SHIP'S LOG:
Truth be told, I didn't get to the boat last weekend. Actually, couldn't is more like it. The snow was piled up around the access dock and the gate and there was just no way to get there. Even drinving my car too close would have been dangerous as it might have gotten stuck. My little P.O.S. is truly awful in any type of weather other than sunshine and the thought of getting trapped there with another snow storm on the way was not something wonderful to contemplate. Perhaps this week will be different.
The "sadists" who edit sailing magazines, keep producing copies during the winter that highlight Caribbean get aways, South Seas vacations and the like. They fill their magazines with adds promoting such and make it sound so easy and affordable. Actually, I suppose it is if you have the money and the time. Time I got, money is a whole nuther matter.
I got a call from my realtor. She has been getting emails from some guy who expressed interest in the condo back in the fall. He seems interested again and wants to spend a week at the condo. He wants me to rent it to him and if he decides to buy, to knock the rental paid off the purchase price. Unfortunately, the rentals are handled by the Spa exclusively but I told her to tell him we would knock off a $100/day if he buys. So we will wait and see what happens. Truth be told, I ain't expecting anything to happen. If it does I get excited and if not, well it will be what I expected.
I got hit with a "bug" as well this weekend. It wasn't the "flu" but something equally nasty. Not much of a fever but as real crampy gastro-intestinal aspect along with sinus clogging that has my ears blocked. It was like living underwater. I couldn't even walk straight it had such an effect on my inner ear and balance. The gastro-part went after 24hours, but the blocked ears remain. I hate winter!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Winter? What Winter?
SHIP'S LOG:
The wind is coming over the Starboard side just aft of the beam. It is a comfortable 12 knots and warm. I've got all sails up and ABISHAG is doing a nice 7 knots. If the wind moves just a little farther aft, I will set the Cruising Spinnaker and really haul the mail.
The water is that lovely Caribbean turquoise and clear as glass. Looking down through the shadow of the main sail on the water, you can see straight to the bottom 30 feet below. The rigging is singing a bit and the water is hissing along the lee side of the hull. Little two foot waves process along in the direction of the track and ABISHAG rides up and over them easily, in a gentle "up-hill-slide-down-hill" motion. The sun is hot but the breeze makes just enough of a difference. Should it not, a cold Red Stripe will solve that problem quickly. The Windvane Steering holds the course and allows me to study the upcoming cove in greater detail. The holding looks pretty good - sand and not much coral - and from what I've heard, it is not much visited. It's got good wind protection and great snorkeling, a perfect spot for a stop and to lay up for a day or so . . . . .
Ah the wonders of too much rum!
The wind is coming over the Starboard side just aft of the beam. It is a comfortable 12 knots and warm. I've got all sails up and ABISHAG is doing a nice 7 knots. If the wind moves just a little farther aft, I will set the Cruising Spinnaker and really haul the mail.
The water is that lovely Caribbean turquoise and clear as glass. Looking down through the shadow of the main sail on the water, you can see straight to the bottom 30 feet below. The rigging is singing a bit and the water is hissing along the lee side of the hull. Little two foot waves process along in the direction of the track and ABISHAG rides up and over them easily, in a gentle "up-hill-slide-down-hill" motion. The sun is hot but the breeze makes just enough of a difference. Should it not, a cold Red Stripe will solve that problem quickly. The Windvane Steering holds the course and allows me to study the upcoming cove in greater detail. The holding looks pretty good - sand and not much coral - and from what I've heard, it is not much visited. It's got good wind protection and great snorkeling, a perfect spot for a stop and to lay up for a day or so . . . . .
Ah the wonders of too much rum!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
. . . . .And A Happy New Year! ! ! !
SHIP'S LOG:
Well, it was a wonderful Christmas. A white one, too! Visiting my sisters', the local Paper ran a story about a family that was living on their boat in Newport Harbor. They do this year round, on a trawler, based in Newport Shipyard during the winter, and off on a mooring once the weather warms. It must be a pretty good size trawler as there are two kids under 10, two teenagers, at least one dog, plus the parents. I can see living aboard south of the frost line, but up here during the winter sounds just a bit too crazy. After all, last week we got hit with 20+ inches of snow and the temp has been in the low 20's. Tough to get much in the way of a tan these days!
I am do for my weekly check of ABISHAG. I went down just before Christmas and she seemed just fine. It was a bit of a chore getting to her though. The gate to her dock was closed and secured. It was not much of a deterrent, a couple of barrel bolts and a cable tie, but it was enough to dissuade a casual visitor. It took no real time to get in and removed the electronics, check the bilges, re-secure the tarp and clear some of the accumulated snow. I even tried to pay off a part of the yard bill, but the office was closed so that will have to wait.
