July 18th, 2025
Ah, boat life—where every project is an adventure, and nothing ever goes as smoothly as you hope. This week, I’ve been juggling a few different tasks, from something as simple as pumping up my kayak to more complex issues like my dying batteries. Let’s dive in!
Pumping Up the Kayak (Because I Can’t Walk on Water)
First things first: I needed to put my boat registration numbers on the hull. Sounds easy, right? Well, not when your kayak is deflated and lying flat on the ground. I got gifted with this kayak, but never unpacked till today. Finally I got to use it, so got to pump it first.
As I worked the hand pump (because, of course, an electric pump is not available right now), I realized just how much of boat ownership is about the little, unglamorous tasks.
Once the kayak was firm enough, I carefully placed the registration numbers, making sure they were straight (they never are on the first try). Mission accomplished—until next time, when they inevitably start peeling off.
Prepping the Anchor Locker for the Windlass Installation
Next up: my anchor windlass project. I’ve been putting this off because, honestly, drilling holes in my boat still gives me anxiety. What if I mess it up? What if water starts leaking in? But the manual labor of hauling up the anchor by hand is getting old, so it’s time to bite the bullet.
I spent a good hour just staring into the anchor locker, mentally mapping out where everything should go. The windlass needs a solid mounting point, proper wiring, and a way to route the chain without it jamming.
Right now, I’m in the “measure twice, cut once” phase. Or, more accurately, the “measure five times, panic, then measure again” phase. Hopefully, by next week, I’ll have the courage to actually start drilling.
Battery Woes: To Replace or Not to Replace?
Now, onto the real headache: my batteries. They’re… not great. They hold a charge just long enough to make me think they’re fine, then die at the worst possible moment. Boat batteries aren’t cheap, so I’ve been weighing my options:
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Lead-Acid (Again): Affordable upfront, but I’ll be replacing them every few years.
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AGM: More durable, but still not the longest lifespan.
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Lithium: The dream—lightweight, long-lasting, efficient. But ouch, the price tag.
Even any of these options above are not cheap in the Caribbean.
I’m leaning toward biting the bullet and going lithium, but my wallet is giving me serious side-eye. Maybe I can find a used set? Or sell a kidney? (Just kidding… mostly.)
Installing the Genoa Sail (Finally!)
After fixing the backstay (which was its own mini-saga), I could finally install my genoa sail. This should’ve been a quick job, but of course, the sail had other plans.
First, the hanks didn’t want to slide smoothly onto the forestay. Pulling it up alone is another kind of challenge, but luckily I ot help from another sailor who saw me struggling.
But now it’s done, and the boat looks almost ready to sail. Just need to sort those batteries, finish the windlass, and… well, fix the next thing that inevitably breaks.
Final Thoughts
Boat projects are never-ending, but there’s something satisfying about each small victory. Even if it’s just sticking numbers on a kayak or untangling a sail, every step gets me closer to being back ready to set sail.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a drill and my anchor locker. Wish me luck.
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Cheers
Paul – SY ANIMA