She was nice when we got her, but now she's better

We bought a brand-spanking new boat, with a lot of extras. Obviously, we had to buy the required safety equipment, dock lines, fenders, and other such must-have gear. Then we took her out and sailed. We crammed as much sailing into that shortened season as we could.

Much to Julie's chagrin, I spent that winter pouring over boat magazines and talking with other Potter owners about what had already been done to their boats. Then I made a list.

1998 Was our first full season with Necessity. During the year, we did the following:

• Re-rigged the kick-up rudder
• Installed a stereo
• Installed a chainpipe and moved/added cleats on the foredeck
• Led all lines back to the cockpit
• Installed a depth sounder

In 1999, we decided to keep the boat at a marina, rigged on the trailer. Before we did that, we wanted to do some more work:

• Added a hatch for better access to the starboard storage under the v-berth
• Added a backstay
• Mounted a 40-watt solar panel on the companionway hatch
• Installed a charge controller for the solar panel
• Installed a solar-powered fan to keep the boat aired-out
• Installed a 12-volt accessory plug for the VHF, cellphone and misc. electrics
• Attached a fairlead to the mast to keep the topping lift line from fouling the head of the CDI furler

Right now, I can't think of anything else I want to change; I like the boat just the way she is. Now, that may well change as we spend more nights aboard - I can see wanting some cabin fans, for example. Julie is busy making curtains and bug screens to keep us happy during overnighters. The starboard storage area under the stove is barely usable because the battery is in the way, and the wiring needs to be neatened up and somehow covered. Ah, well - the season is young.

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