We purchased our newest Shearwater III in December of 2007 after about three months of discussion and negotiation.  During the years since purchase, she has slowly been restored to a like-new or better condition.  Some interior work is still underway.   Other than that, there is some ongoing activities, lost of coastal sailing, and lots of enjoyment.  Click on Boat Systems for an overview of the changes and upgrades.

I like to sail.  When sailing, I generally anchor out rather than visiting marinas partly because it is cheaper, but more because anchoring brings us closer to the water.  One of our early projects was attaching an Anchor Bridle and replacing the old anchor chain with a new all chain rode.  Click here to see more about the near disaster we averted by doing this project before we went out far from home.

Once we have anchored, our thoughts turn to ---a hot shower---.  We restored the water system, cleaned out our tanks and their air vents and settled in for our first hot shower.  If this has you in suspense, see what is next. 

Sailing:  Having secured the anchoring and re-worked the plumbing, it is time to address the sailing.  Minor changes and some big plans are shown here and some repairs to the centerboard are also described.

Here is a rough list of what is on board now - Everything is new since 2009 unless marked as * (original):

Major sailing stuff includes:

1. Profurl In-boom furling (main) *
2. Roller furling (jib) *
3. Fishfinder/depth (really nice Garman) (2010)
4. Autopilot (X5 wheel pilot) (2010)
6. GPS - Garman - no local charts available * (provides SOG, Lat/Long, and waypoints but no charts)

As with all Gems, she draws 1.5' boards and rudders up

7. New steering installed in February 2011 - all new parts "kit" by Performance Cruising, upgraded to a 105M
8. 4 original equipment winches, two on coach roof, two on mast *
10. She has new Correlle Livingware dishes, flatware, pots and pans, and cookingware - sufficient to serve 8


Systems:

1. 275 watts of solar cells - enough batteries to power everything for about 3 days (400 Ah house - AGM)
2. Separate engine start battery
3. Norcold 7.2 cubic foot fridge/freezer - double door
4. 2 30 gallon water tanks *
5. On demand propane hot water - all you can use, totally automatic (Excel, new in January 2011)
6. 4 additional opening hatches (Bomar) including two in front of the master bunk
7. One single bunk - port side, original size, painted with all mold gathering liners removed
8. One pantry, cleaned and painted in 2010
9. Lewmar electric windless - operates from the helm for no yelling anchoring, including a plow * and Fortress (2009( anchor.
10. New style (2009) Jabsco head

If you see something missing, please ask, it might be there or maybe I can add it.

She is equipped with all USCG required equipment including in-date flares.