tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694138993054192172024-03-13T21:18:35.351-07:00The Third QuarterBuying a Sailboat. Learning how to Sail. Plotting charts to new Adventures.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-23386333704047989832014-10-30T09:06:00.002-07:002015-03-02T09:03:03.382-08:00Metal Polish on a boat: Using Flitz on our Dodger (& a pomegranate martini recipe)<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXiAcwyoq217FpGYTG_wkG_zRaC36g-2e5CTxUr3q1-zOPtDUvWHa73GFEJeyfHaWkFDbxlTbWP-cQJniE45ufytQUdH4WuIKidtBmAlF1Vma06HqL5zChbWGSMb_oGnkss6jR6dt1Q/s1600/flitzmetalpolish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXiAcwyoq217FpGYTG_wkG_zRaC36g-2e5CTxUr3q1-zOPtDUvWHa73GFEJeyfHaWkFDbxlTbWP-cQJniE45ufytQUdH4WuIKidtBmAlF1Vma06HqL5zChbWGSMb_oGnkss6jR6dt1Q/s1600/flitzmetalpolish.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rust eating the dodger, and removing it with metal polish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a kid, I used to wander in my grandfather's tool shed in rural Connecticut, and marvel at the aged, rust brown patina on all of his wrenches, hammers, files and pliers. I thought it was all cool and wise and old, like my grampa, until I saw a neighbor's rear bumper fall off in the gravel driveway from rust corrosion. That's when I realized rust eats stuff. :(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, I live in the desert north of Los Angeles, where corrosion isn't so common, but an hour west, at the Pacific, where we keep our sail boat, I've waged a war on rust. After we put a new dodger and bimini on our boat (more on that in a later post), it took about 3 weeks for tiny rust spots to bloom on the 1.25" stainless tubing. We had rust on the old dodger tubing, but watching it propagate on brand new, shiny parts caused a shudder and a wince. I ordered a tube of Flitz metal polish, poste haste.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRj-AFRkw_YJ5mqG-BqYszeoC6Rg663XeAIvy89HedMQjo4HsdZfP_Jd5GOzZeGmt4AbhLeJYUNpaxNZfjRqMw8_DwRy9A1TM4dGSHXD8QZ0hKv3HKjfy4sGewLC2KfySTQpAiA0R3-Q/s1600/metalpolishforboats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRj-AFRkw_YJ5mqG-BqYszeoC6Rg663XeAIvy89HedMQjo4HsdZfP_Jd5GOzZeGmt4AbhLeJYUNpaxNZfjRqMw8_DwRy9A1TM4dGSHXD8QZ0hKv3HKjfy4sGewLC2KfySTQpAiA0R3-Q/s1600/metalpolishforboats.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before and after using Flitz on the bimini</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hadn't used Flitz before, but the application was pretty straight forward. Put a dab (a little goes a long way) on a terry towel, apply to affected area, and buff it off. The rust was completely removed, and the paste leaves a wax finish to help slow the growth of new rust. I've "de-rusted" the steel tubing around the cockpit twice in 18 months, and I'm pretty happy with the product. You can also use it on fiberglass, oxidized acrylic, corian and formica (but *not* on metal plated surfaces). So, in the interest of a good "find", I'm sharing it here. What's your go-to rust remover?<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxpNkMEyJfG_qv9f_DgCxEnRCl1XHqUgzHs1aDGOl94CxikataqZ_e8QTcPQPMfXKUE4gE96UWRrSEk9-elqj5TNdUV3LRwSv6JR3S6CegDZ6cULbjg53nVJBs9UnYqAmHINRUL0RDQ/s1600/metalpolishonadodger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxpNkMEyJfG_qv9f_DgCxEnRCl1XHqUgzHs1aDGOl94CxikataqZ_e8QTcPQPMfXKUE4gE96UWRrSEk9-elqj5TNdUV3LRwSv6JR3S6CegDZ6cULbjg53nVJBs9UnYqAmHINRUL0RDQ/s1600/metalpolishonadodger.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No more rust</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvhOsyOGpUvuERy3AsgehV3ciGk_20bZ_vbJxSTtb1pcvEtOSzoFlCzBt_IzyqeIdD7Bsu3zAnr15punDo_XBimpq6B4O5CoRpuLdEI4EO8zKJjrY1Evm-JkTArdBIWYQ4r6ied262A/s1600/cozycockpit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvhOsyOGpUvuERy3AsgehV3ciGk_20bZ_vbJxSTtb1pcvEtOSzoFlCzBt_IzyqeIdD7Bsu3zAnr15punDo_XBimpq6B4O5CoRpuLdEI4EO8zKJjrY1Evm-JkTArdBIWYQ4r6ied262A/s1600/cozycockpit.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiny & Cozy; an afternoon in the cockpit on s/v Florian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bedepefiar-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B001447VB2&asins=B001447VB2&linkId=MWFRLKPYFGX3AMBT&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe></center>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj080JgiZPyTZIAkT0-MMbWBWlr0CAOrOO18FH9GeZDUPSWlpoTHXSfzZaHlBRnFFn8MD2OgxHzzT2rCtQgJIj-gPFSdrDDuHJg2s-sefO_cKvQxkCFsGvRtKzbcjs6F_lwJx_gWNwsRA/s1600/happyguyonthewater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj080JgiZPyTZIAkT0-MMbWBWlr0CAOrOO18FH9GeZDUPSWlpoTHXSfzZaHlBRnFFn8MD2OgxHzzT2rCtQgJIj-gPFSdrDDuHJg2s-sefO_cKvQxkCFsGvRtKzbcjs6F_lwJx_gWNwsRA/s1600/happyguyonthewater.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The happy Captain, taking the dinghy to meet some friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_wBbKS2ZWrxqSg9e-VIA9LilN5bYqVFAD8jDdZixg5ANlFHRhI7mG5E0yTH2GnHg_eyUoBKSWCeIXxZkL9ljytGltJ7lwhh07ZZHr3mKuHnXWhYFUMbJX3Y9QSKGy3a1FJY0WzSzxA/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_wBbKS2ZWrxqSg9e-VIA9LilN5bYqVFAD8jDdZixg5ANlFHRhI7mG5E0yTH2GnHg_eyUoBKSWCeIXxZkL9ljytGltJ7lwhh07ZZHr3mKuHnXWhYFUMbJX3Y9QSKGy3a1FJY0WzSzxA/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Pomegranate Martini</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's pomegranate season, and I'm a new convert to loving the ruby orbs of goodness. Here's a cocktail recipe that rides the line between sweet and sour. You can adjust ratios in one direction or the other with the lime juice (more sour) and triple sec (sweeter).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This makes two drinks:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Put your martini glasses in the freezer)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3 shots of your favorite vodka</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1.5 shots of fresh pomegranate juice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1 shot of fresh squeezed lime juice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1 shot of triple sec</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Remove the seeds of one medium pomegranate. (If you don't have access to the fresh stuff, bottled is good too, but it's a <i><u>very</u></i> different flavor.) Suspend a sieve over a measuring cup, and use a muddler to press the juice from the seeds. In a cocktail shaker, add some ice, and pour the vodka, pomegranate, lime juice and triple sec over the ice. Cap & shake heartily. Pour equal parts into your frosted martini glasses, garnish with a sliver of lime and enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-21267679750952979722014-09-02T07:01:00.000-07:002014-09-02T10:19:24.434-07:00New Marine Sound System & a plum and blackberry drink recipe<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-zkNCR3BTk4wXOxtTyZKvu7soflz6rf2Q3W_cIseH_o32Y7nWPhDKvxRbULVxmpJBgMsPegxIaeH30nXA6pvg0Ja1RZzUnhc-zwCawrYHLlOkzm-8m8j-4-jVi83rQarswqY4f5BXQ/s1600/jensenstereo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-zkNCR3BTk4wXOxtTyZKvu7soflz6rf2Q3W_cIseH_o32Y7nWPhDKvxRbULVxmpJBgMsPegxIaeH30nXA6pvg0Ja1RZzUnhc-zwCawrYHLlOkzm-8m8j-4-jVi83rQarswqY4f5BXQ/s1600/jensenstereo.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jensen Stereo, circa 1995</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we took delivery of our boat, she had a Jensen stereo system with a CD player at the Nav desk. Since we don't use CD's, and we wanted to upgrade the sound system, we researched marine-grade alternatives, and found great reviews on the Fusion product line.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE6Hvpq8DWxKfQkgqgrVSFuwnTgYtIRX6WQGLnhwMemiXQoKBMmsBqj4K7QdV3GbEbDzjYViWtnLIYGmEKtnVADCXetDp1Ii8ddpjap8VlPq5SD8HJVp4lg4YHhDozwfOQfnI872qgA/s1600/fusionstereo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE6Hvpq8DWxKfQkgqgrVSFuwnTgYtIRX6WQGLnhwMemiXQoKBMmsBqj4K7QdV3GbEbDzjYViWtnLIYGmEKtnVADCXetDp1Ii8ddpjap8VlPq5SD8HJVp4lg4YHhDozwfOQfnI872qgA/s1600/fusionstereo.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fusion MS IP700</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Last Fall, we took advantage of the steep discounts at the Annapolis Boat Show and brought home the Fusion MS IP700. The unit is built specifically for the marine environment; it's encased in an aluminum chassis, and it's water resistant. It's NMEA 2000 certified, and sourced for AM / FM / VHF / USB / AUX / iPod / iPhone and SiriusXM.
