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SV Sarah Website Update Log
This page documents the changes to this website since Jun 6, 2008.
Changes to the SV Whoosh section of this website are not recorded here.  There is a separate Update Log for the Whoosh pages.
As of Feb 1, 2016 I have stopped logging the website changes on this page.  If you return to the home page you will find a link to subscribe to the RSS Feed I am publishing.  That feed provides the same information as this log.


August 7, 2015
Page Modified Description of Change
Pump Overheat I discovered that there is a over heat shut off protection on the March pumps I use for both the A/C and the SeaFrost SA-3 refrigeration.  This shut down the SA-3 repeatedly until a SeaFrost tech rep explained the problem.
   
July 17, 2015
Page Modified Description of Change
Wrigley Field Pictures of our 2015 outing at Wrigley Field
Chicago Architecture Added more pictures of buildings in Chicago
April 30, 2015
Page Modified Description of Change
New Mizzen Sail Finally replaced the mizzen sail that came with Sarah when I bought her in 2000.
March 14, 2015
Page Modified Description of Change
Chicago Architecture I added a page of pictures and descriptions of the architecture that makes up the Chicago Skyline.
January 9, 2015
Page Modified Description of Change
Forward Cabin Mattress The head cushions for the V-Berth are now in place.
October 15, 2014
Page Modified Description of Change
New Galley Stove The 12 year old Force 10 stove has been replaced by a new Euro Standard model from Force 10
October 2, 2014
Page Modified Description of Change
Forward Cabin Mattress I finall replaced the cushion in the forward cabin with a mattress from the Handmade Mattress Company (HMC).
July 16, 2014
Page Modified Description of Change
Manifold Clog After six years of continuous use, the low volume manifold became clogged with silt and shellfish.
Diatomaceus Earth I've never completely ridded my composting head of gnats, but I got a recommended solution from some other cruisers.
3rd Kindle My second Kindle failed after only 2 years.
July 13, 2014
Page Modified Description of Change
Cubs 2014

My annual get-together with my brothers at Wrigley Field.

