What's to chat about?

[Old Mike]

Seth,
As a very long in the tooth retired engineer, (and I think you're probably there already regards this recommendation), when a "transport device" comes with spares the reason is usually due to frequent prior failures. I'd strongly suggest you replenish the parts you have used from the inventory before venturing too far from land. I'm vicariously enjoying your journey, just wish I was young enough to do the same thing.

Thanks Mike. Wise words, indeed. While the seller is considerably young at 33, he's owned the boat since he was 20. My read on the situation is, he's taken on the safe route of having spares for anything that that can wear out or run out. Like you're suggesting, my guess is he learned the hard way a time or two. The boat holds 150 gallons of fuel throughout 4 separate fuel tanks, which is a lot if you sail everywhere and can get 5+ mpg at a gallon per hour when you do run the engine. He had 6 kegs with welded in bungs as well as two 30 gallon barrels for additional fuel capacity on board when I bought it. He also insisted we have 10 gallons of motor oil and 10 gallons of transmission fluid prior to making our journey. The boat is 47 years old and it is a boat afterall, there's always going to be something broken. I will definitely follow your wise advise and his lead prior to shoving off into the great blue yonder and carry spares of anything that can wear out or run out. Although, I got rid of the kegs in favor of having a usable dinner table and booth.

I'm happy to hear you're following along and enjoying the journey vicariously. It really is an intention of mine to present the journey in a way that brings the viewer along for the best possible experience as if you are there. I'm still learning how to do that effectively. There were so many things I should have filmed over these past few weeks that I didn't. I'm finding myself spread thin and trying to juggle more balls than I know how. Are you following along just here, or on YouTube too? https://youtube.com/@sailingelsie

Another new development, I've received my first unsolicited donation/contribution to the endeavor through the "buy me a coffee" link on my website. $25 from one of my boat neighbors. It's not really the money, it's more the genuine recognition for how I show up for people in the world and how they see me. Feels really good. I'm completely honored that they would do that. I mean, it was always my intention to have it all be crowd funded. But it's nicer, just for the recognition it represents.

And Mike, I'm honored to have you along for the ride. Thank you. One of my best friends is 76 and disabled from a stroke a few years back. I visit him in the care facility frequently. It means I won't be able to anymore, but I'm doin it for him too. Anyone who can't or otherwise wont do it them selves, I hope you all enjoy the journey.

Thank you Seth,

There is an honesty and integrity surrounding people that love music and it's reproduction, that keeps the wind in my sails.
best wishes for a following wind long into the future

Mike
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[Keryn O'Shea]

..I pulled the engine out 5 times in 6 days before I finally solved the issue. It's been an adventure! More to come!

You could do it blindfolded
Hopefully that was the last time though. How about spare fuel filters & water pumps..? Also a fuel additive which prevents fungal growth. Prop shaft gland seal..? And a head gasket, or chemical sealer which adds to the coolant at least.

[Seth]

Keep the suggestions coming. I can't think of everything and I want to be as reasonably prepared as I can be, before I set out. Of those you mentioned, I currently have 6 spare fuel filters, one spare engine coolant pump (water pump), and a spare packing gland. On my shopping list, I have listed a spare raw water pump and at least two spare impellers. I'll get more packing glands too. They're cheap and when ya need one or know someone that needs one, it can be an urgent situation. On your advice, I'm going to add a head gasket and fuel additive to the list, Thanks Keryn!

[AntonZ]

Spare alternator
A few spare injectors and glow plugs (your engine is most probably a diesel unit)

[Seth]

Hahaha... yeah, about those glow plugs. It's back on a momentary button now, but for a time they were activated by connecting two wires with spade connectors. One morning I woke up to dead batteries. Hmm. Wonder what happened... instant palm to forehead as it struck me in the same moment. I forgot to disconnect them after the engine started. And I did it again a few days later! What a dumb ass. I put it on the momentary button THAT day. They're cheap, ordering at least two more sets for the spares box. Injectors! Great suggestion. By the time I leave, I'm gonna be a mobile marine hardware store!

[Tom Smit]

Hmmm, may as well add a fuel pump to the list.

How about spare rope, and pulleys, and mast splints?