</span></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66T35gox78dGUrYhpW-SMDj-5-EhFw_yDsfuAcPihdIGtoBqqkpMgKS0uYfNBbFjVxLAbleBiMNc0vKiLMGhNjuS7-6BeLZ_iFZke6nYdW4M_l-G6xsVBrA8U3QyzFf_xaA854bHc1A/s1600/fusionipodiphonechassis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66T35gox78dGUrYhpW-SMDj-5-EhFw_yDsfuAcPihdIGtoBqqkpMgKS0uYfNBbFjVxLAbleBiMNc0vKiLMGhNjuS7-6BeLZ_iFZke6nYdW4M_l-G6xsVBrA8U3QyzFf_xaA854bHc1A/s1600/fusionipodiphonechassis.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fusion interior adjustable chassis for ipod, iphone, mp3 players....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We really like that you can insert your iphone or ipod in this adjustable interior chassis (above) to listen to playlists from home, or play music or audio books via iTunes. Volume is adjustable from three separate zones; the salon/galley, and cockpit have separate volume controls, so if one of us wants quiet down below deck, and the other wants to rock out in the cockpit, we got that. It's also ethernet ready. Oh, and it sounds really good too. You can read more about Fusion <a href="http://www.fusionelectronics.com/marine/products/700-series/ms-ip700" target="_blank">here</a>.
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bedepefiar-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00COLE0NG&asins=B00COLE0NG&linkId=RXLXLTRTQ2QAITAN&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
</center>
<div>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfg6q7AHTBlbobnr1Oq8GPE2lJTWDnHsbODcg7pPH5FlBVCLTmlJMo7f5_otaFdoR5b_Po5kAvyNfHKk8S4yWdf4ULVU67Ok15haf-qmaGWVjDcqLY_Y1H1bb4AZt5builn3037fXuQ/s1600/behindthestereo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfg6q7AHTBlbobnr1Oq8GPE2lJTWDnHsbODcg7pPH5FlBVCLTmlJMo7f5_otaFdoR5b_Po5kAvyNfHKk8S4yWdf4ULVU67Ok15haf-qmaGWVjDcqLY_Y1H1bb4AZt5builn3037fXuQ/s1600/behindthestereo.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting behind the instruments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4VJKVWLlcARlTvi6K9wZio9RsfKP41-3U6vFWr3AAtlA9i0YdxhQMTWDb4P790Vf8Ee6laSEsGkpT4IB6UzBu5nizaVpub60gFlEDkSL7MtVg9uMtb8r89mPagh715rUhzthpdg6Hg/s1600/wirebirdsnest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4VJKVWLlcARlTvi6K9wZio9RsfKP41-3U6vFWr3AAtlA9i0YdxhQMTWDb4P790Vf8Ee6laSEsGkpT4IB6UzBu5nizaVpub60gFlEDkSL7MtVg9uMtb8r89mPagh715rUhzthpdg6Hg/s1600/wirebirdsnest.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connector Goblins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKniNnAGIK7_gysjJv2kAGQQvHfuzvmPC8_-V4_WEWHdXjXWXviOZNr-MKxJ845ly_blpPu0znElA60m3O7b4FbAfaZGh8oQpFwkRuhWw01v6NSQMuUU_Mkw6oqI1SVTmBZbQTx66bQ/s1600/antennaconnection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKniNnAGIK7_gysjJv2kAGQQvHfuzvmPC8_-V4_WEWHdXjXWXviOZNr-MKxJ845ly_blpPu0znElA60m3O7b4FbAfaZGh8oQpFwkRuhWw01v6NSQMuUU_Mkw6oqI1SVTmBZbQTx66bQ/s1600/antennaconnection.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antenna connection; this was upgraded for a marine environment too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ8KBtNj_m-rVJBZ4w475mqfasIx3fiIzgAHT9J3kYcYdIq_p1IfPNHQQstuGxP_guyaFPWp7tKeQPHJ0S0evomXmB8OvspgAV5-bXo-PLRzvZqLBvFX8EmY91rN9XVBL23pbnp9niQ/s1600/fusionscrews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ8KBtNj_m-rVJBZ4w475mqfasIx3fiIzgAHT9J3kYcYdIq_p1IfPNHQQstuGxP_guyaFPWp7tKeQPHJ0S0evomXmB8OvspgAV5-bXo-PLRzvZqLBvFX8EmY91rN9XVBL23pbnp9niQ/s1600/fusionscrews.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The screws that come with the Fusion: painted black, <br />
but they stripped immediately going into a pre-drilled hole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do yourself a favor if you buy a Fusion for installation in a marine environment; purchase stainless screws before you install your stereo, because the screws they provide, while painted black (props for that), are terribly soft, and ours stripped going into pre-drilled holes. Everything else about this product was high quality, so this small but crucial tidbit was a disappointment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
____________________________________________________________</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Beverage Recipe! :)</i></span></h3>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1uKZVYeGB95BpmhqvzKjWy5kKWRV0zM5yBQAeQ5pJF-xTY0Qfqxt4lorOc3VYvRR3Z8vgkBy7qSxDsSb89wfy2LomtvVnw2GfDaRjToXAs-wMv9yGH6IrkmxCxLC5YI4HdjAMHqK0A/s1600/crushedblackberryplumwhiskey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1uKZVYeGB95BpmhqvzKjWy5kKWRV0zM5yBQAeQ5pJF-xTY0Qfqxt4lorOc3VYvRR3Z8vgkBy7qSxDsSb89wfy2LomtvVnw2GfDaRjToXAs-wMv9yGH6IrkmxCxLC5YI4HdjAMHqK0A/s1600/crushedblackberryplumwhiskey.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall has officially arrived, so it's time to indulge<br />
in a dark and tasty plum & blackberry smash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
10 blackberries<br />
1 ripe, juicy dark plum<br />
6 mint leaves<br />
2 teaspoons sugar<br />
2 shots of your favorite whiskey<br />
1 shot of Cointreau<br />
<br />
Chop the plum, remove the pit and put pieces in a cocktail shaker or a tall glass tumbler with the sugar, mint leaves and blackberries. Muddle everything together. Add 2 shots of yr most flavorful whiskey and 1 shot of cointreau, and a generous pile of ice. Cap and shake everything hard - 10 shakes. Pour the frothy, purple goodness into two glasses, top with a little soda water or ginger ale if you prefer a "lighter" drink, garnish with extra mint if you have it, and enjoy.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(recipe adapted from http://picturesandpancakes.blogspot.com/)</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-17005511759238129672014-08-28T10:58:00.000-07:002014-08-28T10:58:53.565-07:00Antique Boat Bling and a Whaler's Rum drink<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADv_HMGnWFBQqvIhOo3Sd4pt17u4wiReArFtHIoIPArQ7cRhPfGA3dXnL-2T-bGy9CoYVja2_B1bZ9Ky4apUgP-X-K2PU8if1L_hlBC7IQrxDYIJ4ad2tt4FjmqCZfJWTZ_bYl3GZ3w/s1600/brionzeplaqueonaboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADv_HMGnWFBQqvIhOo3Sd4pt17u4wiReArFtHIoIPArQ7cRhPfGA3dXnL-2T-bGy9CoYVja2_B1bZ9Ky4apUgP-X-K2PU8if1L_hlBC7IQrxDYIJ4ad2tt4FjmqCZfJWTZ_bYl3GZ3w/s1600/brionzeplaqueonaboat.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronze Antique Florian Cross</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of my cousins has an antique shop in Plainfield, Connecticut and he surprises us with random packages sent to California with fire fighter themed goodies from his antique treasure hunts. The florian cross plaque above was mounted with industrial strength velcro, and its holding beautifully, despite the fact that it's weighty. Our boat already has holes in the teak from previous items mounted here and there, and we don't want to add any more, so the velcro is a perfect solution for attaching things utilitarian and symbolic. (Our boat is named Florian, for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Florian" target="_blank">Patron Saint of Firefighters</a>.) What else have you used to avoid holes and mount things to your boat?