This being my previous lifestyle, it is hard to abandon the lady that brought me through both good and bad days alike. She carried me to heights I never believed possible, demonstrating the feeling of being a truly free American. Sadly, all things come to an end. With American freedoms lost,or being sold on the auction block to China by our corrupt politicians, it is time to move on. I shall auction off my dreams of the past along with my scooter and adopt a new ride (Wind Raven), to once again cast off in search of that illusive dream of true freedom. Although I do catch myself looking with lustfull eyes at the space in the cockpit. Wondering how she would ride there. Of course that's just another dream, just like true freedom is today.

Judy's new stove

I think I have figured out how to post photos for now. My tool bar had vanished, but I got the sneaky little critter back. aaaajust don't ask how!

Here is Judy's new stove. I HOPE

Finding "Post Editor Toolbar"

I am making this post in an attempt to find the post editor toolbar, so I can add photos. I found it, now lets see if it works.

My apologies for being lax on the updates, but my daily progress has been curtailed, due to my time consuming rib injury. Since my last posting I have made some progress. The major item completed is the solar/radar/stern rail that I fabricated from one inch OD stainless steel pipe (see photo),which has an inch and one quarter OD. I have been a welder fabricator for most of my life, but must admit this was my first attempt at working stainless pipe. As you can see the solar panels are mounted flat. This must be altered to a five degree minimum angle to facilitate water run-of.
I am trying to figure out how to post photos. Please be patient, as this is all new to me. Judy usually does the posting.

Progress To Date

Completed as of July 12th 2010

Installed solar controller box

Re-installed Radar

Installed bell alarm

Installed flood light

Rebuilt engine strainer

Inspected/cleaned/serviced heat exchanger

Installed Seaward stove and formica in stove enclosure

Installed Walder boom brake

Replaced & re-route all electrical wiring & plumbing (almost complete).

Removed faulty winch and replace with Maxwell 2200 Capstan and SS backing plate.

Installed Lewmar chain stopper with custom 2” SS lift block & roller guide.

Fabricated second anchor cradle.

Add 45# CQR to 65# CQR anchor on bow.

Installed two reading lights in v-berth.

Installed flat screen TV and DVD player in v-berth.

Reinstalled one Hella fan

Removed, cleaned, and reposition septic holding tank.

Replaced shower pump & plumb.

Rebuilt head.

Rebuilt Compression post with 3/8” X 3” steel angle boxed.

Replaced old oil lamp.

Cleaned & re-plumbed water holding tanks.

Replaced & re-plumb domestic water pump.

Replaced faulty bilge pump float switches and control panels.

Evacuated old fuel, clean out and inspect fuel tank.

Built new steel fuel tank inspection covers with integrated pipe connections.

Replaced old fuel lines.

Cleaned & Painted bilge.

Replaced all single poor quality hose clamps with dbl top quality SS clamps.

Removed all old PVC and copper pipe. Replaced with correct hose & dbl clamp.

Repaired refrigeration system.

Properly positioned house batteries and secure.

Cleared & expanded storage areas.

Install water tight bronze port hole in cockpit with inert dash & new Gauges.

Rebuilt/serviced all ten winches.

Fabricated 1 ¼” SS pipe frame for two 130wt solar panels.

Fabricated 1 ¼” SS stern rail 36” high, with support to solar frame and radar platform.

Installed carbon & smoke detectors in cabins.

Replaced tricolor lens on mast light.

Replaced spreader lights.

Made new sail cover, bimini, cockpit cushions, sheet bags.

Sealed cockpit lockers.

Added 250’ ¾” dbl braid backup anchor line

Added 18’ Paratech sea anchor complete with lines & hardware.

Sold inflatable. Purchased 8’ Dink with mast & sail.

Installed Speed Seal.

Replaced Temperature gauge.

Replaced top cap on port running light.

oops!

My progress came to an abrupt halt yesterday when my foot slipped off the stern while drilling a hole in the solar panel frame. This resulted in a very abrupt downward motion, until my new stern rail caught me, preventing a cold immersion in the bay. Unfortunately, this nefarious rail performed its function by catching me under my rib cage. Needless to say, Today I shall visit the saw bones (DR.) to determine why I can no longer put on my socks without whining like a baby. The good news is my newly built stern rail is "HELL FOR STOUT." It didn't budge one iota, as my ribs now screamingly testify!

We shall now test the validity of my health insurance at the local Hospital and Pharmacy, to give my wife a break from this constant whining baby that lurks inside the macho facade we males are so prevelant in displaying. Hope you all have a better day than mine was yesterday.

Update & Previous Owners

I finished the stern rail and the solar/radar frame yesterday, and as soon as I get the radar mounted I will take photos. That completed I will attempt to add them to the site. Also replaced the engine alarm sending units and the oil & amp gauges. Today it will rain again so I am servicing the heat exchanger and replacing all hoses & double ss clamps on the engine.

This past week we located the second owner of Wind Raven, who was the original documented owner. He informed us the first owner had stripped Wind Raven of all rigging & equipment. As a result the second owner had to replace everything at great expense over a period of two years. He did an excellent job. Unfortunately the third owner allowed it to revert to a state of disrepair, doing zero maintainence for a period of four years, which resulted in my refitting it again at a great expense. The second owner praised her sailing capabilities in all weather and sea conditions. This was very comforting to hear, as he and his wife owned her for many years. They sailed her to New Zealand, Tonga, Austraila, Mexico,Sea of Cortez, also Central and South America. They weathered several severe storms in her, including one with over 35' waves and 60 knot winds. He told me they had a sea anchor at the time, but never felt the need to deploy it, as the bow rose efortlessly to the seas and she handled beautifully. He also gave us invaluable information about her and the areas they cruised. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have spoken and corresponded with such a gratious gentleman and his lovely wife.

Anyone seeking the history, or previous owners of documented vessels should try this link;

http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGuard/index.html

http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGuard/VesselByName.html