The first four seasons with the “OG” were spent simply getting to know the boat. Slowly and systematically, however, we outfitted her for 5-months aboard. She had to be capable of housing and supporting two adults and 2 middle-school aged girls.
For propulsion, we purchased new sails, including a new Dacron main, genoa, stay sail and a 3/4 oz spinnaker. Sail area and other information can be found in other postings. The OG’s 38hp Yanmar engine was also rebuilt in 2018 and we carry engine spares for most foreseeable failures. We have upgraded all of the electronics and navigational equipment, replaced all of the plumbing and all standing and running rigging. Cruising comforts were also added, stowage created, teak was stripped and varnished and more efficient refrigeration was installed.
In 2018 we also installed a fully enclosable dodger and bimini to keep us out of the elements on longer passages.
The OG also underwent a beautiful blue Awlgrip paint job the same year.
In the final 10 days before shipping the boat south, all of the OG’s running and standing rigging was stolen. “Running rigging” refers to sail control lines. “Standing rigging,” on the other hand, is the stainless steel stays and shrouds that hold up the mast. Details of the theft and eventual capture of the thief can be found in the post “The First 1500 miles.” Nevertheless, and in connection with the theft, the OG was equipped with all new stainless steel and Dyneema, courtesy of Allstate, right before castoff.
Energy
The OG is equipped with (2) 12-volt gel-cell battery banks with capacity of approximately 255 amp hours per bank. Usable amp hours, however, equate to a little more than half of the available capacity. Therefore, usable energy onboard is approximately 255 amp hours.
Throughout seasons 2018 and 2019 a careful inventory was made of all energy-drawing devices onboard, noting their respective energy draws. Inefficient devices, such as incandescent bulbs (7A) were replaced with their high-efficiency counterparts (0.1A). By far, our biggest energy consumers were the Autohelm (7amps) and refrigeration (4amps) and there was nothing else that could be done to reduce their consumption.
To replace energy consumed, we installed a 100 watt high output alternator, and (3) 110 watt solar panels. Right before cast off we replaced both battery banks with fresh AGMs.
Communications
An AIS Class-B tranceiver was purchased and installed in 2019. These devices are used to track equipped vessels in real time. In order to qualify, we were required to obtain a Ship Station License and an Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number from the FCC. Those interested in tracking our progress can find us here: Vessel Finder. Our MMSI number is 368101050.
We also carry an IridiumGo! satellite based communication system and weather tracking. Through the IridiumGo! The OG can be tracked in realtime, including information related to weather conditions and boat speed. https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Olivia_Grace
Voyages of Olivia Grace 