Since we haven’t officially announced it yet on the blog… we moved to Key West, Florida!
Key West will be our home for the next year or so, and we’re super stoked! We’ve been building up to this day for awhile now, with endless hours and empty wallets poured into prepping the boat for the journey and life in the mooring field.
WE MADE IT!
How was the trip?
Logistically, pretty smooth. There were a few hick-ups, but nothing major that we couldn’t work around. Although, there was a point about two hours into the 12-hour journey that Will and I both looked at each other in defeat asking, “Well, what do you want to do?”
Our starboard engine had shut down. No warning lights or dashboard indications – it just shut off. So, Will went down in the engine room, mom took the helm, and I relayed info back and forth to the two of them.
Basically, the starboard engine battery was not getting enough power, ie. the alternator was not doing its job.
Should we turn around?
We definitely weren’t turning around, if anything, we would pop into Marco Island to see if we could troubleshoot the issue. Once we had it diagnosed, we opted to turn on our small generator to help keep that battery level high enough to support the engine, and that seemed to do the trick.
The party continues!
Okay, so it wasn’t quiet a party. Will, mom and I did enjoy the ride, but I’ll admit the seas were rougher than I imagined they’d be. It was a bit hard to walk around with 2-3 foot waves on short intervals, but thankfully no one felt seasick… except for Turbo.
The cats were not a fan of the 140-mile day trip, but luckily they sprang back to life as soon as we powered down the engines. Poor guys. Hopefully they get used to it with time.
Really, to get the full feel of our trip, you have to watch the video linked below.
Why Key West?
Is that even a question? …I guess for those unfamiliar with the Southernmost Point, it’s just “another part of Florida.” But for us, Key West is real island living. Alright, it’s certainly not the Bahamas or Caribbean Islands, but it’s a step closer for us than what the Fort Myers Beach area had become.
While FMB will continue to be our homeport, Key West is our escape from the nine-to-five, the hustle, and day-to-day tasks that can keep you from enjoying the boat as intended. We’ve worked really hard to get ourselves a little break before we have to return to reality and adult responsibilities.
We’re excited to enjoy BOAT LIFE: Living in the mooring field, surrounded by water, taking day trips to excellent local dive spots and sand bars, and venturing out to the Dry Tortuga’s and perhaps Cuba.
So Stay Tuned! It’s going to be an adventurous year ahead!
1 comment
Comment by Kenny Cloutier
Kenny Cloutier June 21, 2019 at 1:54 pm
Congratulations on your tossing the docs lines and making your way to paradise living your terrWiFFic life down in Key West, one of my favorite places on the planet. Very much enjoying your blogg and website. Catch you again, best to you. Kenny, aboard the Island Fever, still currently at Island Bay Marina, FMB.