Category Archives: Blog Posts

I installed 5 new AGM batteries and thought I’d make a new page explaining Siren’s charging system. Here it is: Maintenance -> Electrical -> Batteries/Charging

Ship Management -> Spreadsheets -> Master Log.xls Tabs include: Captain’s Log, Maintenance Log, Recurring Maintenance Schedule, and printable templates.

Ship Management -> Expenses/Cost -> 2019 Costs

The raw water pump started leaking out the weep holes. Clear sign that the first bearing went bad. Better refurbish before the second fails or sea water will fill the oil pan and cause major damage to the engine! Maintenance … Continue reading →

The steering was getting stiffer by the day. Time to add some lube! Maintenance -> Deck Hardware -> Lube Steering Wheel

Replaced the broken Plexiglass in the forehatch. Maintenance –> Deck Hardware –> Replace Hatch Glass

Security is becoming more important as my site grows so I decided to migrate to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). This method encrypts all data between the server and your web browser to ensure privacy of protected data. Check the icon … Continue reading →

How to get your USCG OUPV, Near Coastal (6 pack) License, every step of the way. Ship Management –> Commercial Ops –> Get Your Captain’s License

$11,360 spent on slip fees, haul-out for bottom paint and keel repair, registration/insurance, and various other tidbits. Ship Management -> Expenses/Cost -> 2016 Costs

I already disassembled and lubed the Main Winch (Barient 23) last year, but this year my port side jib winch started getting funky. High friction and a high pitched squeal when spinning fast. While disassembling, it turned out to be … Continue reading →

I smacked a sunken barge, patched it temporarily and waited for the next haul-out. But then I ran aground and snapped a piece of the keel off requiring an emergency haul-out. Here’s how I fixed both repairs. Maintenance -> Paint … Continue reading →

Trips -> 2016-07: Maui

A yellow donation button has been added to the upper right of the page. If you’d like to contribute $10, $20, or $100 to help pay for repairs, now there’s an easy way using Paypal’s secure method. Credit Card or … Continue reading →

Ship Management -> Spreadsheets

Here are the details: Cost, ordering parts, materials, techniques and dimensions for a Cal 39 Main Sail Cover: Maintenance -> Canvas Work -> Sail Cover

No more scrolling back to the menu to click the next page. If you are checking out The Big Island Trip, just click the “Next” button to go from Day 1 to Day 2, etc. (Desktop only. Still gotta work … Continue reading →

Expenses and Cost is now located under the Ship Management menu. Ship Management -> Expenses / Cost

a href=”https://sailorslifeforme.com/ship-management/registration/” target=”_blank”>Registration> Ship Management -> Registration I found a newer, easier way to pay the yearly USCG Registration fee: US Coast Guard Registration Renewal at www.pay.gov (My personal preference): Go to www.pay.gov and search for “USCG Renewal”. As of … Continue reading →

Racing -> Race Results -> 2015-08-19: Keehi Lagoon Racing -> Race Results -> 2015-08-21: Ala Wai Racing -> Race Results -> 2015-08-28: Ala Wai Racing -> Race Results -> 2015-09-02: Keehi Racing -> Race Results -> 2015-09-04: Ala Wai Racing … Continue reading →

Expenses / Cost –> 2015 Costs

Moved “Onboard Cooking” to it’s own Menu. Moved “Climb the Mast” to the Maintenance->Sails and Rigging->Climb the Mast.

Maintenance –> Engine –> Perkins Manual

Here is the official Hawaii Yacht Racing Accociation Calendar of sailing races. Siren will be attending as many as possible! HYRA-2016-Calendar

Maintenance -> Plumbing -> Fresh Water Gauge

Added photos to Guests / Crew.

Racing –> Race Results –> 2015-07-29: Keehi Lagoon Racing –> Race Results –> 2015-07-31: Ala Wai Racing –> Race Results –> 2015-08-05: Keehi Lagoon Racing –> Race Results –> 2015-08-07: Ala Wai

Maintenance –> Engine –> Fuel Level Sender Unit

Trips –> 08/2015: Maui

Trips

  Trips

Trips –> 05/2015: Pokai Bay

Added this Simplified Charging Diagram to Maintenance -> Electrical -> Electrical Diagrams

If you have any questions about living aboard, electrical systems, engine work, living without refrigeration or anything at all, just comment on the Questions and Answers page. If you’re shy, keep it private and email: 1978cal39@gmail.com

Racing: Compiled all of Siren’s race results in one location, plus added a graph of Siren’s Performance. Sure are a lot of DFLs, DSQs and DNFs, haha!

Maintenance -> Deck Hardware -> Winch Maintenance

Maintenance -> Plumbing -> Bilge Here’s a description and diagram of my dual, automatic bilge pump system.

Tips and Tricks -> Onboard Cooking -> Pancakes (from Mix) For all you Europeans out there, here’s how to make thick American style pancakes.