Trouble in Paradise: Life and DIY Repairs Aboard SV Agua Azul

Living aboard the SV Agua Azul is an adventure full of challenges and joys. Recently, we faced a few bumps in the road—or should we say, on the water—with mooring line failures, important boat repairs, and the usual trials of boat life. Despite the obstacles, the days were filled with good food, fun events, and the rewarding work of keeping our home afloat.

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Mooring Mayhem and Close Calls

It started with mooring lines breaking twice. One drifting boat nearly hit us, but we caught it just in time. Another impacted a neighboring vessel. These breakages showed us again how unpredictable marina life can be and how critical it is to stay alert when moored. Fortunately, the community helped secure the boats quickly.

Boat Repairs: Toilets and Wiring

Our vacuum toilets gave us grief—one maserator and one vacuum pump stopped working. After swapping parts and some tricky rewiring, they started functioning again. Corroded wire connections were a surprise problem; cutting out damaged sections and resealing with heat shrink connectors protected systems from water damage.

We also repaired a broken fan motor. Using parts like those from RC cars, cleaning the graphite brushes, and reassembling the fan allowed it to run smoothly again, improving airflow and helping the AC cool the boat on hot days.

Everyday Life: Food, Fun, and New Friends

We feasted on huge fresh mangoes reminding us of Honduras and enjoyed homemade beef dogs. A nearby motorcycle show brought a festive atmosphere and plenty of entertainment. One night we visited a local pizza spot that turned into a fun social event when we met fellow sailors who watch our channel.

Battling Bugs and Weather

Ticks became a problem for our dog, but using local tick treatment ‘Nex Guard’ helped kill most pests quickly. We sprayed the boat thoroughly to keep bugs away.

Later, a rainstorm and high humidity or lightning likely caused our inverter to overload and shut down. After resetting and consulting Victron support, repairs or replacement might be needed. The weather is always a big factor in boat life.

Grocery Shopping and Shore Adventures

We made trips ashore for groceries and specialty items like soy sauce, although local choices were limited. Riding moto taxis and shopping with friends made the runs into little adventures. We also tried local rums and fresh meals, savoring the island culture.

Reflections on Life Afloat

Living on SV Agua Azul means riding the waves of problems and pleasures. From fixing broken gear and wiring to enjoying festivals and good food, each day is unique. Sharing these experiences hopes to inspire and prepare other sailors and adventurous DIYers.

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Trouble in Paradise, is Sailboat Life Worth it? | Ep 81