SV Meriwether
This is our 1978 Baba 35 (aka Flying Dutchman 35). She was designed by Bob Perry and the very first Baba 35, (hull #1), built by the Ta Shing company of Taiwan. She is a 35 foot long double-ender, cutter rigged, full keel, blue water capable boat. Previously named “Bordeaux” when we purchased her in 2018, and “Ceremony” even further back, she still has all the original teak decks and interior to show off. The previous owner(s) took great care of the boat over the years and were good records keepers. It has a V-birth as well as a small quarter-birth. She can hold 75 gallons of fresh water as well as 50 gallons of diesel fuel in her tanks. Speaking of the diesel, it is an (original?) inboard Perkins 4.108 motor – a true work horse of it’s time.
In 2019 we replaced all the running rigging, upgraded all the lighting to LED, some of the plumbing, converted the ice-box to a fridge, replaced the diesel heater with a wood burning stove, installed a Lithium house battery bank, added a solar setup, and added in a whole array of 12-volt and inverter-powered outlets so we can easily live and work while at sea.
In 2020 we upgraded the engine’s charging capabilities with a new Balmar alternator (and a complete engine re-wire), replaced our old anchor with a new Sarca Excel and 200 feet of new chain, added new AIS and radar systems, removed the old head and tank and replaced with a composting unit, and was hauled out for our first bottom paint.
In 2021 we installed a CPT autopilot, finished up our dinette table, performed a top-end rebuild of the trusty Perkins, replaced the mainsail, and picked up a used storm jib.
In 2022 we added a new 110% Genoa to replace our old flappy Jib, and even found a used carbon fiber whisker pole. We also replaced a few chainplates and picked up a few new safety items; EPIRB and Life Raft for the upcoming ocean passages.
In 2023 we pulled the motor and transmission to replace all the seals and gaskets and had our hydraulic diesel pump rebuild by professionals. We also replaced the remaining chainplates not done in 2022.