Boat Work-Life Balance
We purchased Yara from the original owner. Being built in 1984 she has encountered many years of differing levels of attention, maintenance, and service across her various systems. This is not to belittle the previous owner. We understand that boat maintenance can be challenging. People have different abilities to fix/replace/service different systems. People have differences in opinions on which system is a priority and where to focus their attention (or not). And certainly, with the over 90,000 sea miles under this boat's keel across to various remote locations, not all supplies were available in all places for proper repair.
The 12-volt system is one such system that needs some love. In fact, we knew this going into the purchase. During the initial viewing of Yara prior to our purchase, the original owner confided in us (separately and out of earshot from the yacht brokers/agents - which actually gave us a sense of trustworthy honesty) that she needs a complete rewire.
We’re finding this to be true. Rewiring a boat is a big undertaking. We have daydreams of taking out all the wiring at once and adding it back in at one time. But that’s not realistic. We know it is a big job but it’s one that can be spread out over time. Not everything needs to be rewired right away & all at the same time. In fact, if we did that it would result in a poor experience aboard. The lights wouldn’t shine. The fans wouldn’t blow cool air. The propane system wouldn’t heat our coffee.
So instead our plan is to rewire each 12v load as we go. As a piece of 12-volt equipment is decommissioned, dies, or gets replaced with a new unit, we will also replace the wiring. We did that last summer with the refrigeration system; we ran all new marine grade wire sized properly for the run & load, connected with proper terminals, and heat shrink wrapped for added protection. We’ve done that again with the propane system. We’re doing that with a USB charger. The 10 disc CD changer and tape deck are no longer needed so they have been removed along with the wiring that was needed to run them.
Not everything needs to happen right away. And we also have differences in what is a priority or what should be the focus of our attention. Sometimes our time needs to be spent on wiring. Other times we want to go to a show or away on vacation with family. Finding balance in our boat work and life is just as important as heat shrink.
And as soon as this g-damn bilge pump system dies we’ll do it all again. Properly. With a yacht of love.
