Finally got around to painting the cockpit floor

Since the boat's cockpit doubled as a workshop, the floor took a pounding.  Well, I finally broke down and spent the time and energy yesterday to sand and paint it.  I used the Interlux Interdeck nonskid paint.  I ended up using the beige on the boat many years ago and it's worked pretty well.  I went with as light a color as I could, just short of white.  The previous owner painted it gray over baby blue with horrible prep work, so it was peeling.  I fixed this right away by using this bottom paint solvent stripper that was supposed to work on the bottom and didn't.  I tried to get out of spending three days grinding off the old bottom paint, but nope, did it anyway.  So, with this fancy stripper, I painted and stripped the upper deck and painted it with the Interdeck back in 2004 and then wanted to spruce it up after changing some deck hardware which required some repainting, so I repainted the whole thing again several years later.  They changed the color scheme for the paint somewhere in the middle of that time frame, so It's actually slightly darker now, darn it.  I wanted it to be as light as possible so as to reduce the amount of heat it generates below, and not blister your bare feet too.  It's amazing how things heat up in the Florida sun.

Before

During

After

a little work on a beautiful Saturday

Spent the day doing a couple of fun chores.  I screwed on a couple of scraps of starboard, onto the bottom of the bag that hangs from the dinghy's bench seat.  That should elevate it a quarter of an inch and keep things a little dryer.  I also took the basket that came with the refrigerator (that we could never find a really good use for as it didn't work well inside the frig) and it fits inside the bag really well and holds the anchor, the kite, and the bag of lights and whistles and flares nicely and keeps them all together and a little protected against bumping.  I of course pull it out and store it below when we're not on the boat.  You can barely see the plastic in the photos.

Besides that, I put in a larger shim / piece of wood at the base of the companionway so that the hatch boards fit better.  I'm sych'ed about how that's turned out.  It's been several years in the making, but without completely redesigning and rebuilding it, that it's done and good to go, unless I want to put in barn doors.

The last thing I did was swap out the oversized 44 lbs bruce on the bow, with a more proper sized one which is 33 lbs.  I also took out the swivel and went with two shackles, and wired them closed.  Everything will now fit thru the bow roller and not cause me to hang over the bow pulpit and pull the whole thing over the roller, ouch, the back won't take much more of that.

And of course, several other new projects were discovered in the process of doing these three.  Do we ever end up with the perfect boat?

Taking advantage of some great weather

We actually went sailing this past Tuesday, and the weather was perfect.  We warped with the tide out and ran into some 5 to 6 footer at the breakwater because the wind from the east was opposing and a swell had set up from the east.  Of course we had one wave that sent the bow shooting straight upwards for what seemed like forever, and no one had a video cam going, damn.

Oh well, we just kept motoring until we were out of it, then raised the sails, and away we went.  It was blowing 10 knots and there were 2 to 4 foot seas with some roll to it, it wasn't too uncomfortable beating to wind.

A couple of hours like that, then a tack, that slowly turned into a beam reach and back to the St.John's MOA and it was time to call it a day.  It had actually lightened up some and it was still churned up at the breakwater, there were a couple of 6 footers.  We dodged a car carrier going out, as well as the usual assortment of boats and ferries.

A quick trip back to the marina, a wash down, and then it was time to head home, pour ourselves a 'dresser' cocktail, clean up, then head to dinner, sushi.

Earth Date; May 25th, 2015; successfully transitioning from spring to summer

Well, it's been another fun filled month (plus).  Debi and I took off down the ICW and marina-hopped again, put some more hours on the new motor, and had a great time.  10 days later and we returned with no worse for wear.