<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvHoteJrZNXyM7b-NxGABLMmt0YUlPK7GYOeg3pUEcyCCRT7FVGr0t5ilhVGP2AMb2-ILfI5syCeFZlnVN-cgtH40Ql4sO3lNgjPff0LFZATL6jGu9AYoV3ldE4nBQRQe-MZCmYVbBw/s1600/velcro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvHoteJrZNXyM7b-NxGABLMmt0YUlPK7GYOeg3pUEcyCCRT7FVGr0t5ilhVGP2AMb2-ILfI5syCeFZlnVN-cgtH40Ql4sO3lNgjPff0LFZATL6jGu9AYoV3ldE4nBQRQe-MZCmYVbBw/s1600/velcro.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Velcro loop attached</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_W5c6nRC7j9XnO09HnxbIauL310kh0T1h38JbusjHfnuWkmbPuET1tM69_GF7ypun_HaxYWIood6AXusFOABO7LXlh2B9sX9LUZhgO_918mgBPsE_NKONHo4_qIxTvwOUXpqf1xxCA/s1600/velcrofortheboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_W5c6nRC7j9XnO09HnxbIauL310kh0T1h38JbusjHfnuWkmbPuET1tM69_GF7ypun_HaxYWIood6AXusFOABO7LXlh2B9sX9LUZhgO_918mgBPsE_NKONHo4_qIxTvwOUXpqf1xxCA/s1600/velcrofortheboat.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Industrial Strength Velcro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_hWMcyCh9nEzrkbul0bLLkI5-ILypfrCrpEb7Bmg-7Zgnjk0K6LESd0QhkH5P4ViUi-5nHPiWshFGklfBU2hY_oh13pJ7YyMKa8lHzhhRagD_HGx7UyU22ZOIybWqFccSvCWXV8BCQ/s1600/navdeskandcaptain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_hWMcyCh9nEzrkbul0bLLkI5-ILypfrCrpEb7Bmg-7Zgnjk0K6LESd0QhkH5P4ViUi-5nHPiWshFGklfBU2hY_oh13pJ7YyMKa8lHzhhRagD_HGx7UyU22ZOIybWqFccSvCWXV8BCQ/s1600/navdeskandcaptain.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Captain at his newly adorned station</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2upLVGf2lLrVUWM8YHZ2pdPxGiBoECPZocrFVbp7Vb2pFrid6MEOjBYJPgUijk54yINu5Ql33uFn64lZcLoBpPW31W8_2zWSSzgiMSJMyukRBXVllV6XYLTrclucPrI8o23foDzq7g/s1600/IMG_8335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2upLVGf2lLrVUWM8YHZ2pdPxGiBoECPZocrFVbp7Vb2pFrid6MEOjBYJPgUijk54yINu5Ql33uFn64lZcLoBpPW31W8_2zWSSzgiMSJMyukRBXVllV6XYLTrclucPrI8o23foDzq7g/s1600/IMG_8335.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new favorite drink - Whaler's Rum and Fresh Grapefruit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have a lovely friend who told us about this drink, so we call it the Amy West in her honor. This drink is perfect for boat cocktails because there are only two ingredients. Pour two shots (each) of Whaler's Original Dark Rum (available at Trader Joe's for about $9/bottle) over ice in two glasses, and juice one big grapefruit (we use an old fashioned dome & bowl juicer, the kind your grandmother used to juice citrus). Pour the fresh juice in equal parts into the two glasses of ice & rum, stir and enjoy. Don't cheat yourself by using canned juice or a different type of rum. Take this from someone prone to experimenting, and trust me; the subtle flavor and aromas of the Whaler's is so complimentary to fresh grapefuit, it's just scrumptuous.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-47723961728901494952013-08-17T10:41:00.001-07:002013-08-17T10:41:57.968-07:00Just sailing<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1K_Ls9K1puRI_RGnBvSlJZiBpPNLtx_jUHLXi5piZr_aWUyq-qGIBouToLdbrjLMHNPITC__jIFLLOMSymGpejsMkex754zYH8c4RNCvg70P7KtPGjfvwWX3jVqrmMn-Fw6RkSoGrA/s1600/IMG_0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1K_Ls9K1puRI_RGnBvSlJZiBpPNLtx_jUHLXi5piZr_aWUyq-qGIBouToLdbrjLMHNPITC__jIFLLOMSymGpejsMkex754zYH8c4RNCvg70P7KtPGjfvwWX3jVqrmMn-Fw6RkSoGrA/s400/IMG_0070.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don raising the mainsail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thankfully, many boat blogs share details of their repair and upgrade projects, exotic sailing locations, and variations on the art of sailing. We learn a lot from the sailing community through blogs, and we like to share our projects for the same reason - a sort of pay-it-forward. If we find a tip or trick to solve a problem on the boat, it seems like a good thing to share it here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But sometimes, you just want to sip your morning coffee and have a look at a boat on the water. Even if it's foggy and there's not that much to see. There's a peacefulness to sailing, so today, we're just sharing that.</div>
<div>
</div>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzXjthMua8cF64M38mdKyfddtKIg7H03JqHeSC6uICieqOK-tPl4pn_Msd4IBZBf1eG-VVMii0yDdctJ1kh4CgksVOc2SqG1tIiN8ZaOuekeEGuIVABl8OhisM0oSg5PgBisQb6T8eQ/s1600/buoymarkeratventuraharbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-center: 1em; margin-center: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzXjthMua8cF64M38mdKyfddtKIg7H03JqHeSC6uICieqOK-tPl4pn_Msd4IBZBf1eG-VVMii0yDdctJ1kh4CgksVOc2SqG1tIiN8ZaOuekeEGuIVABl8OhisM0oSg5PgBisQb6T8eQ/s400/buoymarkeratventuraharbor.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest stop for the sea lions. <br />"Push over, Joe, you're being a real-estate-hog. Get your flipper off my head."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobi0AXTnCkxnA-ULgL2YIbZLcov3OTFqtRrMqdAoVfHpB1XvDkXvM7t6TwSdtjQxjfm2sBKmWR6f5zr4LaelUxP_NLWPtbQFSqQjKh-tIK5pgnxVlFFHIPzq4l0R9HokjgxuCEkr5eA/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobi0AXTnCkxnA-ULgL2YIbZLcov3OTFqtRrMqdAoVfHpB1XvDkXvM7t6TwSdtjQxjfm2sBKmWR6f5zr4LaelUxP_NLWPtbQFSqQjKh-tIK5pgnxVlFFHIPzq4l0R9HokjgxuCEkr5eA/s400/IMG_0445.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“hark, now hear the sailors cry, </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">smell the sea, and feel the sky </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">let your soul & spirit fly, into the mystic...”<br />---Van Morrison</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHYf7QNJYW0i2OBaUhJQEspjX2QoFVsd93NCW8tg86BUkoEwlhDQdwAvFQ6dvawv_-FLq5etIzTrVvX0QUH50MugoSLDxtIwBksAyA0IwnXtSG18TzjIXoLx5m5RW5lATaEkP348tLQ/s1600/5.4knots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHYf7QNJYW0i2OBaUhJQEspjX2QoFVsd93NCW8tg86BUkoEwlhDQdwAvFQ6dvawv_-FLq5etIzTrVvX0QUH50MugoSLDxtIwBksAyA0IwnXtSG18TzjIXoLx5m5RW5lATaEkP348tLQ/s400/5.4knots.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5.4 knots - being pushed by the same air we're breathing.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIu1rZZqtry1JU15bQI6bzR9u8qGQtC8ziAzQlugYv-Ll9VFH9CPHJx_bNO-LjAv_JfutHTOUChKifp2jcVyafaXdIXXDiP82UH8bWXraKZWr-v0NVhRhXJH_XU5gAUZq2dEUw9WJ7w/s1600/belindaatthehelm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIu1rZZqtry1JU15bQI6bzR9u8qGQtC8ziAzQlugYv-Ll9VFH9CPHJx_bNO-LjAv_JfutHTOUChKifp2jcVyafaXdIXXDiP82UH8bWXraKZWr-v0NVhRhXJH_XU5gAUZq2dEUw9WJ7w/s320/belindaatthehelm.