Just because...

Just because we are "resting", as in not traveling,  doesn't mean we are done with cruising. Since we have purchased Felicity we have been working our butts off to get her ready to cruise along with saving money for our kitty. We've come to find no shortage of jobs and we feel like we have got to *strike* while the iron is hot! So we whistle while we work and come home to a pretty cool boat!

Seriously, it feels good to be hanging out, putting down some roots, not in a constant state of motion. We have been "cruising" for the past 7 years and cruising oftentimes means, sitting, working, sailing, traveling, learning, repairing and even sometimes "resting".  So albiet that we aren't exactly going somewhere; we are getting "there". Ya dig?

Just like our readers who are dreaming and planning their escapes from the norm we are all in a constant state of attaining our goals. Each and every person out there has goals that are special in their own right. As long as we have our own affairs in order we should be encouraging one another to be happy whatever that may be. Take it easier on yourselves as well. Generally speaking we are our own worst enemies. We can engage in negative self talk and doubts about our strengths and that just ends up defeating us instead of lifting us up. Every step is part of your journey.

Our reasons for getting a bigger boat work for us and we try to remember that in the end we are the ones that will be living "this dream". So we are going for what makes us happy, what works for you? Some people ask, "How do you know what works for you?" My answer is experience. Just do as much research as you can and then get out there and DO SOMETHING! Whatever it is, it's a step in the right direction. The more you go, the more you will learn what works for you. That's what has worked for us.

Currently, we are under construction in more ways than one. Where will the future lead, we don't know but we are happy with where we are right now! ;) We'd like to thank our faithful readers for hanging around and welcome the new ones. We look forward to sharing more of our progress with Project Motor Boat in good time!

Recycled Blog Posts! 10 Things You Can't Have Too Many Of...

In no real orderly fashion I have come up with 10 things I know I am happy I have plenty of!

 1. Chapstick with SPF - Don't let your lips get fried! I still have at least 10 of these on board since we left 6 months ago. It's a good idea to have them stowed in different drawers or compartments so that you are reminded to wear it. Protect your kisser!

2. Sunblock, spray and lotion - There are times when I want to just dig a tunnel to hide from the sun. We wear long sleeve white t's and stay protected best we can but we always slather on plenty of sun screen. The spray works best for kids that run away or don't want the white lotion to show. Also good for on the go re-application! Again stowing in many area of the boat including the head and cockpit help to keep you reminded!

3. Bug Spray with Deet - Lord knows they love me! I have 100% on board that I hope I never have to use, and mostly 40%. Here in Guatemala they are big, they are mostly on shore, once you get to your boat you are usually bug free. But nothing worse than a calm night anchored out and no sleep because of the little bzzz in your ear.

4. Hair Ties - Clips, pins, headbands. - I have got some serious hair, and it needs to be contained. The salt water environment is hard on those elastic things! After a recent trip to the States I bought a whole slew of new bands. I still have plenty of headbands, scarfs, hats and pins in the drawers, much to the Cap.'s dismay.

5. Bathing Suits - Ladies and Gentlemen, you will live in your swim suit, or in the nude! (and hey, that's your deal) Part of what I hate about being back in the "real" world is all the damn clothes you have to wear. When it's Florida hot I just wanna wear my bikini! Once again the environment is hard on suits, buy extras at the thrift store, and who cares if they don't match, that's the style anyhow!

6. Peanut Butter - Peanut Butter is the all purpose life sustaining spread. You can smear it on anything and use it make cookies, or spicy peanut sauce! I still have 3 jars from a recent provision in Roatan. Prices in the States are far better for Peanut Butter that here in countries where they haven't discovered it's greatness.

7. Animal Supplies - Food, litter, catnip, toys. - If you have pets on board you have got to know that food in the islands is iffy at best. You've seen those poor little starving dogs and cats lurking at the back of Tiendas and Shops along the way. An easy way to provision is to measure your pet's portions for a month or so before you set out. 1 cup per day etc then do the math to figure in how much you'll need for your cruise. I am still working off a Sam's Club bag of Cat food. We ran out of Litter once we got here to the Rio. Litter is about $15 per container, the same ones that were only $7 in the US. Makes me want to potty train 'em!

8. Incense - I like incense for two reasons. Sandalwood and Lemongrass act as a natural bug repellent. They make the boat smell great and they also come in handy before a yoga practice in or off the boat. :) Just remember to keep them in a zip-loc baggy so they stay dry.

