The Boat

Severance is a 1986 Tartan 34-2.

It displaces 11,500 and has (just under) a 5' draft.

It is a racer\cruiser type of boat, with a tall mast and masthead rig.

Tartan builds a very good, strong boat and many Tartan yachts have made extended ocean voyages.

That being said, it is not a true blue water boat and wouldn't be my 1st choice for crossings, but it's mine, I know it inside and out and it is a fine and strong boat.

Given the age of the boat and the wisdom of experience and years, I've had the boat extensively refit.

Living in the St Pete area, which is a major boat building center, I've been fortunate to have access the the best talent imaginable.

Here are the people\companies involved:
Derek Dudinsky - JTR Enterprises (813 321 6321) - Custom Metal fabrication
Kevin Dunn - Offshore Yacht Services (727 441 5534)
Audie Harding - Custom Canvas and Interiors (727 418 2382)
Gregg Knighton & Team - Knighton Sailmakers (941 365 7245)
Micheal Serdynski & Team - MEE Electronics (727 459 5593)

Kevin did the general project management, was involved in the design of everything we had fabricated and did the installation.

He also, using the existing rudder to build a mold from, constructed an extremely strong new rudder (I've read too many stories involving broken rudders!).

He's also been the backbone of this effort, keeping me afloat in many ways and I can't imagine this trip occurring without his involvement. He doesn't know when something just can't be done...because he just does it!

Derek gave me a lot of advice, which I was smart enough to follow. We replaced all the chainplates, and the stem head fitting (just based on age). He did a number of custom projects (new stern seats, radar pole, backstay fitting, additional tankage, life raft mount, wind gen pole to name just a few).

He also built the rudder post, flattening and bending the lower part to allow it to extend further into the rudder...then attached a large plate with gussets to strengthen it all (see not above about rudders).

Bottom line...get to know a good custom metal fabricator and you will never go back!

Micheal Serdinsky and his team did and extensive rewire, determined all the right electronics for Severance and made it all work. Severance has a very well thought out battery and charging system (high output alternator, smart regulator, wind gen, solar panels) and is completely DC (including the air conditioner!).

We've put together an electrical system that is sophisticated, but simple and I'm very comfortable in my understanding of how it all works (and what to do if anything fails).

Audie has made the boat "liveable". His work is the finest you will find anywhere and he has the offshore sailing experience to know what you need and what works. Having a really good dodger and bimini has a big impact on fatigue and crew morale (not to mention the interior\exterior cushions).

Gregg Knighton, whom I met after limping into Isla Mujeres with no headsail, is...bar none, the best sail and rigging person you could ever meet. He's the guy you want to have come on your boat and just talk with you. Stuff works now, his product is top notch, his people are great. Sit down sometime with him and just talk over the realities of your boat and rig, you will be amazed at all the solutions that he will give you. I'm starting to understand why he knows everyone!

To sum up, the reality is to put together a boat for a trip like this is a team effort. Find and use professionals. I'm a DYI guy at heart, but there is a time a place for getting the right people involved.

Severance is now ready for the voyage!