· New Custom Built Rudder - 2007
· Hull Exterior Sealed with Epoxy Barrier coating - 1999
· Custom Teak Rub-Rail, Full Length with Stainless Striker - 1999
· Spartan Bow Chocks - 1999
· Anti-Fouling Bottom Paint, in Tortola, BVI, Fall of 2008, in excellent
shape.
· Hull Topsides painted in Matterhorn White Awlgrip - 2002
· Dark Blue Awlgrip double boot stripe - 2002
· Foam Cored Deck with molded in nonskid
· Solid Fiberglass Deck at all load points
· Complete removal and rebedding of all deck hardware and fittings -
2000
· Deck Painted - Matterhorn White Awlgrip - 2000
· Large Aft Deck Lazarette with hatch access to huge storage space.
· Aft Deck Propane Locker with 2 x 20lb aluminum tanks and drain,
refurbished 2009
· Stainless Steel Bow Pulpit, completely replaced in 2008
· Stainless Steel Stanchions and bases, several spares included
· Double Stainless Steel Vinyl Coated Lifelines with stainless
turnbuckles and fittings - all new 2009
· Port and Starboard stainless boarding gates with integrated ladders
· Stainless Steel swim ladder
· (1) Bomar Deck Hatch - 2006
· (5) Bomar Deck Hatchs - Rebuilt 1999
· (1) Lewmar Deck Hatch - 2005
· (1) Atkins and Hoyle Deck Hatch - 1999
· (12) Atkins and Hoyle Opening Ports - 1999 (new seals 2010)
· New Bimini and Dodger with stainless steel frames, Blue Sunbrella
- 2009
· Complete Professional New Blue Sunbrella and Clear Plastic Enclosure
for Cockpit, DRY! - 2009
· Mesh Bimini and Dodger side and aft curtains for sunscreening
· Sunbrella wheel and pedestal covers, white, - 2005
· Sun Reflective Tarps for Shading: Front, Sides and Rear - 2010
· Custom Aluminum Rear Arch - Morgan Metals in Jacksonville, FL -
Fantastic Quality! - 2009
· Custom Arch mounting for (4) Kyocera 130 watt solar panels
· (2) Hella Marine LED Mega-Beam spotlights mounted on rear arch
- 2009
· (2) West Marine Waterproof Stereo Speakers mounted on rear arch
- 2009
· Deck Platform incorporated into rear arch with supports - 2009
· (2) Igloo 160 Quart Coolers on Arch Deck Platform, Excellent Storage
and Seating! - 2009
Additional Equipment.
· Lewmar V5 Anchor Windlass with Manual Override - 2005
· Spectra Cape Horn Extreme Watermaker, DC Powered, 14 Gallons
per Hour - 2010
· Whale 30 High Capacity Manual Bilge Pump, completely rebuilt -
2010
· Whale 10 Manual Bilge Pump, rebuilt - 2010
· 65lb CQR Primary Anchor on bow roller with 270ft of 5/16" Grade 40
ACCO chain - 1999
· 44lb Bruce Anchor
· 40lb Danforth Anchor, mounted at starboard rear with rail mounting
system.
· 50lb Fortress 3 piece fisherman style anchor with storage bag
· (2) Secondary Anchor chains with shackles
· (1) 300' x ¾" Nylon Anchor Rode, stores in aft deck box.
· (1) 150' x ¾" Heavy Nylon Anchor Rode
· Grey with blue trim vinyl mesh cockpit cushion covers, excellent
shape, - 1999
· Slip covers for suede interior cushions
· Givens Buoy 6 man liferaft in valise - repacked in 2006
· Acer 406Mhz EPIRB - Battery Tested Current
· New Emergency Kit with Flares etc. 2010
· (10) Lifejackets
· 8+ Large Fenders with Sunbrella Covers
· Extensive spares in halyards, line and running rigging.
· Lifesling MOB Recovery System with rail mount.
· Caribe 10.5ft RIB Dinghy with bow storage locker, folding oars, seat
- new 2008
· Yamaha 15hp two stroke outboard dinghy engine with tank and
hardware - new 2008
· Avon 9' Rollup Dinghy with storage bag, excellent condition, stores in
aft lazarette.
