Solar Panels–You Light Up My Life
While in George Town, Exuma the Captain attended a beach seminar on batteries and energy power for the boat. A lot of cruisers attended and the seminar created a lot of buzz. By the time we arrived George Town we hadn’t been in a marina for several weeks. Not a big deal, saved us money and no docking “events.” You get the drill, but not being in a marina also means our battery bank had not been “topped up” via shore power – ugh. So the discussion at the seminar was all about how to “love” on your batteries. Maintaining them is important. Not that I can technically explain it, but over time you need to fully charge the batteries and the last percentage is the hardest to add. The Captain came back from the beach Read more [...]
To err is human...
This post is one of the ongoing series of cover projects. We moved my Sailrite aboard Magnolia into prime real estate on the "workbench" in the passageway leading aft. The Captain again suggested a cover. Ok, no problem. A cover with an opening for the handle.
Away I went with extra Sunbrella I had on hand. I measured the lid (note that I said lid) at least three times using the rule of measure three times, cut once. This is where I confess to my mistake. Also note that I made this cover several week ago and I can only now write about it. I was so mad at myself for the mistake I am about to admit to that I snapped at the Captain. I really try not to do that.
So back to the story. I made the 
One morning the Captain advised next on the list of projects - install the TV screen. It's on a folding arm attached inside a cabinet. We decided that a cover would be a good idea to protect the screen. No problem for a Seamless Sailor. I pulled out extra Sunbrella and made up a cover in a few hours. Here's how I did it.
Materials:
Sunbrella
Binding Tape
Creatology Fun Foam
- Measure the screen front to cover. Cut the foam to this size. For the Sunbrella front panel, add 1/2" seam allowance for each front side. Cut two of these in Sunbrella with a hot knife or finish edges.
- Measure the back. Is there a need for an opening for the arm or extra depth for a stand? Mark where the opening should be. Is there 
You’ve arrived at your anchorage in the late afternoon. A great sail behind you. A great dinner to come. The barbecue is fired up. The appetizers and wine come out. Wait...Blinded by the light...sorry Bruce. Granted I’m glad that its sunny. But let’s not bake during happy hour. Answer – get out the sun shades.
Here’s an easy Seamless Sailor sun shade solution.
Materials:
- Phitertex
- Sunbrella
- Grommets, snaps or fasteners of choice
Measure area where you want to block sun, like across the back and side of an enclosure. Determine how you will attach shades. Do you have handles to tie to or snaps on the enclosure you can use? A shroud or stanchion to attach to? We made a sun shade for the 
Would you make or have you made a bimini, enclosure and dodger? Now, that's a big project! My sincere respect goes to those Seamless Sailors who tackle The Enclosure. Since we didn't know the age of Magnolia's enclosure; the plastic panels were getting cracks in the glass no matter how much Plexus we used; and on top of all that, the canvas leaked no matter how much waterproofing we went through. It was time to bite the bullet and make the investment. The cockpit is our sunroom after all. We planned the job for over the winter while the boat was out and a fabricator might have more time for a big job. I admit that I did not take on this project myself. We decided it was worth having it done by someone with experience to 
Seamless Sailor is delighted to provide this guest post by Lin and Larry Pardey – world cruisers, authors, and speakers. They inspire other cruisers by generously sharing their experience and knowledge. I love how Lin and Larry find just the right solution in self-reliant Seamless Sailor style. Here's one solution that all Seamless Sailors can use...
By Lin and Larry Pardey©
From – The Cost Conscious Cruiser
THE BETTER BUCKET
It is such a simple chore, lifting water from the sea. Seems like any old bucket should work. But at sea, nothing is ever that simple. You’ve just caught a glowing, leaping, 18-pound mahi-mahi (dorado). Your luck holds and you land it flapping, glorious gold and royal blue. The battle over, the fish subdued,