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In case you're wondering what the heck I'm doing with a hoody <i>over</i> my PFD, it was just for a few minutes to cut the chill. I promise to wear it <i>under</i> my PFD next time. (Can you tell, I've been finger wagged over this? Uh-huh.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW762SNJ7MlRdvXKaNT8T5-Uw3fqT_MSV7i69IG4ojWMOh_-OBmhNPtwUtCXLp-x1Rb79usZK7s45DHUfPOux6U1SQa2Xe7W93uNW0-AjEnDWgKg6MIhHeF89z9RKOWd4R4EZJGKfSFQ/s1600/sittinguphill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW762SNJ7MlRdvXKaNT8T5-Uw3fqT_MSV7i69IG4ojWMOh_-OBmhNPtwUtCXLp-x1Rb79usZK7s45DHUfPOux6U1SQa2Xe7W93uNW0-AjEnDWgKg6MIhHeF89z9RKOWd4R4EZJGKfSFQ/s400/sittinguphill.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting uphill. And the sun came out for a minute.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9crkAoqcF4bsKAqvPK3qBnD3kE0VW8F8KvXsYVv8U-NV9v7sAyWgwRZTCm0T7bMDuLcj08hhpUS6GnA53Zbxzmq5K3K6SxaDbwG-_Ztieupfesr4HBXuIGbUs3JwKox_CQxoh8TI2wg/s1600/svflorianmainsail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9crkAoqcF4bsKAqvPK3qBnD3kE0VW8F8KvXsYVv8U-NV9v7sAyWgwRZTCm0T7bMDuLcj08hhpUS6GnA53Zbxzmq5K3K6SxaDbwG-_Ztieupfesr4HBXuIGbUs3JwKox_CQxoh8TI2wg/s400/svflorianmainsail.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy an R for Robinhood</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiEsLHtv60wxzhsNa_g8R-sZXaHGnp6lt2FSKOZq5mBA7GIUvskeOyeX5LxWFo2OaoGOIrUCCPdTMyfZVSNPdDsrSCU7OGNeozKZU7WtQCFTZkU7xUS5IzZc5ahzZ3NviHfOi5SGaLA/s1600/headingbackintoventura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiEsLHtv60wxzhsNa_g8R-sZXaHGnp6lt2FSKOZq5mBA7GIUvskeOyeX5LxWFo2OaoGOIrUCCPdTMyfZVSNPdDsrSCU7OGNeozKZU7WtQCFTZkU7xUS5IzZc5ahzZ3NviHfOi5SGaLA/s400/headingbackintoventura.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back to shore, where everything hazy looks like a watercolor painting.<br />And that blue boat with the yellow SUP on her deck to the left is one of our slip neighbors.<br />Hi Rex!</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAV8mQC2bKqMIEHv_D15n4SoeFBoMdiEr8P9L57LQvFchwe8kGJDN8L2DHIT1kuPFFw7_TmP1gy8Jsgb6fFSmKSLjqu_U65oihkd16lisOEcvkk5tF_R1hxpQn4NGhnOJnpqu4rDCdA/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAV8mQC2bKqMIEHv_D15n4SoeFBoMdiEr8P9L57LQvFchwe8kGJDN8L2DHIT1kuPFFw7_TmP1gy8Jsgb6fFSmKSLjqu_U65oihkd16lisOEcvkk5tF_R1hxpQn4NGhnOJnpqu4rDCdA/s400/IMG_0453.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px;">At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px;">- Robin Lee Graham</span></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuVL202Q8VNY_4p0G0mPBvZ-PTEWpxlRtM_xRfibK6b2r0k4DRZ2NLwnq-lYC4bvBQKIKAFEseYtKffqLwiPkRfrJhyMhu5JUityZCPSec5HVdjNVS1dGjBf4w7WIOtIM2iqEW7AwWA/s1600/transomviewsvflorian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuVL202Q8VNY_4p0G0mPBvZ-PTEWpxlRtM_xRfibK6b2r0k4DRZ2NLwnq-lYC4bvBQKIKAFEseYtKffqLwiPkRfrJhyMhu5JUityZCPSec5HVdjNVS1dGjBf4w7WIOtIM2iqEW7AwWA/s400/transomviewsvflorian.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in her slip in time for clear skies and a sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-center;">Twenty years from now you will be more disppointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-center;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-center;">- Mark Twain</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-9965487086061656362013-08-01T17:26:00.001-07:002013-08-01T21:05:07.042-07:00Buffering the Banging & a Strawberry Ginger Bourbon drink recipe<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6aqDDy3IS0oBWzKjSRLqNFVGXkwLAK4ndrao2xFbmuOgGdsEFvRAzJQ0i1SVaBBthSkfP0PgH4HMOiAyC_vluf9Tuh1hbevafz-vGejMwU4ZCOevUm5YikrypT-rAGfoj8jrLGeuSw/s1600/ASAtestDodgingTreeTrunks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6aqDDy3IS0oBWzKjSRLqNFVGXkwLAK4ndrao2xFbmuOgGdsEFvRAzJQ0i1SVaBBthSkfP0PgH4HMOiAyC_vluf9Tuh1hbevafz-vGejMwU4ZCOevUm5YikrypT-rAGfoj8jrLGeuSw/s400/ASAtestDodgingTreeTrunks.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodging floating tree trunks after a storm in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sailboats move a lot on the water. There's the undulating roll of ocean swell and waves under the hull, and in monohulls (single hull, as opposed to something like a Catamaran), there's heeling. Depending on your points of sail, or angle in the wind, the boat leans over to one side. In a hard heel, it's sometimes referred to as <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21491508@N07/4860591219/" target="_blank">"dipping the rails"</a> because the lower side of the boat's deck rails submerge in the water. Heeling looks great in sailing posters from afar, but it takes some getting used to on the boat. When boats bounce and lean and hobby-horse on the water, they make noise.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRh0qy6FGq_bQsBxAazCZsR4JIPcBVCPPSO3x4fvmlzsK4FFkfdN_lCl9pf4BSvMWvyV0TZo0OlDyNgkzf12Vnx9yNajG_GRSVhwRLVJZItm4ir_7OozgPtByHGqJYuh8EV1r-I6nmw/s1600/blackdiamond39heeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRh0qy6FGq_bQsBxAazCZsR4JIPcBVCPPSO3x4fvmlzsK4FFkfdN_lCl9pf4BSvMWvyV0TZo0OlDyNgkzf12Vnx9yNajG_GRSVhwRLVJZItm4ir_7OozgPtByHGqJYuh8EV1r-I6nmw/s400/blackdiamond39heeling.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">45 degrees of heel on a 39 ft Jeanneau sailboat<br />
image courtesy of <a href="http://www.sailboatcruise.ca/2008/11/27/monday-night-yacht-races-at-pcyc/" target="_blank">Sailboatcruise.ca</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the benefits of sailing is shutting off the engine and letting the wind propel your boat. It's peaceful, very "green", and relatively quiet; and there's something enormously satisfying - and exhilarating - to feel the <i>same</i> <i>air you're breathing </i>fill your sails and push a 16000 pound boat through the water fast enough to leave a wake.<br />
<br />
But down below deck, inside the boat, there's a lot of creaking, clattering and banging. Glassware, pots & pans, and tools bang together. Teak doors rattle in their frames. Unsecured pantry items slide & roll back and forth, banging into each other and the walls of the cupboards.<br />
<br />