June 21, 2014
Page Modified Description of Change
Thermos Cooker I've purchased a Shuttle Chef Thermos cooker as an onboard slow cooker using minimal cooking fuel.
May 26, 2014
Page Modified Description of Change
Windlass Installation When I installed the Quick windlass in 2013 I elected to retain the on deck anchor  locker.  After one winter using the windlass I've added my thoughts on that choice.
May 26, 2014
Page Modified Description of Change
Bahamas 2014 In 2014 I spent another winter in the Abacos.
May 10, 2014
Page Modified Description of Change
After One Winter at Anchor I spent most of the 2014 winter at anchor in the Bahamas.  The Quick windlass worked very well, but there were some issue with my installion.
Jan 18, 2014
Page Modified Description of Change
Repair of New RIB The new AB RIB arrived on New Year's eve and had a puncture right out of the box.  AB refused to provide any warranty compensation claiming I must have caused the puncture.  Defender, from whom I purchased the dinghy, did provide reasonable compensation.
Dec 31, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
New RIB After weeks of patching and painting my old RIB I had to give up on it and purhased a new aluminum RIB.
Nov 17, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
Soft Shackles I have adopted soft shackles to connect snubber lines to my anchor chain.
Nov 11, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
Maintaining a RIB In preparation for a Bahamas Cruise in 2014 I've spent several weeks tracking and patching leaks in my AB RIB, and then painting the tubes with Liquid Rubber.
Sep 20, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
Windlass Install Complete With the re-installation of the anchor locker hatch I have finally completed the installation of the Quick Hector Windlass
Sep 20, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
Windlass Operational After months of procrastionation I finally ran the power cables to the Quick Windlass and it is now operational.
Aug 20, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
Rain Catcher I had the new  awning modified so that I hope I can use it to catch  rain water for the tanks.
Aug 7, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
Deck Awning In order to cope with the intense heat in Florida during the summer I had a deck awning fabricated by a local canvas shop.
Aug 5, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
All Completed the process of re-hosting the website on GoDaddy.com.  DNS is now directing traffic to the GoDaddy.com host.
Aug 3, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
All Started the process of re-hosting the website on GoDaddy.com.  Traffic on this site has started to exceed the limit on Infinology.com, and they did not offer an economical plan for the increased traffic.  I expect to cutover to the new host within the next two weeks.
July 17, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
Cubs 2013 Pictures of our 2013 get together for a Cubs game.  Also a few more pictures of Chicago
July 7, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
SiriusXM Weather I added a Raymarine SR50 SiriusXM Weather receiver to display weather information on my C120 chartplotter.  After a few days using the device with
my C120 I decided the service was too expensive for what I can get out of it.  The SR50 has been de-installed and the service canceled.
June 20, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
Mizzen Standing Rigging I've finally replaced the standard rigging on the mizzen mast.  This was the last of the original Pearson rigging.
May 24, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
Broken Agitator After 4 years of continuous use I finally broken something on the Airhead Composting Toilet - the crank handle came loose from the agitator.
January 30, 2013
Page Modified Description of Change
Installing a Quick Windlass I am in the process of replacing the Lofrans Royal manual windlass with a Quick Hector electric windlass.  This page documents the ongoing installation
September 10, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
South Bound in 2012 One more trip down the US East Coast from Maryland to Florida
September 10, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Inflating the RIB I've acquired a number of air pumps looking for the best to inflate my AB dinghy.  None do the complete job.
September 10, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Engine Impeller  Replacement After over 4 years of operating the Yanmar 4JH4AE engine I finally had to replace the seawater pump impeller myself.  It was not a pretty sight.
September 10, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Store the Solent Stay I finally figured out a way to store the Solent Stay when not inuse.
August 9, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Cubs Game On  August 1 my borthers and I attended our anual Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
Battery Box I had the inboard battery box repaired after the bottom broke loose.
July 18, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Verizon Broadband Upgrade I have upgraded my broadband service from Verizon with the JetPack or Mobile Hotspot.
July 12, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Heading North Again In June, 2012 I once more headed North from Florida to the Chesapeake Bay
May 25, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Anchor Well Latch The latch on the fore deck anchor well is broken.  I have implemented a temporary fix.
May 22, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Draw Latches I have replaced the thumb screws originaly used to hold the engine box togerther with stainless steel draw latches.
May 9, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Vacuum Guage I have installed an R2D2 fuel vacuum guage from Fuel Fixer on my Racor filter.
May 9, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Fortress Anchor I sold my 44# Bruce anchor and replaced it with a 15# Fortress anchor.  The Fortress is my backup anchor and will be stored in one of the cockpit lockers.
April 13, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Water Tank Leak Found The Port water tank has been leaking for some time.  I've finally found the source of at least one leak.
April 4, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
New Bimini The new Bimini is now complete with the addition of the  insert between it and the Dodger and the mounting of my old shade curtains on the Bimini
April 4, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Mizzen Rigging I finally got around to some long planned changes to the mizzen rigging.
March 17, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
New Bimini The new Bimini is now in place.  The insert between the Bimini and the Dodger needs to be added as well as the fasteners for the shade awnings
March 17, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Instrument Pod I started to replace the Raymarine ST600R remote autopilot control with an ST6002.  This requires the construction of an instrument pod to house this control.
March 13, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Rope Clutches I've added rope clutches for the preventer lines and Genoa furling line
February 11, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Deck Tie-Downs I use Load/Lock Fasteners to tie the dinghy and other equipment on deck.
February 11, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
More LEDs for Cabin Lights I have started experimenting with LED bulbs from superbrightleds.com to see if they measure up to the SensiBulb LEDs.

