We have been in Marmaris, Turkey for almost the full month of May and now it is the beginning of June and we are still here. The amount of work that we wanted to get accomplished for the boat was extensive, and getting the trades and equipment when you need it can be a challenge.
First, we needed to get pricing and availability for the new radar, autopilot, and also throw in another chart plotter to replace the old Raymarine Pathfinder that was on the boat when we bought MAD 2. Second, was the servicing of the liferaft. Third, there was the repair that was needed on our passerelle step from our not so pleasant experience in Kalymnos when the ferry wake damaged it. Fourth, a quote and timing for some of the hatches and port holes to take care of the crazing that happens over time, Fifth, tackle the replacement of the overhead hatch blinds to a new blackout material. Sixth, build hatch mosquito netting for all the hatches and figure out how to mozzy proof the companionway. Seventh, we have been discussing an upgrade from our 700 watt inverter to a more robust 2000 watt Smart inverter so that we can use some of this solar power that exists after our upgrade in October 2022 (we experienced full batteries by 9:30am each day so might as well get the full benefit with a bigger inverter). Eighth, finished replacing the salon lights with the more energy efficient one touch lights.
So, as you can imagine all these items have taken time. And while we wait for equipment to arrive and worker availability we did manage to play some squash at the only squash court in Marmaris. It was dark and beat up and the floor was slick because of the dust from the walls that were flaking off plaster. Managed the exercise and played past our hour allotted time even though there was no one else using it and we paid for the time accordingly (to the minute almost). Second time we went same experience except when we ran 10 minutes over our hour and they still wanted to charge us for the extra time (as well as charging us to shower after!) even though, again there was no one else using it and I doubt that they had anyone willing to go to the dark basement to use the court. (one only). We decided that they just ripped themselves off for paying guests, we won’t be back.
On our second visit we came out of the squash facilities and ran into another sailing family. We recognized them because we watched their sailing youtube channel. If you get a chance you should check out Sailing Zatara, a family of five on a large catamaran. There was also another couple on Sailing Aquarius, an Amel Super Maramu that were anchored in the bay beside us and we got to go over and visit with them for an evening.
Mozzy Protection and Blackout Blinds
For the blackout blinds we traversed the chandlery area looking for the right material and finally found one that could provide it. Had to order it in and that took a week. We were constantly asking when it was due and it was “maybe tomorrow”. Finally got it and Jacs did a fantastic job of cutting and fitting the material to the existing rollers. The mozzy netting for the hatches was again a matter of cutting, taping, and fixing the 2 sided magnetic strips in place.
Liferaft
Arranged with a company to look at the life raft as we could not clearly make out the year of the raft as the sun had faded the label, we could tell that there was a service date of 2018, so they agreed to look and see if it was serviceable. Turns out it was new in 2017 commissioned in 2018 and this was the first service, everything was great and serviceable so once inflated it needs to remain so for 24 hours to ensure no slow leaks are found as well as having our additional EPIRB beacon placed inside in the event of an emergency. We now have 2 EPIRB’s (one on MAD 2 located near the chart table and one now inside the life aft, all registered in Canada). We trekked back up to the company and got a ride back with the newly serviced and labelled life raft, including correct paperwork of service information and a new tether line. Installed on deck and ticked off on the to do list, yippie! It was great seeing the process but hope we never have to use it! Also installed and armed 2 persoal MOB’s in the lifejackets in case of a Man Overboard situation! Again, hopefully we never have to use them.
Radar and Autopilot
The equipment finally came in for the radar and autopilot after a 12 day wait. Raymarine wanted us to come to the marina to tie up so their lads could go up the mast safely, however on the day it was dead calm in the bay and they were willing to do it all at anchor. 3 of them came out to the boat but only 2 remained as one was a supervisor of sorts, and then it was only 1, the smallest one, that did all the work while the other one just handed him tools and assisted with the cable feeds. While he was up the mast we had him install our NEW radar deflector. Had to get a new one because when they put the mast back on last year it came without our radar deflector.
Took them a few hours but it all worked out. The one doing all the work was very capable and proficient.
While the guys were working on the autopilot etc, we had one forward hatch replacement done as the quote for all to be replaced turned out to be excessive so we opted for one hatch to be replaced (Above the master bed, no chance of wet bed now). That whole day I felt like the boat taxi driver back and forth to the dock picking up and dropping off.
While we were waiting for the equipment to come in for the Raymarine work we dropped off our passerelle to the guys at TMS who took it over to Adakoy across the bay so that they could do the repair. When it was completed we took the boat over to Adakoy to pick it up and after a some discussion we understood about the support needed on the underside of the step and expected it to come back with extra fiberglass, however that didn’t happen, but it was repaired and looking brand new, they did a great job but cautioned us about using the passerelle at this point. No need for the cautionary warning, but thanks.
In the chandlery in Adakoy was the Victron Energy Phoenix 2000watt 12volt Smart Inverter. All the other places were 10 – 20 percent more. Ordered and it came the next day, TMS recommended an electrician, problem being they are all super busy with all the meds sailors returning and needed work to get themselves back in the water, so our advised install was pushed back a couple of days. They showed up early in the evening and we knew it was going to take about 3 hours. Work was completed and dropped them back to shore 10 at night. It would have been okay if it wasn’t blowing hard that evening. Got a little wet.
We requested an install in the back starboard lazarette where the shore power comes into the boat. When connected too the shore power line It will automatically turn off when shore power is connected and then invert power from the batteries when on 12 volt. Also installed a relay, cables in two direction to the 3 service batteries, negative along a 6 meter cable to the forward battery bank and the positive to the single battery in the port lazarette. Installed with a 150amp fuse that we blew during our testing of our kettle. Too much wattage on that one. Thankfully he had another and then we picked up one more spare 150 amp fuse in Marmaris. We now needed a new kettle with the appropriate wattage and a toaster. Love having a toaster (such a simple luxury for us liveaboards). So, now that we have all that power we just need to make sure that we keep it under 2000watts. Haven’t tested our induction stove … yet.
We stayed in Adakoy bay for a full week (found we could dingy into the marina and shower whenever we wanted, great luxury), we also ventured out on a couple of walks and discovered a cave that was recommended for us. Pretty cool. Took some video.
Some other things that we did while in Marmaris Bay was to walk out to the next small town Icmeler, along the quay. It was about 8 km and we took the water taxi back for 100tl each. Nice day out for some much needed exercise.
On Thursdays and Sundays there is huge market in Marmaris. We went there a couple of times to stock up on some very inexpensive fresh fruit and vegetables.
Found a great little restaurant not far from where tie (lock) the dinghy when we go ashore in Marmaris called Hardes. They serve free range chicken and farm raised (their own farm) lamb and beef. Very good menu and well priced. They even have a parrot that likes to visit.
We will be moving on from here to explore some more of the southern coast line out towards Fethiye and testing out all this work that we got done here in Marmaris. We may be back this way. You never know.
“Time to relax”. Haha you’re walking with Jacqui no relaxing!! Sounds like she’ll be a new boat when I get there! Perfect.
See you soon.
Shelley