The creak and groan of the boat itself is something I find comforting, like she's singing to be moving on the water. But the clanking and banging of the supplies we've brought on board is bothersome. It feels like we haven't anticipated and planned for the ride very well, and the banging is tiresome - like a pile driver at your beach picnic.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4nkSo3wSE2rRcayyTPVX-g-jGqiWh4W_-DlYqNi84XLXMKwFD91uS7OHviw4e0XD_dGsNEEEh6DfHACjUZGaQU8BPDJDHlxFGKUeJB08bAZmjnCMaoe8-Wyzz4g8NrWYwELcHeIa8g/s1600/feltbuttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-center: auto; margin-center: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4nkSo3wSE2rRcayyTPVX-g-jGqiWh4W_-DlYqNi84XLXMKwFD91uS7OHviw4e0XD_dGsNEEEh6DfHACjUZGaQU8BPDJDHlxFGKUeJB08bAZmjnCMaoe8-Wyzz4g8NrWYwELcHeIa8g/s400/feltbuttons.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
Felt Bumpers with Adhesive backing</center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Maybe this is a leftover of growing up with a father who used to ask me, as a child passenger in the car with him, to climb over the front seat, into the back, and crane my ear toward the left corner of the rear windshield to see if I could identify exactly where that squeak was coming from, so he could address it when we got home from the grocery store. If so, I'm okay with that. I just know we can increase the joy, and dampen the barrage of banging on our boat with a few quick fixes.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=bedepefiar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000VYN7CS" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enter self adhesive felt bumpers. I use these on the back corners of the frames on my art to reduce marring walls, and inhibit the crooked hang. I order them on Amazon in 84-packs, so I brought a sheet to the boat, and used them to cushion the teak door frame to the head (bathroom). The door doesn't fit the frame snugly, so it rattles teak against teak. Several teak cupboard doors swing open and bounce against teak bulkheads, which also scars the wood, so I added a few here and there, and voila; soft little barely audible bumps when doors open under the sink, to the trash and in the head.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v9Rj61jAq0LR6CwrcVfa_BUOursnrhmNZ1StJZsSgPxFHSSxaPUxJyUhuOgtJu2UOElfvJcXkCebNXC_nWHT_qdCjTxWYng9n7mdLqQFcSwv4-c-YLd3pLiM3_x61yLALdUfsf-l_A/s1600/feltbumpersheaddoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v9Rj61jAq0LR6CwrcVfa_BUOursnrhmNZ1StJZsSgPxFHSSxaPUxJyUhuOgtJu2UOElfvJcXkCebNXC_nWHT_qdCjTxWYng9n7mdLqQFcSwv4-c-YLd3pLiM3_x61yLALdUfsf-l_A/s400/feltbumpersheaddoor.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt bumpers every 6 inches inside the frame of the door to the head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2hzUVOJL7t8TUoHwLn3luGWpr-Nx4CfxyVu8Hxs_KZexywA6MsT75SxbZT9zvgTjflpyKnDB9oc20yl1CPtTadLBmMkataNTqgZJWzsOD7SuYB8A2fzWewAwfLY0RB97yogqCOnllw/s1600/easyliner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2hzUVOJL7t8TUoHwLn3luGWpr-Nx4CfxyVu8Hxs_KZexywA6MsT75SxbZT9zvgTjflpyKnDB9oc20yl1CPtTadLBmMkataNTqgZJWzsOD7SuYB8A2fzWewAwfLY0RB97yogqCOnllw/s400/easyliner.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I lined all the cupboards and pantry shelves with this: Easy Liner Select Grip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=bedepefiar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B002AS9N4O&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</center>
<br />
If you live in a very hot & humid environment - be careful putting this stuff directly against teak, as I hear it can stick to surfaces after awhile & bond. I haven't used it against teak; my cupboards and cabinets are formica, and after a year of being loaded with pantry items and canned goods, my non-skid comes right up if I lift it. But - our temps are much cooler than, say, the Caribbean or the Florida Keys.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGu81ISO9A5yosTpsZX1WML1zN1FXJHMa03ivjfLv_xiFH5k00nB-s7-bqo14FG6NvvbVN6EEMO1-zFL8nSXOq7nD6aSRM_dMzq5ORU16s6bZmADqtK3BWEc7BMRj_77g-OCPjLPZHZQ/s1600/cupboardswithnonskidonaboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGu81ISO9A5yosTpsZX1WML1zN1FXJHMa03ivjfLv_xiFH5k00nB-s7-bqo14FG6NvvbVN6EEMO1-zFL8nSXOq7nD6aSRM_dMzq5ORU16s6bZmADqtK3BWEc7BMRj_77g-OCPjLPZHZQ/s400/cupboardswithnonskidonaboat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basic measurements inside the cupboards, a pair of scissors and some non skid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8XJ5IKk2lIjKN0XzJiFzetyKkGuHE0HtAci7MpJTSRCuMxYlmO9jfCf_WscrCsB9kN8hM_mLp0DL2Id3Lm-Zg1RbIVsxxe6ELqwGognUSyoGqOS0f8GjoFIylRMaBLUnFkoPmJqSpw/s1600/liningcupboardsonaboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8XJ5IKk2lIjKN0XzJiFzetyKkGuHE0HtAci7MpJTSRCuMxYlmO9jfCf_WscrCsB9kN8hM_mLp0DL2Id3Lm-Zg1RbIVsxxe6ELqwGognUSyoGqOS0f8GjoFIylRMaBLUnFkoPmJqSpw/s400/liningcupboardsonaboat.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No need to tack or tape it down, since the weight of dishes<br />
and canned goods hold it in place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_y9RF1GGYKpf1Y0t1cUOFZBDlcJOtl1lf6qWKSk3szcHz6rRA4BIeX-hYF9GOGvVkfUMhfL7prsL757IkbD_fcj8NHlNF3uvymXirwTfLVpuePS_gOhHt6Hbh2EOnL4u317ZlUbpGw/s1600/plasticpantrystorageonaboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_y9RF1GGYKpf1Y0t1cUOFZBDlcJOtl1lf6qWKSk3szcHz6rRA4BIeX-hYF9GOGvVkfUMhfL7prsL757IkbD_fcj8NHlNF3uvymXirwTfLVpuePS_gOhHt6Hbh2EOnL4u317ZlUbpGw/s400/plasticpantrystorageonaboat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubber mouth, sealed plastic containers to cut down on weight & noise, <br />
and in a square body to optimize space in very limited storage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<center>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=bedepefiar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003Z80MJS" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_7AeMpqdV-R2qBohoDYvJxTsSP7vcnCoAxNNzKg3C3ZWe718zfYNgcgk2OtVY_ZCNEMnyTFXyxGL5g5pW57jsUktOhKNhhSAtE2RTvv6HRizhwqB4k9b_oPFsQyTAWdDNkwrNLTdsQ/s1600/glasswareonasailboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_7AeMpqdV-R2qBohoDYvJxTsSP7vcnCoAxNNzKg3C3ZWe718zfYNgcgk2OtVY_ZCNEMnyTFXyxGL5g5pW57jsUktOhKNhhSAtE2RTvv6HRizhwqB4k9b_oPFsQyTAWdDNkwrNLTdsQ/s400/glasswareonasailboat.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excess strips of non-skid were sandwiched between cups & glasses, <br />
or laid between stacked pots and pans to keep the sound of bumping & clattering down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4NYyPEFbYrQ7bcoNDFO45Mova5EgOdvKyeF94BfvTp1blmfSqsC92LZ1TqRsekzxSg-ygfGxwHmwVS21VXM4PNf9LHwHzldxafp20939G2ulXHfDGP0Yb2emw8TG1iXHF61DITKpUw/s1600/makingdrinksonaboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4NYyPEFbYrQ7bcoNDFO45Mova5EgOdvKyeF94BfvTp1blmfSqsC92LZ1TqRsekzxSg-ygfGxwHmwVS21VXM4PNf9LHwHzldxafp20939G2ulXHfDGP0Yb2emw8TG1iXHF61DITKpUw/s400/makingdrinksonaboat.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vickileigh/sold?ref=shopinfo_sales_leftnav" target="_blank">Vicki</a> sent me this recipe for Bourbon Strawberry Ginger cocktails<br />