Our first stop was into St.Augustine's municipal city marina.  We timed it better this time where we came in on slack tide, and the wind wasn't against us, and we landed successfully and without incident, yea!  The next day we were off to Palm Coast.  We ran into several friends, had a great time and headed to New Smyrna Beach City marina.  It was along this route that when we got to the two bascule bridges in the Daytona area, we almost had a real disaster.  We ended up with two motor trawlers and they were using channel 16, I was using channel 9.  We cleared the Main St. Bridge just fine.  I was in front so I hailed the Memorial Bridge with my usual 'bridge, bridge, this is the south bound sailing vessel Renasci requesting passage at your next opening'.  He came back and said 'hold on a second please', so I did.  Not shortly after that, he raised the bridge, I had peeled off and was behind the two trawlers now, and all three of us started for the bridge.  The two ahead of me made it, and then all of a sudden, five horns.  What the F$%K!, I had to do an emergency peel off just feet from the fenders, thank GOD I wasn't 10 feet closer to the bridge.  So, two seconds later, I power down and I get on the radio and ask what happened, and the bridge tender said he didn't hear me.  I guess he did SEE me either ?  I mean, it's so easy to not see a fifty foot telephone poll headed towards ya, not to say 37 feet of boat.  But, I calmly asked again for passage, and he did his thing and we got the hell away from him/that-bridge.  While waiting though, the two motor boats called back and asked the tender if he had emergency traffic of some other emergency, cause they had never seen anything like that, quote unquote.  So, off we went.

Once at New Smyrna Beach City Marina, we ended up staying a couple of days and not going any further south.  The weather was against us and we didn't have to go, so he hung out, had a good time.  I was glad to help the Hatteras 60 off the next morning, they forgot to untie a bow line and they tried to leave.  Well, they pulled a huge 24 inch steel pillion over a good 6 inches and I reached down and undid the line.  When it gave way, the dock lurched and with a huge snap, the line was off, and so were they.  Angel picked up fleas somewhere along the way, so we washed us, the sheets, the boat, Angel, and everything else, not once, but twice on two different days.  The dock master Pam was really really great at helping us with all that.  But, we soon headed north.

At Marineland Marina, we had a blast.  We stayed for several days and look forward to going back.  We did the eco tour which we recommend to friends and all.  The dolphin tank was being redone, so maybe next time.  Lots to do, but take everything you need.  The following day was up to St. Augustine where we circled for an hour and a half so we could go in on slack tide.  definitely worth the wait, and wow how the tides can cut or add lots of time to a leg.  Here's our boat with the Galleon in the background.

The next day was uneventful.  We came back, got the boat put away, come home to a welcoming shower and sushi dinner.  Yea for Otaki's.

Until next time, fair winds and following seas.
Kb

Ship's log, Date; Friday March 13th, 2015

March 13th, 2015 Friday
We left (cast off) Harbortown Marina @ 09:37am.  Cruising south down the intracoastal and picked up an escort, a dolphin on our starboard side.  We are heading @ 6.5k down the ICW.  Had a raindrop or two, but nothing that lasted, Fl. showers.  We passed the American Pride cruising north and SeaTow - towing a sailboat.  It is a beautiful 78 degrees as we head south.

1400 Hrs and we made the Bridge of Lions in time to land south at St. Augustine Marina.  Decide to stay 2 nights - Kilt Festival.  Okay, 1420 hrs pulling into slip or should I say screaming into slip.  Engine being wired forward - reverse backwards, at least no crash landing.  1500 hrs, cocktails being served in the cockpit.  Met neighbor, Capt. Dano, works at local bar Mi'Casa.  We cooked some awesome salmon with Carolina Sunshine spice we purchased in Blowing Rock from The Spice & Exchange (spiceandtea.com)  After dinner, we went with Capt. Dano to Mi'Casa, had a beer and headed home, fun night.

March 14th
Sat morning up early, walked to Starbucks for coffee, tea, & breakfast.  Waited until 10am to see St.Patrick's Day Parade.  Watched a little of the parade & headed back.  In the afternoon, walked St.George Street - back at Mi'Casa. Met Helen & Marjorie (80's), invited us to party in Palm Coast next Sat.  Great ladies with the daughter a NP in oncology.  Headed back to Renasci, early night.

March 15th
07:20 am, up early, Starbucks walk & back to the dock to shove off.  08:30 am, wicked current, but with help from Capt. Dano, we are off to Palm Coast.  1330 hrs, arrived at Palm Coast, Breat Marina.  Ran into Neil (Keith's friend) & his dog Buddy.  Enjoyed happy hour with a group from the marina, met Sarah that just returned from 3 month cruise in islands.  She said "1,000 things went wrong & 100 things went right."  Cooked steak on boat, Keith still learning grill, then off to bed.