February 9, 2012
Page Modified Description of Change
Battery Reconfiguration I have completed the reconfiguration of the batteries on Sarah.  The two sets of Deka 6-volt batteries have been combined into one 450AH House bank.  A Group 24 battery, installed in the aft hanging locker is now the Start battery.
November 28, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
ICW 2010 Added a short page describing my trip north on the ICW in 2010 from New Bern, NC to the Chesapeake Bay.
ICW2011 Added a page to describe my current trip south on the ICW from the Chesapeake Bay to (hopefully) Jacksonville,  FL.
October 22, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Dinghy Air Valve Replacement The air valve in the bow chamber of my AB dinghy was broken and had to be replaced.
August 27, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Rub Rail Damage I finally completed the repairs to the rub rail caused by Hurricane Irene
August 27, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Refrigeeration Failures I have two independent refrigeration compressors on Sarah.  Both failed shortly after Hurricane Irene passed.
August 27, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Hurricane Irene Hurricane Irene is threatening the east coast.  I've created a page to monitor this storm.
July 10, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Update on Flores Friends have given me an update on the harbor at Lajes das Flores.
July 9, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Compost Head Further work to seal the air gap in the vent.
June 19, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Galley Faucet Once more I had to replace the galley faucet.  Once more it was not a straight-forward project.
April 30, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Sails & Canvas Grab rails have been added to Sarah's new dodger.
April 21, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Sails & Canvas I have added awnings to Sarah's cockpit to provide a little more shade in the afternoon.
April 18, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Sails & Canvas The JB-Weld did not hold for the hatch awnings made in 2009.  I have now riveted the DOT fasteners to the hatch frames.
April 1, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Sails & Canvas Sarah has a new dodger.
March 31, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatProvisionerVBA Version 1.98 is available for download.  This version implements the creation of a provisioning list for a voyage.
March 17, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Preventer I have started to rig a preventer system on Sarah for down wind sailing, especially wing-on-wing.
March 14, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
New Cabin Sole Hatch I finally finished the hatch over the prop shaft in the aft cabin.
February 26, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Velvet Drive Failure The saga of the Velvet Drive transmsion was not quite over.  Turns out the local yard didn't install the oil cooler correctly, which I had to fix myself.
February 25, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Videos I have started to publish videos on the using the BoatRecordsVBA program.  I am doing this primarily to learn more about publishing videos on this website, but possibly some will find them useful.
February 9, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Storage for the Stove Cover I finally found a way to secure the cover for the stove when it is not on the stove top.  Also discovered this page was never linked under the SV Sarah Upgrades menu.
Bermuda to Flores in 2005 I modified the Google Earth Tour of the trans-atlantic cruise.  I still playing with Google Earth kml files, learning how use them on the website.
Using MS Excel Onboard I have added an RSS feed for just updates to the VBA application programs I have developed.
BoatRecordsVBA  Version 4.4 is now available for download 
January 31, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Sailing Web Home This is my first attempt to implement an RSS feed from the website so updates to the site can be monitored.  My intention is to allow either or both the SV Sarah and SV Whoosh pages  to be monitored. Test 3
January 20, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.31 can now be downloaded.  This version fixes a few problems in the Maintenance Look Ahead report and adds the capability to specify a single system for this report.  If a single system is specified the report becomes a checklist for that system that can be filled in with the date eachd of the scheduled tasks are completed.  If no system is specified the report is for all systems (as in previous versions).
January 18, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.3a can now be downloaded.  A number of fixes to the Report generators.  I had not tested this portion of the program for over a year.
January 16, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.3 can now be downloaded.  One more fix for date formatting bugs.  This version added a Notes field to the Inventory records
January 15, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.2m can now be downloaded.  One more fix for date formatting bugs.
January 14, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.94c is now available.  This fixes a few bugs in 9.94b and provides validation of the Moon GHA and DEC values entered from the NA to detect typos.
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.2l can now be downloaded.  Hopefully this fixes the last of the date formatting bugs.
January 10, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.94b is now available.  This fixes a few bugs and adds a form to calculate Moon Rise/Set/Meridian Passage
January 7, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.93d is now available.  This fixes a bug in the sight drop down lists and a date formatting bug.
January 4, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
Transmission Failure On arrival at the Ortega Yacht Club Marina in Jacksonville, FL the Velvet Drive transmission failed as we approached the dock.  This page documents the transmission failure and the repair.
January 4, 2011
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.2k is now available.  This fixes a bug in the form that is used to enter dates in the program.  Incrementing or decrementing the date can cause the program to abort.
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.93c is now available.  This fixes a bug in the form that is used to enter dates in the program.  Incrementing or decrementing the date can cause the program to abort.
December 5, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.2i is now available
December 5, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.2f is now available
December 1, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatProvisionVBA Version 1.96b is now available
November 22, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatProvisionVBA Version 1.96a is now available
November 6, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatProvisionVBA Version 1.95b is now available
November 6, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatProvisionVBA This is the initial release (1.94) of the BoatProvision application.  It is far from complete and not thoroughly tested, but I think it is complete enough and tested enough to be of some use to cruisers.
October 13, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.2e of this application has been released.  This version fixes a problem in 4.2d that can cause a program abort during report generation.
October 4, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.2d of this application has been released.  This version fixes two critical problems.  One is an Inventory file corruption issue caused by the Inventory report generation.  This appears to be a problem only with Excel 2007 and not 2003.  The other fix prevents the possible overwritting of the Inventory backup files by the Maintenance Log workbook.  This problems applies to both Excel 2007 and 2003.  I recommend all users move to version 4.2d ASAP.
September 13, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
Gilmerton Bridge An interesting encounter with a large coal carrier at the Gilmerton Bridge in Chesapeake, VA
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.2 has been released.  This is the first version developed in Excel 2007 rather than Excel 2003.
August 21, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
GPX File Converson Utility Another Excel VBA program.  This one to convert GPX files to ones I can import into SOB, Fugawi and my Raymarine C-120 MFD.
August 16, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
New V-Drive RV-26 Installation is complete.
June 6, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
New V-Drive The process of replacing the Walter RV-20 V-Drive with a new RV-26 has begun.
June 6, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
Med Cruise 2006 I've added another Google Earth tour.  This one covers my Mediterranean Cruise in 2006.  I'm still  learning the Google Earth API and XML programming so this tour is pretty crude, but it is a start.
June 1, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
The Damn Key I finally modified the Yanmar starting key to allow it to be removed from the key slot while the engine is in operation.
May 25, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.91b has been released
May 24, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecords Version 4.0e has been released


