We have arrived!

After a long 6 day passage, we finally mad early our way around Portugal and arrived on the southern coast in a region called Algarve. The journey was only about 300 miles but we managed to stretch it out to well over 700 miles!

We started off leaving on a day when the weather was good for leaving our harbor but not good for heading south. We then floated around for two days about 40 miles off the coast from Porto until the winds arrived. We made our way around the southern tip of Portugal where we selected an anchorage and dropped the hook for the first time in over a year!

Shoving off today

We are finally leaving Póvoa de Varzim! We have had a series of hiccups in getting out but it looks like today is our day to leave!

The blog posts will pause while I’m at sea but will resume when we make our next landfall.

If you would like to follow along with our journey in real time, you can become a patron and gain access to the live map.

See you soon!

How To Pick The Right Equipment For Your Boat

Several people love the water, but in different ways. Others prefer to swim, while others prefer to fish. Still others are fascinated with boats and the art of floating on water. Regardless of whether you are a boating enthusiast or a beginner considering a new adventure, here are some guidelines on how to pick the right equipment for your boat.

Motor

The motor is the primary equipment that your boat needs because it is the gear that produces ample power to move you in the direction you prefer. Hence, in choosing a motor, consider the following factors.

1. Size and Weight. The motor size and weight is normally dictated by its horsepower. Using a big motor that produces more than enough horsepower for your boat may cause your boat to tip over. Thus, it is better to use a small motor that offers sufficient horsepower to help you maneuver.

2. Shaft Length. The shaft length of the motor should match the height of the back end of your boat, from top to bottom. This shaft length is necessary to keep the boat stable, especially when in motion. A shaft length that has a big offset to this height may cause unnecessary flux even when your boat is stationary.

3. Features. In choosing the perfect motor for your boat, consider features such as electric start, power tilt, or power thrust. Electric start makes it effortless to start up your boat regardless of the environmental conditions. Power tilt and power thrust features also provide the same convenience.

Air compressor

Air compressors for boats are designed to withstand wet environments. Furthermore, air compressors provide additional power to the boat’s motor. By picking an air compressor for your boat, think through the following factors.

1. Size and Weight. In the same manner as in choosing the right motor for your boat, factor in the size and weight of the air compressor. Lightweight compressors that come in small dimensions are perfect for boats compared to the big and bulky alternative that are more appropriate for big ships.

2. Portability. High-pressure air compressors that are portable prove to be more beneficial especially if you frequently use your boat. Nevertheless, the portability feature may not come in as a priority if you only use your boat a couple of times in a year.

3. Sound. For sure you would not want to be disturbed by a noisy air compressor in the midst of your tranquility. The quietest air compressors have decibel levels ranging from 60 to 75. Nonetheless, anything below the 80 decibel level is considered as quiet. Additionally, air compressor motors with lubricated parts are comparatively quieter. Smaller air compressors usually have lubricated parts. Large air compressors that are quiet are known to have a belt-driven motor.

While there are several activities that you can do on the water, boating is undeniably a different, but filling hobby. However, boating is a hobby that entails ample knowledge of boats and skills in maintaining its equipment. Nevertheless, whether you are an avid boater or a beginner in this hobby, having the right gear for your boat is compulsory.

Preparing to go

We have been in our current marina for 3 months. It’s time to move on!

When I only lived aboard, I dreamed of living on the hook. Swinging around at anchor without a single solid surface in range of our hull. No neighbors, no dock lines, no shore power, just the boat as it’s self contained world. When we set off to go cruising, the beginning was this very dream come true! Every night we anchored in a calm and protected spot. This then continued on as we voyaged internationally. The Bahamas had a bit less of the protection but much more beautiful waters to swim in. Bermuda was beautiful and well protected. Then came the Azores.

The anchorages are very deep, about 50 feet or more of depth and a rock bottom. Not really ideal! By contrast, the marinas are really inexpensive. As you can imagine, we chose to tie up in a marina where 10 months cost us €2100. We then left the comfort of the Azores and reached mainland Portugal where we once again tied up for another 3 months. The cost was a bit higher at €270 per month, but still really reasonable given how the anchorages in this area are similar to the Azores. 13 months and €2910 later, we are finally leaving the marina life and heading back into the hook!

We plan on leaving tomorrow and sailing about 400 nautical miles to the south coast of Portugal where we will once again live on the hook!

We plan to anchor from now until December, when we will be finding a marina to leave the boat in and fly back to the United States to visit with family over Christmas. Tomorrow we begin a three month stretch at anchor!

The Perils of 110VAC Tools!

I find myself sitting in a marina in Portugal where endless amounts of power are available in 220VAC at 50Hz. The United States runs on 110VAC at 60Hz. The short version to this problem is they are not convertible.

The long story is: The way you can convert 220 to 110 is with a converter that steps the voltage down but still keeps the lower Hz which means your tools will run but just a bit slower.

All of my tools are from the states where 110 is the standard and therefore that is how they are powered. Even the battery charger for my cordless tools is 110! The only way for me to power my tools is to crank up the generator which is from the United States and cranks out 110VAC at 60Hz. It’s like my mini American power plant!

All of this could have been avoided by being a little more selective when I was took shopping all those years ago. Tools do come convertible where you can plug them into 110 or 220 at 50 or 60 Hz. These tools can work anywhere and would negate this whole issue.

If you are planning on going cruising, be sure to buy tools that come convertible so that you don’t find yourself sitting at a marina pier surrounded by neighbors and having to ask them if it’s ok with them that you run a noisy generator on that peaceful day.