Friday, November 25, 2011

Tarped

Well, she may not be as tightly wrapped as my yard neighbor, but she's covered. Not sure if it really matters, but I feel better knowing the snow isn't sitting on the deck.

I took this angle so my pal can't see his boat. He he he.

I have some more cross framing to do to prevent the heavy snow from pushing down on the tarp. I'll do that tomorrow in the warm air. Supposed to be about 60, and partly sunny.
Deb and I got her covered in about 3 hours. We roll out the tarp in the lot, then roll it lengthwise, into a long tarp sausage. Tie a line to one end, toss the line over the boat, then haul it on deck. Last year I flaked the tarp, and that was a hell of a lot easier than trying to get it to roll off the deck. Rolling it was not a good idea, as it was quite a struggle to get that damn sausage to unroll. Lot's of heavy breathing on my part. Might have to hit the gym this winter. Don't want to die on the hard.

So, now it's officially over. I could just say goodbye, and see her again in the spring, or I can get my ass out there on weekends and get some jobs done. We'll see how much will power I have, and how much snow we get. Will be quite the boring blog if I don't get some projects going. What? It's already boring? Thanks Dear.

Next: Bermuda pics


Thankful

Deb and I are thankful for friends and family that didn't want to see two old folks sit out thanksgiving in their tiny apartment. We would have been fine, and I would have whipped up something special in the galley, but it was great to be in the company of some very nice people. People we'll really get to know better in the coming months, as the wedding gets closer. So special thanks to the Spear family for a fantastic meal! Wish I was in better condition for the party, but Deb and I got a little excited about being free from work for the next four days, and maybe celebrated a wee bit too much  :)

Today we think we can cover the boat, as the wind speed has diminished to about eight knots, and we have a helping hand. Kelly will attempt to help us get the 50x30 tarp over the boat. I'm sure there will be a few laughs. This is never a fun job, but it has to be done. We are really late in getting it done this year, so thankful the weather cooperated.

Bet these guys are thankful they found their skipper. I only saw one life jacket, on the bowman, until after the broach, when someone thought maybe the PFD's are a good idea, but then I see text on screen that says they all had PFD's on. They must have inflatables, under their jackets. In my many years racing, I've observed the fact that no one wants to be the first to put on a PFD. I am usually that guy, as I work the bow, but it only takes one person to put one on, and most of the others will follow. Your gut will usually tell you when it's time, and you should ignore the "looks" from the rest of the crew, or passing boats. Most of us are too old to try to look pretty on the boat anyhow.
Saw this on Sailing Anarchy.


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Now that's a heater

I was browsing some blogs today, and apparently other people plan on keeping their boats warm this winter season. Now this is a heater. Click on the photo to see it constructed. Found the link at BoatBits.
Deb would love the tile work.

 Four day weekend. What will I do? Covering the boat would probably be a good thing to accomplish. Looks like some sunshine heading our way. I could also clean out the storage unit, and get rid of some unwanted stuff.
I think we're getting closer to getting the hell out of here, so time to purge the "stuff".

Monday, November 21, 2011

Winter work

Have to pull the injectors on the Yanmar this winter. Going to send them out for a tuneup. I think I have a bad one, which is causing the white smoke and fuel out the exhaust when the engine is cold. Could be wrong, but many people have agreed that the injectors is the place to start. I also have to run new fuel lines to my dual Racors. Refrigeration needs to be completed, so we can be off the grid this summer, in case we decide to head south after the wedding.
I am going to do this during some cold weather, and I'm now looking for a reasonably priced heater, that can keep the interior nice and toasty while I get some work done. Has to be under 30 amps too.

I remember one cold harsh winter day at Oak Park Marina, when I decided it was a good day to check on the boat in about 6 feet of snow. Some days you just need to get out. Anyway, I was inside the old Hunter, and I kept hearing muffled voices. I swore I was the only one stupid enough to be out there, so I checked on a few things, then went outside to check on some friends boats. As I walked down the line of tarp covered boats, the voices I heard earlier were louder. Someone was having a good time, and they were grilling too. In a Catalina with snow all around it were some friends having a grand old time partying it up, and getting ready to go out and watch the sunset! What the hell. Turns out they had a propane heater blasting hot air into the cabin, and were having some dinner and a few bottles. After a surprising hello, they said they were staying the night! OK, now that's dedication.
Not sure I want to take it to that level, but a good heat source would make all the difference.
How about this one?


Nothing like a little ambiance in the cabin. Might even get Deb to come out there with this all fired up.
This one burns coal or wood, and after an hour or so, I might be like that beaver over the pipe a few posts ago. Don't think I can get it up the ladder.

I  should go with something a tad smaller, yet able to throw some heat. Here we go. Amish style. Hmmm. Where would they plug this in?
LifeSmart LS-1500 Amish Style Portable Infrared Heater with Thermostat


LifeSmart LS-1500 Amish Style Portable Infrared 

This LifeSmart Infrared Heater is designed to heat your home without reducing humidity or oxygen, maintaining a healthy and comfortable living enviroment all while SAVING YOU UP TO 50% ON YOUR HEATING BILL! No parts to replace or costly service repairs like many other heaters, and best of all its safe for you and your family. This heater does not get hot and will not burn your children or pets. Heats up to 1200 square feet.
OK, I guess I'm settling for something like this:
No Amish styling, but it's cheap. Maybe with two of these things cooking, I might get some work done this winter. Or, I could just go with the propane salamander, sleeping bag, bottle of rum, swim shorts, flap hat, and watch the sunset over the bay. Sorry for that image :)

Bring it on.