May 18, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
Google Earth Tour I've started experimenting with Google Earth to see if it could be useful on this web site.  The first of these experiments to be published is a Google Earth Tour of Sarah's first transatlantic crossing in 2005.  I plan to also do some experimenting with Google Maps.
More Storage Solutions I have used some plywood to close off the area under the forward companionway ladder add more useable storage on Sarah.
May 13, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecords I have had some problems running BoatRecords in Excel 2003 under Win7.  It appears to run fine in the xp emulation mode.  The Excel 2007 version of the program appears to run fine under Win7.
May 11, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
Monitor Windvane I have re-rigged the control lines for the windvane
May 9, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
Composting Toilet I hope I have fixed the only nagging problem I have encountered with the Composting Head - odors in the main cabin.
May 6, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
Cockpit Lighting I've finally added lighting to the cockpit under the Bimina
May 6, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 4.0b has been released
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.91a has been released
May 2, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
Anchor Well Modifications I have finally gotten around to modifying the anchor well and chain locker to make them more useable.
April 30, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
More Rudder Post Issues Thanks to an email from Whoosh, I've discovered another problem with the rudder post that needs to be resolvled.
April 23, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecords Version 4.0 has been released.
Cabin Sole Hatches The hatches in the main cabin sole are finally complete
April 18, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecords Version 3.9F has been released.
April 12, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
My Kindle I have discovered the battery meter on the Kindle is not very reliable.
April 12, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecords Version 3.9D has been released.
April 10, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
New Hatches Under the Table The Galley hatch is now in place.  Still have a lot finish work to do, but boatwright work is over.
Mar 31, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
New Hatches Under the Table I am nearing completion of this portion of the cabin sole hatch project.


Mar 29, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecords Version 3.9C has been released.


Mar 9, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
Low Volume Manifold I have modified the Low Volume Manifold to insure full flow through the 1" ID pipes.