There is no movement on the sale of the boat and/or the condo. The "hot potential buyer" up and disappeared like - as the warden in the "Shawshank Redemption" says - like "a fart in the breeze," so we are waiting again. It is disappointing that no one took advantage of "two real good bargains" to make someone happy for Christmas. Ah, such is life.
My list for Spring Projects is growing. The absolutely necessary ones remain the same, but the upgrades and improvements grow by leaps and bounds. It happens every year like this and most rarely get done. Still it is nice to dream. Working on the boat in the spring, despite all the grousing, is actually quite enjoyable. It makes every moment actually sailing so much better knowing what it cost in sweat-equity to make it possible. I just hope that in some way such will be the case this spring.
Well, it was a wonderful Christmas. A white one, too! Visiting my sisters', the local Paper ran a story about a family that was living on their boat in Newport Harbor. They do this year round, on a trawler, based in Newport Shipyard during the winter, and off on a mooring once the weather warms. It must be a pretty good size trawler as there are two kids under 10, two teenagers, at least one dog, plus the parents. I can see living aboard south of the frost line, but up here during the winter sounds just a bit too crazy. After all, last week we got hit with 20+ inches of snow and the temp has been in the low 20's. Tough to get much in the way of a tan these days!
I am do for my weekly check of ABISHAG. I went down just before Christmas and she seemed just fine. It was a bit of a chore getting to her though. The gate to her dock was closed and secured. It was not much of a deterrent, a couple of barrel bolts and a cable tie, but it was enough to dissuade a casual visitor. It took no real time to get in and removed the electronics, check the bilges, re-secure the tarp and clear some of the accumulated snow. I even tried to pay off a part of the yard bill, but the office was closed so that will have to wait.
There is no movement on the sale of the boat and/or the condo. The "hot potential buyer" up and disappeared like - as the warden in the "Shawshank Redemption" says - like "a fart in the breeze," so we are waiting again. It is disappointing that no one took advantage of "two real good bargains" to make someone happy for Christmas. Ah, such is life.
My list for Spring Projects is growing. The absolutely necessary ones remain the same, but the upgrades and improvements grow by leaps and bounds. It happens every year like this and most rarely get done. Still it is nice to dream. Working on the boat in the spring, despite all the grousing, is actually quite enjoyable. It makes every moment actually sailing so much better knowing what it cost in sweat-equity to make it possible. I just hope that in some way such will be the case this spring.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Ho-Ho-Ho! ! ! ! !
SHIP'S LOG:
I wish there was a lot to talk about but it is winter after all. It is cold; the boat is covered up; there is snow on the ground and on the boat; enthusiasm is at a seasonal low. With Christmas coming up in a week, the focus is not on boating. Now if I was where there was sunshine and warm temps and all that goes with such atmospheric markers, then it would be a different story. I would probably be sharing of the "tough" job of cleaning the bottom in the 80 degree Caribbean water or something equally crafted to irritate everyone in the cold, cold North. However, since I am one of those people, I just have to suffer along with everyone else up here. Ugh!!!!!
No movement on the boat sale, not that I really expected any at this time. It was the height of foolish to expect that she would be chosen and gone by the turn of the year. Call me a fool, but I must also be a realist. The condo has been on the market of almost three years and it ain't going anywhere fast. I keep getting people taking a look, asking about expenses and income, and then disappearing into the ether, never to be heard from again. I got excited by the first hundred or so, but now it hardly causes a blip!
I'll be going down tomorrow for the weekly check and to retrieve the electronics from the boat. They wouldn't be damaged by spending the winter aboard, but the yard advises it so that they will not disappear over the winter. They take no responsibility for such an occurrence and, since they suggest removal, it suggests they have had previous problems with traveling electronic components. O joy!
I wish there was a lot to talk about but it is winter after all. It is cold; the boat is covered up; there is snow on the ground and on the boat; enthusiasm is at a seasonal low. With Christmas coming up in a week, the focus is not on boating. Now if I was where there was sunshine and warm temps and all that goes with such atmospheric markers, then it would be a different story. I would probably be sharing of the "tough" job of cleaning the bottom in the 80 degree Caribbean water or something equally crafted to irritate everyone in the cold, cold North. However, since I am one of those people, I just have to suffer along with everyone else up here. Ugh!!!!!
