tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87882350311386278132024-03-12T18:55:15.026-05:00The Brownig VoyagesOur journey toward world cruisingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-11555875312095543872016-11-09T16:30:00.002-06:002016-11-09T20:25:16.529-06:00A weekend on the hook - Finally<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
If you've managed to make it through a few of our blog posts, chances are you've asked yourself..."Do these guys ever actually get out and use their boat?"<br />
<br />
Fair question, I know Kara and I have been joking with each other and most of our boating friends about that for a quit a while. The fact of the matter is, we're 3.5 hours 1 way from the boat...after our move back to Austin (4.5 hrs before we sold the house). That distance combined with the large list of items we wanted to address in a short period of time, has meant that the majority of our weekends on the boat (2-3 a month) have been dedicated to working on the boat vs. actually enjoying it.<br />
<br />
While we've made some real progress this last year, all work and no play has been frustrating at times. So we talked to a few of our marina boat buddies and decided that this past weekend (Nov 5 2016) we where dedicating to getting away from the dock for a change. A weekend away for a little sailing and few nights at anchor...what an novel concept.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately work conspired against me and I had to be in Austin for an important customer meeting Friday afternoon. The original plan was to work in Houston and make for an early afternoon. Get out and anchored in time to fire up the grill and enjoy a few sundowners with our friends. As it turned out Kara and I weren't able to join the rest of the group until 10PM on Friday. But hey, we made it in time to launch the new dink and row over (still working to replace some missing fuel fittings for the outboard) to a friend's boat and join the group for a few drinks in the cockpit.<br />
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We anchored out at redfish island in Galveston bay, which is an oddly cool anchorage. Not real picturesque compared to the type of images that come to mind for most of us when contemplating the cruising lifestyle, but cool none the less. It's a little man-made island right off the Houston ship channel. The shape provides good shelter from the East and NE as well as blocking the wakes from the passing ships. It's out towards the center of the bay so you get a nice breeze and can sit in the cockpit and watch the massive ships role by, so cool in its own right. Oh and did I mention....it's outside the marina, that might be the best part.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-m0egbk92k/WCOhN2r0LQI/AAAAAAAAAn4/HoGQSULsrtUuJKDdgjHyWRCviTTQWzA2wCLcB/s1600/RedFish2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-m0egbk92k/WCOhN2r0LQI/AAAAAAAAAn4/HoGQSULsrtUuJKDdgjHyWRCviTTQWzA2wCLcB/s400/RedFish2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chart view of Red Fish with the Houston ship channel to the East</td></tr>
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We had a nice night at anchor and got up early to enjoy a little coffee in the cockpit while watching the ship traffic. The original plan suggested by our friends was to sail down to Galveston just outside the ship channel and possibly anchor in the Galveston yacht basin. Our original target of Offatts Bayou and Moody Gardens wasn't really an option due to the Galveston causeway rail bridge being closed for work between 7AM-7PM. Since the clearance is around 8 ft when the bridge is closed, that was out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv4xm88Rc9s/WCJD0WTITHI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/-f5QgvIBGvEppUD22sNEvXA3NldfXVCGwCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg-11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv4xm88Rc9s/WCJD0WTITHI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/-f5QgvIBGvEppUD22sNEvXA3NldfXVCGwCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg-11.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our buddy boats at anchor Saturday morning. The shipping traffic is much closer than my iphone shows here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2a5EVtK9d1k/WCJD30ofgPI/AAAAAAAAAnU/2TNMWcmU_oYzHZhLgNaOm0hxeHjBhOT0wCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg-7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2a5EVtK9d1k/WCJD30ofgPI/AAAAAAAAAnU/2TNMWcmU_oYzHZhLgNaOm0hxeHjBhOT0wCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg-7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friends boat Irie (Catalina 36)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvdo-4A51CY/WCJECgfZZjI/AAAAAAAAAnc/MT96fSkIpcE9LMuXxw9ETv3nwdfhFlDqwCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg-8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvdo-4A51CY/WCJECgfZZjI/AAAAAAAAAnc/MT96fSkIpcE9LMuXxw9ETv3nwdfhFlDqwCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg-8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vela at anchor, as seen from Irie. Thanks Joel and Jennifer for the pic.</td></tr>
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We got a late start the next morning and a tight wind angle combined with close quarters to very large fast ships made for a stressful situation for Kara and I. Since the goal of the weekend was to have fun, we opted to turn around and just spend the day sailing around the bay. Once we made that change, we had a nice relaxed afternoon of sailing. We tacked and jibed our way around the bay, while watching a few Saturday afternoon rum racers fighting it out around the marks. Then just decided to be lazy and head back over to Red Fish to set the hook and grill a few turkey burgers over sundowners in the cockpit. The wind picked up overnight but our 73lb Rocna didn't seem to notice, which is just how we like it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrzI458VZ_Y/WCJEGnfK4mI/AAAAAAAAAng/JgyNLdIbDMUeT-V24D7JezeVTbVQe0QdgCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg-9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrzI458VZ_Y/WCJEGnfK4mI/AAAAAAAAAng/JgyNLdIbDMUeT-V24D7JezeVTbVQe0QdgCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg-9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too cloudy for much of a sunset but hey, at least we where able to take advantage of the breeze with our new silentwind generator.</td></tr>
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The next morning we made coffee and enjoyed breakfast in the cockpit. Stowed the dinghy on the davits and upped anchor for a nice sail back to the marina. For the first time in WAY too long, we went the whole weekend without touching land, nice change.<br />
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This was also our first real test of the new solar panels and wind gen, both worked perfectly and our old degraded lifeline batteries never dropped below 13v all weekend. Of course, we didn't put much of a load on them either, but it sure was nice to enjoy a little piece and quiet for a change. Of course this weekend, it's back to the grindstone...we have several projects to knock out. But we're getting there.<br />
<br />
According to my little countdown app....we're a little over 5 months away.<br />
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Gulp...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-68673983854746761352016-11-08T14:38:00.001-06:002016-11-08T14:38:08.410-06:00Project update - Stern Seats, Davits and a new Dink<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
Just a quick update on our progress to date. We're now finished with the new stern rail seats and they turned out even better than we where hoping.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPtWSSvaXig/WCIuEjA7PjI/AAAAAAAAAlk/WljKNMnnTmo3DD7QRmf6Q3Nx7ZmhEDzxwCEw/s1600/IMG_3047.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPtWSSvaXig/WCIuEjA7PjI/AAAAAAAAAlk/WljKNMnnTmo3DD7QRmf6Q3Nx7ZmhEDzxwCEw/s400/IMG_3047.JPG.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New stern seat - 3 coats of Cetol natural and 3 coats of gloss</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idF2bZa480w/WCIuJmyYbLI/AAAAAAAAAls/C2VFjqjhggYt20m2uzpRt3Uyj9NMKa5bQCEw/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idF2bZa480w/WCIuJmyYbLI/AAAAAAAAAls/C2VFjqjhggYt20m2uzpRt3Uyj9NMKa5bQCEw/s400/IMG_3049.JPG.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting there - We've since replaced these speakers with a new pair of fully waterproof speakers from wetsounds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0c8N4Ga75c/WCIuJIPwjRI/AAAAAAAAAlo/57kS2kuq4BQqhsMPoHg2JjL5a1_TFVcaQCEw/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0c8N4Ga75c/WCIuJIPwjRI/AAAAAAAAAlo/57kS2kuq4BQqhsMPoHg2JjL5a1_TFVcaQCEw/s400/IMG_3050.JPG.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New seats are much more usable and orders of magnitude more comfortable than the old ones.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
The next step was finally taking Vela over to Seabrook for some much needed fiberglass repair. This was primarily to patch all the holes we made when removing the old stern hardware to make room for the arch. We removed an old wind generator, davits, stern light and various hardware to make room for the arch. We installed a new LED stern light on the arch to make it more visible, due to the added height. The new wind generator is also up on the arch, so we had several holes left in the fiberglass as a result of the moves. Getting these all fiber glassed in, means we no longer have a bunch of duct tape covered holes on Vela...so we're pretty happy about that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sllgrCmhmck/WCIuPc8k3JI/AAAAAAAAAl4/ADH0KrkYEaAZ_BEtZQD_BVJwmYMrf1OCwCEw/s1600/IMG_3060.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sllgrCmhmck/WCIuPc8k3JI/AAAAAAAAAl4/ADH0KrkYEaAZ_BEtZQD_BVJwmYMrf1OCwCEw/s400/IMG_3060.JPG.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vela patiently waiting at the dock to patch the holes and finally remove the duct tape.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Our next order of business was rigging up the davits and motor lift to get ready for our new AB lammina 10AL dinghy. To do that I finally learned to splice double braided line, thanks to our friends at <a href="http://www.stixnrign.com/" target="_blank">Stix-n-Rig'n</a>, who where kind enough to teach me...and then a bit of trial and error back at the marina.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REHUefibTQg/WCIuj0TOe1I/AAAAAAAAAl0/rZF8zjoScNYd_4_u6nU919DclskUp86HwCEw/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REHUefibTQg/WCIuj0TOe1I/AAAAAAAAAl0/rZF8zjoScNYd_4_u6nU919DclskUp86HwCEw/s400/IMG_3052.JPG.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly rigged davits with 6:1 lifting tackle. The motor lift took a little more time since I had to splice it directly onto the becket of the top block.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
Then a few days later our new dinghy showed up. The best pricing we could find, even after heading to the Annapolis boat show, was from <a href="http://www.defender.com/" target="_blank">Defender</a>. Of course that presented some logistics challenges trying to coordinate shipping when we're 3.5 hours away from the boat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AzrKBT9p4O8/WCI0DKlF_0I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/N38o7AaezLYRpGuD6irqAWQOrCrxMM03QCLcB/s1600/IMG_3065.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AzrKBT9p4O8/WCI0DKlF_0I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/N38o7AaezLYRpGuD6irqAWQOrCrxMM03QCLcB/s400/IMG_3065.JPG.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortunately, being a Texan I drive a truck. Big thanks to our friends at <a href="http://www.jzcustomrails.com/" target="_blank">JZ Custom rails</a> (they built our arch) for letting us ship the dink to their shop and loading it into the truck with their forklift.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0g26-ZQWXDA/WCI0GZGbZZI/AAAAAAAAAmU/3-Oi533a-a0fHI-a2aulTEUgHaf2j2gHACLcB/s1600/IMG_3067.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0g26-ZQWXDA/WCI0GZGbZZI/AAAAAAAAAmU/3-Oi533a-a0fHI-a2aulTEUgHaf2j2gHACLcB/s400/IMG_3067.JPG.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unpacking back at the marina</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhNkZN2OPXk/WCI0RKeFPpI/AAAAAAAAAmY/BBnbVlsHvSEoGez_rnzDO-sqKA3r18xIwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3068.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhNkZN2OPXk/WCI0RKeFPpI/AAAAAAAAAmY/BBnbVlsHvSEoGez_rnzDO-sqKA3r18xIwCLcB/s400/IMG_3068.JPG.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good ole Texas neighbors helping bring her down to the slip.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxvYNNRN3fg/WCI1QIqvEkI/AAAAAAAAAmk/el9NtlbvgHAM95GrHTEnjC0yORX2DeM6gCLcB/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxvYNNRN3fg/WCI1QIqvEkI/AAAAAAAAAmk/el9NtlbvgHAM95GrHTEnjC0yORX2DeM6gCLcB/s400/IMG_3069.JPG.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inflated and ready for Vela to return from the fiberglass work. No fiberglass on this boat 117lb of aluminum and Hypalon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tA4tiPdBtE/WCI1L-rYjqI/AAAAAAAAAmg/QnQ_G6fjCgszRIu8UPC13SF_otEfgf1sACLcB/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tA4tiPdBtE/WCI1L-rYjqI/AAAAAAAAAmg/QnQ_G6fjCgszRIu8UPC13SF_otEfgf1sACLcB/s400/IMG_3070.JPG.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good looking dink, can't wait to share many cruising and diving adventures with her.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQUKyIa24y4/WCI1JgAyzvI/AAAAAAAAAmc/GwCcVSBgxJQcQ7RXOnSfHbNDcpO00PMrACLcB/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQUKyIa24y4/WCI1JgAyzvI/AAAAAAAAAmc/GwCcVSBgxJQcQ7RXOnSfHbNDcpO00PMrACLcB/s400/IMG_3072.JPG.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, my reward for a 'quick trip' down to pick-up the dinghy.</td></tr>
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Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned. Our next update is actually a full weekend....away from the dock....crazy!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-34487907764904069392016-09-27T17:07:00.003-05:002016-09-27T17:07:35.401-05:00Progress and more projects<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
Been a while since the last update, but we've been super busy. First the saga of the arch, stern seats and swim platform is finally complete. We're super happy to be done with that one and the quality that Jason over at JZ custom rails came up with is truly impressive.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4S1NW7yjD48/V-rajEqUvgI/AAAAAAAAAjM/_DcND0EiXtoAs58DOUC-_59FrUsXdOO6ACLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4S1NW7yjD48/V-rajEqUvgI/AAAAAAAAAjM/_DcND0EiXtoAs58DOUC-_59FrUsXdOO6ACLcB/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the panels went on - gotta love the tape covering all the old holes.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvXNJn5eZHs/V-rafbhU_fI/AAAAAAAAAjE/QUGXsJXM938RSDVHYqvYST0LXnmD01t9QCLcB/s1600/IMG_2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvXNJn5eZHs/V-rafbhU_fI/AAAAAAAAAjE/QUGXsJXM938RSDVHYqvYST0LXnmD01t9QCLcB/s400/IMG_2800.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still shows the old dodger and empty bimini frame, not to mention the ever present holes in the fiberglass, need to get those filled...eventually.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uSBEvhlzsvg/V-rala1FUnI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/bflUtaW5bHYQLkWCnYM7uL-BCSARySzXACLcB/s1600/IMG_2817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uSBEvhlzsvg/V-rala1FUnI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/bflUtaW5bHYQLkWCnYM7uL-BCSARySzXACLcB/s400/IMG_2817.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welding on the solar panels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1TbfsYNN18/V-rahoSuWnI/AAAAAAAAAjI/NKcbZqW9Am8SBWHB1RoinTR9_q1HXod9gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1216.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1TbfsYNN18/V-rahoSuWnI/AAAAAAAAAjI/NKcbZqW9Am8SBWHB1RoinTR9_q1HXod9gCLcB/s400/IMG_1216.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's our new swim platform and transom step. The swim platform is completely removable by removing to thru-bolts and sliding it out of the brackets.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Then of course, true to form we had to have the canvas folks get started immediately after. They made us a new bimini and dodger out of sunbrella supreme, which turned out great. I'm realizing we don't have any great pictures of those but will share what we have. The outside of both dodger and bimini are black, with supreme you get a nice linen (tan) color on the inside which brightens up the cockpit and cuts down on absorbed heat from reflected light. At least that's the claim, anyway we love the look and it's 100% waterproof which is a nice bonus. You'll also notice our new polycarbonate windows in the dodger still have the protective brown paper on them, which looks odd for now. We're leaving this on until the teak work is complete...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3KoMd3KQsw/V-reeN1BiMI/AAAAAAAAAjw/JIJhB_QTo6cIfWghGEcefqLo6gBMEoMhwCEw/s1600/2B64B2AC-D6DC-4806-9CDA-7FB5D89ED2F8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3KoMd3KQsw/V-reeN1BiMI/AAAAAAAAAjw/JIJhB_QTo6cIfWghGEcefqLo6gBMEoMhwCEw/s400/2B64B2AC-D6DC-4806-9CDA-7FB5D89ED2F8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see the new dodger and bimini.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAy8L-NQ5ys/V-rehDC_9BI/AAAAAAAAAj0/8Tr2ilbh-4MRGdle4cDg1r0VmzI5fD7MwCEw/s1600/AE57EA90-FA0F-4E8B-A216-F322989A394B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAy8L-NQ5ys/V-rehDC_9BI/AAAAAAAAAj0/8Tr2ilbh-4MRGdle4cDg1r0VmzI5fD7MwCEw/s400/AE57EA90-FA0F-4E8B-A216-F322989A394B.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windows still covered while the teak work is in progress.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xb9Rb2ZSeJk/V-remCseDlI/AAAAAAAAAj4/snqZih0ZYIY7eTGGRRdpwbf69H3J1UfeACEw/s1600/EC82D775-F1ED-44A2-8C1C-B35416C44092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xb9Rb2ZSeJk/V-remCseDlI/AAAAAAAAAj4/snqZih0ZYIY7eTGGRRdpwbf69H3J1UfeACEw/s400/EC82D775-F1ED-44A2-8C1C-B35416C44092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sterm view showing the interior color, seems dark due to covered windows. Swim platform was off for fine tuning the fit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiBOL_wB9Fc/V-resNhEjaI/AAAAAAAAAkE/mrV30WNUH_Ipl2EB03pF81v0xoj1OammACEw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiBOL_wB9Fc/V-resNhEjaI/AAAAAAAAAkE/mrV30WNUH_Ipl2EB03pF81v0xoj1OammACEw/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg-4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good view of bimini and newly sanded teak. Connector piece between dodger and bimini is in the works.</td></tr>