March 16th
Up early 07:01 with the sun, leaving Palm Coast.  Cup of coffee & tea and cast off at 0900, on to Halifax.  12:45 Easy docking G30 at Halifax.  Beautiful weather, very dog friendly.  Met little 4 pound poodle Nicki? with sunglasses.  Wayne across the way - very nice - offered to pick up supplies if necessary.  Headed to Marina office for ice, no ice ??  Remember to call next time.  Rode dinghy to J dock, Keith headed to 7-11 for ice, Angel & I headed to put clothes in the dryer.  We both met back on the boat.  Cocktails in hand, time to learn how to drive the dinghy.  Well, rough start - too much gas and almost put Keith and Angel in the drink.  After awhile, got the hang of it - even got 2 complements from the Captain.  Was able to land dinghy next to hoisting lines.  Watched the sunset over the condos.  The sky went from pastels to dark orange to purple, beautiful.  As the sun dropped, a little back trouble so I went horizontal.

March 17th
08:00 am, Walk to 7-11 for coffee & OJ, nice walk back, contemplated breakfast, decided we were okay.  10:15am, cast off - on our way to New Smyrna Beach.  12:30 am, Arrived at New Smyrna, dolphins followed us in, easy docking.  Watched the dolphins frolicking and dancing.  Some deep sea fishermen came in with their catch.  It was a pelican frenzy feeding time.  Met Doug (B&D Salesman) and Will, nice guys.  Chatted on docks for a while.  Earlier, Keith had helped dock Gene's boat, he'd been motoring solo cause he's retires.  Then another couple came in on a yacht named No Zipcode, from "Nowhere, OK"  Nice time, enjoyed friendly dog people.  Did have lunch at Yellow Dog Eatery, waitress didn't bring what I ordered. But it was better than the Club Elvis.  Don't think we'll eat there again.  Angel got over-heated, had to cool her down with ice on paws & holding her in front of A/C vent on boat.  It may be a long night.

March 18th
07:58 am, Cast off from New Smyrna Beach - Angel appears to be back to herself.  Course: Titusville Marina.  Fun trip through Haulover Canal, Had some Manatees on our bow, then through the canal.  Is passage between the mangroves and one bascule bridge.  There were a group of Manatees playing in the boat ramp area.  Such gentle giants.  Headed out south thru the railroad bridge that is always up, except for the occassional train.  Not so much anymore since Cape Canaveral doesn't send off spaceships.  Did pass the security zone in the water that used to be monitored and saw the big shuttle assembly building.  12:15, arrived at Titusville Marina.  Put us on A dock furtherest from everyone.  The only dock without a locked entrance.  Something about the city only doing one gate a year.  As we were sitting in the cockpit, the gentleman from hailing Port Heighton NC, went to the bow of his boat and proceeded to pee, facing us.  Yes, I took his picture.  Then as we were leaving to pickup some provisions, he commented on Angel.  Something to the affect "I'm watching your dog",  Well, Keith asked why, and he said our dog was cuter than his, strange.    As we walked down the dock, there appears to be a lot of derilicks living in this marina.  Boats are not well cared for, one has a screen door with a doggy door that emits a foul odor, yuk.  One nice boat had Easter decorations, getting festive.  We took a cab (30$ incl tip) to liquor store and publix.  Had to buy some hamburger meat for Angel.  Her tummy is still a little upset.  We returned and showered, had a great salmon and salad meal.  Then Keith was able to hook up the computer to watch UNF basketball in the sweet sixteen, they lost.  Night cap in the cockpit and early to bed.  We can avoid this marina on our next venture.

March 19th
0758 hrs, Cast off from Titusville on our way N.  Had dolphins swimming and playing in our wake.  Tried to get pictures.  Passage thru Haulover Canal and saw lots of manatees.  Passed the wrecked sailboat at green marker 45.  Landed at 12:45 at New Smyrna, welcome site.  Left Angel on boat for the first time.  We walked to the Dolphin View, used to be the Sea Harbor, the food is much better.   So we had a late lunch / early dinner.  Arrived back only to a little whimper.  Met Alan and Candice with their dog Sisi.  We dropped off our boat card and asked if they'd listen out for Angel.  Candice was so sweet, she said we could bring her over and she would watch her.  We left her and the boat and all was good.  Good night sleep to be up and go early.

