Off Grid Island Trouble: Water in the Barge!

Living off grid on an island is a unique experience filled with surprises, and this episode highlights some unexpected issues we encountered while preparing for solar panel installation. From tackling water problems in our barge to dealing with fierce waves, we’re sharing our resilience and problem-solving skills. Join us as we navigate this off grid life with our loyal dog Opal and our trusty Kubota, Pepper.

Table of Contents

• Where to build the solar racking for our off grid island
• Melodi’s first greenhouse on the island!
• Problems installing the Bilge Pump
• The Plan
• Kubota hydraulic quick connect is awesome

Where to build our solar racking

As we began planning and scouting locations for our solar panels, we needed to investigate the best location for them on our off grid island. Typically, this area is completely submerged in spring, so we had to ensure that the site we chose would remain dry and clear. We also took a moment to celebrate the lifting of the campfire ban, planning for a safe and enjoyable fire later.

Melodi’s first greenhouse on the island!

Melodi excitedly unveiled her makeshift greenhouse. Although it may not be a traditional structure, on this off grid island it represents her commitment to growing and cultivating on the island. We hope to be able to erect a proper greenhouse next year, so Melodi can grow some fruits and vegetables in a more protected space, out of the weather. In the meantime, this greenhouse is a step toward a more sustainable off grid life, and it brings a spark of excitement to our homesteading efforts.

Problems installing the Bilge Pump

We encountered some difficulties with the bilge pump installation. A previously drilled hole was too small for the necessary fittings, and the presence of a metal bar obstructed our ability to secure the pump properly. We will need to drill a new hole in the transom to allow the proper routing of the extraction hose which will pump out any water that may collect inside the barge. Take a look at this episode to see when we had that work done. We had to brainstorm solutions to avoid creating multiple holes in the barge, which could lead to leaks.

The Plan

After assessing the situation, we crafted a plan to address the water accumulating in the barge. The idea was to tilt the barge to collect the water in one corner, making it easier to pump out. We also discussed how Pepper, our Kubota, would be instrumental in this process. We rolled Pepper onto the back corner of the barge, which helped collect the water all in one place for easier extraction.

Kubota hydraulic quick connect is awesome

Utilizing Pepper, we managed to move the water efficiently. We were thrilled to see the barge becoming lighter as we pumped out the water. The hydraulic quick connect feature made it easy to switch attachments without leaving the cab, which is especially useful in inclement weather. There is nothing worse than having to get out of the cab in inclement weather to swap out implements!

Throughout this episode, we faced various tasks, from solving the water issue to preparing for solar panel installation. If you’re interested in off grid living and DIY solutions, you can check out our Amazon page for tools and supplies we recommend. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more behind-the-scenes updates!

We’re constantly learning and adapting our plans as we navigate life on our off grid island. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build our homestead and embrace the unique challenges of island living!