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Yep, you heard that right. We're also refinishing our teak, since we've been drilling holes in everything and have completely let the teak go while re-working the windlass, arch and stern railing. Since we're so far from the boat, we unfortunately had to pay someone to do this for us. It's not super difficult but very time consuming to strip everything down to bare wood, sand a re-coat it all. So we talked with a few folks that where recommended by our marina neighbors. One, that we really liked quoted us a price of $5500 for the full boat (yep, crazy) but then we found another lady that was a bit eccentric but said she'd do it all for $1800. We can deal with a lot of eccentricity for 1/3 the price, particularly when she agrees that we pay when it's done and are happy with it. So she and a helper stripped everything down and put a couple coats on last week. They should finish it this week.<br />
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We also removed our old stern light and put a new LED up on top of the arch, installed a down light on the bottom of the arch to help light the cockpit and rear of the boat and the solar panels, new MPPT controller and wind generator should be hooked up this week.<br />
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In our free-time (dripping sarcasm)...we also closed on the sale of our lake house and have moved into the condo. We were both fairly bummed when this finally happened but are trying to focus on the positives. We've paid off Vela, so she's 100% ours now. We also have the cash to payoff the condo that we're living in now and will be renting when we head out to cruise. This means more $ in our pocket every month from that rent, which equals a nice boost to our monthly budget. In the process of moving we sold and gave away a ton of stuff. Which means things are starting to get real...quickly. We're still selling big ticket items on craigslist in Austin but have done pretty well with the downsizing. Of course, we'll have a lot more to get rid of once we move onto the boat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcrYAXI9wF4/V-rff50s-2I/AAAAAAAAAk8/-XuAbLCMaGMo6mYTXhK6LXFSdaSrBZD4ACEw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcrYAXI9wF4/V-rff50s-2I/AAAAAAAAAk8/-XuAbLCMaGMo6mYTXhK6LXFSdaSrBZD4ACEw/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg-2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last night on lake LBJ. We'll miss you... But as our friends Joel and Jennifer say, we trading in the lake house for waterfront property...anywhere in the world!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVl0KFYgmEw/V-remjKbNkI/AAAAAAAAAk8/ZnVCsnAq3nEPURo24WyTkt1lX3dJobugQCEw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVl0KFYgmEw/V-remjKbNkI/AAAAAAAAAk8/ZnVCsnAq3nEPURo24WyTkt1lX3dJobugQCEw/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to include this one. As I mentioned we where not exactly overjoyed to be selling the lake house. So, imagine my surprise when I hooked up this uhaul trailer (that I didn't get choose) and realized it had a sailboat on the mural. Sometimes the universe just...makes sense ;)</td></tr>
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Now both people that actually read this blog know the reason for the long silence. We've been crazy busy making major progress on our target date. Next week, we leave for the sailboat show in Annapolis (including cruisers university) which should be fun. Then we'll be back, selling stuff and working on the boat, we might even leave the dock one of these weekends...that would be rad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5HP8HObceU/V-re3zmZaZI/AAAAAAAAAk8/Ebfu78ONNvk8qqyNV5eVOmblb5TXgjT_gCEw/s1600/IMG_2948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5HP8HObceU/V-re3zmZaZI/AAAAAAAAAk8/Ebfu78ONNvk8qqyNV5eVOmblb5TXgjT_gCEw/s400/IMG_2948.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll leave you with a marina sunset, the best we can do with so many projects in the works on Vela.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-70564011557206216692016-06-29T09:59:00.000-05:002016-06-29T09:59:02.433-05:00Surprise - Leak<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
Since our last update, we've been busy both with Vela and at home. On the Home front, we've begun the process of moving back into the condo (now that our renters have moved out) in preparation for the sale of the lake house. We still don't have an offer, but we have a couple that seems very interested and is trying to make the financials work. So we're hoping something will come of that soon. Since it would be nice to check that one HUGE item off the list.<br />
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Meanwhile, we've spent 4 of the last 6 weekends aboard working our butts off to get Vela ready to take us on our voyage. We're still waiting on the arch...don't even get me started on that one, but we're told it will be back on the boat this week. Of course, we've heard that before, so we're hopeful it will happen this time. We also have our mast back in place, which is nice. As part of that process, we have new backstays, a new SSB antenna, new radar, new whisker pole on a mast mounted track, new masthead tri-color, new windex, new steaming light, new foredeck light, and new spreader lights. We also replaced all the original wiring in the mast while it was down, just to be safe.<br />
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Our plan this weekend was to get down early Friday afternoon and get the sails back on. We're planning to sail a race with our sail makers next weekend and needed to get Vela ready to strut her stuff. We also had plans to complete the wiring of all the lights on the mast and reconnect the new VHF antenna cable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q20n27tRZL8/V3Pe5PFCrOI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Rw_6alsyX3gPy0-daSFW_xhPq7qnWbKlwCKgB/s1600/Wet_sole.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q20n27tRZL8/V3Pe5PFCrOI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Rw_6alsyX3gPy0-daSFW_xhPq7qnWbKlwCKgB/s400/Wet_sole.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet cabin sole, it looks bad here but once everything dried out, it's very hard to notice. We'll likely refinish 1 small spot but most of what you see here is not visible after thoroughly drying.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So, I got to the the boat and started getting things ready for the weekend. During the process I noticed that our carpet in the Saloon was a bit...moist. So I pulled it up and realized the pad underneath it was soaking wet and had been for some time...yep stained cabin sole. So after a few choice words I got the carpets pulled out and drying in the sun on deck. Since we had just replaced the mast and the deck seal, I KNEW it had to be the mast. Particularly when I looked up and was able to see daylight between the deck and mast. So of course that's where I focused my efforts. After a bit more cleanup, I noticed water at the base of the starboard settee and traced it back to...yep the AC. The "daylight" I saw between the deck and mast was just light filtering through the new mast boot. We've since covered it with a Sunbrella boot to keep the UV off it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZ2UHF9tfDg/V3Pez6K42kI/AAAAAAAAAgk/hYc7bK9BABYoOf8I0OXyj8rzSZTllL78QCKgB/s1600/Mast%2BBoot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZ2UHF9tfDg/V3Pez6K42kI/AAAAAAAAAgk/hYc7bK9BABYoOf8I0OXyj8rzSZTllL78QCKgB/s400/Mast%2BBoot.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light filtering through the boot. We dumped a ton of water on the boot using a hose and it definitely is not leaking. We've since covered the boot with Sunbrella to protect it from UV.</td></tr>
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When we're gone, we set our AC unit to de-humidification mode to keep the interior from developing any mold. This has been great and typically all that water drains down into our shower sump where it gets pumped out. Much like you may have seen at home, this AC unit has an integrated drain pan and it looked like that had stopped draining and, since it's in the starboard settee...overflowed from there onto the floor. Where it sat for the only 2 week period we've been off the boat for the last month and a half...Murphy's anyone?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edocJBPy2Yk/V3Pe2dth4PI/AAAAAAAAAgk/3OzfTow7CKYReTslHXC5-sveLS7VdLXTwCKgB/s1600/Evilzipties.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edocJBPy2Yk/V3Pe2dth4PI/AAAAAAAAAgk/3OzfTow7CKYReTslHXC5-sveLS7VdLXTwCKgB/s400/Evilzipties.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the zipties we removed pulling the new antenna cable and the real reason for our drain overflowing.</td></tr>
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Oddly enough, we had just purchased a wet-vac model that fits a standard 5 gallon bucket for the boat as part of another project (cleaning the bilge) that we've yet to tackle. At the last minute, I threw it in my truck, just in case we had some spare time this weekend. Glad that we had it, I opened the bilge and used the wet-vac to drain the condensation pan via the hose to ensure it was free of clogs. By then Kara had made it down and joined in the festivities. We did our best to clean everything up and locate all the areas the water had run into. Since we have quit a large amount of storage under that settee, the water was able to run along the settee and get into several of them from above. So we cleaned them out and decided to leave everything open to allow it to dry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdo0LLJw2y0/V3PeyUxPb0I/AAAAAAAAAgk/y83GWlbIyWgsRgBeVgCS_ITsBSmhhkgbwCKgB/s1600/CleaningBilge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdo0LLJw2y0/V3PeyUxPb0I/AAAAAAAAAgk/y83GWlbIyWgsRgBeVgCS_ITsBSmhhkgbwCKgB/s400/CleaningBilge.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kara cleaning a section of the bilge.</td></tr>
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Then we went ahead and tackled the re-installation of our nice new (heavy) mainsail. This took us a while since it was our first time installing it. Not a complicated process but we took it nice and slow to ensure we got everything clean, lubed and ready to go. By the time we had it up and furled, we where both hot and frustrated over the AC thing...so we bailed to the marina pool and ordered a few Pina Coladas...which helped our perspective a bit.<br />
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After relaxing in the pool and cooling down, we wanted to hit the dock happy hour and chat with some of our neighbors, so headed back for some dry clothes to find...yep a wet boat. Same problem, pan overflowed, so it wasn't a clog. We traced the drain tube and found that unfortunately, we caused the issue. A couple weeks ago, when we where prepping to replace the mast, we pulled the old VHF antenna cable out so we could replace it with a larger (lower loss) cable. In the process we had to remove the 8 billion zip ties that bundled it to every surface in the entire boat. I didn't notice it at the time, but the hose for that drain was in one of those bundles and the process of removing those zip ties left it hanging lower in the middle and ramping up before dropping into the shower sump. As a result of the (now) poor routing it wasn't draining efficiently and backed-up and overflowed again. Since we didn't have the parts we needed for a permanent fix we duct taped it in the right spot to get us through the night. Then we went to happy hour to commiserate with our boat buddies.<br />
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After a late night of BS-ing, we got up early the next morning and completed the wiring for all the new lights on the mast, re-routed and terminated the VHF antenna cable (including soldering the connectors) and of course remounted the AC drain hose with a permanent (we hope) fix using a few mounted D-rings. So all in all it was a pretty productive weekend and we know our Vela even better as a result of another couple days crawling through the bilge and lockers tracing and routing cables.<br />
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And hey, we now have pretty new lights on the mast, and this coming weekend...we're sailing! (weather permitting)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-24950052451628026442016-05-25T20:18:00.003-05:002016-05-25T20:18:51.325-05:00Adding an Arch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
As I've mentioned a few times here, we've been planning an arch for our solar panels and mounting our new wind generator. To ensure we got this done as early as possible this spring, we even dropped a deposit with the local craftsman that's custom building for us...last November (6 months ago). The original agreement was that it would be complete at the end of April (a month ago).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R42Rryv2mwc/V0ZKPDS-usI/AAAAAAAAAfg/aZVvuG8g6UU7WxxlSCOS9xEp7FCP29ZWgCKgB/s1600/ArchTools.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R42Rryv2mwc/V0ZKPDS-usI/AAAAAAAAAfg/aZVvuG8g6UU7WxxlSCOS9xEp7FCP29ZWgCKgB/s400/ArchTools.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the tools they hauled down to the boat for the initial fit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0zXd6z2gcY/V0ZLHNPnwpI/AAAAAAAAAfk/vQYppY_B9cMy8iDGVm0Kxia9F4BwKWBKACKgB/s1600/ArchTools2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0zXd6z2gcY/V0ZLHNPnwpI/AAAAAAAAAfk/vQYppY_B9cMy8iDGVm0Kxia9F4BwKWBKACKgB/s400/ArchTools2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice day for a little welding.</td></tr>
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<br />
Want to guess where this is going? Yep it's now the end of May and we still don't have an arch on Vela. On the plus side, work has started and they even brought the initial rough build out and fitted it. Now it's back in the shop having the davits added and our (2) new 315W solar panels mounted. So I'm sure we'll have it completed, you know...any time now :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkPu8nsj35Q/V0ZJ04zhRFI/AAAAAAAAAfY/PgNUWe5gxwAkxZZr8Hth1kSvdaD86OLEgCKgB/s1600/ArchInstall2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkPu8nsj35Q/V0ZJ04zhRFI/AAAAAAAAAfY/PgNUWe5gxwAkxZZr8Hth1kSvdaD86OLEgCKgB/s400/ArchInstall2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting the new arch in place for a few last minute tweaks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--rPa8f6gqas/V0ZJ2YwpAlI/AAAAAAAAAfY/-3xW6LYNASYscXgEw5zVJXbCPD_ECFNRACKgB/s1600/ArchInstall.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--rPa8f6gqas/V0ZJ2YwpAlI/AAAAAAAAAfY/-3xW6LYNASYscXgEw5zVJXbCPD_ECFNRACKgB/s400/ArchInstall.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They trimmed the legs on the dock for the initial fit and then tacked it to the new stainless base plates.</td></tr>
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More pics to follow as it nears completion along with the new stern seats, solid top rail around the cockpit and a new swim platform. Once the arch is done we can mount the new higher bimini frame and the canvas shop will be able to complete the new dodger and bimini we'd been waiting for. Unfortunately, the delays with the arch are holding up that and several other projects...which is why we started so long ago.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig9pd9_KK-k/V0ZKgIcsqfI/AAAAAAAAAfo/OUFHYrZQu0MrFG6-1nXH-3hi0xXq-GoVwCKgB/s1600/SternSeat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig9pd9_KK-k/V0ZKgIcsqfI/AAAAAAAAAfo/OUFHYrZQu0MrFG6-1nXH-3hi0xXq-GoVwCKgB/s400/SternSeat.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inspiration for the shape of our new stern rail seats (Hunter)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-XCEV_t6DI/V0ZJ3KfS5bI/AAAAAAAAAfY/v2Gf48Dq0m4JKlWUVCHXYK6mps-LLAuNgCKgB/s1600/ArchSunset.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-XCEV_t6DI/V0ZJ3KfS5bI/AAAAAAAAAfY/v2Gf48Dq0m4JKlWUVCHXYK6mps-LLAuNgCKgB/s400/ArchSunset.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like a little 316 stainless in the sunset. Notice all that sweet duct tape that's currently covering all the holes in Vela.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In all fairness, the guy we're using does amazing work. He's probably more of an artist than a craftsman, so we're willing to accept the delays. Still, having a boat with no bimini in the heat and rain of the Kemah spring, has been an adjustment. Then again, it's made removing all the sails and dropping the mast a little easier. But more on that next time...<br />
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Thanks for swinging by,<br />
Erin</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-13698736470660078652016-04-24T18:59:00.000-05:002016-04-24T18:59:34.519-05:00Financing the mast pull (aka - selling the Harley)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlS6tpaSa88/Vx1RcWQMIAI/AAAAAAAAAek/RbPmV07wIDk8n7JVsTR2bXshkhVrAySQQCKgB/s1600/RightSide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlS6tpaSa88/Vx1RcWQMIAI/AAAAAAAAAek/RbPmV07wIDk8n7JVsTR2bXshkhVrAySQQCKgB/s400/RightSide.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My old 2002 Softail Deuce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
Kara and I spent yet another weekend away from Vela. That's two in a row now and if we're going to ever get her ready to go, we can't afford too many streaks like that. Particularly when you consider we'll likely miss next weekend too, so we can move some stuff into our little condo. Our renters moved out this weekend. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ih7HrwU7CBs/Vx1RcayP8qI/AAAAAAAAAew/QtUw_y3qaMU4-vhHkgQ3wpcUI7xy3Q2dQCKgB/s1600/RightRear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ih7HrwU7CBs/Vx1RcayP8qI/AAAAAAAAAew/QtUw_y3qaMU4-vhHkgQ3wpcUI7xy3Q2dQCKgB/s320/RightRear.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaned up and ready for a new home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had originally planned to go down to Houston and work on a few things this weekend. Replacing a few aged hose clamps and drying out the bilge, now that we've repacked the stuffing box. But those plans changed when I got a call last week from an actual person that was interested in buying my old Harley. I've had it listed on Craigslist for sometime and if you've ever tried to sell anything of value on CL, you know it's full of scammers. "Hi sir, is your Motorcycle still for sale? I'm traveling for the military right now and visiting my sick aunt in Tawain but I'd like to send you payment via PayPal plus $700 for your trouble, and then of course shipping fees to get it to me". So it was refreshing to talk with someone who was actually interested in an honest transaction. This guy was driving in from Colorado to buy the bike and was bringing cash, so we knew he was serious. We cancelled our Houston trip, rounded up all the paperwork, cleaned up the bike and then sold it early yesterday morning early.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SlogZY7rkTU/Vx1RzE-C7AI/AAAAAAAAAes/S9aY2I4gqX0v8N8tRRONSg6i4WcYnmO8ACKgB/s1600/FullSizeRender2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SlogZY7rkTU/Vx1RzE-C7AI/AAAAAAAAAes/S9aY2I4gqX0v8N8tRRONSg6i4WcYnmO8ACKgB/s320/FullSizeRender2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New owner loading the bike up.</td></tr>