· Mariner 4hp two stroke outboard engine, excellent shape (for Avon
dinghy)
Lillie Mae also comes with extensive cruising spares. She is being reluctantly sold due to family illness which precludes further cruising. There are no other sailboats in this class so equipped and ready to go on the market today at anywhere near this price. Lillie Mae was painstakingly renovated with no expense spared using only the best hardware and systems to provide a safe, comfortable full time cruising platform for a family of 4. Since 2008 over $100K has been spent on updated systems and hardware, not including labor! There is simply no way she could be duplicated for anywhere near the asking price. She is offered for sale directly by the owner. Included with the sale, the owner will provide as much instruction as required on all aspects of safely operating the vessel and her systems. Also included are comprehensive records on her maintenance history, upgrades and systems.
Done - Lillie Mae For Sale
21 July 2010 | Jekyll Island, GA
It has been far too long since I blogged... sorry for the lapse. We left Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos and headed directly for St. Mary's inlet at the GA/FL state line. We had great wind when we left and sailed for the first 10 hours or so, but after that it was mostly a motor boat trip as the wind died.
It took us 2.5 days before we got tied up at the marina downtown in Fernandina Beach, FL. Almost immediately after we were secure at the dock, a massive thunderstorm hit. We saw over 60 knots of wind, lightening everywhere, torrential rain and the power went out over the entire island. Its funny that the scariest thing we have experienced was after being tied up in a marina in FL.
We motored up the ICW to Jekyll Island, only bumping the muddy bottom once. No big deal. We got secured and shortly afterward met up with our friends on Amazing Grace II and Side by Side. It was fun having our friends hang around Jekyll with us for a week and the kids really had a blast but before we knew it they were both headed off north for the Chesapeake. At the time I thought it highly likely that we would see them again when we too headed north within a month or so.
We got a few boat projects done and then packed up to head to the Atlanta area to visit family and friends. After almost a week in Cumming, GA we headed north to Banner Elk, NC for the 4th of July holiday. It's a lot of fun there with a parade and fireworks plus the weather is very nice. After a week, we headed back down to Cumming and my parents house. I got a lot of paperwork crap done and was able to take care of some real estate messes. Productive and necessary but not exactly fun.
After being away from the boat for nearly 3 weeks we headed back to Jekyll Island. When we arrived, I discovered that while we were gone the rear A/C unit had died. I diagnosed a bad compressor and after speaking with the guys at Flagship marine who made the unit I shipped it back to them to be repaired under warranty. Our Lectra-San unit also had died and I had to order a new set of electrode plates to repair it. So boat projects continue.
After getting back to the boat, Michele began again having really bad fibromyalgia attacks. She suffers bad headaches, tingling electric shock feelings down both her arms and hands, tremors in her hands, numbness, deep muscle and joint pain in both her legs and arms, bad bladder pain.....and it all was getting rapidly worse. Much worse.
She has suffered from this for a number of years to varying degrees. Last year before moving out of our house to pursue this "episode" we pursued several treatment options very aggressively to try and get her as "better" as was possible and we had good success with this. I think we both felt confident that she would be able to undertake the cruising lifestyle and cope with her disease. We appear to have been wrong.
Things have gotten worse to the point where we have abandoned plans to head north and we are on our way back to the Atlanta area to seek treatment. We are taking Michele back to the Chiropractor and nutritionist who helped her before. We are also going to see a neurologist, as MS is a possibility we want to try and rule out and we are seeing a rhumatologist. We will also seek out any other specialists who may be able to help. Our entire focus at this point is on trying to get help for Michele so she can cope with the pain. We have gotten some serious pain medication and muscle relaxers to try and manage the severe pain in the meantime but this is just treating symptoms, not chasing a cure.
The reality of Fibromyalgia is that no cure is likely. This is a degenerative debilitating disease and though we hope to find ways of getting Michele back to being able to cope with day to day life the hard reality is that living the cruising lifestyle just does not appear to be something she can do.
So at this point, it appears we are done. I honestly cannot put into words my thoughts and feelings with this. Dreams die hard, but that's life. Now it's on to real problems: How to make a living? Where to live? How to pay for all the medical treatment Michele will need? When does school start and how do we get the kids going on that? Lots of stuff.
