Getting used to a new boat takes time – particularly a boat as sophisticated as Iron Lady.
The first thing seems to be sounds. What was that alarm on the Maretron? Was it serious or just an alert? Was that pump running the water pump or a bilge pump? Why is it running so long? What was that noise at the helm station that seems to happen every morning at 2 AM?
Then there is the system stuff. Should both the blue and orange LED’s on the 230 volt inverter that converts 24 volt DC to 230 volt AC be on? Which one of the 3 orange ones should be on? I turned on the breaker to the second water pump but I don’t here it running – what am I forgetting? Why is the reverse osmosis water maker leaking fresh water (turns our to be operator error)? Is the fuel system feeding the day tank correctly and shutting off when it should? How long can we really run on the batteries before needing the genset?
Then there are the engine room checks. Where should all those gauges actually be pointing and are they the same as yesterday? How about temperatures and operating pressures of the engine, hydraulics and fuel transfer system? Are the smells pretty much the same – nothing acrid, burning or the like?
Then there are the inevitable first failures. Why is the genset shutting down and indicating a raw water flow failure? Why is there a bit of oil film behind the B pad where the hydraulic pump attaches to the main engine?
What’s the best way to launch the dink? Our first attempt worked but left a lot to be desired.
Then we all have to get used to each other. Little things make a difference. That first night that it was blowing up to 45 knots – just how much confidence should we have in our anchor system? Comforting to know that it did very well and at the first gust at 3 AM, both Steve and I showed up at the helm at the same time. Good to know that we are on the same page.
I think you get he picture – those things and a thousand other little things thaw slowly get worked out and become part of our daily pattern.
We obviously have a ways to go, but day by day I see us settling in to a routine that works for us and for Iron Lady – and I must say it is a wonderful thing when a boat and crew are in harmony with each other.
We are still without inexpensive internet service, so we will have to forgo the pictures for now. Blowing 35 to 45 knots today but dropping tonight so we are off tomorrow from Great Barrier and on to Kawau Island for a few days.
Cheers