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I have mixed feelings on the sale, I loved that bike but the cash we got for it will completely cover a big project we have scheduled for May. While we're waiting on the new arch to be completed, allegedly sometime in 2016...we've decided to pull the mast to install our radar. Surprisingly, it's cheaper to pull the mast and install the radar and associated conduit while the mast is down, than it would be to add the conduit with the mast up. This will also allow us to replace all our masthead instrumentation, antennas, add a Windex and likely a TV antenna. While it's down, we'll also be adding a whisker pole, track, mast mount and associated rigging. All those extras add up pretty quick and let's just say that the bike sold at a great time. While I'll definitely miss the bike, I've always known I'd be selling it to finance 'the dream' and it's really nice having the cash in hand to cover another project without impacting our efforts on beefing up the cruising kitty (investment account) at the highest rate possible.<br />
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Kara and I have been talking a lot this weekend about our little dream and how it's starting to take shape. It's still overwhelming and a bit terrifying to consider the fact that we're a year away from our planned departure date from the working world...it's also very VERY exciting. Still, we have a lot to do between now and then. <br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Sell our lake house (currently on the market)</li>
<li>Move to Condo</li>
<li>Remodel condo bathroom to increase rental value</li>
<li>Move from condo in Austin aboard <i>Vela</i> in Houston</li>
<li>Quit two great jobs (talk about an oh-shit moment)</li>
<li>Begin our slow migration to...wherever</li>
</ul>
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So it's been a good weekend, but we really need to start knocking off some of these major projects. For now I'm trying to focus on the fact that we can now pay for at least 1 more of them, and once again....that's a win in my book.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0luiT_IlNy8/Vx1Ry-sTkbI/AAAAAAAAAe4/0zXCi1ks1DIJ97H2Mren6QmVDxdG2JLWACKgB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0luiT_IlNy8/Vx1Ry-sTkbI/AAAAAAAAAe4/0zXCi1ks1DIJ97H2Mren6QmVDxdG2JLWACKgB/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope the new owner loves this bike as much as I did.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-14512192961951338262016-04-12T15:04:00.001-05:002016-04-12T18:00:46.659-05:00Ripping Vela a New One and Installing a Buzzkill - By Erin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QenQp4FkAE/Vw0_-jkD8lI/AAAAAAAAAdo/Vwy0obsi4jMriG8NJgQ-hVn3NEEstg2Pw/s1600/ErinSail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QenQp4FkAE/Vw0_-jkD8lI/AAAAAAAAAdo/Vwy0obsi4jMriG8NJgQ-hVn3NEEstg2Pw/s400/ErinSail.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday afternoon sail</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
Kara and I just got back from a LONG weekend with Vela. From a calendar perspective, it was just a normal weekend but we where both pretty tired at the end of it, so it felt much longer.<br />
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Since we where both down in Houston for work on Thursday, we where actually able to get out for a sail on Friday afternoon/evening. We knew it was going to be a crazy busy weekend so we made it a point to get out and enjoy the amazing weather while we could. I should probably share the fact that after a long week at work, neither of us really felt like getting everything ready to go out. In fact, I think we where both pretty tempted to just be lazy and relax with a few drinks at the dock. But we've been frustrated lately with the fact that all we seem to do is work when we're down at the boat. So we drug our lazy asses off the settee and got out for a couple great hours of sailing.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5VZ_FpkLpr4/Vw0__vZaLSI/AAAAAAAAAds/aDKkJtHVZRAJ7IWAFDZ4kpRb90fTXGQqg/s1600/KaraSail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5VZ_FpkLpr4/Vw0__vZaLSI/AAAAAAAAAds/aDKkJtHVZRAJ7IWAFDZ4kpRb90fTXGQqg/s400/KaraSail.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My chicky at the helm and all the new sails drawing. Happy Friday!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Believe it or not, the weather in Houston in early spring is actually really nice. So, once we got out there we where both really glad to of the dock and Vela seemed happy for the exercise. It was the first time we got all the new sails out. Add in a 10 knot breeze and it was great. We got in quit a bit of tacking just see how the new sails felt and overall it was great night.<br />
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We got back to the dock just before sunset, grabbed some dinner and enjoyed enjoyed sunset in the cockpit before turning in early to be ready for Saturday's big project, adding a new secondary bilge pump.</div>
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For this project we're working with Gary Deason, a local boat services guy that is super friendly and actually seems to enjoy working with folks who are prepping to go cruising and want to be involved in the refit process. Sure it would be easier to just showing up and have it all done for us, but we want to know where every hose, wire, thru-hull and component is located. Which means this is exactly the kind of help we need. In addition, Gary comes from a Coast Guard background and brings a ton of experience to the table. The fact that he's very relaxed and likes to teach as he goes really helps. It's also nice that he takes in our suggestions/requests, incorporates what makes sense and explains when he feels like another option would be better.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dsnd7E3wTvA/Vw1ABLo45WI/AAAAAAAAAeE/h8V9WvjCowELuAenjkWGWU1jmKIP6NRtw/s320/Workspace.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our workspace - planning the project.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So at 9 AM Saturday morning, we started laying out the project, examined several potential hose routes, measured for the final hose run and made a run to West Marine for the parts we knew we needed. Of course, Kara also made a couple mid-project runs but that's one of the reasons we chose the marina we're in now, it's convenient to everything...except home ;)<br />
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I should probably mention that the rule 4000 (4000 GPH) pump we installed required a 2" smooth bore inner diameter hose, with a surprisingly high list price per foot. However, working through Gary meant that we got the hose at about half the list price (thanks to his port supply discount). So that saved us a good bit which helped cover part of his fees for helping us.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6DjUvM5DkQ/Vw0__42jYoI/AAAAAAAAAeE/z_MBQBxTDxQUeZrLUQR4msok1W2VhMEbw/s1600/MountingPump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6DjUvM5DkQ/Vw0__42jYoI/AAAAAAAAAeE/z_MBQBxTDxQUeZrLUQR4msok1W2VhMEbw/s320/MountingPump.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mounting the new bracket/pump</td></tr>
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When we got back aboard, Gary mounted the bracket for the new pump down in the bilge while I drilled the holes under the starboard settee for the auto/manual switch, buzzer/alarm/light and fuse holders.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4KOcj9RjVU/Vw1AA-C5NpI/AAAAAAAAAeE/0QdmXREkWcA-JKa6_cXmBiIbhGp2b_nCA/s1600/SetteeSwitches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4KOcj9RjVU/Vw1AA-C5NpI/AAAAAAAAAeE/0QdmXREkWcA-JKa6_cXmBiIbhGp2b_nCA/s400/SetteeSwitches.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drilling new holes for switch, buzzer, and fuses</td></tr>
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The concept here is that since this is purely a secondary/emergency pump for us, we want to know anytime it's running. So we wired in an obnoxious buzzer and red light that run anytime the pump is running (either manually or automatically via float switch). We did wire it, so that if we ever had to run the pump for an extended period of time, we can physically disable the buzzer by removing a single connection (which we're referring to as Buzzkill). Hey, if we're ever in a situation where we need to run this thing, it will be stressful enough without having to listen to that buzzer. But it's great to get your attention so that, you know there is a potential problem.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMpZQ2tTLOI/Vw0_-iDfZXI/AAAAAAAAAeE/kLZqL7wxJzEfC81X9bZ1CcjJexQepw68g/s1600/DownOnTheJob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMpZQ2tTLOI/Vw0_-iDfZXI/AAAAAAAAAeE/kLZqL7wxJzEfC81X9bZ1CcjJexQepw68g/s400/DownOnTheJob.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kara laying down on the job (aka boat yoga) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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While routing the hose we ran into a good deal of extra hose for the primary pump that was causing us some issues, so Kara and I spent a couple hours shortening and remounting that hose in the giant rear lazerette. In the picture to the right she's partially inside the compartment where our hot water heater usually sits. It's been removed and is laying beside her on the left. She had to worm her way in here to help me access the hose we're re-routing. I'm in the lazerette on the opposite side, doing my best not to swear to much, like a....sailor.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUw8T9eCqQA/Vw0__IKr1FI/AAAAAAAAAeE/IpHYArVyN2gD7xSe6ohhy5FdDy91bV-KA/s1600/InTheCave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUw8T9eCqQA/Vw0__IKr1FI/AAAAAAAAAeE/IpHYArVyN2gD7xSe6ohhy5FdDy91bV-KA/s400/InTheCave.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down in the lazerette. Here I'm cutting a bulkhead to route the new hose</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.</td></tr>
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While we where doing that, Gary installed ring terminals on the wires and connected up the pump and switches. We then reviewed the wiring, tested everything and verified it all worked as expected.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odaK23Q3qcc/Vw1AAQxPqrI/AAAAAAAAAeE/6o8xiopB9ToFZGg4E1L5KxSs845IYgmcA/s1600/PeekOut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odaK23Q3qcc/Vw1AAQxPqrI/AAAAAAAAAeE/6o8xiopB9ToFZGg4E1L5KxSs845IYgmcA/s400/PeekOut.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because who doesn't love cutting giant holes in their boat?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In the end, this project took the 3 of us about 11 hours from start to finish and by the time we wrapped up about 8 PM Kara and I where way too tired to go checkout the Kemah crashfish and Zydeco festival we had planned to attend. So, we did our best to scrub the fiberglass off our skin with a shower (never an easy task), ordered some Chinese food delivered to the boat, and relaxed in the cockpit. Of course we where also cleaning up from the days events as we went.<br />
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On Sunday, we finished the cleanup. Spent a little more time on the windlass and are now happy with how it's handling the new anchor and chain. We still have some work do to getting the anchor secured on deck in a way that we'll be happy with for the long-term, but we're very close there.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHmzhmRfNBs/Vw1AARU3quI/AAAAAAAAAeE/PmKTRt0sf-sKvq6f1wBExLoTztLAQo-jw/s1600/RippingNewOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHmzhmRfNBs/Vw1AARU3quI/AAAAAAAAAeE/PmKTRt0sf-sKvq6f1wBExLoTztLAQo-jw/s400/RippingNewOne.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While in the lazerette we also had to add a new thru-hull on the transom to give us a direct exhaust for the new 2" hose. So yeah, we ripped Vela a new one. Here you can see what it looked like when scored from the outside with a 2.5" holesaw. We finished the process off from inside the lazerette and installed our new thru-hull fitting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Overall it was a <strike>great</strike>...OK successful weekend of boat projects. It was nice having someone there to guide us through installing the new pump, hoses and wiring. Kara and I worked well together throughout the day, which is always a big plus. Particularly given the tight, itchy uncomfortable work. That in combination with a little sailing makes this a win in my book.<br />
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t- 1year-sh....and counting</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-43243971009912305822016-04-03T20:29:00.001-05:002016-04-04T12:35:30.931-05:00Tough Decisions - By Erin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSuk9gn7Phw/VwHAUE0ZemI/AAAAAAAAAcw/ZHA65sMw_B80GZTvxGJ3GJRnkTNfilcZQ/s1600/Kara%2526Boo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSuk9gn7Phw/VwHAUE0ZemI/AAAAAAAAAcw/ZHA65sMw_B80GZTvxGJ3GJRnkTNfilcZQ/s640/Kara%2526Boo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Chicky and Buster, with a few Texas Bluebonnets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
It's been a while since we've posted and that's mainly due to the fact that Kara and I have had our hands full with a ton of projects both at home and on Vela. Most of the time we're pretty upbeat on our little blog here, because for the most part this whole process has been pretty fun and exciting.<br />
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But as they say, it's not all rainbows, unicorns and sunny beaches. Sometimes the decisions and steps required to prep for the lifestyle we so badly want...is really really tough. This is one of those times and I just thought I'd share.<br />
<br />
Today, we dropped our dog Buster off with two of our best friends...to stay. We've begun the process of selling our lake house, a place that both Kara and I love and if we weren't planning to cruise, would definitely keep for the long term. But since we'll be leaving to cruise, it makes sene to sell the house for several reason. Primarily, because it's expensive, far from work, further from the boat and worth a good deal more than when we bought it 5 years ago, which means it will feed the cruising kitty and let us completely payoff Vela (and possibly the condo). But all that's just $ and not really the important thing here.<br />
<br />
We knew when we began our journey towards cruising, that we would eventually have to give up Buster and that's honestly been one of the hardest parts of the whole "dream". We personally know people that have cruised with their dogs and have read several blogs along those lines as well but we knew that for us and Buster that just wasn't an option. You see, Buster is a German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) and is very high energy. He's not happy unless he gets an hour (or more) of very high intensity exercise, something we know we can't provide regularly on the boat. We also know that we want to go places where his being from the US would cause too many issues due to many countries who are unaffected by rabies requiring serious quarantine time for animals from the US. Buster's just not the kind of dog who wants to live on a boat, in fact he hates it on the boat. So while we completely understand why others would never want to make the decision to give up their trusted friend and choose to take them cruising with them, we knew it wasn't the right fit for Buster. He doesn't even like spending weekends on Vela, much less living there full time. He needs to run and chase SQUIRRELS and deer and roll in the grass and pee and poop on just about everything.<br />
<br />
So yeah, we knew this day was coming. Of course that doesn't make it any easier. The fact that he went to live with our good friends and their two daughters does helps a bit. He knows them well and loves them and they love him. In fact, he's stayed with them many many times in the past when we've been traveling. That and the fact that they recently lost their dog, makes this seem like a natural fit for everyone and we know that Buster will be happy there. Now we just have to get our heads around it.<br />
<br />
So I'm just sitting in the back yard, of a house we both love, staring at the lake and listening to the birds as the sun sets and hoping we're not crazy to be selling this place...and wondering why it's so damn quiet. It's going to take some time to get used to life without our Buster-dog around. In my head I know it was the best thing for him, but it still hurts my heart to look down at my feet and not see him curled up there...<br />
<br />
Our next major project will be selling the house and moving back into our condo. We had hoped we could make it work living at the house and while it's been a great year...the reality is that it's just too long of a drive for us. We should be moving things back into the condo at the end of the month one way or the other. The great news is that we'll be dogsitting Buster several times over this summer and will see him as often as possible. Still, this is a tough day.<br />
<br />
For me, it's probably the hardest one I've had since we started this whole process. I'm just completely drained emotionally.<br />
<br />
But hey, if it was easy everyone would be doing it. I just have to focus on the fact that it's the best move for Buster. Once I can wrap my head around that, it's back to the never ending list of boat projects. After all, a year isn't much time to knock out the rest of the refit list and get ready to start our cruising adventure. And once you go through something like this as part of that preparation process, it somehow makes you feel more committed to untying those dock lines and going.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So I know we'll get there eventually but right now all can think is...I miss you Buster Boo.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwjDQFkpHGg/VwHAUbXi6HI/AAAAAAAAAdA/puq1Zf7u3MoMP_Israz0JjW500pFxQtCw/s1600/Me%2526Boo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="507" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwjDQFkpHGg/VwHAUbXi6HI/AAAAAAAAAdA/puq1Zf7u3MoMP_Israz0JjW500pFxQtCw/s640/Me%2526Boo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my buddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-75405215445990718802016-01-03T17:18:00.002-06:002016-01-06T10:26:19.162-06:0015 minute boat jobs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
As mentioned in the previous post, today was a busy day of meeting with boat contractors, to plan our refit. Between meetings we decided to knock out a few "quick' projects...when will we learn?<br />
<br />
Kara, spent a couple hours brushing on 303 protectant on the current original dodger. We're trying to get another year out of it and it leaks when it rains which is a drag. This should help solve that problem for the immediate future. We'll call that one a success, good job chicky!<br />
<br />
While she was doing that, I decide to tackle something that's been bugging me for a while now. We have an engine driven Sea Frost refrigeration system. It works great and freezes a huge block very quickly if we're running the engine. It will also run off the inverter but takes longer to freeze the block and eats power. Part of the refit will likely include a DC option...but I digress<br />
<br />
