In an attempt to get organized and on the same page a list was created. Garrett’s head is full, too full. How can we relieve some of that pressure? While getting away and distracting ourselves from our monstrous project is nice it doesn’t change the fact that we will inevitably have to return and deal with our problems. Because we are adults. Taking in some advice I think breaking down what’s left to finish Rediviva is a good idea. So looking at the next three to five projects this is what we’ve come up with:

#1 The Engine

#2 Bulwarks

#3 Decking

#4 Anchoring

#5 Main Interior

Even this can make your head hurt. So the first three things then. Bulwarks and Decking are a want-to slash would-be-nice but also “if we were to do things in order” kind of thing. They both require dry working days (we’d love sunny) and … more wood. Having these things done would make #4 easier. In order to set the boat up to anchor we need a bowsprit, samson posts, windlass, anchor, and rode. The only things we don’t have are the samson posts and the bowsprit which if we had the decking laid first we wouldn’t have to work around them later and the bulwarks would help determine the sheer thus determining the angle of the sprit. All of which we need more wood for. So back to #1 The Engine.

We had to make a sub-list for it’s involved. So far, this list has 15 items. Thankfully, most are just a matter of purchasing said items but building the exhaust elbow and control box and installing the fuel tank are more elaborate. We have a good amount of what’s needed like the shift/throttle lever, wiring, fuel tank, and locust for control box to run the Westerbeastie. Some of the things we need to buy are raw water stainer, starter battery, cables, fuel lines, but most importantly the thrust bearing. Where to even start? Well we just got paid for January’s videos so let’s get the thrust bearing! Not something we want to cheap out on so there goes $262. It’s on its way to Napa! There we go, progress! Visual progress is extremely satisfying but we’ll have to settle for new parts arriving in the mail and pretend it’s Christmas again. “Oooo, a thrust bearing, just what we’ve always wanted” and “Oh, oh a water lift muffler! You shouldn’t have.”

Hopefully we can find a few things at the two marine consignment shops near-ish by. Trick is not to get distracted and buy something less crucial. Although ports would be nice. If there’s a deal to be had we will find it. If it’s not having the money it’s the hunt that can delay projects but that is also part of the fun.

I think I can help Garrett get organized and stay on task. Really work as a team to finish this thing. We’ve decided the engine is priority number one. As our budget allows we’ll move onto the other things. Planking the deck would be a major moral booster so our eyes are pealed for the right wood/craigslist deal. The deck being everywhere wood and the bulwarks planked will make her feel even more “shippy.” Next would be getting her ready to anchor. To be able to drop the hook in the river and spend a night away would be amazing. Finishing the interior is an ongoing thing but we’ll be able to start sleeping aboard soon; now that the forward bunk is in. The interior is more together now than it was when we were living in the boatyard. We need to get a few more boat things checked off the list but I want to start checking things off the make-her-a-home list too. So finishing the interior comes in at #5. It’s weird to feel excited, determined and overloaded all at the same time. I guess it’s just a strange point in the build. We are in the water, floating which is extraordinary but also still very much in the construction stage. She’s a boat but not a sailboat yet. We’ll get there. One step at a time. Thrust bearing is ordered.

Sub-step one in progress.

 

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Garrett’s mom has just purchased a house that needs some TLC and upgrading! Since we are in need of some work and are at a stand still with boat until we can afford more materials (as well as just needing some time away) we were happy to get her call. The front room of the house was bare concrete and who better than Garrett to install new flooring? I’m sure Susan is glad to have a handy DIY son!

 The entire first day was spent removing the some 20 pieces of tile that were at the foot of the front door. Popping the tile was the fun part scraping and grinding the mortar however was awful. After sweeping up the debris we had to mask up for two days for the dust didn’t want to settle. Day two was a rockstar day. First, laying down the black plastic moisture protection layer then the gold foam cushioning and noise barrier.

The underlayment was fun to roll out and trim. Garrett and I talked at length about how much easier house projects are than boats. Right angles. It has been awhile since we felt like we had a killer day like this. We started around 9 and didn’t stop till about 7. It’s good to know we can still pull hours like that. The boat has become laborious and demotivating. I think that means we need a break… Nonetheless Garrett and I can’t stop working. We might be crazy people. We have to keep creating and constructing to find meaning but Rediviva is now just a nuisance. It may be in our best interest to pick a new project or at least something to split our time and energy on so we can re-inspire our love for the dream. We are stoked to be down in central California with someone else’s project to occupy these thoughts. Even Swab is excited to take a load off and soak up some sun…although, I don’t know how that’s any different from what he does at home but what do I know?

