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May 21, 2025

Ahoy, Shipmates!

This week aboard ANIMA was a wild ride of electrical heartbreak, ceiling victories, and grinding-induced existential dread. Grab a cold drink (if your fridge works—unlike mine), and let’s dive into the chaos!


❄️ The Great Fridge Fiasco: A Tragedy in 3 Acts

Act 1: Hope
“How hard could it be?” I mused, staring at my shiny new 110V fridge and 12V inverter. The internet said it would work. The label implied it would work. Even the guy at the marine store nodded vaguely when I explained my plan.

Act 2: Deception
Spoiler: IT DID NOT WORK.

  • The fridge started… then whimpered like a tired puppy.

  • The inverter overheated like a drama queen.

  • My dreams of cold beer evaporated faster than my patience.

Act 3: Vengeance
Now, I’m on Plan B (which may or may not involve a sacrificial offering to the Boat Gods). Will it be a 12V compressor swap? A magic spell? A very expensive marine fridge? Stay tuned for next week’s episode of “Paul vs. Appliances: The Reckoning.”

(Pro Tip: If your fridge label says “110V,” assume it’s lying. Assume everything is lying. Trust no one.)


✨ Saloon Ceiling: From “Boat Jail” to “Boat Chic”

After weeks of cursing, the saloon ceiling is DONE—and it’s glorious. No more:

  • Exposed wiring that looked like a spider’s BDSM dungeon

  • Mystery stains (were they water? Mold? Tears of past owners?)

  • That one screw that always snagged my hair

Now, it’s smooth, clean, and actually resembles a human habitat. I might even invite people over (once I fix the fridge… and the leaks… and the… you get it).


🧭 Chartplotter Arrived! Will It Spark Joy or Despair?

My new chartplotter and navigation wires are here! This means:

  1. I can finally stop squinting at my phone like a confused tourist.

  2. I get to play “Guess Which Wire Goes Where” (a fun game where smoke = losing).

  3. There’s a 50% chance I’ll accidentally turn ANIMA into a GPS-guided missile.

Installation starts next week. Pray for me.


🔨 Hull Grinding: The Neverending Story

Me, Week 1: “I’ll just sand off these old patches—easy!”
Me, Week 6: [Covered in dust, sobbing] “WHY IS THERE MORE?”

The hull prep continues, revealing:

  • ”Repairs” done with what appears to be chewing gum and hope

  • Layers of paint thicker than my denial about project timelines

  • A mystery substance I’ve decided not to identify for legal reasons

But! Progress is happening. Soon, we’ll be filling, fairing, and painting. Then? Freedom. (Or at least a new set of problems.)


🚨 Coming Attractions

  • Fridge Wars: Episode II – Can I outsmart an appliance? (No.)

  • Chartplotter Installation – Will it work, or will I become a cautionary tale?

  • The Final Countdown to Splash Day – Just kidding, boats don’t do deadlines.


👇 Want More?

  • Subscribe on YouTube for weekly tales of triumph and marine-grade suffering

  • Comment Below: What’s your biggest boat project fail? (Make me feel better.)

  • Patreon Crew: You’re the real MVPs keeping me in silicone and swear words.

— Me Currently covered in fiberglass itch, dreaming of a world where things just… work.