So we've replaced all the zincs on the boat with the exception of the one for the Sea Frost cooling tower, because much to my own embarrassment...I wasn't exactly sure where it was...and it's been eating at me. So I today I found it in the engine compartment...imagin that...an engine driven refrigeration system that runs of the same raw water input...is actually located next to both of those things...who'd a thunk it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F57Wr-xfuEw/Vovwx_ut1SI/AAAAAAAAAbU/yMQBvhfu4w8/s1600/IMG_2303_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F57Wr-xfuEw/Vovwx_ut1SI/AAAAAAAAAbU/yMQBvhfu4w8/s400/IMG_2303_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yours truly - beginning the zinc removal process</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Sweet, changing a zing, I'll be done in 15 minutes chicky and then maybe we can go sailing. I consulted the 15 year old xerox copied owners manual for instructions. Let's just say they where less than clear, so I took my time interpreting them and finally figured out how to remove the zinc. The problem was, when I unscrewed the bronze plug that I should hold the zinc, from the housing...no zinc. Oh shit...am I in the right place or is there a bigger problem? On closer inspection I realized the zinc had simply snapped of while I was removing the plug, at least I'm in the right place. How hard could this possibly be?<br />
<br />
Now we have two problems to deal with. 1) There's a big chuck of zinc in the cooling tower and I know if we leave it in there, it'll clog the system and likely cause major damage. 2) The threaded hole in the bronze fitting appears to be a single solid piece of zinc, the threads for the new zinc aren't even visible since a half inch of the old one snapped off flush with the plug...good times.<br />
<br />
Oh well, one problem at a time. First let's get that zinc out of the tower. Problem is the hole in the tower is small enough you need to be a freaking smurf to reach in and actually do anything. So I waste a bunch of time trying to fish the cigar shaped zinc out of a little hole. The small diameter means it's only coming out if it's oriented perfectly (picture trying to pull a cigar out of a hole that's barely large enough to accommodate it's circumference, upside down and partially obstructed (of course). After brushing up on my impressive sailor's (swearing) vocabulary...I ask Kara if she'll give it a try. Fortunately, her fingers are small enough she can reach in and feel around a bit. After removing the intake house from the housing we have a larger hole to work with and more importantly two holes on apposing sides of the tower.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qH2StSDfJDk/VovwxlDA77I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/_r9cTQHzsDY/s1600/IMG_2302_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qH2StSDfJDk/VovwxlDA77I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/_r9cTQHzsDY/s400/IMG_2302_1024.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention this is a stupid design?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So like a racoon with a shiny object, Kara goes to work fishing around inside the housing trying to push the broken pieces out. After an hour...or more of work and missing a few layers of skin from her fingers, it's out and we're good to go. Did I mention she's a trooper and this is a stupid design?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-avuGsjUZ9Dc/Vovwx_23fwI/AAAAAAAAAbE/TQpfr3mXAIc/s1600/IMG_2304_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-avuGsjUZ9Dc/Vovwx_23fwI/AAAAAAAAAbE/TQpfr3mXAIc/s400/IMG_2304_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The remains of the zinc</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So now all that's left is to remove the broken piece from the plug. so we can screw in the new one. Problem...it's perfectly flush with the brass plug that it mounts in. After a little research I realize that zinc melts at a significantly lower temperature than brass. Time for a run to Home Depot for a blow torch, this is where I'm really glad we chose Kemah and the marina we did to keep Vela while we prep her for departure. We thought very hard about going to Port Aransas instead, due to the fact that it's a cool little town with a much more chill vibe (which we prefer). We chose Kemah because it's close to Houston where our company has an office we can work out of, and it has access to just about every kind of boat related gear/service you could ever need...so yeah that's paid off 1000 times already.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMD5vMx4ZJc/VovwyYdvnWI/AAAAAAAAAbk/LdGeZCp_cuo/s1600/IMG_2305_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMD5vMx4ZJc/VovwyYdvnWI/AAAAAAAAAbk/LdGeZCp_cuo/s400/IMG_2305_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's get this party started</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Fortunately, our marina has a nice little work bench with a table vice for us too use. After 45 minutes, the majority of the zinc has dripped out on the concrete under the vice. Problem is...most...is not the same as all. The threads are still too gunked up with zinc to install the new zinc. Looks like I'm headed back to the store for a tap and die set. Oh and I also left my drill at home, because you know...we live there and stuff. So we find the tap/die kit and sweet talk our way into using a cordless drill and a table clamp in the store (flash back to our departure and bumming a clamp at lowes to replace the propane Solenoid). But hey, this looks good, lets go knock this out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eG9dVihVKpY/Vovwyi6zFyI/AAAAAAAAAbc/btk-HzLNhuQ/s1600/IMG_2311_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eG9dVihVKpY/Vovwyi6zFyI/AAAAAAAAAbc/btk-HzLNhuQ/s400/IMG_2311_1024.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heating the zinc</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9J9lN503J-I/VovwynC-JFI/AAAAAAAAAbo/EefojQ0iGgI/s1600/IMG_2312_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9J9lN503J-I/VovwynC-JFI/AAAAAAAAAbo/EefojQ0iGgI/s400/IMG_2312_1024.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally starting to melt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfHAqlKEAHk/VovwzDxRcEI/AAAAAAAAAbg/PRo33s_R9Iw/s1600/IMG_2315_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfHAqlKEAHk/VovwzDxRcEI/AAAAAAAAAbg/PRo33s_R9Iw/s400/IMG_2315_1024.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bombs away</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV-1wRvj8Q0/VovwzSWtIpI/AAAAAAAAAbY/Si9ZgJdo_l4/s1600/IMG_2316_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV-1wRvj8Q0/VovwzSWtIpI/AAAAAAAAAbY/Si9ZgJdo_l4/s400/IMG_2316_1024.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aftermath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Back aboard Vela, the Zinc fits perfectly and 10 minutes later, we're able to run the engine and fridge compressor and...no leaks success!<br />
<br />
So that 15 minute job only took...a little over 8 hours. Sweet, lets grab some grub and drive the 4 hours back home. Yep, prepping for cruising is pretty freaking glamorous.<br />
<br />
Suffice it to say that from now on, I'll be replacing that zinc on a VERY regular basis, to avoid a repeat.<br />
<br />
Anyway, thanks for stopping in and if you actually made it this far, let us hear from you.<br />
<br />
-Erin</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-20310846266540645392016-01-01T12:39:00.000-06:002016-01-01T12:39:10.362-06:00Welcome to 2016 - A look ahead<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVJQY3L9EtU/VobHi4C0ktI/AAAAAAAAAaY/OLCVJbRh82s/s1600/NewYearFire.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVJQY3L9EtU/VobHi4C0ktI/AAAAAAAAAaY/OLCVJbRh82s/s400/NewYearFire.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
I'm sitting here in front of a nice warm fire New Year's morning, in Marble Falls TX. All our friends have just left after our annual New Year's party and some homemade breakfast tacos. Now, it's time to kick back relax a bit and absorbe the fact that it's freaking 2016.<br />
<br />
When Kara and I first seriously discussed the idea of extended cruising, it was always a kind of ethereal 'plan'. You know the type...that sounds like fun, we should really figure out a way to make that happen. Then it settled in that this really was something we could do, but only if we did something to actively make it happen. So we got serious about actually learning to sail our little Catalina 22 around the lake, saving as much $ as possible and started shopping for a middle boat. Something bigger (mid 30s) to learn on for a few years before we actually bought a much bigger (we probably need at least 50ft...or so we thought at the time). We could do all that and aim to actually leave in 2020 (typical 5-6 year plan). The more we looked and read the more we kept thinking about that old tired advice of go small, go cheap, go now...<br />
<br />
The thing is, I think it feels like old tired advice because you see and read it everywhere, once you get serious about really investigating the cruising lifestyle, it's literally everywhere. Everyone says, we should have gone sooner. So we really thought about that and made the decision to give that advice a shot. The great thing about life and boats is that everyone's ideas and perceptions are different. Guaranteed that we all picture something different when we think small and cheap. For us it meant finding a much smaller boat than we originally pictured for ourselves but that we believed we could be comfortable on. This originally brought us to Vela (then Baboo). We figured, this is plenty of boat for us. I mean sure we'd love a sugar scoop stern, and a pilot house, and the newer bigger boats for 2-3x the $ are super nice....but we can be happy (we think) with much less. So we opted to spend less on the boat and start getting her ready for an earlier departure date.<br />
<br />
Some of the best advice we got, came from our virtual friends over at <a href="http://www.sailingtotem.com/whowhy" target="_blank">Totem</a>. We've never actually met but reached out to Jamie for some advice on new sails and while we ended up going with a local loft to get that local connection, we really appreciated Jamie's willingness to share what they've learned on their voyage. His advice was to pick a date, not a year and a month but an actual day on the calendar. Something you can point to and say, we're going then. Otherwise it's just to easy to drag your feet and think we'll get to that...we still have years. Once there's a date and you compare that date against the todo list, shit gets real. But it also gets exciting.<br />
<br />
So this year, we really get rolling. The new sails should be ready in the next couple weeks and we just removed out staysail boom to get ready for them and clean up the deck a bit.. We have a new dodger and bimini in the planning stages and have started planning the arch that will be built and installed in the March/April timeframe. We're hunting down the largest solar panels we can realistically fit, currently thinking 3 large panels in the 300-350W (each) range for the top of the arch. Followed by a wind gen and davits. That project will also include a full electronics upgrade, swim platform and windvane...so by far our biggest ticket item.<br />
<br />
At the same time, we're planning to put our pretty little lake house (where we currently live) on the market (April/May) and move into our condo (currently rented out but the lease ends in May). This start our downsizing process and by getting us back to Austin means we'll be an hour closer to the Vela, two hours closer on the round trip which will make it easier to get down and be productive on those work weekends.<br />
<br />
So for us, 2016 is going to be a big year and that's really sinking in for me as I sit in front of this fire and think about the year ahead. I'm pumped and while I know it will be an expensive and likely stressful process, it's that date that has my attention.<br />
<br />
April 26 2017, is right around the corner...lucky us!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-81455950005000291332015-11-14T21:40:00.001-06:002015-11-14T21:40:02.977-06:00Planning the refit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
We've been busy getting things rolling with refit projects for Vela. Our local sail loft, Banks Sails here in Kemah, is working on our new set of $ail$. So we're looking forward to putting those to use pretty soon. As part of that project we're still working on the design for the Asymetric spinnaker, stay tuned for that one.<br />
<br />
As part of the new sail project, we'll be removing the staysail boom to free-up some deck space.<br />
According to the rigger who came by today, we'll be able to keep the sail self tacking (with the new sail cut correctly) and get rid of the boom, so it feels like a big win. In the past, having a dinghy on deck has meant the staysail was out of commission, this will address that. What's the use of a cutter rig if you can't use your staysail offshore...when you need it most? <br />
<br />
We've also been working with a local stainless shop to build an arch for our new solar panels and wind generator. It will also include a new set of davits. Vela came with a set of davits but they don't really get the dinghy up high enough for our taste, and they're not the most sturdy design. Moving them up to the arch and removing the stern ladder will allow us to open up the stern pulpit a bit. As part of the project we're also planning to add a removable swim platform with it own ladder. We'll also be replacing our existing stern rail seats, in an effort to get a more usable shape (deeper) and move them further back to gain some room. Last but not least, we'll also be raising the back of bimini a bit to gain a bit of headroom when using the stern seats. It currently hits me about mid-forehead when sitting in the seats. It's turning out to be MUCH more expensive than we where originally thinking, but it's an important addition and we want to ensure it all works well and is solidly built.<br />
<br />
It looks like we've also found someone to help us with the planning and installation of all the electronics upgrades. One of the things Kara and I are both adamant about is that we're involved in the refit and know where EVERYTHING is. Every connection, component, wire, splice, etc... Someday, we know we'll be out there when something stops working and we want to be able to troubleshoot it on our own. After talking with several other local sailors, we found Gary and he's going to help us with the entire process. So there's some big changes in place for Vela in the coming months. Our current 'plan' is:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> Arch - local custom</li>
<li>Solar Panels - TBD</li>
<li>Wind Generator - Silent Wind</li>
<li>Chart Plotter - B&G Zeus 2</li>
<li>B&G WiFi Module for phone/tablet control/visibility</li>
<li>Move wind/depth/knot meter to companionway (from helm) - B&G Triton 41</li>
<li>Charge controller - Battery monitor</li>
<li>Radar - B&G 4G</li>
<li>Water Maker - TBD, Likely Spectra 12v</li>
<li>Much larger next-gen Anchor - TBD - Mantus or Rocna (73lb)</li>
<li>Much larger Windlass - Lighthouse 1501</li>
<li>Updated battery bank - Currently all lifeline</li>
<li>AIS send/recieve - TBD</li>
</ul>
Essentially our plan is to hemorrhage as much $$$ as possible for the next year and if we survive that...do some cruising...or at least that's what it feel like at this point ;)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-14160262718651856162015-11-13T15:52:00.000-06:002015-11-13T19:48:51.133-06:004-26-2017 By Kara<style>
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"Four, twenty-six seventeen" Like Dorothy clicking her heals
to get home, I repeat my chant hoping that my mind will take me to a better
place then the present stressful rat race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>April 26<sup>th</sup>, 2017 is our target date to leave our current life
behind, to transform and to explore the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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“I can put up with just about anything for 18 months if I
know it will all change”, I think as I receive another elbow jab from my fellow
airplane passenger while on the way home from everlasting work travel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not quite sure what happened, my career
used to be important to me; it used to be fulfilling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited to help my customers solve a
challenge or to ‘own the room’ with a 500 person audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it was process or lack of resources,
but something killed my motivation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Perhaps, it was when I took a step back, looked at the bigger picture of
life and asked, “I am alive, but am I really living?”</div>
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My old soccer coach was diagnosed with ovarian cancer a few
weeks ago and is under going Chemotherapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was fit and lived a healthy lifestyle, but is still staring death in
the face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad died of cancer before
60 and I have numerous relatives and in-laws that either succumbed to health
issues before their time or have trouble doing everyday tasks because of their declining
health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am often reminded that you are
only guaranteed this moment; the next might not happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is too short not to live out your dreams
so we are going sailing and are untying the lines in April of 2017.</div>
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What’s the significance of 4/2017?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our original goal was to retire early and go
sail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could possibly leave in 5
years and 2020 sounded like a nice round, safe number to shoot for if we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had</i> to put a number on it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more that we researched the more we kept
hearing “Go small, Go cheap, Go now!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not a single item we read made us think that we needed to wait longer or
that cruising was a bad decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Advice
from our cruising friends that are in mid-circumnavigation was to put a specific
day month year on our plan to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After careful consideration on Vela’s necessary improvements, the best
time of year to sail through the gulf, and personal preparations (house / condo
/ family) we decided on 4/2017.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 26<sup>th</sup>
just happened to be a random date in the last week of the month and we aren’t
necessarily set on that date, but it gives us a day to shoot and plan for.</div>
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Yes some parts of this will be difficult, yes there is real
work involved, yes we are not nearly prepared, yes I’m nervous yet excited, but
also yes, we can do this!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Walt Disney
stated <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The way to get started is to
quit talking and get doing” and thus I am going to stop typing and get doing.</div>
