Day 4 - Keeping Boat (Tuesday)

Even underway, housekeeping is still important, even more important in some ways. I am in the process of writing a book on it. Literally. While in port, you tend to have the usual household dust and detritus. The focus changes when underway. The start of my draft priorities are:

1. Water. If there is water or wetness anywhere. Remove it immediately, follow with a type of anti-bacterial cleanser, and then suitable cleaner/polish for the surface. (i.e. a clorox wipe followed by murphy's oil soap once the clorox dissipates.) If you don't use the suitable surface cleaner, the disinfectant may erode or visibly degrade the surface. If you don't use the disinfectant, you risk the change of molds, etc. Anything wet (clothing, etc.) needs to be dried before being placed in laundry. Hang it on the lifelines, or lay it out on the decks. If you can't dry it in inside, get it outside until you can. Outside will always have wet areas, that is ok. (I will explain later.)

2. Floor debris. The first few days in any underway are spent replacing things you thought were secure in new places they will be. This is only a second to water as dry is so important. Things rolling around can cause both damage to person and property. A pan falling can dent the floor. Over time, if not stored correctly, this can lead to a need to replace vice just resurface the floor once its integrity has been compromised. Anything rolling or falling can get underfoot leading to personal injury or even worse. You may lose a crew member in the extreme.

3. Galley....

So, you see where this is going. I have cross posted this to the Poseidon Marine blog as I want to let everyone know the book is in work. So, no real musings on Poseidon and Laralei today. As it was they were watched by the rest of the crew most of the day so I could get the boat cleaning done. (Note: Just remember no mopping while underway. Things get too slippery.)