Mar 6, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
New Hatches in Cabin Sole I have started to reclaim the space under the main cabin sole by cutting hatches into that sole.


Feb 26, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
Securing Table Leaves After all these years I've finally gotten around to securing the leaves on the table in the main cabin.


Feb 16, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
More Alpenglows I've started the installation of additional Alpenglow light fixtures to provide better area lighting in the main and forward cabins.
Recording Barometer I've added a Weems & Plath barometer to the Nav Station.


Feb 16, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.90 is now available for download.


Feb 12, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.89 is now available for download.


Feb 2, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.88 is now available for download.


Feb 2, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 3.9 is now available for download.


Jan 24, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.86 is now available for download.
BoatRecordsVBA Version 3.8 is now available for download.


Jan 20, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 3.7 is now available for download.


Jan 16, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA Version 3.6 is now available for download.


Jan 13, 2010
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.85 is now available for download.


Dec 31, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
My Kindle I have done some experimentation with transferring non-Kindle documents to my Kindle.  Until Amazon.com gets around to downloading the latest firmware to my Kindle, this transfer process will have to involve converting the documents to Kindle format.


Dec 22, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.83 is now available for download.  This fixes a few problems with the Help process as well as adds for Help documentation.  This version also improves the file handling for the Office 2007 environment.


Dec 13, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.82 is now available for download.  This version adds a form to calculate a position fix from 2 - 4 sight reductions.  This form replaces the Sight Fix Celestial subpage, which was limited to two sight reductions.  That sub-page has been removed.


Dec 8, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.8 is now available for download.  This version implements a context sensitive Help process.
Dec 6, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Version 9.7d is now available for download.  It fixes several problems with sextant altitude corrections.
BoatRecordsVBA Version 3.5 is now available for download.  This version modifies the screens to fit on a netbook.  It is also the first version that has been tested under office 2007
Nov 19 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
My Kindle I've started to use Kindle for PC to read books in my Kindle libary.  It has overcome one of the limitations of the Kindle II - the ability to view detailed graphics.
Nov 16, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Solent Stay I finally had a chance to raise the stay sail and sheet it to the newly installed sheet track.  Everything looks good except the sheet angle to the winch.  I've declared the installation over (for now).
Nov 14, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA I have released version 9.7 of this application which has been reconifigured for the small display on a netbook.  It is also the first version I have tested for Office 2007.
 
Nov 11, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA I have released version 9.64 of this application which includes a toolset for creating routes and integrates those routes with the Ship Log.
Nov 5, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Composting Toilet I have replaced the original compact seat with the full-size seat now being offered by Airhead.  My butt is very pleased by the upgrade.
Oct 29, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Finishing the Solent Stay Four years after rigging a Solent Stay on Sarah I am finally completing the additional modifications to make this an effective sailing rig.
Oct 17, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA The latest version (9.54) add a linear regression analysis to the Sun Sight Reducton
Oct 15, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA The latest version (9.53) corrects a problem in the Sun Ephemeris.
Oct 13, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA The latest version (3.4a) corrects one bug in 3.4
OffShoreNavigationVBA The latest version (9.52a) corrects one bug in 9.52
Oct 5, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA The latest version (3.4) of BoatRecordsVBA is available for download
Sep 28, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA Uploaded the latest version of this software for celestial navigation and ships log
Sep 12, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecords I have uploaded a new version (3.19a) of this MS Excel VBA application.  This fixes a number of errors in the previous version and provides a limit data validation for the Inventory workbook
BoatProvisioner I have uploaded a documentation file on this as yet un-released MS Excel VBA application.
August 30, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Hatch Awnings I've finished making awnings for the deck hatches on Sarah. 
August 26, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA I have released version 9.5a of this MS Excel Application.
August 22, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Cabin Curtains I've completed all of the cabin curtains, now onto the hatch and deck awnings

August 20, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecordsVBA I have released version 3.18a of the BoatRecords application
August 13, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Sails & Canvas I've started work on a set of canvas projects using Sunbrella Shade material.  The projects include curtains for the port lights, awnings for the hatches, and a deck awning.
August 3, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA I have uploaded version 9.4 of this Excel application.  This adds the Moon Sight reduction to the program.  However the Moon Sight does require a Nautical Almanac.
August 1, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
OffShoreNavigationVBA I have uploaded version 9.3 of this Excel application
July 28, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
12VDC Upgrades Updated 12 VDC battery circuit schematic to remove LectraSan.
   