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Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02268076342197271717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-16238430574218780952015-08-03T20:44:00.001-05:002015-08-07T08:58:03.087-05:00Fireworks, Sailing, and Appeasing the Gods<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n69OtGrXvHo/VcS4pneajKI/AAAAAAAAAZo/r1HXVwyU1wY/s1600/Vela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n69OtGrXvHo/VcS4pneajKI/AAAAAAAAAZo/r1HXVwyU1wY/s400/Vela.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Howdy again folks,<br />
<br />
As I mentioned in the last post, we've had a busy couple weeks. While it's great to catch-up on boat projects, we kept hearing rumors about folks that actually....(gasp)...left the docks with their boats and did fun things on them. So instead of just talking about all the cool things we wanted to do, Kara and I decided to dedicate this last weekend to actually enjoying some time on the boat.<br />
<br />
Kara was in Houston for work and had a hotel right next to our office Thursday night as a result, As it turned out, all my meetings where all virtual on Friday, so after work Thursday night I loaded up the truck with boat stuff and drove down to join her in her hotel room. We both had pretty busy afternoons but where able to leave the office around 4 and head down to Kemah (it's about an hour drive). So Kara headed to the boat and kicked on the AC and fridge so they'd have time to cool down. We hit the liquor store, grocery store, and Home depot for a new deck wash hose...way cheaper than West Marine for that kinda stuff.<br />
<br />
Then we got down to the boat, got everything stowed, grabbed a bag of ice which the marina sells pretty cheap, reviewed the charts to figure out where we wanted to anchor for the fireworks, fired up the Yanmar, untied the boat and headed out. We where pleasantly surprised at how much cooler it was once we got out of our protected marina. The wind was a good 15+ knots and not as humid as we've come to expect from Houston, which was great. We headed out through the Clearlake channel, under the the 146 bridge and into Galveston bay. The wind had been blowing long enough that there was a pretty decent wind chop, so we opted to just head over about 1/2 mile off the kemah boardwalk and set the hook. Once we got the anchor set and the boat settled into the wind and waves, it was pretty darn comfortable. So we made a couple rum and diets, fired up the grill and cooked a few beef kabobs, which despite my hatred for our current magma gas grill, turned out pretty well. I know I shouldn't hate something as simple as a grill and it's nothing against magma but I really miss charcoal and am so spoiled with my big green egg, that I find the lake of temperature control on this grill to be frustrating. But by flipping the kabobs every 5 min or so, they turned out pretty well and we just had time to finish our dinner and make another drink before the fireworks started. We've been talking about going out to watch the fireworks for so long, that it was really nice to finally be out, sitting up on deck with a cold drink just enjoying the cool(ish) breeze and a full (blue) moon. It was also nice of the Kemah boardwalk to sponsor these fireworks which they seem to do every Friday night in June/July. We can usually see them just by walking across the little street at our marina, but it's way nicer to enjoy them from the boat on the hook away from the dock...for a change.<br />
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<br />
After the fireworks we just sat and talked for a while and watched as all the boats went in. Once the herd had thinned out a bit we pulled up the anchor and the deckwash and did our best to get all the chain back in without bringing up half of Galveston bay with it. The bottom is a really fine black mud and it's almost impossible to get it all off in the dark. We where thankful for our newly installed LED deck light which definitely made the job easier. Once the anchor was stowed, we motored back to the marina and safely tied up back at the dock to conclude our first night time docking process with just Kara and I as crew. Obviously this was a pretty simple little trip, but we really needed it and it felt great. So did the AC and showers once we where back at the dock.<br />
<br />
The next day we got up early, cleaned the remaining mud off the ground tackle and deck. We then went out to pick up a few things for the day. Jason and Autumn (Kara's brother and sister-in-law) had called and wanted to come join us for a sail and the renaming ceremony later that night. So we picked up some champagne, snacks and got the boat ready to leave the dock for a second time in less than 24 hours...crazy stuff.<br />
<br />
Once Jason and Autumn got there, we fired up the boat cast off the lines and motored out to the bay again. This time though, we raised the sails and noticed how much easier it all was with our nice clean winches. Yep, should have done that one a long time ago! At first we only had 5-8 knots of breeze but it was enough that we where at least moving, so we where finally able to shut off the motor and enjoy the piece and quiet. As the afternoon went on the wind picked up a bit and we where able to maintain a good 5-6 knots which was nice. That in combination with good weather, great company, and some excellent beers that Jason brought along, made for an excellent afternoon of sailing. We where out for about 4 hours and as the wind was dieing down, decided to head in and get ready for the renaming ceremony.<br />
<br />
Once back at the dock, we got the AC cranking and got out of the heat for a while(100F / 37-38C). While we where picking up food for the evening we heard from our friends Heather and Michelle and they wanted to join us for the festivities, which was great. We all met back at the marina and as the sun was setting had our renaming ceremony. Where we thanked the gods for taking care of our boat (previously known as Baboo) and requested they strike the old name from their roster and that she hereby be known as Vela...and may your watchful eye always bless her in her new life with us. The full ceremony we used is here, it was the perfect combo of fun/silly/respectful that we where looking for. In the process we got to meet a few new marina neighbors, who stopped by to share in the fun, food and cold beverages.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aY3ViIzbhuY/VcS5D4g4MEI/AAAAAAAAAZs/xagss74ljhI/s1600/IMG_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aY3ViIzbhuY/VcS5D4g4MEI/AAAAAAAAAZs/xagss74ljhI/s400/IMG_2015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome Vela - We're looking forward to many adventures together in the future.</td></tr>
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<br />
All in all it was a great time and instead of being known generically as the boat, she will from now on be referred to by her new simple and beautiful name Vela. Which we chose because we wanted a short simple and pretty sounding name. It also means has several meanings. One being Latin for the sails of a ship, which is where the name of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vela_%28constellation%29" target="_blank">constellation</a> comes from. The other being "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vela_%28satellite%29" target="_blank">she who watches over</a>" (which is the one I really love). So for us it works on many levels, plus we just like the how it sounds and spelling it phonetically on the radio couldn't be much easier.<br />
<br />
So, welcome Vela! Long may we sail safely with her and may her new life with us take her to far away lands and be filled with love, laughter, happiness and of course adventure.<br />
<br />
Of course first, we need new sails...and a few other things but more on that...next time!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-9500702005293520382015-08-02T19:30:00.000-05:002015-08-02T19:30:13.391-05:00Maintenance in the heat that is Houston<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tG3uQzT3LkI/Vb6sy8JBj3I/AAAAAAAAAYY/VzeX-N-l4LI/s1600/IMG_2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tG3uQzT3LkI/Vb6sy8JBj3I/AAAAAAAAAYY/VzeX-N-l4LI/s400/IMG_2025.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />
Howdy Folks,<br />
<br />
Thought I'd check in after what's been a very busy June for us. For various reasons we weren't able to get down to the boat for about a month, so for the last 3 weekends we've made the 8 hour round trip drive from the house to Kemah and have been whittling away on the projects.<br />
<br />
The first two weekends, we pretty much didn't do anything fun and just worked on the boat. We've cleaned and lubed all 8 winches (4 self tailing and 4 standard). This was a fairly nasty job that we'd been putting off but we knew it needed to be done. Essentially we just dissembled the winches 1 at a time and tossed the parts in a bucket to let them soak in either gasoline or mineral spirits to degrease it a bit and took everything up the one of the deck area our marina provides. The decks are elevated so they get a decent breeze, the view is good and most importantly they provide a bit of share. Then we scrubbed them clean with green scrub pads and a toothbrush. Then after a quick rinse in some warm (as if there's another choice for anything outdoors during the Houston summer) soapy water. We re-greased the gears (lightly with a brush) and oiled the pawls and springs and reassembled everything. This really isn't a challenging job, but it's fairly time consuming and was super nasty. Our goal is to do them more regularly form now one and to just tackle them 1 at a time so it's not such a downer. But hey, the winches truly sing now and are much easier to use.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k532QDY6CKQ/Vb6oMv3nClI/AAAAAAAAAXU/7ZdTt1L2f50/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k532QDY6CKQ/Vb6oMv3nClI/AAAAAAAAAXU/7ZdTt1L2f50/s400/IMG_1996.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winch disassembly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLE2qrT2ZS4/Vb6syD04SyI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/u5z5-03h4w4/s1600/IMG_2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLE2qrT2ZS4/Vb6syD04SyI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/u5z5-03h4w4/s400/IMG_2003.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirty pawls, these should not have been greased, just lightly oiled.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FW_lL1q8IT0/Vb6oRD8xMJI/AAAAAAAAAXk/H_KUoUL6aCw/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FW_lL1q8IT0/Vb6oRD8xMJI/AAAAAAAAAXk/H_KUoUL6aCw/s400/IMG_2007.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kara, finishing this one off the right way</td></tr>
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<br />
We also got both settees in the main saloon re-upholstered and are super happy with them. We used a very light colored Ultra leather, we went with their Brissa Distressed and really like the feel of it. It feels like really buttery soft leather but has all the benefits of Ultraleather, so should last for a long time. We also had the cushions redone, so it's much more comfortable now.<br />
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Kara went up the mast to the spreaders (We've been taking turns on this one) the mast climber really makes this nice as mentioned previously, but this was her first time up the mast. So she climbed while I spotted with a safety line on the winch (not required but well worth the effort for the piece of mind). She replaced the steaming light and deck lights, so for the first time since we've owned the boat, we have a functional deck light...nice. We've now replaced almost every bulb on the boat with a new LED and have several spares squirreled away, so our power consumption and heat generation from the lights has come WAY down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oX12vJ2Hx6U/Vb6oKJl1cqI/AAAAAAAAAXM/YfLKZnI-BZA/s1600/IMG_1990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oX12vJ2Hx6U/Vb6oKJl1cqI/AAAAAAAAAXM/YfLKZnI-BZA/s640/IMG_1990.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kara on her way up to replace some light bulbs.</td></tr>
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<br />
We also re-sealed the fridge doors with some new rubber (weather) stripping. Kara cut and shaped a new gel infused memory foam mattress topper for the forward bunk that we sleep on. This thing is great, much more comfortable and the gel means it sleeps cooler, which is a welcome improvement for me ;)<br />
<br />
Then we finally took the time to position permanent dock lines to make it easier when bringing the boat back in. We'd been using extra long dock lines and using them for double duty, so our bow line would come to the dock cleat and then back to the boat as a rear spring, with a similar process on the stern. This meant we needed fewer lines, but was a huge PITA if you need to adjust either line. To say we should have made this change, much MUCH sooner is a massive understatement. We've gone out several times since and putting the boat away is now about a 5-10 minute process compared to...well longer before. <br />
<br />
We've also been working to narrow down our list of "Must do" boat projects before we can leave. I'll share more detail on this later but one of the things that's been on the list for a while now is to have our chainplates inspected and potentially replaced, since the boat is 15 years old, we where assuming this would need to be done before leaving. We've been dreading this, since Island Packet used internal chainplates that are fiberglassed in place. This is great from a protection perspective as long as they are well sealed and bedded but makes them very expensive (~$10K) if you need to replace them. Anyway, we had a rigger come out that's experienced with IP chainplate replacement and he inspected ours and showed us what great shape they where in. We couldn't see the entire chainplate (fiber glassed over) but we could tell that the exposed areas below the deck where in great shape. He said based on how they looked and that they're made out of 316 stainless, that he didn't see any reason to replace them. Prior to 1998/1999 they where made out of 308, which doesn't hold up nearly as well. We just need to keep them well bedded and should be in good shape moving forward. Thank you Mr Bob Johnson, we love the quality and attention to detail that went into our boat! Not to mention, saving $10k on not having to replace the chainplates, means more for the cruising kitty!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-He3-IWQH634/Vb6oHX_emzI/AAAAAAAAAXA/-K3BJQ0juPk/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-He3-IWQH634/Vb6oHX_emzI/AAAAAAAAAXA/-K3BJQ0juPk/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspecting the chainplates. We also checked them out from the inside.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6c27G7haVdg/Vb6oOmP_wsI/AAAAAAAAAXc/NewJSLEDqsk/s1600/IMG_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6c27G7haVdg/Vb6oOmP_wsI/AAAAAAAAAXc/NewJSLEDqsk/s400/IMG_2005.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a bad chainplate from an IP he did earlier this month. They used to make them out of 308 stainless, ours are 316 and fortunately in almost perfect condition.</td></tr>
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<br />
The other big job we finally got done was a getting our new name on the boat. We originally where just going to order some generic vinyl lettering of the web, but didn't like how they turned out and realized that for a little bit more we could work with a local artist who worked with us nailing a design we really liked and then custom cut everything in his shop and applied it all, and we both love it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VvFq5AUt_E/Vb610wrP28I/AAAAAAAAAYo/LA0p1tgnQiQ/s1600/IMG_2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VvFq5AUt_E/Vb610wrP28I/AAAAAAAAAYo/LA0p1tgnQiQ/s400/IMG_2016.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting on our new hailing port</td></tr>
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<br />
So that was two full weekends of boat chores and maintenance, without ever even having the time to leave the marina...which kinda sucked to do, but the progress has been great. We decided that this weekend we'd focus on actually getting out and enjoying the boat. So stay tuned, the next post will have anchoring, fireworks, sailing and the renaming ceremony. But more on that...next time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mEtTO79M_g/Vb6oIOaiBmI/AAAAAAAAAXE/4DvSrcoMQnU/s1600/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mEtTO79M_g/Vb6oIOaiBmI/AAAAAAAAAXE/4DvSrcoMQnU/s400/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also made my first trip to the top of the mast, to check our halyards and a few connections up there.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-10202529683474420832015-07-15T08:24:00.000-05:002015-07-23T18:53:31.248-05:00A little morning inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Howdy Folks,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been a while since I've updated the blog. Kara and I have been spending a lot of time away from the boat lately. Spending time with friends and family, dealing with work drama, and enjoying some time at the lake while we still have the place. We've also started selling things that we no longer need/use and that of course has led to a lot of talking and planning about our eventual leaving. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We've been talking a lot about moving up our time frame from 5 years to the 2-3 year range and while that seems daunting at the moment, I think in our hearts we both no it makes the most sense for us. Before we can leave we have some big projects to tackle but we'll get into that later. For now I just wanted to share a quote that I find really inspiring. For Kara and I it's easy to get wrapped up in prepping for the journey, you always feel like if you work just a little longer you'll be able to afford X or be more secure in your future. But the future is always uncertain, and there's more important thing in life than a big fat bank account. I think this quote from Sterling Hayden does a great job of capturing that, and while it's hard advice to follow, that doesn't take away from the value of the message.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Enjoy-</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“To be truly challenging, a voyage, like a life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest. Otherwise, you are doomed to a routine traverse, the kind known to yachtsmen who play with their boats at sea... "cruising" it is called. Voyaging belongs to seamen, and to the wanderers of the world who cannot, or will not, fit in. If you are contemplating a voyage and you have the means, abandon the venture until your fortunes change. Only then will you know what the sea is all about.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I've always wanted to sail to the south seas, but I can't afford it." What these men can't afford is not to go. They are enmeshed in the cancerous discipline of "security." And in the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine - and before we know it our lives are gone.
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What does a man need - really need? A few pounds of food each day, heat and shelter, six feet to lie down in - and some form of working activity that will yield a sense of accomplishment. That's all - in the material sense, and we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention for the sheer idiocy of the charade.
