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THE TRANSFORMATION OF CATITUDE TO CATAWAMPUS.

Catitude was damaged by hurricane Irma in 2017. She was scheduled for repairs but it took too long and it was deemed a write off. Repairs had been started, but they were sloppy and not very good, In fact some were only patches to make her movable. She sat four four years exposed to weather and vandalism and finally was put up for auction in June of 2021. Lena and I bid on the yacht based on pictures and previous visits to other boats damaged by hurricanes. I sort of knew what I was getting into but Lena not so much. we were successful in our bid and the deal was done. We could not get down to the boat until October. Mistake number 1. On October 16 we arrived for our first view of the boat and discovered that it had been stripped of most of the good stuff. Extremely disappointing to say the least. we were committed and started work. I had a survey done on the hull to determine if it was sound and it was except for the damaged or wet spots. all of those were repairable. We stayed at a hotel nearby for a month while we worked on first the cleanup, then started projects that could be done without new parts like removing the old non functioning items. Damage from water was significant on the port side. Pumps, electrical and engine were non recoverable. Each evening was spent getting estimates and and searching for parts. Getting what you want ,when you want it was horrendously difficult. In fact my hull windows which I ordered in September just arrived on January 27, 2022. Mistake number 2 since I could have purchased them here at about the same cost after considering the shipping.

Once the cleanup was well underway it was possible to start rebuilding. First order was to get power, then fridge and freezer and water. with many challenges this was accomplished. I cheated a bit because I had no batteries that would function so I connected up my new Inverter charger and was able to run some lights, the fridge , propane control and of course electricity for the power tools. Mistake number 3 was deciding to move aboard after only a month. it was hot, dirty and no facilities unless we walked for 10 minutes. We endured but did get to hate it a bit. Oh and the mosquitoes are really bad every time it rains. They come out in droves when on the hard. More to come.....

First view of the boat!

Cockpit and table area.

The galley was filthy with dirt and chicken feathers and droppings everywhere!

Damage here in several spots that would require fiberglass work.

The A frame was bent and the crossbeam had several dents and scrapes. Replacement was expensive so we had it repaired and I got a used A frame to replace the damaged one.