A Season of Below-the-Waterline Work
Now that we have our vessel, the real work begins. Before we can safely set sail for the Caribbean, Doulos needs a full haul-out — pulled out of the water for inspection, repair, and a long list of upgrades that will turn her from a sailboat into a true mission vessel.
This page is where we’ll track that process: what we’re doing, why it matters, and how you can be part of making it happen.
Would you prayerfully consider supporting this leg of the journey?
Please select “Tim & Kim Vessel Fund” from the drop down.
What “Haul-Out” Means (And Why It’s Necessary)
A haul-out means lifting the boat completely out of the water so we can access everything below the waterline — the hull, the running gear, and all the systems that are normally hidden beneath the surface. It’s something every boat needs periodically, but for us, this haul-out is also the moment to complete a major refit, preparing Doulos for years of mission service ahead.
Routine Maintenance
- Bottom Paint — The sea is always trying to reclaim everything, it’s a constant battle. Bottom Paint is a necessary item to fend off sea growth that is both heavy and damaging to the the hull and drive train. While on the hard we have to sand and apply fresh anti-fouling paint below the waterline to protect the hull and keep her moving efficiently through the water.
- Hull Inspection — A full inspection below the waterline to catch anything that needs attention such as blisters, cracks, corrosion and more.
Thru-Hull Replacement & Reduction
Thru-hulls are fittings that pass through the hull below the waterline — every one is a potential point of failure, so getting this right matters. Doulos is 42 years old and per maintenance records it does not look like these have ever been replaced.
- Replacing all thru-hulls below the waterline with new, reliable, safe fittings
- Glassing in four thru-hulls that are no longer needed, permanently sealing them for safety and simplicity — fewer thru-hulls means fewer points of vulnerability at sea
Major Systems Work
- Shaft Seal & Cutlass Bearing Replacement — Both are critical to keeping the propeller shaft sealed and running smoothly.
- New Strut — An unexpected but necessary find once we got into the work. The strut supports the propeller shaft, and ours needs to be replaced before we can safely splash back in.
Refit & Reconfiguration
This haul-out isn’t just maintenance — it’s also where Doulos is being reshaped for life as a mission vessel and a family home.
- Removing the Air Conditioner System — Including all associated ductwork and plumbing, simplifying our systems and reducing power demands for life at anchor and underway.
- Relocating the Hot Water Heater for better space efficiency and access.
- Relocating the Water Maker to improve workflow and make room for the changes below.
- Building Two Compost Heads — A sustainable, low-maintenance solution that also lets us remove the manual flush heads, along with their related plumbing and holding tanks.
- Converting the Workbench Area into a Berth — Creating a dedicated sleeping space for our daughter as our family settles into life aboard.
What This Means for the Mission
Every change here has a purpose — making Doulos safer, simpler, and better suited for full-time liveaboard ministry in the Caribbean. Fewer complex systems mean fewer things to break far from a marine supply store. A thoughtful living space means a family that can thrive aboard for the long haul, not just survive it.
The Cost of the Haul-Out
Haul-outs are one of the most expensive parts of boat ownership — and refits like this one add up quickly. Here’s a breakdown of where the costs are going:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Haul-Out & Yard Fees | $3500 |
| Bottom Paint & Hull Work | $1000 |
| Thru-Hull Replacement & Glassing | $1500 |
| Shaft Seal, Cutlass Bearing & Strut | $2500 |
| AC Removal & System Relocation | $100 |
| Compost Head Installation (x2) | $250 |
| Berth Conversion & Carpentry | $500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $9350 |
(We’ll update these figures as quotes and actual costs come in — stay tuned for the latest numbers.)
Would You Partner With Us?
This haul-out is a major step toward getting Doulos mission-ready — and we can’t do it alone. Every gift, big or small, moves us closer to setting sail.
Would you prayerfully consider contributing to our Vessel Fund?
Please select “Tim & Kim Vessel Fund” from the drop down.
All transactions are processed by Maritime Ministries Inc, a 501c3 Ministry EIN 54-1604155