Exclusive Interview With MerSea!
Before we get on with the interview, there are a few things in our goings-on in the last few days.
We’ve slowly been packing up, selling, donating, giving away or throwing away a lot of the stuff that takes up space in our house. I’ve been freaking out a little bit that our house has to be ready to rent out by September. -And it takes a lot of brainstorming as to which items belong in which one of the categories above. Today a lot of progress was made though. I do have to be honest & admit, that I’m already facing the conundrum of how I am going to take all the clothes I want to on this voyage. 😂 I know. -But we’ll be gone for 6 months! And in those 6 months, I have no idea what the weather is going to be like. For all I know it’ll be 90 in December & then snowing in Mexico in February.
We’re also making a list of what needs to be fixed up with our house & on the boat. I decided to break up the list for our house by rooms & am sticking the lists in those rooms. As for the boat, we have a list but it might be good to break it up so it doesn’t seem so overwhelming. Thankfully though, there aren’t as many projects on it as there were last year. -At least so far.
Inflation might have a say of what optional items we would like for the boat. -At least more than last year. It would be great to build a bimini, get a backup autopilot & have some kind of water-maker, even if it would be super small & not produce a ton of water. Whatever happens, we’ll just be happy if she’s safe & comfortable.
And now for our special guest, MerSea! She hasn’t had a chance to tell everyone about herself. She’s been busy. Working on herself. -So she can be a better friend & family member for all of us.
K: Hi MerSea. Thanks for taking time to do this today. I’m sorry we haven’t been able to talk to you earlier.
M: That’s okay. I’ve been quite busy. Plus, it’s never fun to do an interview in the rain.
K: Can you introduce yourself to the readers?
M: Yes! I would love to!
I’m a 1984 Catalina 30.
Here is what a lot of people have been saying about me:
K: You’re in great shape! How do you stay fit?
M: You’re too kind. Actually, I haven’t been exercising lately. Although the weather has turned a little nicer so hoping to get back into it soon. However, my dimensions have stayed the same.
My Dimensions Are:
LOA: 30 ft 0 in
Beam: 10 ft 8 in
LWL: 25 ft 0 in
Maximum Draft: 5 ft 2 in
Displacement: 10200 lbs
Ballast: 4200 lbs
Headroom: 6 ft 2 in
K: What really gets you going during the day? Where do you get your energy from?
M: My Engine is what really gets me started when I first wake up:
Total Power: 25 HP
Engine 1:
Engine Brand: Universal
Year Built: 1984
Engine Model: M25
Engine Type: Inboard
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Location: Center
Propeller: 2 blade propeller
Drive Type: Direct Drive
Engine Power: 25 HP
K: This might be a little personal but how much water do you drink? How much do you bring along to eat? And how long can you go before you have to use the restroom?
M: I don’t mind you asking. Others similar to me can be different in the tank area.
My Tanks:
Fresh Water Tanks: 2 Plastic (43 Gallons)
Fuel Tanks: 1 Stainless steel (17 Gallons)
Holding Tanks: 1 Plastic (15 Gallons)
K: So when you travel, do you have a whole entourage or do you just bring a few people?
M: I like to just bring my family along. They know me well & I feel too crowded if there are any more.
My Accommodations:
Number of single berths: 2
Number of double berths: 1
Number of cabins: 1
Number of heads: 1
K: You’re somewhat on the “mature” side but you look so youthful. What’s your secret?
M: When I was adopted by Kendall, Matt & Zephyr I had just undergone some Upgrades:
Complete new interior cushions
New Origo Alcohol Dominic Stove/oven
All openings re-sealed
New window frames
Engine maintenance (New water pump)
K: What’s your favorite activity?
M: Seriously? (I know you have to ask for the fans.) What else? Sailing! This is what I’m currently using:
1 (one) Dacron UK Sailmakers main sail hanked on mast; 4 (four) full battens
1 (one) Dacron jib hanked on forestay
1 (one) spinnaker stored on board
Self-Furling Jib - CDI Roller Furling Jib System
Total Sail Area: 100% Fore + Main Triangles = 437.00-square feet
K: You seem to be so full of life. What products do you use for that little extra pep?
M: What gives me that extra energy?:
AC Electrical System
30-amp Hubbell connection with a 30-amp shore cord
And my DC Electrical System:
Located at starboard chart table
Perko type switch
10-14 AWG, copper, braided, marine grade
1 (one) Group 27 lead acid; strapped down to meet ABYC Standard E-10.7.4; batteries shall not move more than one inch (25-mm) in any direction
1 (one) Group 27 lead acid; strapped down to meet ABYC Standard E-10.7.4; batteries shall not move more than one inch (25-mm) in any direction
K: Okay, now I want to surprise you with something. I’m going to break character now & talk to you as your parent. I don’t think you’ve seen this. Here is the adoption letter that we got when Matt, Zephyr & I adopted you.
M: OMG! I love it! So special that you kept it. That means a lot to me.
K: Hey, I wanted to know if you remember why we named you MerSea? You might forget that you didn’t come with a name when we adopted you.
M: (Laughing.) Yes. I am really happy with my name. The story you told me was that it just came to you. -A play on the word, Merci. Mer -Sea in French. And Sea. =MerSea. You just said that you guys felt really lucky to find me.
K: One last question, do you like the tattoo we gave you? Be honest.
M: Yes! It’s the best! So pretty! How many times do I have to tell you? Ha! I don’t mind. I love showing it off!
K: So it seems we’re out of time right now, MerSea. We all love you. Thank you for being such a wonderful sailboat to us!
M: Aww. I’m going to cry. I love you guys too. Thank you for taking such good care of me. I can’t wait for further adventures with you three!
So there you have it! MerSea in her own words. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. If you have any other questions about her, don’t hesitate to put them in the comment section below or email me.
Zephyr would like a belly rub now.
Thanks again for reading! We have 7.5 months to go so content will be more “contenty”. Until next week - Bon Voyage!