March 20th
Up at 07:30 am but fog was so think we hung out until 9:45am.  Candice, Alan, and Sisi took off ahead of us, but we met up at the bridge and timed it perfect for passage north.  3:30pm, docked safely at Palm Coast.  Had to do a couple load of laundry.  Then happy hour at the office, nice group of people.  Brought the salmon spread, 7 layer dip and goldfish.  Salmon dip was hit of the party.  Back to the boat for cocktails and dinner.  Had to take Angel out again to read "P-mail".  upset tummy - pepto for her after her "Disney Ride" (butt scoot).  Got weather report, dense fog advisory in the morning, no hurry to leave in am.

March 21st
08:30am, Tea & coffee, breakfast cooked, dished done, 10:35, left Palm Coast.  1300 hrs, just cleared Cresent Beach and engine stopped.  Coasted out of channel and dropped anchor.  She is out of gas.  1500 hrs, SeaTow to the rescue, 11 gallons of gas and we are on our way.  1600 hrs. Timed the Bridge of Lions just right but north of bridge, fog, fog, fog.  1645 hrs. Conch House Marina, last time we were here was 2009.  Have to admit coming into fog was a callenge.  Thank God Keith has a booming voice - All of a sudden, a power boat was coming fast for our bow - Keith hollered, I'm on the bow screaming with arms waving and the woman says, " I saw you". Funny, we didn't see them until they were almost on us.  She said she wasn't lost, don't believe that one.  Then heading into the channel of Conch House, Keith was heading too far left of markers.  Thank goodness we (me) got that corrected and got the red markers on right.  Landed safely, Cheryl Tucker and Rocky came to visit.  Conch House is not dog friendly.    Sheryl arrived and we found out the bars and resturants do not take dogs.  We ordered 3 seafood alphredos that were delicious.  Had cocktails and ended the evening with Cheryl staying over.

March 22nd, Next morning up at 07:15am  Breakfast and coffee made.  Got hot water for tea and we headed north at 0950 hrs.  Arrived at Harbortown Marina around 3pm.  Great trip.

Went fishing and got her under sail, finally

It had been far too long since I had had her under sail, but Uncle Koy and I headed out to go fishin.  Everything was running really really well, and we pushed hard against the incoming tide.  This also means that it took us an hour and a half to get out of the St.John's River.  And, to add to the mess, there was a nice ocean swell out of the south east at about 2 feet tall, just enough to make your rollercoaster a 4 foot up and down while you're trying to drift fish lying with the hull abeam from the swell and waves.  I think Koy enjoyed his afternoon nap!.  No fish, we started dropping a line with frozen shrimp on a hook, out at some place called the 'spoils'?, about 4 miles out.  We then hit a couple more places on the way back in, no luck.  Back to the dock.  Looking back, I think I'm starting to learn how to land that beast, with the folding prop, it glides like a son-of-a-bitch, and so my most successful landing so far have been really slow of course, but even at that, I still had to give her some throttle in reverse to stop it, not a strong gear ratio in that direction either.  Oh well, it's running great, can't wait to go out again.

Kb

50 hour service

Alright, a milestone, the '50-hour' service.  Al from Al's Mobile Marine Service out of Palm Coast Florida, adjusted the valves, swapped the oil and filter, and checked everything out.  He found where the fuel supply line was leaking air when placed under a vacuum, so 50 bucks later, I swapped out the old valve and hardware for new, using sealant and all's good.  A trick I learned from Al was to use clear tubing from the initial filter and the electric pump on the motor, because it's a great place to watch for bubbles.  Air in the line isn't catastrophic like the older motors, but will cause the pump to run harder and cause the motor to not start smoothly in the morning.  I used Yanmar oil this time instead of Rotella, I'm still waiting for the results on analysis on the oil.  While it was down, I installed an exhaust extension so that the exhaust hose isn't kinked.  Looking forward to our next trip out.
s/v Renasci