Sailing Delos: Racing the Clock to Avoid Import Taxes & Major Boat Repairs

Urgent Mission: Avoiding Import Taxes

• ⏰ The crew is in a race against time to get the sailboat Delos ready to sail out of French Polynesia before a two-year residency limit triggers massive import taxes.
• 🛠️ The immediate goal is to complete critical repairs and get the boat back in the water, focusing on essential systems.

Engine Room and Bilge System Overhaul

• 🌊 A corroded saltwater distribution manifold, feeding water makers and toilets, was replaced with a new composite fitting.
• bilge pump system, combining manual, electric, and wastewater inputs, was also rebuilt with a new manifold to prevent corrosion.
• ⚙️ The engine room tackled several jobs, including servicing the bow thruster, rebuilding manifolds, and replacing the original exhaust hose, which was found to be rusting through.

Bow Thruster and Propeller Maintenance

• 💧 The bow thruster was dropped to inspect and replace worn seals, a process complicated by water ingress into the gear oil, turning it into a "milkshake."
• ⚓ The propeller was removed to service its seals and bushing, a crucial step to prevent water from entering the boat.
• 🔧 Temporary fixes were implemented for the transmission's heat exchanger using a hose as a mold, a solution intended until a permanent replacement can be fitted.

Delos 2.0: Future Systems and Improvements

• 💡 The team is drawing inspiration from Delos 1.0 for the new boat (Delos 2.0), improving upon existing systems.
• 🌡️ Plans for Delos 2.0 include a sophisticated heating and cooling system, aiming for a single, efficient closed-loop water chiller/boiler system to control cabin temperatures individually.
• 🚀 The goal is to move AC compressors to the engine room to reduce noise inside the cabins and use separate units for air circulation.

Progress and Upcoming Tasks

• 🎨 The hull has been sanded and fared, ready for a barrier coat and subsequent painting, though delays occurred due to the marina office being closed on weekends.
• 🏁 The team believes they are nearing the final stretch, with splashdown potentially only two days away, though acknowledging this timeline is ambitious.
• 💰 A significant sale on classic Delos sun shirts is highlighted, offered at the lowest price ever.