The Joy of Maintenance-Really!

Went up to Friday Harbor by myself to invest some time into maintenance projects aboard Aeolus. It seems no matter how often you perform the necessary tasks, or how diligently you track your maintenance needs, that there comes a time when they cluster up and require a burst of effort. This was one of those times.

Fortunately, I love all things maintenance on our boat, and as anyone who has ever read this blog will know, I find particular satisfaction in having a well-oiled machine that then allows me to safely adventure far and wide. Can't have one without the other.

View inside heat exchanger. All clear.

On this weekend I tackled a potpourri of items. Loving this machine so she will love us back:

• Adjusted the valves. Last adjusted three years ago and I forget how many hours. No valve was tight. Normal settings from .007 to .009. A few were loose to .011. Most needed no adjustment. Doing the valves is so easy aboard a Gulf 32 because access to the diesel is from the top and you have full access to all parts of the motor. 
• Changed the transmission fluid. Last changed about three years back. Slightly dark and smelly. Sucked out old. Filled over full with new. Spun prop shaft a while to stir things up, and then sucked out the new and refilled with fresh fluid. I like taking this extra step as I figure I'm already there and the extra bit of grime I get out by the flush might make her happy for a while longer.

• Replaced end caps on heat exchanger and checked for any blockage. None found. All well.
• Cleaned the topsides.
• Installed last bolt for windlass as one had stripped while placing the locking nut on. Now she is all tightened down and ready for service. 
• Scrubbed the teak in the V-berth in a few places that had darkened with mildew using a bleach solution and then retreated with lemon oil. 
• Topped off the batteries with distilled water. All needed about 1/4 cup but none were down to the plates. Have had these Trojan batteries for 5 years now and they have shown no sign of dying. I credit Trojan, and my maintenance. Do plan to replace them this winter proactively and before we circle Vancouver Island next year. 
• Washed and waxed the hull stripes. 

 Nice and shiny!

All of this was necessary for its own sake, but it was extra motivation that this coming weekend we are heading up to Tumbo Island for a retreat. We can't wait! The boys are so excited to return as they have great memories of our trip there last summer, and this will be the first time going for Amy.

Here we come whales and eagles and all things wild and wonderful!