Lillie Mae is for sale. I am going to do my best to sell her myself, the thought of paying a broker 10% for shooting a few lousy photos and throwing it up on yachtworld.com is not something I can stomach. I will post another blog update with a VERY long and detailed description of the boat. If anyone is looking for a fantastic 3 cabin cruising yacht....Lillie Mae is IT. Any helps in selling her that anyone can provide is greatly appreciated.
It took us 2.5 days before we got tied up at the marina downtown in Fernandina Beach, FL. Almost immediately after we were secure at the dock, a massive thunderstorm hit. We saw over 60 knots of wind, lightening everywhere, torrential rain and the power went out over the entire island. Its funny that the scariest thing we have experienced was after being tied up in a marina in FL.
We motored up the ICW to Jekyll Island, only bumping the muddy bottom once. No big deal. We got secured and shortly afterward met up with our friends on Amazing Grace II and Side by Side. It was fun having our friends hang around Jekyll with us for a week and the kids really had a blast but before we knew it they were both headed off north for the Chesapeake. At the time I thought it highly likely that we would see them again when we too headed north within a month or so.
We got a few boat projects done and then packed up to head to the Atlanta area to visit family and friends. After almost a week in Cumming, GA we headed north to Banner Elk, NC for the 4th of July holiday. It's a lot of fun there with a parade and fireworks plus the weather is very nice. After a week, we headed back down to Cumming and my parents house. I got a lot of paperwork crap done and was able to take care of some real estate messes. Productive and necessary but not exactly fun.
After being away from the boat for nearly 3 weeks we headed back to Jekyll Island. When we arrived, I discovered that while we were gone the rear A/C unit had died. I diagnosed a bad compressor and after speaking with the guys at Flagship marine who made the unit I shipped it back to them to be repaired under warranty. Our Lectra-San unit also had died and I had to order a new set of electrode plates to repair it. So boat projects continue.
After getting back to the boat, Michele began again having really bad fibromyalgia attacks. She suffers bad headaches, tingling electric shock feelings down both her arms and hands, tremors in her hands, numbness, deep muscle and joint pain in both her legs and arms, bad bladder pain.....and it all was getting rapidly worse. Much worse.
She has suffered from this for a number of years to varying degrees. Last year before moving out of our house to pursue this "episode" we pursued several treatment options very aggressively to try and get her as "better" as was possible and we had good success with this. I think we both felt confident that she would be able to undertake the cruising lifestyle and cope with her disease. We appear to have been wrong.
Things have gotten worse to the point where we have abandoned plans to head north and we are on our way back to the Atlanta area to seek treatment. We are taking Michele back to the Chiropractor and nutritionist who helped her before. We are also going to see a neurologist, as MS is a possibility we want to try and rule out and we are seeing a rhumatologist. We will also seek out any other specialists who may be able to help. Our entire focus at this point is on trying to get help for Michele so she can cope with the pain. We have gotten some serious pain medication and muscle relaxers to try and manage the severe pain in the meantime but this is just treating symptoms, not chasing a cure.
The reality of Fibromyalgia is that no cure is likely. This is a degenerative debilitating disease and though we hope to find ways of getting Michele back to being able to cope with day to day life the hard reality is that living the cruising lifestyle just does not appear to be something she can do.
So at this point, it appears we are done. I honestly cannot put into words my thoughts and feelings with this. Dreams die hard, but that's life. Now it's on to real problems: How to make a living? Where to live? How to pay for all the medical treatment Michele will need? When does school start and how do we get the kids going on that? Lots of stuff.
Lillie Mae is for sale. I am going to do my best to sell her myself, the thought of paying a broker 10% for shooting a few lousy photos and throwing it up on yachtworld.com is not something I can stomach. I will post another blog update with a VERY long and detailed description of the boat. If anyone is looking for a fantastic 3 cabin cruising yacht....Lillie Mae is IT. Any helps in selling her that anyone can provide is greatly appreciated.
We're Off!
09 June 2010 | Green Turtle Cay, Abacos
Terry
It sorta looked like Sunday would better, now it not so much.... the wind is actually blowing outside right now so even though it will likely die tomorrow we are heading out. ETA St. Mary's Inlet is late Friday. Watch the spot!
