Pierless Adventures - April 30-May1 - Preparing Boat For Storage

I am not sure yet whether I will have a space in the boatyard or have to keep the boat in one of the two marinas here in Mazatlan.  I would prefer to store it in the yard, where I can shut down all the electrical systems and disconnect the batteries, but there may not be space for me.  Leaving the boat in the water requires that I leave the electrical system going so the bilge pumps can operate if needed.  This means the batteries need to be charged, etc.  Leaving the boat this way for an extended period is not my first choice, but it may be the only option...

In the meantime, I am cleaning up the deck, washing the lines (salt and dirt) and getting things tidy in the cabin.  I am also trying to eat up the perishable stores we have onboard.  I have given most of the meat items away (one packet left), so am left with some veggies, milk, cheese, fruit and some other odds and ends.  I don't think I'll lose much weight on this trip!

I am also doing some painting.  A few of the inside panels have stains and other discoloration, so I am sanding, priming and painting to give them a fresh look.

I have decided to put the boat up for sale.  If I get a good price, I can lick my wounds and look for a boat closer to home.  If it does not sell, I'll put together a crew and plan to sail it home by going offshore for more favorable conditions.  Either out to Hawaii, or part of the way and then north, looping back to the straits.

Richard left Sunday morning.  He is my 80 year old neighbor who has been cruising around the pacific for about 30 years or so.  We have spent some time together, shared stories, etc.  Interesting guy.  Anyway, he has been here in Mazatlan for several months and has been itching to get out.  He had his boat's bottom painted, stowed some grub and left.  He's not sure where he is going, other than west.  Perhaps Hawaii, or he may loop north to visit relatives in Washington and Oregon.  Pretty much a wandering free spirit.

He bought the hull new in the late 70s or early 80s and finished it out himself.  He and his wife sailed it around for many years until her death about 10 years ago.  He has been sailing on his own since.  It was a real privilege to get to know him.

His boat Fire Water:

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