October 26th, 2025
Life at anchor is rarely just sunsets and cocktails — sometimes it’s fiberglass dust, epoxy fumes, and a leaky water tank testing your patience. In this week’s episode aboard SV Anima, I tackled one of those essential (and slightly messy) off-grid challenges: fixing a leaking water tank.
The Leak That Wouldn’t Quit
It all started with a slow drip under the saloon settee — the kind that makes you wish for magic self-repairing stainless steal. After pulling the tank out and hauling it into the cockpit, I discovered the real culprit: hairline cracks along the welds. A classic case of age and metal fatigue.
Armed with sandpaper, acetone, and epoxy mixed with fiberglass, I set to work. After a thorough cleaning, I sealed every weak spot and left it to cure overnight. The next morning, the tank went back in place, hoses reconnected, and the moment of truth arrived — filling it again, one jerry can at a time.
Water Runs by Kayak
Since my anchor spot is off-grid, refilling the tanks isn’t as easy as turning on a dock hose. It means paddling to shore with a kayak loaded with jerry cans, filling them up, and hauling them back to the boat. It’s a workout — but also part of what makes this life so rewarding. Every drop of water feels earned.
Small Wins in the Cockpit
While waiting for the epoxy to dry, I tackled another small but satisfying project. I installed a second-hand autopilot control display right next to my Raymarine chartplotter. My old control unit still works, but its display had gone dark — now, with this new addition wired into the Seatalk network, I can finally see what’s going on without guessing. A small fix, but one that makes sailing solo just a little smoother.
Off-Grid Progress
Every repair, every upgrade, every small victory brings Anima closer to being ready for the next big passage. Living off-grid means embracing the constant cycle of maintenance and adventure — and finding joy in both.
If you’re curious about the reality behind off-grid sailboat life — the projects, the problem-solving, and the freedom that comes with it — this episode gives you a raw glimpse of it all.
🌊 Fair winds and strong rigging!
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Cheers
Paul – SY ANIMA