The past 10 days have been a marathon preparing Challenge for her first…
The past 10 days have been a marathon preparing Challenge for her first launch in 15 years. She very much lived up to her name...
The past 10 days have been a marathon preparing Challenge for her first launch in 15 years. She very much lived up to her name…
The major projects tackled included: -New batteries -Engine top-end rebuild -New oil & transmission coolers -Autopilot repair -Rigging cleaned and tuned -Steering repaired -Most plumbing replaced -Both 125-gallon water tanks flushed and sanitized multiple times -Freshwater filtration installed -New head and shower installed -Temporary fridge installation -Removal of previous owner’s old junk
It was a massive workload, especially with me solo for seven days. Surprisingly, the engine rebuild went smoothly, taking only 12 hours thanks to experience and a solid tool collection. The main hurdle for most tasks was accessibility—tight, deep bilges meant only turning a wrench a quarter-turn at a time, often working by feel. Trying to get all this done while still working a real job full time remote meant my days started at 5am and ended sometime around midnight or 1am…
The boatyard was amazed at launch when we had just one minor leak, quickly fixed with JB Water Weld. Soon after, Challenge moved under her own power to the dock for the first time in 15 years, with the whole boatyard team aboard for the short trip.
My dad joined the following day, significantly speeding up the remaining tasks. Spent several hours giving the exterior a deep cleaning, probably the first wash it has had in well over a decade. By the end of the day on Saturday she was looking like a proper boat again.
By Sunday morning, we were off the dock, motoring two hours to a sheltered bay as winds hit 15-20 knots. The engine performed perfectly—a big relief considering the boat’s previous overheating incident and small fire 15 years ago.
We spent Sunday at anchor, organizing and relaxing despite overnight winds gusting up to 30 knots. The anchor held firm.
Today’s agenda is simpler: tracking down a dinghy on Facebook Marketplace. Once secured, we’ll continue our journey to NYC and then up the Hudson River.
