AFTER

So this is what she looks like after the "bottom job". We had her hauled out on a Tuesday morning and put her back in the water that Friday afternoon. After a thorough house cleaning we're back aboard and proud of our clean home. Now we're waiting for a fuel truck to deliver about 200 gallons of diesel. (Ordinarily, we would pull up to a marina fuel station to take on fuel but at this marina they bring in a fuel truck to the parking lot and deliver the fuel from there. It's significantly cheaper than marina prices.) I've assembled at least three other boats who need fuel--the more he sells the cheaper the price. 

Then we're ready to hit the high seas and do some cruising around the area. We want to visit some of the off-shore reefs for some snorkeling and spend a few nights "on the hook" as we visit some of the beautiful anchorages around here . Diane's sister is arriving Thursday for a week and we're looking forward to that visit and showing her around the area. Maybe we'll even get in some fishing.

                                                                                  

                                                                           

Here's a picture (below) of the dock gang waiting to help us tie up after resplashing her. The picture is taken from the boat yard where the work was done. As you can see it's right across the water from our berth at the marina ---only 100 yards away---very convenient.

                                                 

            (Every time I adjust one 0f the pictures the blog site moves it to a different location . That's why they seem to be out of order. I'll get it figured out eventually)       

BEFORE

 Back in October when I flew down to Florida for the survey (similar to a home inspection) of the boat it was hauled out of the water on a "Travel Lift" and all the below water parts were examined. At that time the bottom was quite clean and smooth and there was very little growth. In fact, it was so clean that I opted not to have the hull power washed. --------That was then------This is now.

                                                          Rear of boat. (Note the prop shaftand blade)           

Front as she comes out of the water

I think I was growing a garden down there

We did not knw how bad it was and had been thinking about just hiring a guy to do a bottom scrub (This is where a guy in scuba gear spends an hour or more under your boat in the water scrubbing and scraping to get the growth--grasses, barnacles, etc.---off the hull.) If the bottom paint on the hull is in good shape these things come off very easily and sometimes there's no growth at all. Obviously, our bottom paint was depleted  and the whole underwater part of the boat needs to be cleaned and repainted. The surveyor, back in October told me he thought the paint was nearing the end of its life but I didn't think it would happen this quickly. I've owned 5 boats that basically

stay in the water full time and this is the worst growth I've ever experienced. 

(Unfortunately, when I bought the boat the selling broker was unable to provide me with any maintenance history so I had no idea when the last bottom job had been done)

So, it was on to the travel lift again for a complete bottom job that should then last 2 to 3 years if care is taken to have it scrubbed by a diver on a regular basis---or we can do it when we're out somewhere at anchor with smooth water.

My next post will be entitled, "AFTER"

BUTTTTT!!!!

This will be the last of major work as we near the time when we can set out on some at-sea adventures. She is shaping up quite nicely and we're ready to go. We just have to get the boat onto the same page.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021

We made it through 2020 unscathed !!!!!! Our last post had us back in Kingwood to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with family------NOT!------- Although we were happy to be able to celebrate, in person, with Diane's sister, we were not able to get together with our daughter and family. The big mini-reunion scheduled for Thanksgiving didn't happen. Nor did Christmas with daughter and family.  They all had had way too much exposure to others and, while they all were fine (as far as we knew) still, we just couldn't chance exposing our aging bodies to the risk. (I am sure you all experienced similar disappointments. I'm not whining, just explaining). Still, Christmas was a very nice celebration; Our Christmas Eve church service was one of the most beautiful I've ever experienced and Christmas day dinner of my first prime rib effort was spectacular. Christmas day opening gifts was spent at Nan's where she had prepared a fabulous brunch. Even her Golden, Haley, got into the spirit by spending the whole morning lying in her new bed that we got her. All in all---the day was a beautiful time but we sure missed being around the kids. Zoomed later in the day and was at least able to see everyone, including Scott and Karina in the D.C. area.

Then it was back to Florida and the boat. (I know--you're questioning why we wouldn't expose ourselves to family but were willing to risk a plane flight. We did decide to take that risk--but at least we reduced our risk somewhat.)

So it's back on the boat which seemed to do OK in our absence. And the beginning of all those projects I listed in my earlier post. We began by getting our dinghy into the water and off the davits so we could get our new outboard mounted and start doing some dinghy exploring.

                                                     And get the new Home Port lettering on

I spent a day in the engine room changing out the zinc anodes--at least those that I could get to--5 per engine. Next I tightened the belt on one of the engines, then spent a couple hours checking the batteries---4 8D wet cell batteries--2 for the "house bank" (runs all the 12 volt devices) and 2 starter batteries for the engines. NO BUENO!! They're all shot and will have to be replaced before we head out of port and spend days and nights "on the hook" away from shore power. They'll take a charge but won't hold it very long. I'm guessing the previous owners never maintained them properly. Oh well---the hole in the water into which one throws money. Lot's more projects ahead of me but we picked the right month to stay in port and tackle them. While the weather has been very comfortable temp and humidity-wise the wind has been blowing hard non-stop, with small craft advisories almost every day--stuff we wouldn't want to encounter off shore or at anchor----so--- let's get the chores done.

New Year's Eve found us dining on Brats and hitting the sack by 9 0'clock. But New Year's Day  was a very different affair. At 3 0'clock we all (the entire marina) gathered at the Tiki Hut for the annual New Year's Day Pig Roast offered by marina management. All the boaters brought sides and quite a feast was had meanwhile watching the college play-off bowls on the 80 in. TV in the Tiki Hut. It was perfect opportunity to meet everybody--- a few people we had met here the last time we were here in Opus V in 2016 but mostly new faces---- a very nice crowd---many from Michigan (one guy was best friends with a fraternity brother of mine from Adrian College--"Moon" Mullins. A really great time and it's nice to be able to start to develop some relationships and experience "community" as Diane calls it. 

                                                       See pic's of the pig roast below:

                                                                The Pig----He was gooooood!

                              That's marina manager, 80 year old Annabella pointing at you

         

The end of the day found us back on the boat, exhausted but happy. Watched the Buckeye's prevail and to bed late.

I have not slept so well for many months. I don't know what it is but I sleep like a baby on this boat. Often with the hatches open and a nice breeze blowing in--just enough to need a light covering. 

WE are so looking forward to what's ahead for us and we both wish all of you a very Happy and healthy (and very different) 20121.