Boat preparations

Whilst we have a few days enjoying the continued glorious sunshine and waiting for the next weather window to press on northwards we have compiled a list of our most 'impactful' interior and exterior alterations that we made to Evolene before setting off.  They are impossible to rank in terms of preference as you'll see each have their own particular role and benefit but together have made a huge difference to how we now live aboard and enjoy Evolene.

Firstly, the interior transformations...

1.  Lithium batteries and associated set-up

Relatively close to our setting off date (compared to other modifications) we decided to bite the bullet and upgrade our electrical system.  It had been on our mind to do sometime over the next couple of years but we decided to press on and complete before moving aboard.  As a result it was slightly tight timewise to get over the line but completely worth it.  Stuart fully upgraded the whole wiring infrastructure for the boat and replaced our lead acid batteries with Roamer Smart4 lithium ones, providing greater electrical capacity (640ah), faster charging and the ability to cook using an induction hob and combination oven/air-fryer/microwave.  We've yet to use any gas since making this upgrade.  We carry a small petrol generator to extend our off-grid endurance which also allows us to heat hot water when we haven't used the main engine for a day or two.

2.  Mattress

As you can imagine boats come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and every cabin, practically, has a slightly different layout.  The master cabin of our boat is comfortably large and the base for the mattress is super kingsize at its maximal width.  However, it is also has six corners and the base slopes up at the two closest corners to where our heads lie.  As a result, any new mattress has to be made bespoke but given that we think the 'mattress'/boat cushions that the boat came with were over 25 years old and this would be our bed for at least the next year or more, we thought it would probably be worth upgrading.  We measured the template using wallpaper lining taped together and sent it off to ShipShape Bedding and sure enough the new mattress fits like a glove, is super comfy and been well worth the purchase.

New mattress

3.  New heads hoses

These are essentially the plumbing for our toilets that brings in the sea water to flush the toilet and removes the contents of the toilet bowl back out to sea when appropriate to do so (human waste only - all else gets binned and taken ashore).  Over time these hoses can narrow due to urinary waste calcification and block, therefore whilst not the most pleasant of jobs (sorry Stuart!) replacing these hoses has given us peace of mind that they are not likely to block anytime soon and also helped to reduce any unwanted odours.

4.  Water tank gauges

This sounds very minor but prior to fitting these we just had to guess how much water we had left in the tanks (and therefore survive on)!  Thankfully we have two tanks and so even if we ran out on one, we always knew that we had a reserve until we could refill in a port or marina.  However, having the gauges fitted means that we now have a much better idea of our water consumption and can plan better when we need to top up.  One day we might fit a water maker but given that we generally have at least two, possibly over three, weeks' supply on board when filled (and being careful with water usage but not overly restrictive), we thought with the plans that we have for the year ahead this was not an urgent job to do and the gauges would suffice in the first instance.  For those that are interested we carry 700 litres of water, quite a lot for a boat of this size.

Now for the exterior changes!

1.  New sails

In general, sails need replaced approximately every 10 years depending on usage as they get baggy, become less efficient and are more prone to becoming damaged.  Whilst the ones that came with Evolene were functional, they were starting to get tired and this meant the mainsail was prone to jamming when being furled (rolled up and being put away) in the mast.  Given our planned intentions of being aboard for a considerable period of time, we upgraded the sails last summer.  The effect was noticeable from the outset.  Evolene sailed more smoothly and we experienced none of the previous challenges with rolling the main in and out.    

Flying along under full sail

2.  Dinghy and outboard combo

We upgraded both the dinghy and the outboard set up.  The dinghy is an aluminium-hulled Highfield 290 Ultralite and we now have the option of using an ePropulsion Spirit electric outboard (which I'm generally happier using, is more eco-friendly and is quieter for exploring and enjoying the local wildlife) and an 8hp petrol 2 stroke (in the case of requiring longer transits, the weather is more inclement or Stuart wants to get his speed fix!).  For example, we recently dinghied an 8 miles round trip to go on a hike, that would have been too far for the electric one.  Given that the dinghy is essentially the equivalent of our car it has been invaluable to get this organised.  

'Evo' our dinghy

3.  Self-tailing winch at the mast

This was an upgrade that we hadn't realised we needed until a couple of months ago but now that we have it has made life getting Stuart up the mast much easier and also provides much more reassurance if we ever require (albeit hopefully not) to manage a man overboard situation.  We had a winch at the mast but because it didn't have this 'self-tailing' function it meant that I couldn't maintain tension on the line (rope) whilst winching and therefore all my efforts were massively inefficient (and essentially useless!).  The self-tailing function runs the line through a gripping function that prevents the line from running back through and releasing once pressure is taken off and therefore maintains progress made in terms of winching a line in.

Mast bling

4.  Anchor

This is the single most important item to help us sleep at night!  We changed our 20kg Manson for a 33kg Vulcan and it holds exceptionally well.  A great piece of kit and one that was well worth 'investing' in.

Anchor in its stowed position

5. Deck wash

Some of the anchorages on the west coast, particularly if they have narrow single entrances and there is not much flowing water through, will have a very muddy sea bed.  This results in a mass of thick black mud coming up with the anchor chain and flicking off everywhere onto the foredeck as it is wound in by the windlass into the anchor locker.  We don't have a deckwash installed and whilst we could engineer one in, it would be quite fiddly.  Instead we have a portable pump on board that is stored in a cupboard in the forward heads (toilet) and we can bring up on deck when needed, to draw up sea water to hose down the anchor chain with.  (Previously I would be hauling up bucket loads of water to slosh indiscriminately over the chain with moderate success!)

Deckwash

There were various other projects that we undertook to maintain or refresh the boat in preparation for life aboard (e.g. teak deck maintenance, cushion upholstery, curtain replacements) but we decided that the ones listed above have made by far the greatest difference to our life aboard.

It has also been great to look back and remind ourselves of what we had organised and achieved in the run up to these adventures!  Whilst the boat was always in a state that we could have left anytime these changes have been invaluable in contributing to either our comfort and or safety aboard.