9. Liquor - Need I say more. Rum is cheap in Bahamas so stock up there. But if you are more into Sour Mash like we are, Burboun Whiskey is expensive in other coutries. Unless you can find a Duty-Free shop like the one in St. Kitts. We once bought a case of Jim Beam there at the tune of $7 a bottle!

10. Fishing Lures - These little numbers can cost you a small fortune. So stock up buy online or from a local place and get the ones with shiny parts and flashy colors they work best for the Mahi's. Trust me!

What are some of the things you carry plenty of? Now, I'm back to my shopping list!

Gear we are drooling over now....

We love to talk about the products we are google-ing in our spare time. Lots of people wonder what we are doing when we aren't doing boat projects. Well, wonder no more! We are doing "research", of course! One of the most exciting things about buying Felicity was the fact that many of the projects we wanted to do would not "require" marine products. Meaning we could just as easily ride our bikes down to the nearest hardware store and purchase any number of things to do the job! Recently, we have been doing more research than anything else, check out what we have found!

• Splendide

Wouldn't it be nice to do a load a day? Wouldn't it be nice to quit lugging laundry around? Tired of guessing at what kind of machine your going to get? Or having your favorite things stolen? If you said yes to any of these questions; I'm on your side. This Washer/Dryer combo saves time and headaches. For anyone with kids, guests, pets or enough room to have one of these babies on board this unit will be a lifesaver!;)

• SharkBite Plumbing Fittings

These are a little pricey but they are cool because you can put the plumbing together and take it apart, in case you change your plumbing needs. There is no need to glue them together anymore!

• Raritan Atlantes Freedom with Vortex-Vac

Originally, we want the Tecma Silence Plus but they do not support a 32 volt system. So, we moved on...This head is like the same thing we have only quieter, more compact and aesthetically pleasing; no hoses exposed etc. The biggest thing for us is that they make it in 32 volts. There are NOT many heads that are made with a 32 volt motor.

• OutBack Inverter

Again the big thing is 32 volts. Almost all the Hatteras owners on the forum boast about this make of inverter. AND they support a 32 volt system, BONUS!

• InSinkErator Evolution Excel  - (Garbage Disposal)

Basically, two things draw us to this model the quiet and the fact that it has three chopping sequences to grind even the toughest island fruit rinds!;) BUT mainly the quiet.

Now, we are back to work so we can keep affording this crazy, fun, expensive habit!

The " Working Man's Price"!

Just because you have a boat doesn't mean you're not on a budget!

Yachting is Fort Lauderdale's biggest money maker! These mega-yacht owners spare no expense when it comes to their boat. The salaries for a couple full time crew alone can cost up to a million per year, not to mention yacht maintenance and slip fees! Fort Lauderdale is also known as the Venice of Florida because of the hundreds of canals that litter the landscape. One can't go far without seeing boats tied up behind every building and some spectacular million dollar homes. Being here is all part of our "master plan", which is of course, Project Motor Boat. We will be getting Felicity upgraded with some serious cruising equipment like wind generators, solar panels and a generator. Being here gets us much closer to all the connections we have made over the past 4 years with some of the best contractors in the industry!

But today, I bring you a little insider knowledge. Fort Lauderdale is often called the "Yachting Capital of The World" because it is home to thousands of marine businesses that cater to an international community of pleasure craft. What better place to begin to refit your boat, right? If you are a haggler, then yes! Let me let you in on a little insider's secret. These marine vendors are making a killing on the mega yachts! So when you need to rely on a woodworker or canvas shop, remember to ask for the "working man's price"!  Many friends of ours have bad mouthed the area because of high costs and I can relate; sticker shock gets us all. I admit, having a licensed captain and engineer on board sure helps out so we do our own work. BUT Then there are times when we have more money than time or just don't have the professional skill/tools for the job. In that case we still pull the "working man's price" card because everyone has a budget! Most of the businesses we have worked with will negotiate, especially in this economy. Give it a shot, what can it hurt?

Fort Lauderdale seems to go by many names, for us, we are calling her home. Now we can only look ahead to the exciting projects to come.

For now, though, it's back to work!

Attention Antique Vessels

One of the benefits of having an antique vessel is Antique Vessel Registry.