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The years thunder by, The dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before we know it, the tomb is sealed.
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life? ”
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/154287.Sterling_Hayden" target="_blank">Sterling Hayden</a>, <i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/256120" target="_blank">Wanderer</a></i></span></span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-51631310874078475182015-05-08T22:34:00.001-05:002015-05-08T22:45:17.967-05:00Busy with boat projects<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5l0opoM9Cp4/VU18XsyS4WI/AAAAAAAAAVA/KHomQXDJBL8/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5l0opoM9Cp4/VU18XsyS4WI/AAAAAAAAAVA/KHomQXDJBL8/s400/IMG_1921.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This seems like a good place for some random baby marina ducks</td></tr>
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Well we've managed a few weekend trips to the boat recently and have knocked out a ton of projects that have been on the list since bringing the boat back.<br />
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First, I installed a set of new companionway doors. We where a bit tired of having to mess with the hatch boards all the time. They're great for offshore work, but once you're back in the marina having to either pull 3 boards out, or climb over them when going in and out...is a bit of a drag. So after some reading we got in touch with the folks from <a href="http://sail2000.com/products/c-doors/index.php" target="_blank">Zarcor</a> and ordered a pair of new doors. I spent a surprising amount of time measuring and remeasuring one weekend to ensure I got it right the first time. For some reason I was ultra paranoid about the fit and probably over did it but hey it all turned out great. The folks at Zarcor purposely fabricate the doors to be a tight fit and warn you that you'll probably be doing some sanding to get the final fit, which honestly is a great thing in my book, since it allowed me to really dial in the fit. It took close to two months for them to show up but the finished product is great. They have a set of inserts that will take either a smoked plexiglass panel, solid star board or a set of screens which is great for airflow. We also opted for a stainless steel security bar that attached to the inside. Once you close the companionway slider and lock the doors it makes the door much more secure. I'm sure they could still be bashed in, but you'd have to be pretty damn determined.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSTKRlrWxRs/VU1p-W8YZJI/AAAAAAAAATg/9w_hQF4quuM/s1600/IMG_1760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSTKRlrWxRs/VU1p-W8YZJI/AAAAAAAAATg/9w_hQF4quuM/s640/IMG_1760.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring for the new doors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25kJxglKzXw/VU1p-59IkeI/AAAAAAAAATk/GHXV_8x3a7E/s1600/IMG_1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25kJxglKzXw/VU1p-59IkeI/AAAAAAAAATk/GHXV_8x3a7E/s640/IMG_1765.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring the lip for more detail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kM90wW5dzQ/VU1qA_5-HqI/AAAAAAAAATw/Q9iF2RyuFKI/s1600/IMG_1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kM90wW5dzQ/VU1qA_5-HqI/AAAAAAAAATw/Q9iF2RyuFKI/s640/IMG_1770.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was pretty sure the top side of the boards was a straight 90 degree angle but needed to be sure</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOdVz1XPJ8M/VU1p5nPmCCI/AAAAAAAAATI/OQsQzrV1scw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOdVz1XPJ8M/VU1p5nPmCCI/AAAAAAAAATI/OQsQzrV1scw/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the finished product, with smoked inserts. The hinges are great, you can just lift the doors right off and insert the hatch boards. Pretty slick setup and much easier going in and out now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZQ-ue0ChlA/VU1p6kCDsoI/AAAAAAAAATM/BCTzGwb_zCk/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZQ-ue0ChlA/VU1p6kCDsoI/AAAAAAAAATM/BCTzGwb_zCk/s640/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're really liking the added view. You can see how with the screens in this would add a good bit of ventilation. We'll try it once it cools down or we spend a night anchored out.</td></tr>
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The next project we knocked out was the dock steps...see <a href="http://brownigvoyages.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-unplanned-swim.html" target="_blank">The Unplanned Swim</a> for why that one got bumped up on the list. I just couldn't bring myself to spend the $250+ that places like West Marine get for a crappy set of plastic dock steps, so we built a set at home and took them up to the boat.<br />
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We also had air conditioning installed. I know that's not a decision everyone likes, but for us the only way we could possibly consider spending weekends on the boat through a Houston summer...was to have AC. So we had a local yacht services company install it. We really like doing our own work when it makes sense, but for something this involved, we needed it to be super clean and to match the rest of the beautiful interior, so we asked around and after a few solid recommendations for the same company we gave them a call and got it done. The negative is, we had to add another through-hull for the AC, but the good news is it's in a place we'll be able to tap into the same one for the water maker, when the time comes. We went with a cruiseair 1600BTU unit. We wanted something that would be enough to cool the interior a bit during the day and enough to sleep at night but didn't want to have to give up too much storage space in the process. To really cool down the boat in the heat of the day we would have needed a 1600 and an 8000 BTU unit, but we didn't want the cost or to dedicate that much space. With a single 16k unit we only lost space under one cushion of the settee and a small space behind it, there's actually still a several open storage spaces behind it, so we're happy with the compramise. Oh and it's nice and cool in the boat these days. Unfortunately I don't have any pics yet but I'll take a few the next time we're there and I'll update this then.<br />
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Last weekend I re-wired the propane solenoid that we had to put in as a band aid fix on for out <a href="http://brownigvoyages.blogspot.com/2014/11/howdy-folks-buckle-in-this-is-going-to.html" target="_blank">first offshore trip</a> after we bought her. I've been putting that project off for quit a while and even though I wasn't looking forward to it, it was time to get it done the right way. So I removed the old sealant around the wiring in the propane locker and removed the pigtail from the dead solenoid. So the new one could be wired directly to the boat wiring. It took some doing, but with a little whipping line I was able to pull the wiring through to the inside. Once I wormed my way into the access hatch under the electrical panel I was able to completely remove the old pigtail and connect the new one with fresh marine crimp connections and heat shrink them to make them waterproof...just in case. So now the new solenoid is in done correctly and I'm hoping that means we're good for many years to come.<br />
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To wrap up a weekend completely dedicated to boat projects, I also went ahead and climbed the mast for the first time last weekend. OK, so I actually climbed a little over half way...for the first time. During our survey we discovered our foredeck light was burned out. Since we didn't have the time then and didn't know for sure what bulb type it took we just decided to wait until we got her home. It was a bit of a nuisance a few times in the Bahamas and we wished we had it coming up the Houston ship channel, in the dark. I know, not technically a legit navigation combo, but when surrounded by huge ships and tugs...anything you can do to increase visibility is appreciated.<br />
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We had picked up a Mast Climber and a <a href="https://www.spinlock.co.uk/en-us/categories/mast-pro-harness/product_groups/mast-pro" target="_blank">harness</a> a few months back and this was my chance to use them both. The mast climber really is a great piece of gear but I wasn't crazy about the idea of using it with a typical bosuns chair, since it would be fairly easy to fall out of if things got out of whack on my climb and I really like the idea of either Kara or I being able to go up the mast solo if required. That being said, for my first climb I really wanted a spotter and I was glad to have Kara there. We attached the spinnaker halyard to the harness via the 316 stainless climbing rated carabiner that came with the mast climber and then for good measure also attached another spare halyard directly to the harness. I was able to climb the spinnaker halyard solo and Kara was there to spot me with the spare halyard by keeping it relatively tight as I inch-wormed my way up. The climbing works great, essentially the two ascenders consist of a rope channel and a toothed lever. We you put even a little bit of weight on the end of the lever the teeth lock onto the rope allowing you to comfortably hang in place. One ascender is connected directly to the harness and placed above the other. The second is connected to a pair of straps that you stick your feet through and can stand one. By alternating where your weight is, either standing on the lower strap or hanging from the harness, you're easily able to take all weight of the other and simply slide it up the rope. It's a decent workout but honestly not as tough as it sounds. So I was able to get up to the lights, just above the spreaders and pulled the dead foredeck light, and while I was in the neighborhood, also pulled the steaming light. We ordered a set of new LED bulbs to replace them, along with some spares and next time we're down in Houston. we'll replace them both and if all goes according to plan should finally be able to light the foredeck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlacvDu1lUQ/VU16B0MA1lI/AAAAAAAAAUA/veIt_3Mvkr0/s1600/BowFromAbove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlacvDu1lUQ/VU16B0MA1lI/AAAAAAAAAUA/veIt_3Mvkr0/s640/BowFromAbove.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from above</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zAdxj1nA-I/VU16G3omaiI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Oh6ubdnb_K8/s1600/StermFromAbove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zAdxj1nA-I/VU16G3omaiI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Oh6ubdnb_K8/s640/StermFromAbove.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful wife from above</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yk8KSPfiBo/VU168FkMMgI/AAAAAAAAAUo/geiky3bGalI/s1600/MeMast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yk8KSPfiBo/VU168FkMMgI/AAAAAAAAAUo/geiky3bGalI/s640/MeMast.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many wanna be sailors does it take to change a light bulb?</td></tr>
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In between all the projects we even got out to do a little day sailing in the bay. So I'll leave off this marathon post with a little of the good stuff. Thanks for stopping by - Erin<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--FEUHYhVGIw/VU17xTgrwWI/AAAAAAAAAU0/756cxSqcRt0/s1600/IMG_1905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--FEUHYhVGIw/VU17xTgrwWI/AAAAAAAAAU0/756cxSqcRt0/s640/IMG_1905.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey look...a staysail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgm7JVwMAYE/VU17w12eIMI/AAAAAAAAAUw/QecT79DO0tE/s1600/IMG_1907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgm7JVwMAYE/VU17w12eIMI/AAAAAAAAAUw/QecT79DO0tE/s640/IMG_1907.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For some reason, this view always make s me smile</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-43685125106105029632015-05-08T20:30:00.001-05:002015-05-08T20:30:46.701-05:00The unplanned swim<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been meaning to right this update for a while now but have been so busy with work and boat projects that I kept putting it off. It will be a little light on pictures for reasons that should become obvious.<br />
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A little over a month ago, Kara and I had planned to latch onto a naming ceremony that a couple boats from our pier at the marina where having as a last hurrah before leaving on their cruising adventures (bastards). We had been planning our own renaming ceremony and when they heard about it they invited us to join them. So we took the old name off and got everything ready for the new name.<br />
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We took off a little early from work on Friday afternoon and headed down to Houston for a fun filled weekend of boating adventure. One of Kara's long time friends, we'll call her Ren, decided to join us for the weekend and come see what this whole sailboat/cruising dream she's heard us talk about for so long was all about. So despite some pretty crappy weather reports, we headed down for a weekend on the boat.<br />
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I think most of us probably have a friend or two, who when we get together it's just one big party. For Kara, that friend is Ren. When they get together it's like a perfect storm and given the weather we where expecting, I knew it was going to be an interesting weekend.<br />
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So we got to the boat a little after 6:00 and the rum started flowing. Since the weather Friday night was actually fairly nice, we decided to just relax in the cockpit and enjoy a few drinks. Once we learned that Dominoes delivers to boats in our marina we just kicked back and relaxed for the evening. The next morning we got up, enjoyed some bad marina coffee and...watched the rain pour down. It rained pretty much all day, it rained so much we couldn't even consider putting the new name on that day, so we called our other friends and family that where coming for the naming ceremony and told them not to bother, we'd do it another day. It rained almost 9 freaking inches that day. We went out to eat some late breakfast...ok lunch and then decided to go back to the boat and get out of the rain for a while.<br />
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So we ended up spending about 4 hours drinking rum and playing poker in the saloon. Thank you giant bulkhead mounted table and of course, Flor de Cana for the delicious rum. By the time the rain started to slow down we decided to go join the festivities. Despite the rain the party was in full swing for both Migration and Helios, so we joined them for some delicious food and yep, even more booze. Then it was time for a pair of renaming ceremonies, more on this when we do ours.<br />
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By the time 11PM rolled around we where all feeling pretty good but neither Kara or I had noticed just how much booze Ren had been putting away. So we decided to head up to the marina hot tub for a bit. As Kara and I where wrapping up our changing, Ren decided to grab a few more diet cokes and on her way out...promptly fell off the boat and into the water between the boat and dock. Evidently, on the way down she hit her face on the dock because by the time we jumped up the companionway and hauled her out of the water, she had a very bloody nose.<br />
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Incidentally, we now have new dock steps to make it a bit easier getting on and off of the boat...and everyone is fine </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-51027410188705077272015-03-15T18:25:00.001-05:002015-03-15T18:25:59.923-05:00Name removal and some new tunes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoRAbuifLX8/VQX7NtRIM6I/AAAAAAAAAP0/PZbgYJKjpWw/s1600/IMG_1810-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoRAbuifLX8/VQX7NtRIM6I/AAAAAAAAAP0/PZbgYJKjpWw/s1600/IMG_1810-1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1696127157"></span><span id="goog_1696127158"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1696127157">Howdy Folks,</span><br />
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<span id="goog_1696127157">As I've mentioned in the past, Kara and I have been planning to rename Baboo since we bought her. Despite the superstitions, neither of us is crazy about the name and we want to love everything about our little cruising casa, including the name...so it has to go.</span><br />
<span id="goog_1696127157"> </span><span id="goog_1696127157"> </span><br />
<span id="goog_1696127157">During one of our recent trips to the marina, a couple folks on our pier who are both preparing to leave on their open ended cruises (in 2-3 weeks...bastards), mentioned that they where planning a renaming party for their two boats the weekend of March 21-22. Since we've been dragging our heals on getting this done, we decided to join in the festivities and do our renaming at the same time. So to get things ready in time, our plans where to remove the old name this weekend.</span><br />
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<span id="goog_1696127157">Since I was in Houston for work at the end of last week, the plan was for me to meet Kara and Buster, our German Shorthaired Pointer at Baboo and spend the weekend </span>taking care of a few projects and maybe get in a little day sail. This was going to be Buster's first time aboard Baboo and while he's always loved spending time on our boats, he's never spent any real time on a sailboat and we weren't really sure what to expect. Unfortunately, Kara came down with food poisoning when she went out to dinner with her mom Thursday night, so she and Buster stayed home. Since I was already in Houston, I broke away Friday afternoon and headed down to visit Baboo.<br />
