Just build it already…

I walked up and down the docks at the marina. It’s Monday morning and the place is a ghost town. Most of the folks have reported back to work and the parking lot is empty. I do not suspect I’ll get any more offers of assistance to avoid my solar panel task.

We had a big laugh while reading the directions. They indicated an easy one morning project. What am I at now, day five?

The electrical cable I ordered from Miami a week ago with three day shipping has yet to arrive. I’ve called the company four times now and have yet to speak with someone about the order. The lady on the other end keeps taking my phone number and telling me someone will get right back to me!

Well, I really can’t delay this project much longer and maintain any dignity around the marina. You don’t do anything here without the scrutiny of everyone in eyesight. They all watch the project progress and are eager to present insightful recommendations on how to proceed. The later in the day it becomes, the more alcohol is consumed. This is directly proportional to the complexity and depth of the suggestions.

I locate some spare boat electrical cable I had stashed away in the event of just such a situation. I call to cancel my order in Miami and am told someone will get right back to me!

Breaking out the power drill, portable torch, and a host of other tools I resign myself to the task of finishing this.

On the end of the port side dinghy davit is a piece that will hold the pulley which will raise the dinghy. As I adjust the davits to install the cross beams, which will hold the solar panel the unusual magnetic characteristic of salt water sucks the $28 end cap right off the davit. The cap had to elevate itself 25 degrees and slide upwards over an inch defying gravity.

The part makes a satisfying plop in the water. Yes, satisfying… This means that I have donated expensive new parts into the briny deep thereby paying homage to the sea Gods that often request such payment. I do feel better having lost this part.

Something was going into the water. Better this than the $600 solar panel.

The drill comes out and now I have to start making holes in the boat. I drill into the cap rail to feed the wire from above deck to below. This is only accomplished after taking apart the aft stateroom and bunk. The wire has to lead from the panel to under the bunk, past the steering gear, next to the engine shaft, past a host of other electrical goodies and into the engine room and onto the circuit panel.

I did manage to install the charge controller, and it looks pretty darn good if I do say so myself. Lucky I suspect.

Now then, I’m not exactly sure how I did it, but here is the days blood donation. I think I lanced myself with a stiff piece of stainless safety wire I was using to fish the wire up through the hole. It made a nice little puncture wound which should heal without too much difficulty. When I first stabbed myself I let loose with the appropriate cuss words just below audible level.

You know your loved when you immediately hear, “Don’t get any blood on the deck,” from down below. So, that puts me somewhere below a seabass in the pecking order. Fish can bleed on my deck, but I cannot…

It was a good thing as it is only a small donation. Nothing requiring a trip to the nearby emergency room, which makes this donation particularly satisfying. I’ve managed to make the daily project donation without excess injury. Another milestone passed!

Now that I’ve donated brand new parts, lots of sweat, and a bit of blood I can happily continue on with my project, secure in the knowledge that I’ve paid all necessary dues required to safely finish this project.

It was a grand accomplishment. I finished just in time to grab a cold Corona and watch a couple of volts transfer from the panel to the batteries just before the sun set.

Filed Under: Travels

Tags: boats • sailing • solar panel • travel