Did you know that if your boat is at least 30 years old you can register it with the state of Florida as an antique? According to Florida Law:

2)  ANTIQUE VESSEL REGISTRATION FEE.--
(a)  A vessel that is at least 30 years old, used only for recreational purposes, and powered by the vessel's original-type power plant may be registered as an antique vessel. When applying for registration as an antique vessel, the owner of such a vessel shall submit certification, as prescribed by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or from a marine surveyor that the vessel meets the requirements of this paragraph.
(b)  The registration number for an antique vessel shall be permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel as provided in ss. 328.48 and 328.54.

What are the particulars of antique vessel registry? 

1. Original Type Power Plant - Want that in Layman's terms? Sure thing. The engine in the boat should be the same year and make that it was originally outfitted with.
2. Non Commercial - The boat is only used for recreation. Is there any other way?
3. 30 Years Old - Sadly, I too am approaching antique status! But, really is your boat is at least thirty years old, you're in the club!

To obtain Antique Vessel Registration, click here for the certification form.

Obtaining an Antique Boat Decal

This type of decal comes directly from the State. A written request must be submitted
with a copy of the boats most current certificate of boat registration issued by a county
tax collector in the State  and HSMV Form 87243 signed by the registered owner. This
document shall certify that said boat meets or exceeds the standard for an antique boat.
Effective 10/1/97, there is no annual fee for the decal. Annual reg. fees of $7.00 still
apply. Once an antique decal is issued to a boat, it remains current for the life of the
boat provided the boat continues to conform to the definition of an antique boat. The
decal shall be placed within 3 inches of the registration number which shall be affixed
on the forward half of the hull.

The best part of this whole deal is that it is way cheaper to register an antique boat! Give it a shot and let us know how it works out for you!

New Sponsors & A New Project

Have you ever heard of WEMAUSA Incorporated? We hadn't either until the 2012 Miami Boat Show. Our goal  at the show was to seek out the companies that had products we were going to need for Felicity's upcoming projects. When we found their booth we took home the packet of materials and kept in our TO DO pile; until yesterday! WEMA has a whole slew of stainless steel products but our eye was fixed on liquid level sensors, fuel and water tank gauges. Their prices are incredible AND we got same day service; there was no waiting! What made WEMAUSA that much cooler? They agreed to sponsor us, so we LOVE them! Please spread the love, stop by their website & their Facebook page and don't forget to tell them we sent you!

Now, a full review of the actual products there will follow once we install these buggers, which I hope will be this weekend. Knowing the amount of full in your tanks is pretty imperative, especially when you want to do some long range cruising! We are going to be busy, busy this weekend getting ready for a boat ride we have coming up. Want to know where we are headed? Hang on to your hats folks and stay tuned because there's more news to come!

Living Aboard a "Project Boat"

Many of our new readers might need a little clarification as to who we are and where we came from. I hope a little background helps get people up to speed. I wanted to give you all a chance to see where our heads are at, at least at this point in our lives. So below I give a quick synopsis of our cruising experience and the choices we have made that have led up to now and our happiness at finding Felicity.

Okay so our first boat was a 424 Pearson S/V San San and what a great 1st boat for me. It was one that needed very little in the way of mechanics or upgrades. Essentially, ready to go, GR packed us up and took us on the shakedown trip of a life time from Peanut Island, Lake Worth Area straight to The Abacos, Bahamas. I was so nervous I was seasick the whole way. Nothing cures the ails and exhaustion of the sea like waking up to the crystal clear aquamarine waters that are the Bahamas. When I say the boat had everything I mean it had a reefer (boater terms for refrigeration), generator, hot water heater, vaccu-flush toilet, the list goes on. It definatley made life easier to adjust from land to sea. However, after a year of glorious salling through the Eastern Caribbean and some minimal teak restorations we had obligations to "take care of" back home. Property. Not to mention that cultural calling to be a part of society and give Gia an education with other children.

Well during our 2 year stint on land we worked our butts off, dreamed of sailing away, and got rid of the property. We never wanted those chains on us again. We were resolved to be seafarers for life!

