Complete Engine Rebuild
New Fuel Lines, Filters & Priming Pump
New Sails & Running Rigging
Rewire of the 12 Volt System
New Bilge Pumps & Hoses
Windlass Rebuilt & Rewired
New 3/8" High Test Anchor Chain
Replace Deck Hatches & Vents
New Canvas Deck Awnings
Outboard Motors Rebuilt
Rewired the Autopilot
New SSB Antenna & Wiring
New Shore Power System
New 120v 1000w Inverter
Stove Rebuilt & Updated Propane System
Custom Woodwork & Shelving
Rebuild of Both Heads
New Water Lines & Through Hulls
New Hot Water Heater
New Carpeting, Slipcovers & Curtains
New Stereo, TV & DVD Player

Engine Rebuild
Jan-10-2003
The biggest expense and greatest hassle has been a complete rebuild of the engine.  Though it ran, the engine had low compression and the cylinders needed to be re-sleeved.  We decided that if we were going to do it, we should do it right - so we had the engine removed and a complete rebuild commissioned with new bearings, fuel pump, the works.  It's still not done!  Every day we are promised that tomorrow our engine will be finished.

On Monday we rented a car and drove down to visit our engine at Trinidad Detroit Diesel and had a nice little get together.  Apparently our visit was found to be inspirational to the various parties working on our engine and they have committed to a 'next week' delivery.  We will see... something important to learn about the Caribbean dialect is tomorrow does not mean "the next day" it means just "not today".



Electrical Meltdown
One of the worst things that can happen on a boat is a fire.  That didn't quite happen on Ellos - but it almost did and is what put her in the yard and up for sale.

Apparently the main electric buss wire had been rubbing against the engine block for years.  Finally vibration frayed the insulation and while underway a short developed melting the insulation causing a lot of smoke and fused wires.  The captain had presence of mind to disconnected the batteries then temporarily jumped the batteries to the electrical panel to get back into port.  The boat was never put to sea again and still had the jumpers in place when we bought her.

We commissioned T&T Electric to sort out the problems and put everything right.  Thankfully not much damage had really occurred.  The old wires were pulled out and replaced, the electric panel was tested and found to be fine and we had new main breakers and switches installed.



New Sails & Canvas
We had canvas and slipcovers done by a talented local tailor, Clyde of Yacht Specialties.  This was an extravagant purchase and way out of our budget but we wanted shade.  It is so hot here we just dreamed of going above and not having the intensity of the sun pound on us directly.  We are so pleased with the work Clyde has done, he carefully measured the boat and made adjustments where necessary to get everything fitting perfectly.

Our sails have been ordered from Vicky Vance of HR-Parts.com, affiliated with Hallberg-Rassy.  We considered purchasing sails here in Trinidad but decided to go the factory original route.  They're not here yet so we can't yet give a critique.



Interior Makeover
Carla has put the "woman's touch" on everything and Ellos is more like a home now than an offshore sailing yacht.  We have comfy beds with lots of pillows, custom slipcovers and curtains and our stove is excellent, every day arrives with a new delicious baked good.  We've added air conditioning on board so we're cool and comfortable and the extensive amount of food we've put on here lets us eat whatever we want.

Ross installed a 6-disk CD player with remote control so we now have music and can skip the songs we don't like.  The boat came with a TV and VCR complete with numerous British tapes of snooker matches so we aren't lacking for mindless entertainment, although we have as yet to watch any.

Despite being on a boat we refuse to live as if we are camping.  We eat with nice dishes, we bought china at a local kitchen store, and the boat came with mugs and towels bearing the yacht name, Ellos.

Carla



Ross