Our Boat

Our Boat

Nymeria is a Valiant 32’. She was built in 1985 at Lake Texoma and is reportedly hull number 63 of 65 built. She was designed by Robert Perry with the same blueprint and layout as their 40’ model but sized down for a “cruising couple”. This was perfect for us since we wanted a boat that could easily be handled by just the two of us if needed and still comfortable for us to live and work aboard. We bought her and moved aboard on November 1, 2017. Though she was well equipped, everything was at least 10 years old and was showing its age. We have been making upgrades and modifications ever since. 

The Name:

She was named Nymeria after our love most things Geeky, but mostly A Song of Ice and Fire AKA Game of Thrones on HBO. Justin and I loved the name Nymeria for a few reasons. First, in the story, Arya gave her direwolf the name of Nymeria after “Princess Nymeria of Rhoynar” in Essos. The “Princess Nymeria” and her lands were under attack from Valyria and she led her people in 10,000 ships to safety. She eventually settled and helped found Dorne as one of the Seven Kingdoms. Also, in the story, Nymeria the direwolf is no longer just a pet but a free animal to wander and roam at will. She is not tied down by the typical expectations and is able to have new and unexpected experiences. Lastly, Justin and I both love dogs and had our own pack back when we lived on the land, one looking like another direwolf “Ghost.” In the story, “Ghost” is killed but “Nymeria’s” story is that of legend and continues to live on. Thus the name Nymeria! 

“Thousands of years ago, the warrior queen Nymeria crossed into Dorne from Essos, fleeing the dragonlords of Valyria. After she landed, she burned her ships, all 10,000 of them, so no cowards could slink home. What a woman. Dornish in spirit before she ever was in flesh.“―Oberyn Martell

Length, Width, and Draft:

She is 32’ overall and 25’11” at the waterline. She is beamy/wide at 10’5” which allows for more living and storage space in the cabin. Though she is a smaller sailboat, she is also heavy with a Displacement of 11,800lbs and a Lead Ballast of 4,700lbs. With her 5’2” draft, long Fin Keel and Skeg Rudder, she is quick to heel but is very comfortable and stable under sail. She has high bulwarks (ship’s sides rise above the level of the deck) and a canoe stern which help keep us dry during confused or following seas.

Sails and Rigging:

She has a tall mast and is cutter rigged to allow for more sail area. She came to us with multiple sails though only a few were usable and needed to be replaced. We upgraded the Dutchman System for the Mainsail to a StackPack and LazyJacks with a Strong Track. Our Mainsail is fully battened with 3 reefing points to allow us to also use it as a Stormsail. We have a 90% Headsail or Jib on a rolling furler and a Foresail that hanks on. The Foresail’s rigging can be removed when it’s not needed allowing the Jib more freedom to come across the bow of the boat. We also have an Asymmetrical Spinnaker that we still need to try out. While under sail, we also have a Monitor Windvane and an old hydraulic autopilot that was described as “bullet proof.” She is prone to weather helm if the sails are not trimmed properly which really overpowers our autopilot systems. We are still learning how to overcome this so that one of us isn’t always having to hand steer at the wheel.

Engine:

She has a 25hp Westerbeke Engine that was possibly rebuilt in 2011. It’s a bit under powered for the boat so we try to sail when possible. We are able to keep 46 gallons of diesel in the tank.

Power:

Nymeria’s power has been recently upgraded. We have a 12 volt power system that starts with four 116 Amp Hour (464Ah total) Firefly AGM Batteries. To charge the system we have a 330 Watt solar panel to a Victron 100/50 MPPT solar charger. Additionally, to charge from the 30Amp shore power or our internal NextGen 3500Kw generator we have a Magnum Energy MS2012 Inverter/Charger. This Magnum charger/inverter also powers our 110 volt system off the batteries when not connected to shore power or running the generator.

Electronics:

We have made recent upgrades to a full Garmin system for our navigation with a Doppler radar and wind/speed instruments . We are also equipped with an older AIS system which does not integrate with our navigation screen and could be on the list of instruments to replace. 

Interior:

We are able to sleep 6 (5 comfortably) with a queen/double in the V-Berth, a double in the Aft Quarter Berth, a double with the port settee pull out. The starboard settee was shortened and a storage cabinet was added with drawers and shelves by a previous owner. While this gives us more storage for living, it decreases our sleeping arrangements, especially when underway. We have ample storage compartments under and behind each settee and berth which allow for easy storage of all of our personal items, electronics and spare parts needed. We have 80 gallons of fresh water under our V-Berth and a water heater and pump under the Quarter Berth. 

Our galley is equipped with a 3 burner propane stove with an oven and 2 small sinks. We have an in-cabinet, top loaded cold plate as our refrigerator. We added an external 12v Fridge/Freezer which allows us more cold food storage. We are able to dine at our table which folds down in the salon. 

We have a reverse cycle heating and air conditioner unit for both summer and winter temperatures. We didn’t think that we would use the heater but the dampness in the winter makes it nice to have. Since we’re currently on the Texas Gulf and using shore power, an air conditioner is a must.

And last, but not least, the Head. We currently have a Jabsco Manual Marine Toilet with a holding tank. This is the next big boat project. The current system is functional but leaky and smelly and will soon be replaced with an electric flushing toilet (more details to come). We have redundant hoses and an inoperable macerator to pump waist overboard once we’re off shore.

Conclusions:

Nymeria has just recently turned 35 years old and we are her 3rd owners. As with most things that are of that age, they need upgrades and scheduled maintenance to keep going at the pace of those half their age. We have gone through the major systems to make her safe and now we are going through the more minor systems and also making her more comfortable and convenient to live in and sail. We are constantly learning and challenging ourselves to be resilient and self sufficient while we occupy this great boat. We are grateful everyday that we chose Nymeria to be our home and look forward to our next adventures together.

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