Our 2nd boat, the one we just couldn't wait to get into was a "REAL" project boat. The boat was an 1977 Ericson 36C, red soon to be renamed S/V San San. We carried the name over because to us, it meant home. We tried to make acronyms out of it; Sail All Night, etc but to no avail. San San was recently sunk, briefly for a few hours while tied to the dock in brackish water. When we got a showing the bulkheads were covered with mold. There was no head, the oven was rusted to bits and generally speaking it looked like trash. Yet, GR and I were smitten, we could see through all the crap down to the bones of this good, old boat and envisioned the beauty we could create in her. We got right to work, made the offer and purchased her officially the end of February 2009. We had plans to whip her into shape and move aboard by October that same year. After a bottom job, completely re-plumbing and re-wiring the boat we splashed (put back into the water). The yard was 2 hours from home and some nights were spent curled up among the dust, mold, paint & epoxy fumes. Yet, looking back I would do it all over again.

Fast forward to the point when we decided to put San San up for sale in Guatemala; she sold and we were faced with the decision to buy another boat. There are so many options out there. One boat in particular caught our eye, a 50' Ted Hood, classic designed yawl with a flush deck and 2 completely separate double cabins, so 4 in all. Located in Guatemala, so the move would have been pretty smooth. It was a major project boat. I was okay with that, although I was a little afraid of how much we would be able to do in a third world country. We loved it, but again this was not meant to be. The boat was struck by lightening, it was hit so hard that the hull got so hot that the paint bubbled off the hull, and some of the front deck opened up, it was covered in black soot. We began to look further away then our "backyard". Our search led us to Felicity, in North Carolina.

Felicity, a 50' Hatteras, I was kind of shocked when GR was pointing her out to me. I mean, we have talked about houseboats to do the Great Loop, and catamarans and RV's we really ARE up for anything but I was surprised. Felicity was a "project" but it sure didn't appear that way, I mean not like the project we had with San San. After living aboard Felicity for 5 months I can count the amount of projects we have HAD to do on one hand. Everything was in general working order, nothing imperative to our living standards or health or government regulations was imperative. My favorite thing is that while we are living and working our butts off saving money to complete the major projects we need to do, I am able to live aboard with no real inconvenience.

Frankly, the start up of a new boat is definitely something to take into consideration. I often think about how great San San was, we had touched every single part and knew her inside and out. We were at a great part in our time together because there was very little work to be done. Yet, we were a little bored. We longed for a project. We work very, very well together and we get antsy if we aren't collaborating on an assignment. So Project Motor Boat was born. We got the crazy idea to test the waters with a power boat. I mean why not? GR and I have worked on Mega-Yachts and know several companies and manufacturers of products that we'd love to play around with on Felicity. Hopefully, our Project Boat will not dissappoint and as you follow along you too, will get a feel for what life aboard a "project boat" is really like. Who knows you may even long for a project of your own.

Wishing you your own felicity,
Jessica, GR & Gia

Fridge Update

Good Morning! I wanted to give you all a quick update on the fridge. As my mother always said, "it only takes money." After throwing some money at it (and waiting a bit of time) the issue is resolved. We are quite happy with the outcome because replacing the whole unit was not something we were ready for.

We got the part in the mail yesterday. 1 day earlier than expected, bonus! GR installed it pretty easily last night before dinner and this morning everything was running smoothy. I can't wait to have a bowl of cereal with some ice cold milk! Mmmm.

Today is Friday and that means we expect our new oven to be delivered. Now, that will be fun. We have taken a 20" stove out of Felicity before and I remember that no doors had to come off in order to get it out. The biggest deal I think will be hooking up our new propane system. First on the list for today is to get the tanks filled. Which, I am pretty sure, means I have to lug one of them on my bike up to the shop. Fun, fun, fun, off I go;)

Escaping to Jamaica

Yea, last Monday was pretty tough for me. I'm not totally sure why it bothered me so much to have to be at work. I think it might have had something to do with the fact that it was absolutely gorgeous outside topping out at a smooth 80 degrees with a breeze rustling through the palm trees of Coconut Grove. All I could do from walking out that door and spending the rest of the day ashing the boat in my bikini was throw on a little Bob Marley!

When Gia got to The Bookstore after school I could see she too was feeling the "Monday Blues" she said, "Mommy, we should do something crazy! We should go get ice cream right now!" I didn't need too much cajoling so we skipped on over to the Ice Cream Shop. After being soothed by Bob all day I was willing to top of my Jamaican dream with "I-Scream!" In Jamaica they say "I" in front of a lot of words. We reminisced about patties and yoga on the beach, about swimming in the blue lagoon and the crazy delicious jerk chicken!