No movement on the boat sale, not that I really expected any at this time. It was the height of foolish to expect that she would be chosen and gone by the turn of the year. Call me a fool, but I must also be a realist. The condo has been on the market of almost three years and it ain't going anywhere fast. I keep getting people taking a look, asking about expenses and income, and then disappearing into the ether, never to be heard from again. I got excited by the first hundred or so, but now it hardly causes a blip!
I'll be going down tomorrow for the weekly check and to retrieve the electronics from the boat. They wouldn't be damaged by spending the winter aboard, but the yard advises it so that they will not disappear over the winter. They take no responsibility for such an occurrence and, since they suggest removal, it suggests they have had previous problems with traveling electronic components. O joy!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
It's Winter . . . .And It Sucks!
SHIP'S LOG:
Sadly(?) there is no news on the "Boat For Sale" front. ABISHAG is now snow covered and the blu-poly tarp is doing it's job of keeping the snow out of the cockpit. Of course, the wind of the last couple of days may have done damage to the tarp and I am going to have to make a trip down to Mystic and see what I can see. I would imagine that it is holding up fine but it is SOOOO depressing to go to a boatyard in winter . . .especially when it isn't even Officially winter yet. That's still a good 8 days away and the only good thing about it is that the days will start getting longer again. Not that you will notice until the switch the clocks again(in March?), but it is the thought that counts.
MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:
All of the boating catalogues are in now but they do not provide much in the way of enjoyment this year. In years past, it was great fun to go through and "buy" all sorts of new items for the boat to be installed in the spring for the coming season. Not this year though. There is a real possibility that there will be no boat which to outfit and sadly, I am praying that that will be the case. I got my TYC membership dues invoice the other day. I don't have to pay it right away, then again I couldn't even if I had to. It is a real toss up now as to whether or not to renew. It doesn't make a great deal of sense to belong to a "Yacht Club" if one doesn't have a "Yacht!" If I can swing it though I probably will re-up as there are great people at the club and odds are there will be some looking for crew. There is an old say that goes, the only thing better than owning a boat is having a friend who owns a boat . . . all the fun of ownership without any of the hassles!
Sadly(?) there is no news on the "Boat For Sale" front. ABISHAG is now snow covered and the blu-poly tarp is doing it's job of keeping the snow out of the cockpit. Of course, the wind of the last couple of days may have done damage to the tarp and I am going to have to make a trip down to Mystic and see what I can see. I would imagine that it is holding up fine but it is SOOOO depressing to go to a boatyard in winter . . .especially when it isn't even Officially winter yet. That's still a good 8 days away and the only good thing about it is that the days will start getting longer again. Not that you will notice until the switch the clocks again(in March?), but it is the thought that counts.
MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:
All of the boating catalogues are in now but they do not provide much in the way of enjoyment this year. In years past, it was great fun to go through and "buy" all sorts of new items for the boat to be installed in the spring for the coming season. Not this year though. There is a real possibility that there will be no boat which to outfit and sadly, I am praying that that will be the case. I got my TYC membership dues invoice the other day. I don't have to pay it right away, then again I couldn't even if I had to. It is a real toss up now as to whether or not to renew. It doesn't make a great deal of sense to belong to a "Yacht Club" if one doesn't have a "Yacht!" If I can swing it though I probably will re-up as there are great people at the club and odds are there will be some looking for crew. There is an old say that goes, the only thing better than owning a boat is having a friend who owns a boat . . . all the fun of ownership without any of the hassles!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Dashing Through The Snow!!!!
SHIP'S LOG:
Well, it seems winter has gotten here in a big way. Last week on Thursday, we had some serious wind and rain. The gusts had to be over 50mph if not more and the rain fell like it wasn't going to stop. But the wind eventually died down and the rain stopped falling and the sun even came out. The temp was in the 60's! Some winter. True, it isn't officially winter yet but it is December for crying out loud! Then last night we were greeted with our first official snow storm after another day of torrential rain. By Sunday morning, we had 3 inches on the ground and it did, I hate to admit it, look beautiful. I'll get over appreciating the beauty of winter soon enough. Nothing wears on me quite like winter weather and by the end of the month I will be seriously sick of it . . .and it will have just gotten started. Yuk!!!!