I've altered it to be more "boat friendly". For tools, you'll need a<br />
muddler, a measuring cup or wide mouth bowl, and a small sieve & ramekin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhGPZNWsWc_MCEEglfRX4epzVet4Ww99RbVrJzxFmXTjSPrS3oPOAPIiFy9fI7YanJ6RpvpftuVUuf5uNvcufAIMmZIfB6visAepUT8bz0lobvgL85-GVboOKH35HElu52w3IQ1jndg/s1600/strawberrygingerlemonbourbondrink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhGPZNWsWc_MCEEglfRX4epzVet4Ww99RbVrJzxFmXTjSPrS3oPOAPIiFy9fI7YanJ6RpvpftuVUuf5uNvcufAIMmZIfB6visAepUT8bz0lobvgL85-GVboOKH35HElu52w3IQ1jndg/s400/strawberrygingerlemonbourbondrink.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Ginger Bourbon garnished with mint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This makes two drinks: In a measuring cup or bowl, muddle 4 strawberries and 3 or 4 quarter sized, peeled disks of fresh ginger. Pour the thoroughly crushed mixture into a sieve over a ramekin and let the liquid sift through, helping it a little by pressing down gently with the back of a spoon or your muddler.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
Back in the same, un-rinsed measuring cup or bowl, muddle 4 more strawberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Add the sifted ginger-strawberry liquid to the ingredients in the measuring cup. (Note: if you like little bits of raw ginger, skip the straining step, and just muddle the ginger, strawberries and sugar together.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Press the juice of half a <i>small</i> lemon into the strawberry & ginger mixture. Roughly about 2 teaspoons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Add 2-3 ounces of bourbon to the ingredients in the measuring cup. Stir and pour into glasses over ice. Top off with soda water, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ingredients</div>
<div>
bourbon</div>
<div>
strawberries</div>
<div>
fresh ginger</div>
<div>
lemon</div>
<div>
sugar</div>
<div>
mint leaves</div>
<div>
ice</div>
<div>
soda water</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can make these sweeter or not by altering the sugar to lemon ratio. They're incredibly fragrant, and very refreshing. A perfect sundowner on the boat. Cheers!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-86639717641006515362013-07-24T13:23:00.000-07:002013-07-26T09:02:47.181-07:00US Coast Guard Auxiliary Classes: Navigation (paper & GPS)<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvz5eo-Dr6gKMnnSEZlHk3g85InGvDGndrDboOifeA2mSd-iUw-IIWsDKuoiJ9P65bkOnL9ZuH93kV2uU-m7Y23ywaXEaFYdVqbl9RW3wAWen_3nj0UqwdFQLDoAjNF6BJ84N3KTf5w/s1600/samenavigationappontwophonesinsameplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvz5eo-Dr6gKMnnSEZlHk3g85InGvDGndrDboOifeA2mSd-iUw-IIWsDKuoiJ9P65bkOnL9ZuH93kV2uU-m7Y23ywaXEaFYdVqbl9RW3wAWen_3nj0UqwdFQLDoAjNF6BJ84N3KTf5w/s400/samenavigationappontwophonesinsameplace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two phones, the same compass app, in the same location, with different readings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend, I took a <a href="http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/classes/2011/wn.php" target="_blank">Navigation course</a> at the <a href="http://www.cgaux.org/" target="_blank">US Coast Guard Auxiliary</a> in Oxnard, CA. Up until a few months ago, I had no idea the Coast Guard offered affordable and comprehensive boating courses to the public. For two days, my brain was marinated in latitudes & longitudes, fathoms, soundings, range bearings, magnetic vs true compass readings, GPS, Radar and plotting courses with a parallel rule, dividers and a pencil on paper, etc. It was <i><u>excellent</u></i>. Challenging, for sure, especially for my math-phobic gray-matter, but I learned so much.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22jFwJ3RnWIi-LekM-It3gO6G7zql8CZ4UwUvsQeMO2bjqQPMU2Qg6h5cT2FhirtEcEhKBvksikByNSJNg3sUDzYFqX0NxPXTfOf2EKfr4cEbeGBuMeoeImad9WkXqqnK5RXaxTW3ag/s1600/electronicnavigationchart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22jFwJ3RnWIi-LekM-It3gO6G7zql8CZ4UwUvsQeMO2bjqQPMU2Qg6h5cT2FhirtEcEhKBvksikByNSJNg3sUDzYFqX0NxPXTfOf2EKfr4cEbeGBuMeoeImad9WkXqqnK5RXaxTW3ag/s400/electronicnavigationchart.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electronic chart (Nobeltec) showing the shipping lanes in Santa Barbara Channel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Taking a class on navigation has equipped me with a full course back up plan, and a side dish of confidence. If GPS goes out while we're floating somewhere in the sea in a fog bank, due to <a href="http://charlestonsailandpower.blogspot.com/2013/02/what-if-your-gps-chart-plotter-fails.html" target="_blank">electrical failure</a>, a <a href="http://www.sailblogs.com/member/sailingsouth/?xjMsgID=271223" target="_blank">lightening strike</a>, <a href="http://www.sailblogs.com/member/madcap/?xjMsgID=159803" target="_blank">military activity</a>, or this summer's <a href="http://bwsailing.com/cc/2013/05/29/warning-over-gps-accuracy/#more-14887" target="_blank">predicted solar flare GPS failures</a>, I can figure out where we are, and where we need to be, and how to get there with a chart, a rule, a compass & a pencil. That peace of mind is a good thing. (I don't know how to use a sextant yet, but just you wait.) </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfD2SBHxtu5kexjO5kitk1QuCCNeR4dp03A8R0T6F-oK4f8ANZcdf7uiIo7I6p3IBQ2nbVkjja5vKp4tSjwpWcf_6WzQzrh88gJGjCADHK5TVbihfwJqMUjZgH3QPU4NzkF_qOnfy3Rg/s1600/chartrule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfD2SBHxtu5kexjO5kitk1QuCCNeR4dp03A8R0T6F-oK4f8ANZcdf7uiIo7I6p3IBQ2nbVkjja5vKp4tSjwpWcf_6WzQzrh88gJGjCADHK5TVbihfwJqMUjZgH3QPU4NzkF_qOnfy3Rg/s320/chartrule.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first weekend in June, Don and I took a USCG course on <a href="http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/classes/2011/bss.php" target="_blank">Boating Skills and Seamanship,</a> which included ID of buoy systems, ATONs, understanding light & horn communication from other vessels, and rules & regulations on the water, etc. That course was also excellent, and the quality of the curriculum and instruction was confirmed when I saw many of the same people we met in that first class attending the Navigation course. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ1wJnyxs1vhWhSxFHdXjFzS5N801dvdAMN7Z03gQf4sYGAbJI8THwxNAt6rfEpYds2wFDNQBGRkAYXtWjRoStAP8HkkjxisW258utHH295oHf48f8c2HKNswaPkjjkptJ3Oln-hyiQ/s1600/buoymarkeratventuraharbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ1wJnyxs1vhWhSxFHdXjFzS5N801dvdAMN7Z03gQf4sYGAbJI8THwxNAt6rfEpYds2wFDNQBGRkAYXtWjRoStAP8HkkjxisW258utHH295oHf48f8c2HKNswaPkjjkptJ3Oln-hyiQ/s400/buoymarkeratventuraharbor.