Everyone needs a little encouragement along the way. Everyone needs a little escape. Staying focused for us means not spending money on things we don't absolutely need. Going to work everyday, even when we don't feel like it. The biggest motivation of all is that someday, someday soon, we WILL be cruising again. Then we will be living the life we were meant to live at that moment. For now, we are learning and growing and dreaming while Bob plays in the background!

The Daily Blend

For those of you who read our Friday post about GR's Five Favorite Products listen up! We didn't do any boat projects this weekend! Oops. Sometimes life gets in the way.

We started off the weekend with blueberry pancakes (mmm), then I was off to work while GR hit up the grocery store. That afternoon we were whisked off to go sailing. (Sooo Nice!) After an incredible couple of hours on the water all I wanted to do was have a margarita. Once all the ingredients were set out, I noticed the blender was not sealing properly. Boooo! I tested the pitcher by filling it with water first, (wouldn't want to waste any of that precious tequila) to my disappointment the pitcher leaked like a sieve. Needless to say our first order of business on Sunday was to get a new blender!

Seeing as how we don't have a vehicle and we we use Miami's incredibly easy public transportation we planned our timing just right to be ready and waiting at Bed, Bath & Beyond as the doors opened.We price shopped a few other stores before deciding on the perfect blender under $30. (Ahh, the wonders of electricity never cease to amaze me!)

Making the most of our time and money we took the opportunity to browse several of the stores and picked up some Valentine's crafts for Gia. Once we got home I was not in the mood for margaritas but smoothies sounded so much better! So the first drink we made in our new blender was a healthy virgin! Everyone had a smoothie and got right into craft mode!

Hopefully, this weekend after some careful planning we will get a boat project done AND have margaritas!

Thankfulness brings Happiness

This is my first post in about a week and I feel terrible for leaving you all by the wayside. I really had NO IDEA that I would find myself completely wrapped up in the "real" world again. Today, I am writing this post from work at The Bookstore in The Grove. Things just sort of fell into place and it looks like we will be staying here in Coconut Grove for a little while to do some repairs to the boat. We are still happy with Felicity and with this situation.

Today I am thankful for this job, for all of you, for my family and friends.

This being said, posts may be sporadic, as we are currently living on a mooring ball and I am working 6 days a week with the Holiday Season upon us!

Today, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Marina Hopping

Felicity in South Carolina

After the second marina we stopped hat handed us a killer goodie bag we had this conversation;

Daughter: "I love being a power boater, we get all this stuff!"

Mom: "Honey, we would get the same treatment if we were on a sailboat honey, we just never stay in marinas!"

It was not our choice to stay in marinas along the way it just sort of had to happen. Currently, the boat has an electric stove,  an electric refrigerator,  an electric hot water heater, electric heaters and no inverter and the generator is not functioning.  Basically, the boat works real well at a dock and monthly that might not be too shabby but as a transient; dockage is pricey! I'm sure we could have just ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and slept like 3 pigs in a blanket all cuddled up to try to keep warm but that just doesn't sound like much fun. The whole process of buying this boat was about having a little bit more of the comforts! We do not like cold weather and in North & South Carolina, Georgia and even into Florida temperatures were in the 40's a night so we were eager to plug in the heaters. The seller of Felicity has his mechanic coming by to fix the generator.(Fingers crossed) Then we won't have to marina hop anymore!

Our plan is to add in inverter, replace to stove with a propane powered one, as well as replace the water heater for a heat exchanger/120VAC. Then after we've run the engine all day the batteries will be fully charged, the inverter can run the fridge and because the engine ran the water heater is full of hot water and the stove will run on propane. We will be much more self sufficient and can anchor out and not have to spend soo much money on marinas! We can save it for solar panels & diesel fuel!

Not to say we have hated the marina experience, but we are not really into spending $100 a night just plug in. There is no way we can use $100 worth of electricity in one night. Now that we have stayed at a handful of marinas this trip we have experience all types of customer service experiences. Some marinas have a dock hand that will catch the bow line and hook up the electric cord and then shake your hand to say, " Welcome to ..." That feels good! Again we also love the little goodie bags and maps of the area and we have been joking for years that we wanted to find a marina with a courtesy car. Well, we found one, even though we didn't use it, it really felt good to get to the back country communities that trust people enough to let them drive a car!

Boating has it perks but we really gotta get back to making money instead of spending it! That's why they say:
B - Break
O - Out
A - Another
T - Thousand!

Ouch!