So shiny! Maybe the floor should remain gold? Certainly makes you feel royal.

Once the two layers of underlayment were secure Garrett took charge installing the laminate floor and I turned my sights on painting. Every room in the house is getting a little painting upgrade. We also ripped out the old carpet in the two bedrooms. Why is destruction so satisfying? Taking a razor blade to the carpet and tearing it from the tack strips was gratifying. Rolling up the old, throwing it out the window, and bringing in the new. I feel like it’s a metaphor for life. Maybe that’s what needs to happen on Rediviva? We need to toss out our old crapy sheets, replace our tired tools, thin our belongings (stuff!) and refresh our minds with a little self-care.

No lights in the house yet so a decent picture of the flooring last night wasn’t possible but it’s amazing how it’s transformed that front room. I can now get in there with fresh paint and make this a home for Garrett’s mom. Today, I’m strapping myself to the computer to work on Episode 43. Honestly, I love seeing the house evolve into a home that I’d rather be there but I can’t wait to share the launch with all of you!!! I’m torn. Feeling motivated and inspired today. So many life lessons to be found in the sometimes oddest of places. We’ll be down here in Garrett’s hometown for at least a week hoping to return to Rediviva a new! Thanks everybody 🙂

We really have the perfect spot. The boat floats with the dock up and down with each tide. Even when the winds howl and the rain falls we are safe below deck. The house a short jog up the ramp to make a pot of tea and warm up with a hot shower. Progress continues at a slow space as funds fluctuate and motivation hinges on the weather.

We are both looking eagerly to spring and rejoice in the ruff completion of the “funk.” Our forward bunk has finally taken root in the forepeak.

We are running through our full sheets of plywood and making good headway on the interior. Garrett’s next step is the galley walls and half bulkheads.

It’s pretty exciting seeing bits framed into their proper places. There’s comfort in having decided on the layout and making permanent construction.

 I’ve been dividing my time between the next video and helping Garrett. I feel like I’m more keeping him company than helping which is maybe more important. I understand it’s tough being down below in the cold dark environment alone. I so easily get lost in editing footage up in the house I forget what it’s like onboard in the rain. It’s funny how quickly one adapts from one living situation to the next. I still prefer living on the boat but am sure taking advantage of the endless power and internet to crank out episodes.

 Finishing the top of the funk ran through the rest of the full sheets of plywood. Although a great idea to have put full sheets in the boat before closing the cabin walls in it’s not exactly the best place to cut out the puzzle pieces that make up the interior anymore. Bulkheads and bunks are filling Rediviva’s insides.

If I’m not careful I’ll get trapped inside!

The main mast comes through the deck at the foot of the bed so we’ll cut away some of the funk framing once the rest of the faces are secure. Our feet will end close to the mast and then the last 6 inches or foot will be cubbies or some kind of clothes storage up against the head bulkhead.

February is our goal for moving back onto the boat. One day all of our belongings will have their proper place aboard. Rediviva’s belly will be full of wine stowed for our first passage. Water tanks full and engine ready to purr. Her red hull will fly under the Golden Gate marking her completion. These are the thoughts that keep us pushing.

Episode 42!

To support the making of these videos: Patreon and to support building Rediviva: Bonfire

We might not like the rain but the masts LOVE it!

We’ve been trapped inside as the rain continues. I, too, love the rain as a sit with coffee in the morning but then the day has to start and the rain could stop then 😉

We know very well you can’t control the weather so on the bright side the masts are closing up nicely. The hot Napa summer took a beating on our poor main and mizzen. Mostly our fault…as we didn’t oil them as often as we should. Something may have to be done but it’s impressive how the wood is continuing to swell and those checks look a little less scary. A problem for another day.

Today:

 Now that the driveline is in (while we wait until we can afford the thrust bearing and various other hoses and parts to finish the engine) Garrett’s back to working on the interior. First, he boxed in the engine then installed the half bulkhead to enclose the head.

The engine box is incorporated into the interior and is apart of the dinette seating. The box will be entirely removable for optimal engine access. For little stuff, there will be hatches all around. To remove the whole thing Garrett’s going to install a hoist system so it can go straight up from the deck beams and if need be he and I can move it from there and place it anywhere, it’ll even fit out the companion way. Next to the engine box will be the other side of the aft dinette seat with a half bulkhead there too.

