Our Boat Refrigeration Problem: Part 1

We have a dilemma.  Since we have been on the hook, we have found that we seem to have ample electrical power, except when it comes to refrigeration.  For the past few weeks, we have avoided putting our battery energy into refrigeration.  Banjo came to us with a SeaFrost DC5000 12V Refrigeration System.  The system consists of two cold pates; one for the freezer compartment and one for our double refrigerator compartment.  However, the compressor for the system draws 40 amps.  That’s right, true believers, we said FORTY amps.  Also,…

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Banjo’s Thirsty Thursday

Thirsty Thursday Last Thursday was a “Thirsty Thursday” kind of day aboard Banjo.  I suppose Thirsty Thursday can take many forms.  This Thirsty Thursday’s line up was a bath, about 100 gallons of water, wine AND champagne. Bath Time We started out the day with a bath for Banjo.  Since we knew we were planning on filling the water tank Shawn jumped in the dink and gave Banjo girl a much-needed bath.  So fresh, so clean, so happy! 100 Gallons of Water Although Banjo was a fresh, clean, and happy…

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Tropical Storm Michael, just in time for Halloween

Tropical Storm Michael

We aren’t out of the woods quite yet.  It’s time to hunker down again.  Tropical Storm Michael is anticipated to be a Category 2 Hurricane, as of this writing, when it comes ashore in the Florida panhandle.  NHC is indicating the potential for tropical storm force winds for New Bern, NC.  Below are the NHC graphics from Mon, 08Oct2018 at 09:30 EST. Hurricane-Force Wind Speed Probabilities 50-Knot (58 mph) Wind Speed Probabilities Tropical-Storm-Force Wind Speed Probabilities Earliest Reasonable Arrival Time of Tropical-Storm-Force Winds Most likely arrival time of Tropical-Storm-Force Winds…

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Early Morning Nature: Orion Looking Down Upon Us

Awoke at 04:30, stepped into the cockpit, and lifted my eyes.  The cove is glass-smooth and the winds becalmed.  Nature all around, allowing us to observe this moment and experience with minimal filtration:  peaceful, still and quiet.  Above, countless glints of starlight speckle the darkness.  An infinity there, this sky has witnessed our entire history. Orion is hovering directly above Banjo, slightly to starboard.  I have missed you old friend. Of late, the friction within our species seems to be intensifying and accelerating.  In all directions, people seem convinced of…

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Lifeline Netting Project on SV Banjo

Banjo Lifeline Netting Complete

Since we have two furry traveling companions that are still new to moving around deck, we decided to install lifeline netting. It has been on our project list for awhile now. Because of the time on the hook, I gathered the supplies from around the boat.  We ordered our lifeline netting from Sailrite.  It was a little more expensive than some of the competitors.  However, Sailrite claims it is UV treated; a claim none of the others made.  So it seemed like a good investment, especially if it would hold…

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