Another week of steady progress aboard La Sirena, and I’m getting to the point where the focus is shifting from simply working through projects to figuring out exactly what has to be finished before relaunch.
A lot of this week has been spent continuing to tidy up and sort through tools and materials. After months of accumulating parts, supplies and equipment, I’m slowly figuring out what actually needs to stay aboard and what can come off the boat. The goal is to have the right tools and spares for cruising without turning La Sirena into a floating hardware store.
I’ve also been ordering more gear and parts, including a replacement paddlewheel for the speed transducer. At the same time, I’ve been working my way through the boat’s electrical systems — checking wiring, testing switches and making sure the various lights are actually doing what they’re supposed to do.
Of course, there is always something.
The starboard running light is out, which I’m hoping is simply a bulb. So that means another trip to the marine supply store today. Somehow there is always another trip to the marine supply store. 😂
The Weather Is Changing
One thing that is becoming increasingly obvious is that the seasons are changing here in Bellingham and the Pacific Northwest.
August has been absolutely perfect. We’ve had mostly clear days in the 70–80°F range, which is pretty much ideal weather for working on a boat. It’s been hard to complain about spending the summer outside working on La Sirena.
But today, the rain arrived.
Temperatures are expected to settle into the 60s through September, with more rainy days and increasing wind. That makes the next couple of weeks particularly important.
I really need to get the remaining bottom and topside projects finished while the weather is still cooperating. Once everything starts getting wet on a regular basis, exterior work becomes considerably more difficult — and considerably less fun.
The teak deck will get another coat of Semco sealer to protect it through the coming months. I’m not trying to make it perfect this year. The plan is to give the deck a proper sanding and refinish next year when I have more time and better conditions.
There is also still a small leak in one of the cabin hatches. I’m pretty sure it’s simply a screw head that needs to be rebedded with some caulk, so that should hopefully be a quick and easy fix.
The Next Two Weeks
This weekend is going to be about getting organized and finalizing the critical jobs list.
I’m going to separate everything into what absolutely has to be done before relaunch and what can wait until later. There will always be projects on La Sirena — that’s just part of owning an older cruising boat — but not everything needs to be perfect before she goes back in the water.
The immediate goal is simple:
- Finish the critical work.
- Order the last parts and equipment.
- Get La Sirena ready for relaunch.
Once she’s back in the water, the list can become a little less about restoration and a lot more about getting ready to actually go sailing.
The weather is changing, the days are getting shorter, and October is getting closer.
Time to get serious about finishing this boat.