Terry
Terry
Heading Back
08 June 2010 | Green Turtle Cay, Abacos
Terry
RED ALERT! RED ALERT!
A confluence of events has altered our world perspective and changed our plans. Rum was involved.
The weather looks ugly. Not nasty ugly like in a hurricane or even thunderstorms or even high winds but quite the opposite. No wind. I hate no wind.
Our friends on Side by Side cruised into the harbor here with tales of a large supply of fresh conch on board. Angie swears she makes better fritters than the marina restaurant. I cannot let that challenge go untested. Its an honor thing.
Passageweather.com has 2 weather models.... they both say the trip back would be a motorboat ride. Yuck. There may be wind on Sunday. Why not wait and see? Yea, that sounds good. There is also the matter of the large power yacht docked at the fuel dock making our taking on of diesel a big hassle. I am just not in the mood for hassle, so why rush to tank diesel today?
If we get wind sooner, we go. If not, we go snorkeling and check out life at Spanish Cay.
---------------------------------
Well, its definitely summer time in the Bahamas and that means hot and humid. When Michele and I woke up in the middle of the night the other night and it was 90 degrees in the cabin we came to a mutual agreement that perhaps it was time to point the boat north!
We got a slip at the Green Turtle Club on Green Turtle Cay for a couple of nights and have been getting everything ready for the passage back to the states. AS things stand right now.... and plans have been known to change.... we will head out this evening and sail for St. May's inlet at the FL / GA border. Its about 350 miles but will not go in a direct line. We will head up around the Bahamas banks and veer west to pick up the Gulf Stream.
A cold front is passing to the north tonight and that should give us some wind. By late tomorrow morning the wind is going to die off and I expect a fair amount of motoring this trip. If we can get a boost from the Gulf Stream I expect the passage to take no more than 2.5 days so we hope to be in Friday morning. If we run into any weather or issue we will divert west to Florida. I hope we have wind!
Check the spot from the main page for our progress, we will have it on for the entire passage.
I will post more on our fun in the Abacos after we arrive.
A confluence of events has altered our world perspective and changed our plans. Rum was involved.
The weather looks ugly. Not nasty ugly like in a hurricane or even thunderstorms or even high winds but quite the opposite. No wind. I hate no wind.
Our friends on Side by Side cruised into the harbor here with tales of a large supply of fresh conch on board. Angie swears she makes better fritters than the marina restaurant. I cannot let that challenge go untested. Its an honor thing.
Passageweather.com has 2 weather models.... they both say the trip back would be a motorboat ride. Yuck. There may be wind on Sunday. Why not wait and see? Yea, that sounds good. There is also the matter of the large power yacht docked at the fuel dock making our taking on of diesel a big hassle. I am just not in the mood for hassle, so why rush to tank diesel today?
If we get wind sooner, we go. If not, we go snorkeling and check out life at Spanish Cay.
---------------------------------
Well, its definitely summer time in the Bahamas and that means hot and humid. When Michele and I woke up in the middle of the night the other night and it was 90 degrees in the cabin we came to a mutual agreement that perhaps it was time to point the boat north!
We got a slip at the Green Turtle Club on Green Turtle Cay for a couple of nights and have been getting everything ready for the passage back to the states. AS things stand right now.... and plans have been known to change.... we will head out this evening and sail for St. May's inlet at the FL / GA border. Its about 350 miles but will not go in a direct line. We will head up around the Bahamas banks and veer west to pick up the Gulf Stream.
A cold front is passing to the north tonight and that should give us some wind. By late tomorrow morning the wind is going to die off and I expect a fair amount of motoring this trip. If we can get a boost from the Gulf Stream I expect the passage to take no more than 2.5 days so we hope to be in Friday morning. If we run into any weather or issue we will divert west to Florida. I hope we have wind!
Check the spot from the main page for our progress, we will have it on for the entire passage.
I will post more on our fun in the Abacos after we arrive.
| Vessel Name: | Lillie Mae |
| Vessel Make/Model: | 1981 Stevens 47 |
| Hailing Port: | St. John, USVI |
| Crew: | Terry, Michele, Jackson and Taylor |
| About: | |
| Extra: |
Gallery not available
The Springer Family Sailing Adventure!
Who: Terry, Michele, Jackson and Taylor
Port: St. John, USVI
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