June 14, 2026
Based mostly on testing that Dan Horton (DanH on VAF) completed while working with Don at Airflow Performance, I decided to switch my stock Lycoming Fuel Injection Nozzle bodies for Turbo Nozzle Fuel Injection bodies. Most of my flights are 12k-16k and my objective was to improve LOP operations at altitude. Prior to this modification I have switched to 0.025″…
June 14, 2026
This year’s condition inspection took quite a bit longer than past years, it was a mixture of working in a friend’s hanger (and needing to borrow tools/parts from the local maintenance shop), installing turbo nozzle bodies on the fuel injection system (link), and a repair to the nose wheel bracket. Being less organized and running around to get parts/tools really…
May 17, 2026
More wind was forecast for tonight, and with it came even more shrimp boats anchoring in the bay. I’m confident in my own ground tackle and in single‑handing, so my focus shifted to the buddy boats. First stop was SV Cigano, where I helped Geraldo swap his anchor. He had an excellet Rocna onboard, but for some reason the Bruce…
May 16, 2026
High seas drama, I mean it is cruising so that goes with the territory… The day began with a hike. I’ve explored the area behind the beach before, but only about a mile inland. This time, my goal was to cross to a beach on the west side of the island (I’m anchored on the north side). The hike was…
May 16, 2026
The interior fan on my fridge had been making a surging noise for a few weeks. Spin fast, then almost stop, repeat endlessly at about a two second cycle. I could find nothing online, so I carefully probed around to figure out how to disassemble the interior mechanics. Turns out it is super simple… After cleaning, my fan was running…
May 15, 2026
After a low key recovery/boat project day yesterday, I was ready for some real exercise. Hiking around Isla Mejía is a must every time I’m here. Once I finished my coffee and after watching the sunrise from the top of the boat, I headed out. I dinghied over and explored more of the island than I ever had before, including…
May 13, 2026
I had everything squared away for the passage and was waiting for Kevin to paddle out for a quick tour. Around quarter to eight I pinged him on WhatsApp, good thing I did, because he was actually waiting on me. We spent some time aboard Strikhedonia, doing some show‑and‑tell and letting him reminisce about his old 1160. But with the…
May 12, 2026
Materials needed: Eneacro Polisher, Rotary Car Buffer Polisher Waxer, 1600W 7-inch/6-inch Variable Speed 1500-3500RPM 3M 05752 Perfect It Quick Connect Adaptor, 5/8 inch 3M Perfect-It Wool Compounding Pad, 05753 – 8″, Double Sided, Quick Connect 3M Perfect-It Wool Polishing Pad, 05713 – 9″ 3M Machine Polish, 05996 – 32 oz 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound, 05954 – 32 oz Step…
May 12, 2026
The night was windy, really windy. There wasn’t much fetch, but the gusts brought plenty of noise. Just before bed, a small cruise ship slipped in to seek shelter and with it came bright lights blazing 24/7. Fortunately, it anchored behind me, so the glow stayed out of my cabin. The forecast called for the wind to ease overnight and…
May 11, 2026
The morning felt perfect for fishing. I’ve always had good luck here, but with brand-new, untested lures, it was anyone’s guess. I motored to my favorite spot and began trolling, back and forth, adjusting depths, swapping lures, waiting for a strike. Finally, I got a hit and landed a cabrilla. Relief washed over me. A few more passes brought in…
May 10, 2026
The only metal penetrating the hulls on an 1160 are the saildrives, the rudders, and the thru hulls. Points of concern: 1. The thru hulls immediately transition to a plastic hose, so I am not very concerned about the thru hulls 2. The rudders are of slight concern as there is metal on the rudder stock which is exposed to…
May 8, 2026
I made the mistake years ago of attempting a night passage to San Francisquito. Almost every evening, a strong west wind funnels out of Bahía San Carlos, and that crossing turned into a miserable passage. These days, I wait for a calm daytime weather window, and this time, I got exactly that. If I’m being particular, there was some uncomfortable…