Electrical

• Wind Generator - KISS: This continues to work very well and I would certainly recommend it (and have) to other cruisers. My only issue is that it starts to freewheel at wind speeds around 20-25 knots and starts to make noise at that point. The workaround is to feather it away from the wind so that the blades turn slower and keep producing. Its certainly quieter than any other large wind generator. The small ones, like Ampair or Rutland are quieter but produce much less electricity that the KISS. I spoke to Doug, the maker in Trinidad, and he's working on this now.
• Sailing instruments - B&G Hecta and Hornet: They don't work too well. As I've mentioned before, the wind speed indicator hasn't worked since the sea trials, the depth sounder goes crazy when running the engine at anything over 1000 rpm and the knotmeter registers 2-3 knots faster than we're actually going. I've tried calibrating this last instrument but it doesn't seem to make any difference. Granted they're old but still...
• Single Sideband radio - Icom 710RT: This radio still works fine, as does the AT130 tuner. My only problem now that I have my HAM license is that its not easy to use a a HAM radio. Its not a big deal for me but might be for someone who is really enthusiastic about amateur radio.
• Overhead lights - ABI: I installed these in October of 2002 and they work fine and the brass lacquered finish is nice but the halogen bulbs seem to burn out quickly. The light is very good and I like the ability to switch between white and red (for night vision), and perhaps this problem is inherent in all halogen fixtures. Fortunately, I found spare bulbs in Trinidad but I doubt if they're readily available outside the major yachting centers.

Plumbing

• Watermaker - Little Wonder Modular by Village Marine: Now only producing 4 to 4.5 gallons per hour since the water is more saline here (Venezuelan offshore islands) and I generally don't run it with the engine on, so the voltage is only about 12.3 volts. When I do run it with the engine on and the batteries charging, output goes to 4.5 gallons per hour (not the 8 gph advertised).

• Lazy jacks: These work well now but still need some refinement. Stowing them against the mast when not in use is the way to go but since they are attached at the top to the mast near the second spreader, when stowed, even when I pull them away from the mast (whenerver they're not in use at anchor or in a marina) they bang against the mast. I need to move the upper attachment point to the second spreader outboard a foot or so. I like the fact that they will stow out of the way, and 3 lines per side seems fine for my boat (17 foot boom) but in a breeze the banging is annoying and damaging to the equipment.
• Boom preventer: I set this up and it still needs some tweaking but basically works OK. The line from the end of the boom goes through a snatch block near the bow and then through another snatch block amidships and from there to a 2-part tackle so I can take tension on it. Some refinements I need to make are to get more line so the tackle will be 3 to 1 and have a separate, permanently attached 'tail' to the end of the boom, so I can attach that to the preventer line, thereby able to setup preventers on both sides simultaneously if I want to. As currently rigged, I would have to move everything from one side to the other in the event of a gybe.

• Windvane - Sailomat: This equipment has sat on the stern for almost 3 years now. I'm sure it would work fine but I've never had the opportunity to use it. So far, using the autopilot has been fine but maybe we'll try using it on the longer passages on the way back to the States.
• VHS video tapes: Video tapes just don't last in the damp environment of a small boat. Ours probably lasted longer than most but they all eventually get mildewed or grow some kind of fungus that grows on the tape and messes up the video or audio (on ours mostly the audio). Next time we'll try DVDs, at least you can clean them easily.
• 2-stroke outboard - Yamaha 15 Enduro: This is the new outboard, bought in Martinique in 2002 and it still works fine although I do have trouble sometimes starting it in the mornings. Other than that, it still works fine.
• RIB Dinghy - Caribe C10-X: This is also a new piece of equipment and its still in very good shape. The only complaint I have is that the stainless steel fittings are rusting already, but this might be unavoidable considering the environment.
• Man Overboard Pole: I'm not sure who made this pole (Forespar?), but it was new when we started the cruise. Its the type with long, orange fiberglass tubes that you epoxy together when purchased. The problem is that the UV just destroys the coating and eventually the fiberglass tube starts to break down and shed fibers. When that happens, touching the pole is nasty since the fibers can stick to you. I had to sand and epoxy the tube and then paint it.