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buoy Rest Stop for Sea Lions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Each of the Coast Guard classes cost us $40 apiece, which pays for the in-depth book on the course subject, so if two people take the course and share one book, it's $40. (And if you insure your vessel with BoatUS, they'll give you a 10% discount refund check on your insurance for completing the course.) The instructors are members of the <a href="http://cgaux.org/about.php" target="_blank">Coast Guard Auxiliary</a>, and they come from a variety of backgrounds with a broad range of interests and specialties. If you're new-ish to boating,<a href="http://cgaux.org/boatinged/" target="_blank"> have a look at taking a course</a> through your local Coast Guard Auxiliary. Most of the other attendees in the Navigation class were seasoned boaters, and they all agreed that they learned a lot and it was well-worth the time. Since the <a href="http://www.uscg.mil/" target="_blank">US Coast Guard</a> has been on the water since 1790, I like to think about the breadth & depth of knowledge they have. That's an abundant well to draw from.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPayVDuLzKE9UOeiGqgB_RzUXKFyk9q-xA9CKW1FC1Y5aiTHvMKlO0BgixyvUYCd2OtbHzybEsYwVt8bUYeuDxiwUXT3IX_Jc0yqeZgUKF2ItFPOk9svLPFqLtHMCGfiXSePWMx7vBbg/s1600/theweekendnavigatorbobsweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPayVDuLzKE9UOeiGqgB_RzUXKFyk9q-xA9CKW1FC1Y5aiTHvMKlO0BgixyvUYCd2OtbHzybEsYwVt8bUYeuDxiwUXT3IX_Jc0yqeZgUKF2ItFPOk9svLPFqLtHMCGfiXSePWMx7vBbg/s400/theweekendnavigatorbobsweet.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The book used in the Navigation Course - it's excellent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The instructors and fellow attendees shared useful resources on a variety of boating topics.... here are a few:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://usharbors.com/" target="_blank">USHarbors</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures.shtml" target="_blank">National Weather Service Brochures, Publications and Pamphlets</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_statistics.aspx" target="_blank">Annual Boating Accident Statistics</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.uscgboating.org/ATON/index.html" target="_blank">Free download; USCG ATONs (Aids to Navigation) Manual, including buoy markers, beacons & symbols</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT" target="_blank">Details on compliance for a safe vessel, and complimentary vessel safety checks from USCG</a><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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uLvLtUHoHdX9-verwZfYurLA2_u7uxY__wvc4Hf6Ggvsa9hjWoUH1SyaBSvUy2WIGkUSjsqq0XYQbiTYx6ZCD180k3uMWyd-W_aQdNfiuXjxcuGyK3gGf8DmJaQQ6MYnfd-su1hDbQ/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uLvLtUHoHdX9-verwZfYurLA2_u7uxY__wvc4Hf6Ggvsa9hjWoUH1SyaBSvUy2WIGkUSjsqq0XYQbiTYx6ZCD180k3uMWyd-W_aQdNfiuXjxcuGyK3gGf8DmJaQQ6MYnfd-su1hDbQ/s400/IMG_0453.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">s/v Florian headed back to Ventura CA </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-66868264230362169682013-07-18T10:40:00.000-07:002015-03-02T09:09:32.963-08:00Pursuit of a Dry Bilge - Part II (& a blueberry mojito cocktail)<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbiQMZOTXWpZPbFOBen_bPsjJXKFZdw-XZ9UkscM2VALzHzYszkMudn2CYyIY-EDdh19vKZPIW8qYD5ZCfNE78lbjKqZPu1Ube-c1v4wWFzogdIbixD7nGWJjEH29VzfFQLWToFyfeA/s1600/smelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbiQMZOTXWpZPbFOBen_bPsjJXKFZdw-XZ9UkscM2VALzHzYszkMudn2CYyIY-EDdh19vKZPIW8qYD5ZCfNE78lbjKqZPu1Ube-c1v4wWFzogdIbixD7nGWJjEH29VzfFQLWToFyfeA/s400/smelly.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Searching for the source of unpleasant oder; we found it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2013/06/in-pursuit-of-dry-bilge-kracor-water.html" target="_blank">last post</a> in our ongoing endeavor to dry the bilge, we were feeling smug for halting the weeping water tanks. I grinned to see a 1/2 cup of water, instead of a gallon or two in the bilge. But, as everyone with boats knows, there's always another surprise waiting around the corner. Our beautiful sailboat started to smell. The kind of stink that made my nostrils constrict without any help from my pinched fingers. </div>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPrJdnn-utLGgrOgnF14RNtuJ74DA9WWR-PxFKuzzdf20Ot3-ARMHrJNcrxf_TPK0SPiraoW4jnVrM7-e8rf3wJ6ONW7JuUXWgplMycuBbv_LInDajuCtH4gOya-gP-09Kn9XXZFQ7Q/s1600/IMG_7712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPrJdnn-utLGgrOgnF14RNtuJ74DA9WWR-PxFKuzzdf20Ot3-ARMHrJNcrxf_TPK0SPiraoW4jnVrM7-e8rf3wJ6ONW7JuUXWgplMycuBbv_LInDajuCtH4gOya-gP-09Kn9XXZFQ7Q/s400/IMG_7712.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking under the galley sole at the Pink Water. Ick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By the 2nd weekend, we found pinky/orange water in the bilge, with <u>stuff</u> growing in it. Since we aren't on the boat during the week, organic materials have 5 days to putrefy. It was a bad-smell-party all week. We searched high and low for a source, and found standing pink water under the engine compartment. There was enough to flow forward over the top of our glassed-in holding tank, and into the bilge. Our first suspicion was the stuffing box. But it wasn't leaking. A relief, but what else could it be? The hot water heater? Nope; this was not fresh water. A leak in the hull? Why is it pink? What would you guess?<br />
<div>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiAxkcKGCrfTa0dXGHmif7gKcHwa2xnKfyN-MK08Yw6_BYziD2_QLq69Qtx0kDlHvKA_h9Vl37EBkCiCylKQSisSq7VwlfSXkJLrTh0G7MZf4vLi0D0Yyn5CzjX18RPwJCfPkcPfcRQ/s1600/suckingwateroutofthebilge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiAxkcKGCrfTa0dXGHmif7gKcHwa2xnKfyN-MK08Yw6_BYziD2_QLq69Qtx0kDlHvKA_h9Vl37EBkCiCylKQSisSq7VwlfSXkJLrTh0G7MZf4vLi0D0Yyn5CzjX18RPwJCfPkcPfcRQ/s400/suckingwateroutofthebilge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siphoning stinky-pink water from under the engine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm5rs5WWMPLS2FbuGbNoM_nz4TcbxnfaMHJBPujDbu06yE4p7L-7jh1qM5U2c2OruiQ06OnnpJ2btOLhimnV5FMnyDu1oJa1sgsrUXDWIosvxlCupUV_fRgkRay25LCYJJc-E-kb2Xw/s1600/yanmario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm5rs5WWMPLS2FbuGbNoM_nz4TcbxnfaMHJBPujDbu06yE4p7L-7jh1qM5U2c2OruiQ06OnnpJ2btOLhimnV5FMnyDu1oJa1sgsrUXDWIosvxlCupUV_fRgkRay25LCYJJc-E-kb2Xw/s320/yanmario.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How do you get <u>under</u> there?</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3Ybt03TwXlLIJ0B_fpOnMcKvC3-GypmA-laUQTxYgpgZKYStVmLMFSJavvdhWzZq3RhNb-V7_RxA6k7AXq02edrA-Tr9cn3J1qygM-KxG7OS-kPOCKakmcPrH6A12oEDnuk0l9Flpw/s1600/boatyogaengine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3Ybt03TwXlLIJ0B_fpOnMcKvC3-GypmA-laUQTxYgpgZKYStVmLMFSJavvdhWzZq3RhNb-V7_RxA6k7AXq02edrA-Tr9cn3J1qygM-KxG7OS-kPOCKakmcPrH6A12oEDnuk0l9Flpw/s400/boatyogaengine.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat Yoga; climbing into the engine compartment with hoses.<br />
