Life Aboard SV Agua Azul – DIYs, Hurricane Survival, and Everyday Adventures

Living life aboard a sailboat in the Caribbean is an adventure every day. From fixing motor problems to enjoying bingo nights, cooking meals, and weathering hurricanes, the journey is full of lessons and fun moments. In this post, I’m sharing a detailed look at some recent experiences aboard SV Agua Azul, our 41ft Hunter 410, where we combine DIY fixes, cooking, and vibrant living at sea. This draft captures real-life moments that will resonate with cruising sailors, DIY enthusiasts, and lifestyle adventurers.

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Troubleshooting the Dinghy Motor Fuel System

Recently, our dinghy motor stopped running even though it had fuel in the tank. The problem? The fuel line wasn’t picking up fuel properly. After inspecting the fuel tank and lines, the old fuel line was replaced with a spare under the seat and floor of the dinghy. Using tie straps, the new fuel line was snugly routed to avoid sun damage and interference, even if the length wasn’t ideal.

Although fuel tanks are ideally placed toward the front for balance, this small engine only needs about a gallon of fuel, so weight distribution isn’t a big concern. This fix gave us extra room inside the dinghy for activities and storage—practical and effective!

Fun Times with Bingo and Local Gatherings

Life aboard the boat isn’t just work; it’s also about building community. We enjoyed a lively bingo night with friends, full of laughs and surprise winners. Our prizes offered discounts on local rides, highlighting how small-town charm enriches cruising life.

Celebrations like these keep spirits high, especially when weather threatens to keep us docked. The social connections made in ports like Los Villos or Amsterdam (DR) are treasured moments.

Comfort Food & Cooking onboard

Despite the challenges of cooking afloat, we whipped up a memorable meal: meatballs with a special dipping sauce found locally, alongside other dishes. While not everything turned out crispy or perfect (the oven is best for meatballs), it proved that “boat life” doesn’t mean sacrificing great food.

Our weekly return to the galley with recipes from Danielle, like roasted ranch dilly meatballs or creamy slow-cooked baked beans, reminds us how cooking together nourishes both body and soul.

Hurricane Season Realities and Safety Preparations

Hurricane season in the Caribbean brings serious challenges. As a strong storm approached, we made the tough decision to stay aboard, securing everything and monitoring conditions closely. The night was intense: lightning strikes, fierce winds, and even a nearby 70-foot catamaran caught fire from lightning.

The harbor where we stayed proved exceptionally safe, with only a few boats moving from anchor. Watching and waiting, our small hurricane party was a mix of vigilance and camaraderie.

Upgrading Boat Gear: Windlass Remote Control Installation

To improve handling, a generous neighbor gifted us a remote control for our windlass, enabling us to operate the anchor winch from the helm instead of foot pedals. With some wiring, cleaning of corrosion, and applying dielectric grease, we made the upgrade functional and safer.

Redundancy and smart upgrades like this enhance our safety and convenience aboard.

Looking Forward: Anniversary, Memories, and Continued Adventures

After 28 years of marriage, we celebrated with a quiet lunch rather than a mini-trip, choosing safety over travel due to stormy weather. Even so, the kindness of local restaurants and the simple joys made the day special.

Life aboard the SV Agua Azul continues to teach us resilience, creativity, and joy in the everyday. Whether you’re a sailor, adventurer, or someone who loves a good do-it-yourself project or recipe, these stories connect us all.

Life on a Sailboat: Repairs, Bingo Nights & Hurricane Prep | Ep 83