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In preparation for removing the old name which was painted on, I had read several threads on <a href="http://www.cruisersforum.com/" target="_blank">CruisersForum</a> and to double check, posted a question on the IP owners forum (<a href="http://www.ipyoa.com/" target="_blank">IPYOA</a>) and the general consensus was that EasyOff oven cleaner was the way to go. Evidently it doesn't harm the gelcoat and does as good a job of removing pant as it does baked on pizza cheese...mmm Pizza.<br />
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So still a bit nervous, I stopped at the local Randal's grocery store picked up some EasyOff and other essentials (beer and snacks). Then dropped by West Marine to pick up a fine scotch brite pad (essentially very fine artificial steel wool) that's great for scrubbing stains without scratching the surface. I also picked up some rubbing compound and surface polish to restore the shine to the gelcoat before we apply the new name and are able to wax the transom again. Waxing before applying the name can cause issues with the vinyl lettering not sticking properly.<br />
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Then I headed down to the boat hoping I'd have enough time to remove the old name before it got too dark. After chatting with a few folks and reassuring them (and myself) that I wasn't crazy, and was in fact about to apply oven cleaner to our transom. I lowered the dingy down into the water from the davits so I'd have a place to work and coated the old name with oven cleaner. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZST4sYM8Lo/VQX7PpwFDlI/AAAAAAAAAQE/3W72nt7OH8A/s1600/IMG_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZST4sYM8Lo/VQX7PpwFDlI/AAAAAAAAAQE/3W72nt7OH8A/s1600/IMG_1811.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking in EasyOff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The guidance I got from IPYOA said to let it sit for 5 minutes or so and then scrub with the Scotch Brite pad. So that's what I did, I was absolutely amazed at how easily the old paint came off using this method.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THnJFaaAxxE/VQX7OBUv1WI/AAAAAAAAAP4/FdJIZ99GcDY/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THnJFaaAxxE/VQX7OBUv1WI/AAAAAAAAAP4/FdJIZ99GcDY/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was pretty proud of myself for remembering to stop mid way and take this picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGxiESQfCKU/VQX7TSMxtlI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/fWNlM0QsdfE/s1600/IMG_1814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGxiESQfCKU/VQX7TSMxtlI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/fWNlM0QsdfE/s1600/IMG_1814.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see it worked like a charm.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'd say the total time scrubbing was about 1-2 minutes. Speaking of which, oven cleaner is nasty stuff, I wore disposable gloves for all this scrubbing, you don't want want this stuff on your skin. By this time the paint was really more of greasy smear, very easy to get off. Since the paint went so smoothly, I decided I'd press my luck a bit and try the same thing on the vinyl lettering for the previous hailing port. I wasn't looking forward to breaking out the heat gun and meticulously peeling them all off. So I coated the whole thing in oven cleaner and stepped next door to chat with me neigbors who where putting a new bimini on their beautiful Pacific Seacraft 40. When I came back and scrubbed at the vinyl lettering all I really got was a ton of green foamy mess. The top layer of the vinyl came away, along with the dye but must of the vinyl remained. So I re-coated and went back to chat with the neighbors. The second application and scrubbing took most of the lettering off but there where still spots here and there, so I re-applied a third coat.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h27PQiIH9KY/VQX7TABmEMI/AAAAAAAAAQM/d3hf4hHgn4I/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h27PQiIH9KY/VQX7TABmEMI/AAAAAAAAAQM/d3hf4hHgn4I/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the second coat and scubbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I let the 3rd coat sit for a few minutes and was able to get all the lettering off this time. All total I'd say it took about 20-30 minutes to remove all the vinyl. Of which, 5-10 minutes was actual scrubbing, the rest was waiting for the oven cleaner to work it's magic. Overall I was really pleased with how well this works, thanks CF and IPYOA.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UW0r6V3DZnQ/VQX7VCMJsFI/AAAAAAAAAQc/vew37JVwlu4/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UW0r6V3DZnQ/VQX7VCMJsFI/AAAAAAAAAQc/vew37JVwlu4/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Once I was sure I'd cleaned away all the oven cleaner, I then washed and dried the transom. As expected the finish was a bit splotchy with areas of low and high gloss from the removal of the wax. So I spent a good deal of time compounding and polishing it back to a finish I was happy with. This was the long part of the project and the compound took much more elbow grease than the paint and vinyl removal. The finished product looked pretty good but since the sun was hesitant to show itself, I'll reserve judgement on if we'll need to do another round of polishing before applying the new name and hailing port info. If I had to do it again, I'd have no hesitation using the oven cleaner, it worked great.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mcOrXJEivwA/VQX7XTjDSGI/AAAAAAAAAQk/g1dUDIsAmhQ/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mcOrXJEivwA/VQX7XTjDSGI/AAAAAAAAAQk/g1dUDIsAmhQ/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a beer and a break in the clouds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So that project being done, I enjoyed a couple cold beers from a local Houston microbrewery and contemplated what to do with the rest of the day. During the name removal project I got a call from a couple I'd "met" via email from a thread on CruisersForum. They also have an IP40 and keep her literally 5 minutes away in a nearby marina and invited me over for drinks. Since I was planning to head back to lake LBJ that night, I packed up the truck grabbed the 4 remaining beers of from my 6-pack of Hopadillo and drove over.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhwq5yCTZ1c/VQYSw251SeI/AAAAAAAAASA/rnEPaJ0KnaA/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhwq5yCTZ1c/VQYSw251SeI/AAAAAAAAASA/rnEPaJ0KnaA/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty stuff - I'm enjoying the last of it while writing this entry on the deck (lake LBJ)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I met them on their boat, a beautiful and well equipped IP40 Carpe Diem and since they have a full enclosure (it was chilly by Texas standards) we relaxed in the cockpit and got to know each other over a few drinks. They were super friendly folks and I'm sure the next time we're all 4 down in Kemah, we'll get together for dinner, drinks, sailing...or some combination there-of. It's always nice to meet other interested cruisers and benefit from the perspective of folks who have been sailing for so much longer than we have. I believe John mentioned he's been sailing for 40 years. With that many years of experience, they're bound to be able to teach us a few things. Plus they where super cool and have exceptionally good taste in boats ;) what more could you ask for.<br />
<br />
By the time we decided to break for the evening, it was 10 PM and I was no longer interested in making the 4 hour drive back home. So I grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed back to Baboo (sounds better than nameless) and started relaxed with <i>Airborne</i> - by William F. Buckley, to wind down with a little rum before bed.<br />
<br />
The next morning I got up early'sh 7 AM and walked up to the marina lounge for a little coffee to try and decide what I was going to do. On our way back to Texas from Abaco, we took a wave on deck and didn't realize we had failed to properly close a hatch all the way (rookie mistake) and of course the splash was a direct hit on our tired old Alpine stereo that came with Baboo. We where already planning to replace it, since we use our phones for everything musical and wanted something with Bluetooth capabilities. Still it was a complete loss and we where very luck nothing else was damaged, the SSB is about 2 feet away. I'd been putting this project off since we got back because I wasn't sure how painful it would be to get the old stereo out. As much as I wanted to go home, being the only one on the boat and knowing that we where hoping to have some friends down to visit us on the boat next weekend, I decided now was the time. The new stereo was just sitting there waiting on me, it would be nice to have a better option than the portable bluetooth speaker we'd been using.<br />
<br />
So, I wandered back to Baboo and started crawling around looking for the best access to remove the old system and check all the wiring. Fortunately, like everything else I've found on Baboo (knock wood) access was fairly convenient, Island Packet did it right. Removing the old unit was fairly easy and the wiring was nice and clean. I even found the old manual and wiring diagram for the original stereo, so after a brief trip to Home Depot for some waterproof crimping butt-splices the ones with heat-shrink tubing, I was ready to go. Side-note: it really is nice being in Kemah, we're 5 minutes from just about anything you could need for a boat project. Really lowers the stress level when working under a weekend time crunch.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bBU9svSTJWE/VQX7YbptvZI/AAAAAAAAAQs/W7ykZIrk6PQ/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bBU9svSTJWE/VQX7YbptvZI/AAAAAAAAAQs/W7ykZIrk6PQ/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking all the old connections and labeling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvqD5mADS_I/VQX7b569MCI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/4-rzHb0DQbI/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvqD5mADS_I/VQX7b569MCI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/4-rzHb0DQbI/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crimping the new connections</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Anyway, I got back to Baboo and wired up the new stereo, taking time to check every connection before heat-shrinking it. By noon all the speakers where working and the Bluetooth and Pandora control worked like a charm. I wired it so that both "front" speakers where in the Salon and the "rears" where in the cockpit so using the fader we can isolate output to either area. That way we can turn it up inside without annoying our neighbors when in the marina and if anyone wants to sit outside in the cockpit, you won't annoy folks down below.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5JsgPoRvuQ/VQX7d5Y1brI/AAAAAAAAARE/jv56JHfnTRQ/s1600/IMG_1824-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5JsgPoRvuQ/VQX7d5Y1brI/AAAAAAAAARE/jv56JHfnTRQ/s1600/IMG_1824-1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tested and ready to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Overall, I'd consider this to be a successful weekend. It's nice to knock out a few little projects, though next time I really want to get out for an actual sail.<br />
<br />
On the plus side, when I got home Saturday afternoon Kara was feeling better and we where able to go out for a relaxing dinner and came back home for a movie. And a bit of rum.<br />
<br />
We woke up this morning to a really nice quiet day on lake LBJ. After a couple cups of fresh coffee we worked on another frame for Kara's garden, we have a bit of a deer problem so it has to be completely covered. When that was done we actually got out for a bit of sailing on our little Catalina. The lake is definitely not the same as ocean or even bay sailing, but it was great to get out and enjoy being outside.<br />
<br />
Oh and the sun even graced us with it's presence today. So yeah, all in all, a pretty nice little weekend.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufOL3LeQ2a8/VQYO2wzGMAI/AAAAAAAAARs/xN-RKx1M894/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufOL3LeQ2a8/VQYO2wzGMAI/AAAAAAAAARs/xN-RKx1M894/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="640" width="443" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My chicky - Chauffeuring me around lake LBJ at a blistering 3 knots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v3KVLvLVpeg/VQYO4rYjheI/AAAAAAAAAR0/yjKK4qfU7mU/s1600/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v3KVLvLVpeg/VQYO4rYjheI/AAAAAAAAAR0/yjKK4qfU7mU/s1600/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And me at every bit of 4 knots ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-72201428693136459422015-01-30T22:18:00.001-06:002015-01-30T22:18:26.722-06:00Well, fridge works...really well<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0LZ6toHQmE/VMxWxL6Hr3I/AAAAAAAAAPU/AaCj-4BSBco/s1600/FridgeBomb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0LZ6toHQmE/VMxWxL6Hr3I/AAAAAAAAAPU/AaCj-4BSBco/s1600/FridgeBomb.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fridge - Soda Bomb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today, Thursday Jan 30th I left Austin after work and drove down to Kemah for a little quality time with BABOO. She's due for an oil change after the trip home from Maryland and my plan was to knock that out tonight, work from our Houston office Friday and then spend the weekend knocking out a few other projects.<br />
<br />
Projects to include:<br />
1) Measuring for new companionway doors. The company we've been planning to use is running a special through the end of the month for a saving of $300. Since that's 30% of the total cost, that was significant enough for me to justify the trip.<br />
2) Need to treat our fuel with Biocide to ensure we keep the tank nice and clean since she'll be sitting again for a while, and treat the water tank to keep it from getting funky as well.<br />
3) I also wanted to address a few of the sticking doors we have. Evidently Island Packet builds these boats to such tight tolerances that big changes in humidity really make a difference. Since BABOO has spent the last 15 years in the Chesapeake, Houston is a big change and we have a few sticking doors. I'm planning to plane them down a tiny bit and then sand them a bit to address this issue.<br />
<br />
Anyway, after fighting some nasty Houston traffic, I finally made it down to the marina, carted a load of goodies down the dock and said hello to BABOO after leaving her alone for a couple weeks. Everything aboard was as it should be, or so I thought. I changed out of my work clothes and into something comfy and boaty, unpacked a few things and decided I'd treat myself to a cold beer before starting the oil change.<br />
<br />
That's when I discovered that leaving our SeaFrost freezer block running, with a load of beer and soda, while we where gone...maybe wasn't the best idea we ever had. We had a handful (6-8) of sodas left in the fridge about a foot from the freezer block and every single one of them had exploded...violently. So the entire inside of the fridge, and everything else it it was covered in nasty frozen soda.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMzjWekzTjs/VMxWvjs5aCI/AAAAAAAAAPM/BwXnTLXs2Jk/s1600/Fridge-Aftermath.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMzjWekzTjs/VMxWvjs5aCI/AAAAAAAAAPM/BwXnTLXs2Jk/s1600/Fridge-Aftermath.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought it was crazy how it blew the top of the cans right off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So instead of the oil change and a well deserved beer, I spent the night emptying the fridge and cleaning everything. Not too horrible, but not the productive night I was hoping for. Sounds like we'll have to add another item to the todo list. We need a divider in the fridge to separate the freezer from the fridge. I knew that block was super efficient once it got going, just didn't realize to what extent. Overall a good problem to have though...I think.<br />
<br />
Anyway, time for bed. Tomorrow I have a full day of actual work that they pay me for and then it's time for that oil change and hopefully the rest of the ToDo list on Sat.<br />
<br />
Not the most exciting night, but thought I'd share!<br />
<br />
Goodnight folks,<br />
ErinAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-21770371732266601092015-01-23T13:24:00.001-06:002015-01-29T21:31:25.495-06:00GoM passage Day 6 - Wed Jan 14th<style>
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Our last day of the passage is by far the coldest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think it ever got above the
mid-40s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kara and I have talked about it
and both agree that the worst part of this passage has been the cold
weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so cold that you really don’t
feel like being in the cockpit if you don’t have too, which results in all
watches being solo watches, which is a bit of a downer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually, during the day we’re both up in the
cockpit enjoying the view and the fresh salt air, chatting and just relaxing in
general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this trip, if you’re not on
watch, you actually need to be down below warming up so you don’t freeze on
your next watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The overall sea state
has been fine, and even our little 30 knot gale with the 10ft quartering waves,
while it made us both nervous since it was our first time in these conditions,
wasn’t really that bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But having to do
it all solo, in 5-6 layers, in the cold wind just wasn’t that much fun.
