LAst Nail In The Coffin

SHIP'S LOG:

I spent yesterday putting the winter cover on the boat. I can't begin to tell you just how much fun it is to wrestle a 20' x 16' piece of blue-poly tarp over the Bimini of a cockpit on a boat in a high wind. Just trying to get it situated the right way is a joy beyond expression. Naturally, I got it spread out the wrong way the first time. I had odds of 50% that I would get it right, but I got it wrong. I had to spin it 90 degrees before I could begin to tie it down. Rather than using rope this year, I decided to go with rubber bungee cords so that there would be a little give on the tarp in the wind. Hopefully this will make it less likely to shred during the winter and it will do what it is supposed to do, keep the snow (yes, it will be here soon) out of the cockpit. It went relatively quickly and easily and without any serious hassles. It took a little over an hour and it should do the job if a.) it doesn't shred; b.) it stays in place; c.) all of the bungee ties stay attached and in place. It only has to last until Spring (that time when there is no longer a chance of snow) and it will be $20 well spent.

There have been no nibbles yet on the boat. It is not that I expected any so soon, but it would be nice if someone decided to give themselves a nice (early) Christmas present. The blue-poly tarp create a nice warm feeling in the cabin. No real temperature difference, but make the wood seem warmer in color and even gives the upholstery a nice warmth. The machinery is all prepped for the winter and there really isn't that much to do. I may seal the propane locker, the hatch of which is set in the starboard deck, to keep the water(and snow and ice) out. It has a drain in it but a little ice will block that easily enough. I will have to remove the chain from the chain locker and lay it on the deck. That will allow me to get at the bolts which attach the windlass to the deck. It will also keep the chain from becoming a rusted mass. I'll pull it out and oil it down and let it breathe for the winter. come Spring, I will hit the chain with a rust inhibitor and it should be good for another season. Unbolting the windlass I am afraid will be a chore. Space in the chain locker will be at a premium and unbolting it with any type of wrench or socket will be difficult for lack of room. I haven't looked at the set-up but experience just says that it will be a pain. It is just the way things like this go.

MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:

I have lost a lot of enthusiasm for going do to do anything on the boat. It's winter; it's cold and getting colder; the days are overcast and windy; the boat is up for sale. There just doesn't seem to be any upside for being there, especially to do work. It is no fun working on a boat in the cold.