The Admiral and I always do what we can to be in Vero Beach, FL for the Cruisers Thanksgiving Potluck. It is a great time to catch up with all the cruisers before people head off to the Bahamas or the Florida Keys. Though Magnolia was ready to go, we were chicken to take her rather than a rental car. The mooring field can be crowded and we certainly did not want our first trip out to end with a dented fender….I already did that but I was 16 and….I digress. In the end we took the rental car and had a great time catching up with many of our friends.
Friday though we were up early and ready to get Magnolia underway headed to an anchorage in Stuart.
We had a wonderful cruise down the St Lucie river to Stuart….when we arrived and set the anchor though…we found the forward bilge full of hydraulic oil. Not good, not the end of the world but not good.
The leak was coming from the the anchor windlass hydraulic plumbing. The leak was luckily contained in a void behind a bulkhead. We were actually lucky about the leak location. Hot hydraulic fluid leaking at 1900 PSI is really nothing to take lightly.
Annette and I pulled out the old stainless plumbing and Industrial Hose & Hydraulics came out and made replacement hoses for us. Again Annette and I installed the replacements. Here I am actually inside the chain locker….it is HUGE! We were soon ready to head out!
Our friends on on Pegasus and Exuberant drove up to the boat yard to help us with out disappointment in our equipment failure…their visit made for a delightful evening.
The “Reverend Of Sole” our friend Ray got a picture of our departure.
This was our view as we got underway. I need to point out that the Admiral docked us in that spot with no bow thruster when we returned to the dock. This was her first ever docking of Magnolia-M
This is the house we rented while work on Magnolia was being completed….just down the creek from the boat yard.
Our friend Jenifer caught a picture of us as we passed coming down the creek.
Obviously the Admiral is happy to have her vessel underway.
It was glorious day to be on the hook in Stuart…
I too am obviously happy to be back on the hook.
We were not done with our work though, there is much work to finish. I installed additional lighting in the saloon
Then there was also the faulty bilge float switch that needed to be replaced.
In addition Annette made a backing for the additional solar panels to be mounted
I installed a rear facing camera so we can who is trying to sneak up on us as we are moving on inland waters.
Life is definitely getting back to normal, Sunday morning screw and bolt sorting…
The new Blossom is ready to ferry us on our daily errands.
..and of course we had to go through our first thunderstorm with wind over 30knots..
The on the other hand, this is our backyard
and this is our home…
We have worked really hard for this opportunity are very excited to share it. If you would like to visit, please let us know and we will see what we can work in the schedule. As far as schedule…we are here in Stuart FL till the new year when we will be heading across Lake Okeechobee to visit the west coast of Florida! Please enjoy the blog and let us know about that visit!
Living vicariously through your travels. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful!! We are so happy for both of you! Where will you be in February? We are thinking about heading south for February. Safe travels.
Sorry you had to have something to fix on your first venture out to life on the hook, but I’m glad it wasn’t something more major. The boat looks absolutely beautiful! It’s a great boat to start with and your ministrations have made it spectacular. We’ve just gotten a contract for Braveheart and if all goes through we will probably be looking for a trawler this spring. We want one in the 35-40 ft range.
Will be there to see in person soon, Mimzi
Congrats!!! She looks beautiful!
She looks beautiful. Have a great winter.
Underway and making way!
Magnolia is looking FABULOUS! Well done to Anthony and Annette on their hard work and to the good ship Magnolia! Looking forward to visiting you in the New Year.
So happy for the two of you, and for Magnolia-M. And I have no doubt that the Admiral nailed that docking. She is truly amazing.
Anthony. I really like that bookshelf above the steps leading to the salon. Was that on the boat when you got her or did you build? Almost a perfect spot to put the Krogen/engine manuals for quick retrieval…just in case! BTW, you two have done a fantastic job on Magnolia and we can’t wait to see her in person this winter. We’ll be at Sanibel Island for 3 weeks starting in late Jan and rambling around the west coast for a while afterward.
The shelf was there when we arrives and perfect place for the primary system manuals. We will be looking to fund you in Sanibel…please keep us updated