February | 2019 | M/V Magnolia

Upon our arrival in Palm Beach I had three major tasks to accomplish. 1) Get the water-maker commissioned/operational. 2) Get cap-rail varnish finished. 3) Complete solar upgrade. I am happy to report everything was accomplished plus we had some surprise guests!!

Soon after arriving Palm Beach, Acadia stopped for a visit which to have a minor “Krogen Rendezvous!” It was great evening!

MV Acadia (Diane & Tim) and MV Evermore (Pam & Jim)

Getting right to though Tom “The Water-Maker Guy” came out to take a look. The HRO system installed was one of these one button how many ways could this go wrong systems?

Once we got started, it dawned on me this system was exactly the same as every other system on this boat. Top of the line components configured in excessively complicated systems were initially installed. We removed the water-maker, removed all the extra filters and antiquated electronic systems. This left us with a simple system of one switch for each of the two pumps, a pressure valve to control membrane pressure and a spigot. We ended up with a SUPER reliable, SUPER basic system that produces 25 g/hr @161 ppm! a real win for us!

We had a wonderful visit from fellow GenIV’s Jimmy & Katelyn. We love to host GenIVs so keep that in mind….but back to the visit… first stop from the airport was the local beach Tiki Bar so set the tone for the visit,

We were fighting a a dismal rain forecast but that did not dampen the spirits of our crew.

With crew shirts dispersed and appropriate pomp and circumstance Magnolia celebrated our newest crew members….a small and distinguished group.

In spite of the rainy nuisance we visited the Flager Museum ( https://www.flaglermuseum.us/) in Palm Beach. We were not aware of Mr Flagers before we began bringing “The Magnolias” to Florida. I think he single highhandedly developed Florida.

And then…there was the moment of sunshine…during an ice cream break…

It was a wonderful visit and great fun…so many GenIVs yet to visit!!!!

As I did on the sailboat I had installed flexible solar panels on MV Magnolia. I had to wire them different than the sailboat and that was causing the internal diodes to fail. I decide to replace those with some hard-frame 200w panels

I was very happy with the resulting installation and the performance has been terrific.

I did not wan the panels to be “noticeable” from off the vessel and it has worked terrific.

Still more visitors and more projects to be completed! Stay tuned.

Don’t even start!!! I am TRYING to catch up again….you know I write this blog specifically for my old crotchety self and someday I will be complaining to myself that here it is February and you are writing about Christmas??? What the hell Bake!

It is just a simple indication of how much fun we were or are having. We were able to grab out traditional rosemary bush Christmas Tree….you think it looks good there…just wait till I get in on the grill with some chicken and pork!!!

New Years Eve brought together Exuberant, Acadia and Amici who was traveling by car to Marathon this year. It was a great evening and we even stayed up till midnight (cruisers).

My friend Tim on Acadia, a fellow Krogonite and former Naval Officer suggested we visit the National SEAL Museum at Fort Pierce. Little did I know Fort Pierce was where the Demolition Teams originated back in WWII A really great stop, recommended.

We had much catching up to do. Jennifer (left) whose father re-fitted Magnolia last year gave me lots of coaching on the cap-rail project and lots of fun evenings conking and drinking wine. Mims (right) , Annette and I had a terrific Christmas Day Brunch gabbing and catching up1

Jennifer & Annette
Mims & Us on Christmas

Annette finished the weather curtains and did a terrific job!

Here Magnolia rests behind Jennifer’s house with her new weather curtains. Looking quite elegant I must say.

A trip to Stuart is not complete without a meet up with Ticonderoga shipmate Mike Camacho. Thanks for making time Mike, I know it was aa very busy time for you and Michelle!

Departing Stuart our friends from Acadia Tim & Diane caught a couple pictures of us departure. Unfortunately I was taking advantage of the moment to do a little sanding on the cap-rail and nearly missed the entire moment!