While cleaning, we have begun to notice lots of annoying small things that will be difficult to repair- knife holes everywhere (like a kid was passing the time unsupervised), and holes cut in cabinets, holes drilled into the fiberglass. Several doors had been kicked in, and others also had been cut. After spending too much time trying to clean the woodwork on the boat, we decided to remove it all, and work on it from home.

Still cleaning.....

I have been trying to avoid the head work all together, but the smell is hard to work in. We removed the old honey pot. It was tripple bagged, and dumped in the garbage. We will probably attack the head as a project all on its own. I want to install a separate storage tank for the sewage. More to come of this project later...

Cant take it!

I keep telling myself that this will all be worth it in the end (I try to focus on the original idea of sailing off into the sunset with my wife). My Dad is an amazing optimist. The man can find hope in the darkest of circumstances (really, I think he is happy because he is not alone in this mess). After my initial shock, I have been learning to focus on the end result. We have been attacking the smell, cat hair, and nicotine (still hoping) with vigor. We have been scrubbing, sanding, vaccuuming and repeating for days.

And still more cleaning....

We figured that the smell was in every piece of fabric and cushion on board, so we removed them all. I took the old cushions down to my local upholsterer and dropped them off. We went to a fabric wholesaler to pick out some material. 3 hours later.... My friend Dan and I were still trying to make a decision. We finally left with some good choices. The main fabric was on a small roll, I hope it is enough to finish the job!

More interior photos...

We drained all the old fuel, replaced the fuel filters, and the oil filter and oil. The alternator bearing is seized up, so I dropped it off at the local shop. The little yanmar seems to run pretty well. I think we all deserve some fun after all this work. You have heard the saying all work and no play... I think we will attempt a short trip to help build morale. More on that to come.....

She is alive!