Both faces of the box will have access hatches and the sides for the small maintenance things. Eventually, the whole interior will have access points. Just like the forward dinette seat:

These are easy to construct and Garrett’s mainly ruffing in the interior to get the feel of the flow through the cabin. Later, he can go around and add hatches to everything but right now he’s just focusing on the big stuff. Like bulkheads:

The other side of the head (toilet) is now done. This is probably as far as he’ll go with the head area for now. Once everything is ruffed in then he can go around and do the finishing touches in each area. It will look amazing when all the plywood is paneled with beautiful timber. Right now it just looks like a construction zone.

 

To move forward and work on the main bunk we had to rearrange some things. Our bed has been atop our plywood storage. In order to not accidentally close in the plywood up forward we had to move it to under the aft deck. We did this before installing the head’s half bulkhead or we wouldn’t have had enough space to do it! We’d been storing a bit of our stuff under the forward bunk which also had to find a new home under the aft deck. It’s a tight space….

 

…Once you get a lot of crap back there that is! 4 full sheets of plywood, some scraps, our two bunk pads, tools, and household items.

Garrett’s always thankful when I’m around to crawl into the small spaces. I think he also gets secret entertainment every time I hit me head.

This was the temporary bunk.

The final bunk will go from the frames at station 4 and back up to the half bulkhead where the head will be. The foot of the bed will have cubbies for clothes. This space will have to make room for the main mast.

The “funk” as we’ve been calling it (forward-bunk) will be a little lower than the temporary one so we can sit fully up in bed. Again, there will be big hatches for storage and access to the bilge before it’s “complete.” We’ve been staying off the boat since the end of November but once the bunk is done we can start on the galley then think about moving back on board 🙂

 

Also! We’ve added new colors on Bonfire:

Red had to be one of them so that we can all look as good as Rediviva!

The shirts (sweatshirts and tanks too) play a big roll in funding projects on board. The next item we are saving for is the thrust bearing which is about $200. 50% of the shirt sales come back to us! Thanks for reading and all that you do to encourage this build. I love reading all of your comments and a heads up: next video will be coming out on Thursday!!! See you then 🙂

Garrett picked up the driveline just before the new year and was able to install it before we left for a family trip. It is beefy!

Under the floor boards it rests. We had to make an extension piece from the engine so the driveline cleared one of the floors and the middle floor had to be trimmed out a bit.

Garrett had to order the coupling that attaches to the engine separately and the 6 inch shaft that then goes into the driveline. The company that made this custom for us was really awesome and used some recycled end yokes to help keep our cost down.

 Above are some photos of the universal joints.

The zinc is only there to stop the prop shaft from exiting the boat. Garrett placed it there before we moved Rediviva to her current dock. We still need a thrust bearing which will do the job of holding the shaft in place and absorb the thrust when the engine is running and in gear.

We’ve had none stop rain since getting back from our family christmas trip but today the sun is shining down on Rediviva’s deck. Garrett’s been doing some work on the companion way hatch in the garage so the tarps close up the boat making it more cave and dungeon like. I think some companion way doors are also in order…maybe some ports too?!?! It’s on the list 😉

 

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Thanks to our Patrons! They are the reason it’s possible for me to make this my full time job and guarantee you’ll see a new episode every two weeks. A new year’s resolution if you will. Soon, we hope to be able to give Patrons early access to episodes and every other week there isn’t a new episode a real-time update. Salt & Tar is growing this year as Rediviva is coming into her own and we can make both a priority! Thank you for your support and helping us grow 🙂

~Ruthie

p.s. If you are interested in becoming a Patron (click here) every $1 helps. You can pledge a dollar or up to infinity and the amount will be withdrawn only when I release a video. This is how I earn a paycheck. I work for you, ourselves, and most demandingly the boat 😉

Waiting on the driveline to be complete is proving difficult… Garrett can’t move on the rest of the interior until he has the engine fully hooked up to the driveline because there’s the possibility of needing to raise the floor. But by how much?

..so we wait..

 Can’t complain really because obviously we’ve been making good progress. I can always tell when Garrett’s been on a roll with projects because the boat desperately needs some tidying 😉

A few finishing touches on mounting the engine rounded out the week. The 3/4in rubber arrived in the mail. Replacing the plywood risers the rubber fits between the engine beds and the new mounts. It’s crazy thick stuff. Garrett tried to rip it with the jig saw but that just started to tear it up. A little team work usually solves the problem.

The rubber will help absorb some of the shake and noise from the engine. Now all the bolts and lags are in, the engine is secure!

Garrett’s pretty ready to switch to some deck work, feeling a little trapped inside, but it would mean totally changing gears and he’s set up for interior projects right now. It’s hard but the best decision is probably to wait. Easier said then done for this captain.

A final rattle test:

ok! Ready for the rest. The driveline company said “end of week” so maybe tomorrow will be the day!?!?

 

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