Between 2021 and September 2024, Water Mellon was rebuilt almost system by system. This is the short version; the details will each get their own story.
Why we rewired from scratch
The wiring was where the boat told us the truth. Cable after cable came out green: the copper had corroded inside the insulation, invisible until you cut it open. After finding a few like this, we stopped trusting any of them and rewired the whole boat.
What we did
- Replaced the standing rigging and fitted a new genoa furler, then improved the anchor handling.
- Rewired the whole boat, then added 240 W of solar, four service batteries, a Raymarine autopilot and an efficient fridge.
- Treated the hull against osmosis and fitted five new seacocks, a holding tank and six new saloon windows.
- Sandblasted, repainted and fully serviced the Yanmar, then added an outboard for the dinghy.
- Fitted a new sprayhood, bimini and cushions, so she is a pleasure to live on as well as to sail.
What we learned
Every job uncovers the next one. Budget for that, and leave the cosmetic work until last. And thank the people who help you: we could not have done it without the DROMOR boatyard, Nafpaktos Marine and Vangelis Kavas.
Before-and-after photos are on Restoration.