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,…
Read MoreCategory: Boat Life
Boat Life
These are the day-in, day-out experiences of boat life cruising on SV Banjo. Sometimes it is mundane, sometimes it is thrilling. There are even days that test the patience of the crew. But every bit of it is real, unscripted, and authentic.
Life Aboard
A large portion of our daily boat life revolves around taking care of our two dogs, performing maintenance, and upgrading the boat. We love to sail and travel at every possible opportunity, but the reality aboard a cruising sailboat involves fixing things, inventing things and creative problem solving. However, we always try to take advantage of moments throughout our day to be grateful and to enjoy the day. You will find that sunsets are some of our favorite things and we video them almost daily.
Want to see what life aboard a sailboat is like? Explore our experiences. We hope you enjoy and find these posts helpful.
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…
Read MoreLazy Dogs
It does our hearts good to see our girls so relaxed and comfortable aboard Banjo. Lately we find that Sagira is a little nervous moving from the dinghy to shore. And Venus is not a fan of being below decks while we are moving the boat. We expect both of those to get better over time. Otherwise, they both seem to love being at anchor as much as we do.
Read MoreTropical Storm Michael, just in time for Halloween
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…
Read MoreEarly 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…
Read MoreLifeline Netting Project on SV Banjo
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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