I've spent the last 4 days working on replacing the fresh water lines/system...and I'm still not done. Keep in mind this is the first time I've attempted something of this magnitude (cost). I had to figure out how it all worked before I took it apart. I've been upside down, kneeling, and otherwise contorted in a way no one should. The lines I am replacing used to be clear. They are black now. The fill lines basically broke apart in my hands. Only the wire kept the pieces together.
Yesterday offered a unique discovery. I found the port tank was foamed in place...with the vent lines, feed line, and the hot/cold water lines from the head firmly ensconsed in the foam. It took me the entire day just to get those lines free. At one point, I was bleeding, sweating, ALMOST crying, and offering my soul to the lowest bidder in return for the hose to loosen up a bit. The work involved a jig saw, a Dremel, a LONG screwdriver, a short screwdriver, the indispensable head lamp, a Bible, a Priest, and a beer.
That was just one tank.
MOST of the hard work is done, but I still have a lot of work to do. I've confirmed that "Boat Mechanic/Yard Worker" will not be my post retirement job. I had been considering selling Kiwi thanks to some orders (military), but after the 'quality time' I've spent on the boat the past week...I don't see that happening. I have many years of boring people with stories of all the work I did to get her back up to speed.
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