The bill came in for winterizing ABISHAG . . .2 Marine Units! The amount doesn't bother me as much as the note on the bill: While decommissioning this vessel, the following problems were noted, The engine has various patches of flaking paint, rust. Recommend clean and paint. The engine compartment fire extinguisher is discharged and in need of replacement. The swd one should also be re-certified. The engine oil temp is high an oil temp extremely high, recommend treat system." Aside from the bad sentence structure and spelling, it did point out one serious problem . .the oil temperature. I did some research and found that it could be that the oil cooler could be clogged or leaking. They run about 1/3 of a Marine Unit. I wasn't even sure where it was on the engine and when I went down to check it out I found that apparently this engine isn't fitted with one. A savings of 1/3 of a Marine Unit. However, there is still a problem. Somewhere along the cooling system, from the raw water intake thru-hull to the raw water discharge thru-hull, there is a problem. Could be a leaky connection. Perhaps the raw water filter is clogged. Maybe the raw water pump needs work or a new impeller. Can't say for sure but it should be an easier and less expensive fix than the oil cooler, which I don't have anyway. Doing the deed will have to wait for the spring as the raw water system, along with the rest of the engine has been winterized, and I can not run it again until spring . . .unless I want to have them re-winterize it. At $65 an hour the answer is . . .wait until spring!!!!
Painting the engine will not be much of a task. Friend Ray has a cellar full of engine paint in spray cans and it is all intended to work with rust. All I will have to do is "wire brush" the loose paint and rust and Ray will ht the spots with the paint and all will be well with the world.
With all the heavy wind, rain and snow, the cheap blu-poly tarp some how survived. This type of tarp usually can't take much abuse but so far it seems to be doing just fine. It is secured with bungee cords and has lots of give. It will probably be a "one winter tarp" but so long as it makes it through this winter in close to one piece, that will be just fine.
MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:
As far as I know, there has been no nibbles on the boat. True it is early yet, but i am hoping that if it is going to go, that it goes quickly. Long "Goodbyes" are painful. Of course, there is always the possibility that it won't sell and then what? I'll wait until spring to worry about that.
Well, it seems winter has gotten here in a big way. Last week on Thursday, we had some serious wind and rain. The gusts had to be over 50mph if not more and the rain fell like it wasn't going to stop. But the wind eventually died down and the rain stopped falling and the sun even came out. The temp was in the 60's! Some winter. True, it isn't officially winter yet but it is December for crying out loud! Then last night we were greeted with our first official snow storm after another day of torrential rain. By Sunday morning, we had 3 inches on the ground and it did, I hate to admit it, look beautiful. I'll get over appreciating the beauty of winter soon enough. Nothing wears on me quite like winter weather and by the end of the month I will be seriously sick of it . . .and it will have just gotten started. Yuk!!!!
The bill came in for winterizing ABISHAG . . .2 Marine Units! The amount doesn't bother me as much as the note on the bill: While decommissioning this vessel, the following problems were noted, The engine has various patches of flaking paint, rust. Recommend clean and paint. The engine compartment fire extinguisher is discharged and in need of replacement. The swd one should also be re-certified. The engine oil temp is high an oil temp extremely high, recommend treat system." Aside from the bad sentence structure and spelling, it did point out one serious problem . .the oil temperature. I did some research and found that it could be that the oil cooler could be clogged or leaking. They run about 1/3 of a Marine Unit. I wasn't even sure where it was on the engine and when I went down to check it out I found that apparently this engine isn't fitted with one. A savings of 1/3 of a Marine Unit. However, there is still a problem. Somewhere along the cooling system, from the raw water intake thru-hull to the raw water discharge thru-hull, there is a problem. Could be a leaky connection. Perhaps the raw water filter is clogged. Maybe the raw water pump needs work or a new impeller. Can't say for sure but it should be an easier and less expensive fix than the oil cooler, which I don't have anyway. Doing the deed will have to wait for the spring as the raw water system, along with the rest of the engine has been winterized, and I can not run it again until spring . . .unless I want to have them re-winterize it. At $65 an hour the answer is . . .wait until spring!!!!
Painting the engine will not be much of a task. Friend Ray has a cellar full of engine paint in spray cans and it is all intended to work with rust. All I will have to do is "wire brush" the loose paint and rust and Ray will ht the spots with the paint and all will be well with the world.
With all the heavy wind, rain and snow, the cheap blu-poly tarp some how survived. This type of tarp usually can't take much abuse but so far it seems to be doing just fine. It is secured with bungee cords and has lots of give. It will probably be a "one winter tarp" but so long as it makes it through this winter in close to one piece, that will be just fine.
MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:
As far as I know, there has been no nibbles on the boat. True it is early yet, but i am hoping that if it is going to go, that it goes quickly. Long "Goodbyes" are painful. Of course, there is always the possibility that it won't sell and then what? I'll wait until spring to worry about that.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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.
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.
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