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We never expected this passage to be fun, and it lived up to
expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What it really drove home
for both of us was that there’s a good reason why most passages have a
recommended time of year to undertake them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We knew we where choosing to cross the gulf outside that time but it was time to get BABOO home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the worst time of year would have been
during hurricane season and there’s no way we where going to do that, but
winter in the gulf, while not overly dangerous, is far less than comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next time we cross the gulf (Mexico…New
Orleans ?) it will be in warmer conditions, so that it’s actually enjoyable.</div>
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Anyway, we followed the safety fairway all the way into
Galveston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The closer we got to
Galveston, the more shipping traffic we began to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is amazing how big some of those
ships are and how fast they’re moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>25 knots may not seem like much but when you’re moving at 6-7
knots…that’s freaking fast.</div>
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We made it to the ship anchorage outside the Galveston
jetties about 2 hours before sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was incredible to see the massive number of ships that where anchored
outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really wish I’d gotten more
pictures, but it was so cold that I just didn’t feel like taking my gloves off
to mess with the camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did get one
short iphone video that I’ll post if it’s not too crappy, we’ll see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We motorsailed just outside the channel and
up between the jetties and made the turn north towards Trinity bay and Clearlake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the sun set we opted to continue to the
marina since we had captain Blaine with us and he’s pretty comfortable with
this kind of thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be clear, if it
had been just Kara and I we would have found a spot to anchor and just waited
until daylight to continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we
where inside the water was super calm and even though the wind had shifted to
pretty much right in our face, we where able to motor at 7+ knots pretty
easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always we left the main up to
stabilize us, but also used it to increase our visibility, hitting it with a
light every time one of those tugs, pushing the massive barges decided to
bee-line straight for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nice,
for the most part as soon as we lit up the sail, they would adjust course
around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still not sure if that’s
because they didn’t see us before or if they realized we really where a
little sailboat, and new we could exactly get out of there way quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We where almost always outside the red side
of the channel, having to duck in briefly to avoid a couple shoals but then got
right out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d had a close encounter
with a ship a couple days prior and did everything possible to avoid a repeat
of that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we got close to the Clearlake area it was all hands on
deck with someone always monitoring the depth sounder, someone spot lighting
and helping look for the unlit markers while Blaine piloted us through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a related note, we really need to move our
instruments off the binnacle and over the companionway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We almost never drive from the helm when offshore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nice to be up behind the dodger out of
the wind and spray and since our trusty B&G auto pilot has a wired remote
we can adjust course from anywhere in the cockpit or even down below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is with our wind instrument, knot
meter, and depth sounder all mounted at the helm, you have to walk back every
time you want to check any of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve seen many other IPs with the instruments mounted just above the
companionway and really like this setup, since you can read everything from
anywhere in the cockpit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We finally got into the Waterford harbor marina about 9:30
PM, found our slip and tied up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it
was time for a nice LONG hot shower and some rum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that we where on shore power we saved the
propane and fired up our electric space heater to take some of the chill out of
the air and got some sleep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pd3NSRm1Go/VMKf3aJUvLI/AAAAAAAAAO8/guqrcsqBbX4/s1600/GOM-GladtoBeHome.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pd3NSRm1Go/VMKf3aJUvLI/AAAAAAAAAO8/guqrcsqBbX4/s1600/GOM-GladtoBeHome.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kara and BABOO - Glad to be home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-71440964043727376042015-01-23T13:12:00.004-06:002015-01-24T22:35:47.871-06:00GoM passage Day 5 - Tues Jan 13th<style>
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<br />
Howdy folks,
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--Sidebar--</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Writing these entires from the saloon on the passage has been fun for me, since
it will function as part logbook for Kara and I down the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure we’ll look back on our 30 knot
(storm…ok gale) and the 10ft seas that came with it later and laugh but at the
time, it was 1 part stressful, and 1 part exciting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still writing this I wonder if anyone else will find it the
slightest bit interesting or helpful. So do us a favor and if you’re actually
reading my meandering commentary and are still awake, drop us a comment or something
to let us know you’re out there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--OK back to our regularly scheduled program--</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve been sailing since last night around 10:30-11 when
Kara noticed we had enough wind to unfurl the jib and shut off the motor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We actually keep the main out pretty much the
whole time, even when sailing since it stabilizes the boat and keeps us from
rolling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This makes the motion much more
comfortable, particularly when dealing with a beam sea as we have been for the
last day or so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It cooled down quite a bit late last night/early this AM and
today has remained cold and cloudy, but with a nice wind out of the N to
NE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been making between 5-7 knots
all day and are getting close to make our turn to the NNE so we can follow the
safety fairway all the way up to Galveston.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qr2Fxm0bwVI/VMKTJGbJ8nI/AAAAAAAAAOI/wRbZ0mR0BhU/s1600/GOM-Cold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qr2Fxm0bwVI/VMKTJGbJ8nI/AAAAAAAAAOI/wRbZ0mR0BhU/s1600/GOM-Cold.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yours truly from the cockpit on a cold nasty day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kara and I just had our watch change, so I’m down below
enjoying the hot chocolate she made and trying to warm up while she’s in the
cockpit making sure we don’t hit any uncharted rigs or get squashed by a super
tanker or container ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Houston is a
massive shipping port and we’ve been noticing more and more ship traffic as we
get closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The safety fairway is pretty
much the only sane way to approach, particularly once it gets dark, so it
really focuses all the traffic into a little 2 mile corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We typically try to stick just outside the
corridor so we don’t get run down but since in many places the rigs are
actually right on the line, we’ll have to duck into the actual lane from time
to time, always nice in a tiny 40ft sailboat going 6 knots when surrounded by
massive tankers and cargo vessels running 25 knots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BABOO is likely pretty tough for them to pick
out when they’re really focused on the rigs and other ships, so we follow
collregs and always keep in mind the rule of gross tonnage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tonight, looks like it will be another cold one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which stinks but then again, no-one ever said
the Gulf of Mexico would be fun in January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Probably a big reason why most folks take the ICW for this trip, and go
when it’s a bit warmer…stupid work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
this point we’re just hoping the wind will allow us to sail up the fairway to
the Galveston entrance vs having to motor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re much faster under sail but if we don’t have enough of a wind
angle, it can make maneuvering around ships and rigs a bit challenging.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stay tuned, we’re hoping to make the entrance at Galveston
tomorrow in daylight, so we don’t have to wait outside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks and more to come,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Erin</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-37938108863316892862015-01-23T13:07:00.001-06:002015-01-24T22:35:36.519-06:00GoM passage Day 4 - Mon Jan 12th<style>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Morning update.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last
night, right around the time Kara was starting dinner, the seas began building
and the wind really picked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We where
seeing 25-30 knots out of the SW and with so much fetch, the seas where
getting big (by our current standards) 8-10ft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>BABOO was doing great but surfing some of those bigger waves really
got…exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reefed down a bit on
both sails to slow us down a bit and speed our recovery as we had a tendency to
round up a bit when we surfed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course
right about then I spotted our first oil rig (drilling platform for you
non-Texans). Fortunately, we where still on a broad reach, so we had plenty of
steering options and altered course to port (slightly more southerly) to
help keep us out of the bulk of the platforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From that first rig, it was like a dam broke, we where seeing anywhere
from 12-15 rigs at all times and gradually altered course more and more to port (S) until we seemed to be taking them all on our starboard side (NW towards
shore).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was going to be an exciting
night for Kara and I since this was by far the most weather we had seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The winds weren’t too bad at 25-30 on our
beam to port quarter depending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the
seas really made it a challenge to judge our course relative to the rigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also started seeing lighting all around,
for the most part it was just cloud lightening, not much actually striking the
surface, but it added to our overall feeling of apprehension.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately, the rigs are huge and for the most part super
well lit, so seeing them was easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Choosing a course that allowed us to miss the greatest number of them
with the minimal amount of course corrections, was a bit more challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see now why so many people consider radar,
essential equipment for sailing the gulf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The added visibility for course selection would have been great last
night, and today, and tomorrow…oh and possibly Wednesday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the course of the night we got hit with some pretty
heavy rain showers, so it was a fun introduction to as Blaine likes to call it
“moderate weather sailing”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually
think the weather alone would have been fine but adding in the stress of having
to maneuver, under sail in those conditions around 100s of oil rigs, in 10 ft
seas, in the dark, in a driving rain, with lighting all around, was fairly stressful for both of us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, we did fine and this is exactly the reason why we
wanted to be here, on the boat, standing our solo watches bringing her home vs.
just paying someone to drop her at the dock for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we’re going to do some cruising, it’s time
to start building up some relevant experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have to admit though, I was glad to have someone aboard with plenty of
experience who could look at those conditions and say, meh no big deal y’all
got this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to catch some sleep,
wake me if you need me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which brings us to today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re now motoring WSW, because the light NW winds we where expecting
finally showed up around<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>0430 this
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The seas have calmed
significantly 1-2 ft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kara, and I just
had a couple cinnamon raisin bagles with peanut butter for breakfast, cleaned
up and got ready for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My 4 hour
day watch begins in about 30 minutes, so I need to get hoping here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll do my best to get some pictures of the
rigs today. I tried last night but the conditions and the fact that we try to
avoid them by a wide margin, made it tough to capture the moment with my
iphone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until next time, wish us luck and above all – Excellent
weather</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--Evening update-- </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We motored most of the day and once we worked our way into
the “safety fairway”, a two mile wide corridor with no rigs, life got much
simpler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the wind shifted a bit and with by adjusting our course to stay in the fairway, we where even able to raise sail...WOOHOO. It’s not the most direct route,
forcing us to continue WSW off the coast but it makes up for it in lack of
stress dodging all those freaking rigs, and the fact that we can continue to
sail. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tonight, we had a very simple dinner, frozen family style
meal warmed up on the stove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not our
favorite food, but it was easy and relatively tasty...and hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re prepping for a trip like this, a
supply of simple, easy to cook in any conditions meals are a great idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For lunch though, Kara made an excellent
shrimp ceviche that we scarfed down in the cockpit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great with lots of fresh Florida
veggies, so we did have a nice fresh meal...don’t worry mom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the most part we eat really well on our
trips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we ate lunch in the
cockpit, we actually had a pod of very small dolphins (porpoises) drop by to
play in our wake and bow wave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
didn’t stay more than about 5 minutes, but it was a nice surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I broke out the gopro and hope to have gotten
some footage of them swimming, we’ll see how it turns out once we’re back home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93QxXtysKoc/VMKTKMSDBYI/AAAAAAAAAOg/g9KIH09e6oo/s1600/GOM-sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93QxXtysKoc/VMKTKMSDBYI/AAAAAAAAAOg/g9KIH09e6oo/s1600/GOM-sunset.jpg" height="300" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our one nice sunset during the crossing came at a good time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-55096055406199581322015-01-23T12:55:00.002-06:002015-01-24T22:35:27.848-06:00GoM passage Day 3 - Sun Jan 11th <style>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last night we cut across the De Soto Canyon (SW of New
Orleans) and after having to motorsail for a few hours early this AM, to keep
our speed in the 6 knot range, we’ve been sailing since around 10 AM when my
day watch started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s now 1430 and
we’ve been doing a confortable 5.5-6.5 knots with the wind ranging from a broad
reach to a beam reach out of the NE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
seas have gotten larger at 4-6 ft but since they’re now on the port quarter
it’s been very comfortable so far today and we’re making good time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve had a few little rain showers, but so
far have been lucky and the big stuff has missed us (knocking on wood as I type
this).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BABOO, as always is handling the
seas with ease, so it’s very comfortable both in the cockpit and down below,
where I’m sitting now while Kara’s on watch, enjoying some chocolate chip
cookies that I decided to break out for us as a snack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been calm enough today that Kara made us a great
cucumber, tomato, and onion salad to compliment the turkey sandwiches and if it
holds out, she’s promising a little king ranch chicken for dinner, fingers
crossed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our goal today has been to head a bit to the ESE in an
attempt to stay outside (offshore) of the bulk of the oil rigs off the
Louisiana coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have radar
(yet) and are wishing we did since it would really improve our visibility when
sailing at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately,
moonrise isn’t until 11:30’sh tonight and of course gets about an hour later
each night, so we’re going to have some dark nights sailing and I’m sure we’ll
be straining our eyes when on watch to make sure we no rigs sneak up on
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our plan is to head down the coast
following the 4000 ft depth contour line to get us outside the majority of the rigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s still a few we’ll need to watch out
for here, but it seems a good compromise between staying (relatively) close to
shore and minimizing our oil rig exposure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re still about 2 days (hopefully less) away from where we’ll make our
turn to the NW to pick up the “safety fairway”, read rig free zone, that leads
into the shipping channel at Galveston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From Galveston we’ll head north into Galveston Bay to Trinity Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then West towards Clear lake and finally into
our Marina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They're<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we had to wait in Tampa for 2 days to
let the weather improve, we’re a bit behind what we where hoping for.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
supposedly holding a
slip for us, though we where originally hoping to be there around the 12-13<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This afternoon, while I was on watch, Kara and Blaine fired
up the SSB (long range High Frequency radio – short for Single SideBand) for a
weather update out of New Orleans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looks
like tonight should be favorable, with the wind gradually switching over to NW
at 5-10 sometime tomorrow morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NW
wind means it’ll be right in our face, which means we’ll be motoring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, heres to hoping that forecast is the
worst case scenario and if we have to fight the wind, the lighter the better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime, I have a couple hours to relax and maybe
catch a nap, while I sit here enjoying the feel of BABOO surfing downwind on
the 4-6 foot seas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great day so far,
here’s to hoping it stays that way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I’m sure I’ll check in again later –Erin</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-13899936696197482262015-01-23T12:49:00.002-06:002015-01-24T22:35:18.256-06:00GoM passage Day 2 - Sat Jan 10th <style>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup></sup>This morning the seas where still pretty rough and rolly but
the wind was still good and we where making good time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the day progressed the wind dropped to
5-10 knots out of the NE and then shifted to E and dropped to about 5
knots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we where sailing on a broad
reach with almost no wind doing a sad 3 knots with a good bit of roll due to a
beam sea and finally decided to fire up the engine and start getting some
miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Motor sailing, we’ve been getting
somewhere in the 6+ knot range, we can easily do a bit more but are motoring at
1700 RPM, which allows our little 50 hp Yanmar to sip diesel so we’ll have it
for later. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The seas actually calmed down
too, so we decided to take advantage of the conditions cook some turkey burgers
for dinner. Nothing fancy, but a nice hot meal was appreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We actually had a nice hot breakfast too,
oatmeal is a great option on a boat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, it’s been a good but slower day than we’d
like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The models are showing the wind
picking up tonight and tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re
hoping it won’t be too much when it finally gets here, but being able to
sail and get our speed up a bit would be great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We really need to look into some good downwind/lightwind sails and a whisker pole
for BABO<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still surprised the previous owner didn’t
have a whisker pole?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
O to get the best out of days like today.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, it’s about an hour after dinner and my first night
watch 8-10 starts in about an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll
be back to add anything relevant tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>See you soon – Erin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKpyLV_sHog/VMKTJPUgYwI/AAAAAAAAAOM/uktzGle259U/s1600/GOM-Cold-Sail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKpyLV_sHog/VMKTJPUgYwI/AAAAAAAAAOM/uktzGle259U/s1600/GOM-Cold-Sail.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motoring through relatively calm seas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647109227079704898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788235031138627813.post-47473125739057241232015-01-23T12:44:00.003-06:002015-01-24T22:37:33.279-06:00Gulf of Mexico Passage Day 1 - Friday Jan 9th<style>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my phone roused Kara and I from our nice comfy berth,
in our very cold boat, we grabbed our stuff
and hiked down to the marina showers, which where very nice and heated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Kara was showering I checked my phone
and noticed the weather was still a bit confused but was looking slightly
better with the wind shifting sooner from NW to N to NE later that day and
Saturday afternoon shifting to East.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
still looked like it would be a bumpy uncomfortable ride but at least we could
get NW across the Gulf instead of having to head due W and pray for a shift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This meant we’d probably be leaving today,
and that it was going to be a cold trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>High’s around 50 degrees F and lows in the 40s and possibly even 30s as
we got closer to home…of course this was the time for Texas to have our once a
year arctic blast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean what better
time than when we really need to get Baboo back home? Kara and I need to get back
to work and have some chance of actually having enough cash to ever make this
dream of some full time cruising, actually happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re both very cognizant of the fact that
the most dangerous thing to have on any sailboat, is a calendar but
unfortunately the reality of our lives right now include having to be back at
work…hopefully by the 15<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If we run into issues with the weather, the goal is to be close enough
to shore that we can be in a marina within a day or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We always have the option of finding BABOO
another temporary home while we go back to work and find another block of time
to finish the return trip – but we’re hoping not to go that route.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, Blaine meets us at the boat around 9 we review the
weather and opt to head out while we can, motor to the mouth of the bay, 2-3
hour trip, and stick our nose out and see what we see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we can do WNW we’ll go, if we’re stuck
with straight W we’ll drop back in and wait for a shift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we fire up the iron-geni, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/WhiteSpotPirates" target="_blank">Untie The Lines</a> (great youtube
channel) and motor out of the marina and down to the mouth of the bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we leave the bay, it’s my watch so
Blaine goes below for a bit of a nap and Kara and I watch apprehensively as the
wind and waves start to build.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pretty
much always have the main up (reefed at this point) so we have options if the engine quits in a bad
spot, like a shipping channel surrounded by shoals in a 25 knot wind...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as we’re heading out, we can really feel
the wind and know that we’re in for an exciting ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we pass the final shoal, we start our turn
to Starboard NW, slow the engine and unfurl the jib (about 2/3rds of it
anyway). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHmErZlRVI8/VMKTJ4VnBCI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Yi6hFX5Yt8I/s1600/GOM-leavingTampa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHmErZlRVI8/VMKTJ4VnBCI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Yi6hFX5Yt8I/s1600/GOM-leavingTampa.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the shipping channel outside Tampa Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up until this point we had the equivalent of a single reef
in the main (about 1/3 of the sail is still furled in the mast) and had been
comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, once we started
our turn up into the wind and killed the engine, our inclinometer and the,
shall I say pucker factor, let us know we still had too much main out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we furled in another couple feet of main
until the boat was more comfortable and we where still clocking a good 6.5-8
knots up into the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The seas where
steep and blocky 3-4 foot waves with period of maybe 3-4 seconds and it was
blowing a good 25-30 knots, but Baboo can do this all day long, we just needed
a little time to get comfortable (?) with it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4VVe0LhFs5M/VMKTJ467rAI/AAAAAAAAAOc/MEfY1LIY2zM/s1600/GOM-navionics-Tampa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4VVe0LhFs5M/VMKTJ467rAI/AAAAAAAAAOc/MEfY1LIY2zM/s1600/GOM-navionics-Tampa.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not our actual route but this was as far North as we could point leaving the bay. The wind shifted as expected and we adjusted our course about 30-40 degrees further N later in the day.</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, Kara wasn’t feeling great most of Friday and
it was super cold in the cockpit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Typically she and I are both up most of the day talking and just
enjoying the view from the cockpit, regardless of who’s on watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the cold and rolly conditions we agreed
that the best bet was to get below when you’re off watch and warm up and relax
a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This all amounted to us not
seeing much of each other outside of watch changes.</div>
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We didn’t cook dinner since it was so rough and not everyone
was feeling up to a meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dinner was
a PB&J during my 4 hour afternoon shift followed by a granola bar and a
yogurt for my night watches.</div>
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The winds actually shifted a bit to the NE over night and we
where able to point pretty much due NW or just East of New Orleans and then
just settled in for what turned out to be a 140sh mile day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s 140 miles closer to home.</div>
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