July 24, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Yanmar after a Year I've had my Yanmar 4JH4AE engine for about 1-1/2 years.  I started to collect my thoughts on this engine and installation.
My Kindle I have purchase a Kindle to provide a significant portion of my on board reading library.
July 10, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Manson Supreme Anchor I've replaced the 44# Bruce as my primary anchor with a Manson Supreme 60.
July 5, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
MS Excel for Navigation I have updated the OffShoreNavigationVBA application to include a Ship Log.  Version 9.1a is the initial release of the Ship Log.  The application can be down loaded from the link on the left.
June 30, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
After One Year Some thoughts on using a composting toilet for over a year.
June 19, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Night Shuttle Launch Added video of the shuttle launch observed from the Titusville anchorage
Shuttle Launch from Cape Marina Also added video of the day launch of the shuttle as observed from the Cape Marina in Port Canaveral, FL
June 15, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Heading North Sarah's northward journey appears to have come to an end in New Bern, NC
May 27, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Heading North Sarah has left the Bahamas and we are working our way back north, possibly to the Chesapeake Bay
May 13, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
BoatRecords I have re-written my MS Excel Inventory and Maintenance Log applications.
May 12, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
The Generator Lives Once More I was finally able to get the generator working through MarinePro of Cocoa, FL
May 7, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Return to the USA Sarah has returned to the USA from The Bahamas.  Currently berthed at the Cape Marina in Port Canaveral, FL.
May 2, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
The Genset Saga Resumes The generator failed once again, but this time it is the generator side not the engine.
Mar 7, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Short Cruise in the Abacos Steve Angst joined me for a week and forced me to actually go sailing
Strong Track Problem During that sail the Strong Track on the main mast started to pull loose.
Feb 12, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Melbourne to the Abacos Sarah has been stuck in Marsh Harbor for the last month
The Genset Saga A new page on the saga of fixing my Northern Lights generator while anchored in Marsh Harbor
Jan 3, 2009
Page Modified Description of Change
Melbourne to the Abacos Sarah is now anchored in Marsh Harbor, The Abacos
SOB Past Tracks I have developed yet another Excel VBA application.  This one to process the vessel tracking files generated by the SOB chart plotting software.
Dec 27, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Melbourne to the Abacos Sarah and I are finally in the Bahamas after crossing from Ft. Pierce, FL.
Dec 10, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Integrating Inventory & Maintenance Log I have added a new page to provide documentation on the new integrated applications for the Inventory data base and the Maintenance Log workbooks.  The first application allows the maintenance log to update the inventory with parts usage.
Shopping List I have also added a new report to the Print Form which will generate a shopping list for items in a kit that are not at the minimum quantity required.
Sailing/Excel/InventoryMaintenance.zip The updated Inventory/Maintenance workbooks can be downloaded from the link on the left.
Dec 9, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Waypoint Management with Excel I have created a new Excel application to help me manage the many waypoints I've acquired through various cruising guide books.  In particular these are the Dodge, Pavlidus and Exlporer waypoints for my upcoming Bahamas cruise.
Dec 6, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Inventory & Maintenance Integration Added additional documentation on what happens when the application is maintained on a removable storage device.
Dec 1, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Inventory & Maintenance Integration I have started on new page which provides a download link and documentation on the Excel workbook I have developed to integrate the Inventory and Maintenance workbook applications previously provided for download.
Nov 23, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Inventory I provided version 2.86 of the Inventory Workbook application for download.  Currently it is only available with the populated Inventory I have created for Sarah.  I will release blank workbooks when I release version 2.9.
Inventory Save/Backup Form I have added a page to cover the Save/Backup form that has been implemented in version 2.86
Categories Form I have added a page on the form that is used to manage inventory Categories and Sub-Categories.  This form is available in version 2.86 and later.
