April 30, 2025: Botched Repairs, Bloodthirsty Mosquitoes, and the Boatyard Blues
The Osmosis Nightmare Unfolds
This week revealed some truly shocking DIY sins from a previous owner. While sanding, I discovered an entire fiberglass patch that was basically just painted on—no proper adhesion, no structural integrity. One gentle pull and poof—it crumbled like a stale cookie.
The Problem?
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Either the repair was rushed (no proper drying time)
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Or done with zero knowledge of fiberglass work
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Now I get to redo it all properly
The hull’s moisture levels are improving, but experts recommend waiting 2-3 more weeks before filling and painting. Patience isn’t my strong suit, but neither is sinking—so I’ll wait.
Rain, Leaks, and Window Woes
Curacao finally gifted me its first rainstorm since my arrival—and my deck responded like a sieve.
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Known issue: Cracked Lexan windows (replacement materials already bought)
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New issues: Multiple mystery leaks (because boats love surprises)
The silver lining? At least I caught these before splashing back in the water.
War Against Mosquitoes
The heat forces me to keep hatches open at night—turning my V-berth into an all-you-can-drink blood buffet. After one too many sleepless nights, I:
🦟 Built custom mosquito screens for the hatches
🧲 Installed a magnetic curtain net for the doorway
💤 Finally reclaimed my right to uninterrupted sleep
Quiet Weekend Progress
With the boatyard enforcing weekend noise rules, I:
🔠 Removed the last traces of “Bowalie” (good riddance)
✨ Prepped the hull for her new identity: ANIMA
📦 Researched import agents for parts unavailable on-island
The Financial Reality Check
Let’s be real:
💸 Boat parts in Curacao = highway robbery
⏳ Every delay = more marina fees
🚤 But nothing beats the freedom of being back on the water
Coming Up Next:
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The great window replacement saga
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Final osmosis treatments (fingers crossed)
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Why importing boat parts feels like negotiating with pirates
Don’t Miss the Drama!
▶️ YouTube – Watch the fiberglass disaster unfold
📰 Patreon – Help fund my anti-mosquito campaign
— ME, currently covered in antifouling, fiberglass dust, and mosquito bites