Nov 18, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Electronic Chart Error On the way to Florida on I discovered that at least one set of my electronic charts was out-of-date and in serious error.
Managing Waypoints with Excel I've started a new techniques web page on using MS Excel to manage waypoint list for multiple char plotting systems.
Nov 17, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Beaufort to Bahamas I've added a page on our attempts to sail Sarah from Beaufort, NC to the Bahamas.
Oct 29, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
HYPERterminal I've added a new page to the Techniques group describing how I use the HYPERterminal program on a Wintel PC to troubleshoot and validate my NMEA network.
Oct 28, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Using MS Excel Onboard Corrected some errors in the calculation of Sun events (LAN, sunrise, sunset, etc.) in the OffShoreNavigation workbook.
Oct 22, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Bahamas Cruise 2008 I've started a new series of pages to cover the planned cruise to the Bahamas over the winter of 2008/2009
ICW to Beaufort The initial page for this cruise covers taking Sarah from the Patuxent River, MD to Beaufort, NC
Oct 2, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Shore Power Changes Added a new page to document changes to the 125VAC electrical system on Sarah.  Initial upgrade was to replace the source selector switch.
LED Cabin Lights The DrLED bulbs I installed in 2007 are failing and being replaced by SensiBulbs.
Sep 27, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Maintenance Log I've added another Excel application.  This is a workbook to maintain a maintenance log for any system on Sarah.
Sep 13, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
The Downside of Resiliency I have configured a lot of resiliency into my electronic navigation system.  Sometimes that resiliency can make troubleshooting problems more difficult.
Sep 11, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Ship Weather Reports I discovered that the ship weather reports Excel template is also a neat way to view weather reports in the vicinity of a major tropical storm (Ike)
 LED Cabin Lights I've added descriptions of my experience with the products from two LED cabin light manufacturers.
Sep 2, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
New Engine Box I've added sound proofing to the inside of the engine box panels.  More work will be required to achieve any significant reduction in the engine sound, but for now the engine box is complete.
Aug 22, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Electronic Pilot Charts I've discovered that I can use SnagIt to simplify the process of capturing the Pilot Chart image and transferring it to a graphic format that can be imported into Fugawi.
Aug 18, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Composting Toilet I've completed one cycle of filling the compost chamber and have re-charged it with a brick of COIR instead of Sphagnum.  Of course I had my problems doing this.
Aug 13, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
New Engine Box The new engine box is complete, but unfinished.
Aug 9, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Using MS Excel Onboard Updated the Off Shore Navigation workbook link to version 8.51.  I removed the activation of a userform for the navigation functions as it was not working properly.
Aug 8, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Wrigley Field Added pictures and descriptions of the Aug 6, 2008 game with the Houston Astros
Storage Added another under-shelf storage basket to the foot of the aft bunk.
Engine Box Rebuild We made the first fitting of the side panels on the new engine box
July 25, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Inventory Workbook Version 2.8 of the Inventory Workbook application is now available for download.
July 22, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Engine Box I've finally re-started work on the new engine box.  The first step was to build a mock-up.
July 9, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
New Manifold After two weeks without A/C or refrigeration onboard, the new manifold has been installed and everything is nearly back working.
June 26, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
LectraSan Removal After the composting toilet had been in used for several weeks I started the removal of the remaining components of the old Raritan PHII toilet, which included the LectraSan sewage treatment system.
June 13, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Composting Toilet I failed to read and follow the instructions on using the composting toilet and the result was a lot of unpleasant odor in the head.  Correcting this problem involved finding a local source for Sphagnum (Peat Moss) and learning more about the product.
June 7, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Shower Stall Light I finally added a light to the shower stall on Sarah.  Now I don't have to take a shower in the dark.
June 6, 2008  
Page Modified Description of Change
Storage Upgrades Added under shelf basket to the foot of the aft cabin berth.