Everything on a boat is better as a two person job.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1lkgWKuViJwnvNNEeIOBDz9qeu-y2L9zWbXS6Uee80_zGQwMqFFzhfeOP8T8JqRTM_4QehcQFnMxIJ3uqeFQwVEepEkyQ9TUKqQ_RyRz-UV7cjVPAw-95J3gd_oIDIkmXquMaCooZQ/s1600/causeofpinkwaterinbilge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1lkgWKuViJwnvNNEeIOBDz9qeu-y2L9zWbXS6Uee80_zGQwMqFFzhfeOP8T8JqRTM_4QehcQFnMxIJ3uqeFQwVEepEkyQ9TUKqQ_RyRz-UV7cjVPAw-95J3gd_oIDIkmXquMaCooZQ/s400/causeofpinkwaterinbilge.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The source of the pinky-orange tint;<br />
a socket wrench submerged under the engine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We removed all the smelly water, and rinsed the hull sides and hoses with fresh water and mold inhibitor before we had to leave for the work-week. The following weekend, she smelled a little better, but not much. We worked on other projects, searched for leaks & found none. Just before heading home, while running the engine, I climbed into the aft end of the engine compartment with a flashlight, and found a stream of salt water coming from the lazarette locker, and running down the hull to the void under the prop shaft. The area we had just emptied was full of water again.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE2rQiKMrmdOjJUn1L2tKrhrOOMM12tfdGe6roObJmsFryfuPOB96M1k9XwJoQQaBsbmrPv0-tDtKKgYNKAmT8M_aF6-O3LRcTRBme3gdHwPSaTZh9CExzeq1DN38Q-Xd3DqYJqcnyg/s1600/esparexhaustweeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE2rQiKMrmdOjJUn1L2tKrhrOOMM12tfdGe6roObJmsFryfuPOB96M1k9XwJoQQaBsbmrPv0-tDtKKgYNKAmT8M_aF6-O3LRcTRBme3gdHwPSaTZh9CExzeq1DN38Q-Xd3DqYJqcnyg/s400/esparexhaustweeping.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The transom is on the left; water appeared to be pouring out <br />
of a hose juncture on the Espar Heat exhaust.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Out in the cockpit, we took turns hanging upside down in the lazarette with a flashlight to trace the source back, and found water pouring from the Espar Heater exhaust hose (see above). We shut everything down and went home to start the work week, totally perplexed, because there is *no water* in the exhaust system on an Espar Heater, and it was brand new. :( What the heck.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYe2pGVHVeVfXMP5xHbMDjikHhnL1FtUGEfhFG0NQu-TPzScfjphYSWdIyG-DXBanwzUjw9E9I3l-jC-7QJtOfKkFCYVymEYtnErIPfBwZBG1bkiBs7u8LMQQUl4WfX9islBGD_tZnIg/s1600/lazarette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYe2pGVHVeVfXMP5xHbMDjikHhnL1FtUGEfhFG0NQu-TPzScfjphYSWdIyG-DXBanwzUjw9E9I3l-jC-7QJtOfKkFCYVymEYtnErIPfBwZBG1bkiBs7u8LMQQUl4WfX9islBGD_tZnIg/s400/lazarette.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing over the lazarette, wondering how to get in<br />
without getting stuck, or breaking things mounted inside.<br />
Note: if you do this alone, always have your cell phone on you. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I took a mid-week trip out to the boat, with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009TCCTSQ/?tag=bedepefiar-20" target="_blank">gopro video camera</a> mounted on a pole to get close ups in an area we couldn't physically climb into, and the footage revealed the problem. We had used our new Espar Heater a few times on chilly evenings, and the exhaust hose was installed too close to the Vetus Waterlift Muffler. The hot exhaust hose melted a small hole in the top of the plastic muffler gooseneck & "glued" the insulation cloth to the muffler. Sea water was escaping the muffler through a hole, filling the insulation cloth around the Espar hose, and flowing into the lazarette. It *<i>looked like</i>* the Espar exhaust hose was leaking water, but the source was the engine's muffler system. The area where the Espar hose & the muffler made contact was behind the Vetus gooseneck where we couldn't see it. Of course.</div>
<div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenONjfksqmKV2di3dbl_-BzoyLY_2nf7Mh_tgilYf2f-1-RXMLl-x2my01138hRXvLts6oCc-8YPfFxfVw7bnizdm2bTNu-1nRa5RpOSGbxJTQZR7i211S4l3Qa5jHelois8Ki2v6gw/s1600/vetuswaterliftesparheaterexhausttooclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenONjfksqmKV2di3dbl_-BzoyLY_2nf7Mh_tgilYf2f-1-RXMLl-x2my01138hRXvLts6oCc-8YPfFxfVw7bnizdm2bTNu-1nRa5RpOSGbxJTQZR7i211S4l3Qa5jHelois8Ki2v6gw/s400/vetuswaterliftesparheaterexhausttooclose.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up from the base of the lazarette at the contact point between the Espar & Vetus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEm0wMFzDj50S2zHSXUuB_U_UiFOLA_dKcr1IaMcIK0WnIrec1wE4i9uH36XT9xDrLW7J9qXzF7Iyl-TR1VU6s7cxnZVPgDmXFgubWODf0k1VcptsNx7Gv4a1Jt7CC0YVGlPFwKW9Vsw/s1600/IMG_7132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEm0wMFzDj50S2zHSXUuB_U_UiFOLA_dKcr1IaMcIK0WnIrec1wE4i9uH36XT9xDrLW7J9qXzF7Iyl-TR1VU6s7cxnZVPgDmXFgubWODf0k1VcptsNx7Gv4a1Jt7CC0YVGlPFwKW9Vsw/s400/IMG_7132.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The culprit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A new Vetus muffler was installed, and angled farther to starboard, and the Espar Exhaust was re-wrapped with new insulation and bowed farther to port. They broke up, but the relationship is amicable. :) All of this was done by someone we hired who is a lot smaller than we are. I watched him fold, twist and shimmy into the lazarette with awe. Now that I know how it's done, I can climb in there too. (See images <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2013/03/winter-spring-sailboat-projects.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) I'm not sure how well I'll do if we're bouncing around on the Pacific, but at least I know I can scrunch enough to squeeze in and get access to the systems in there. If you have an Espar Heater (we <u><i><b>love</b></i></u> ours), be sure to give the exhaust hose lots of room. :)<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=bedepefiar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0071432388&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</center>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrV9ypsoH9pB2xFsGSjZjqsQFbdcuZvuZF_RjPEP97Gue9hzTEuedSvc3k8v8SOrEmo_1LUbq0FqPKeWMsbqV2aPWK5g6gGSPmXbikDpCoDul0CL2W3aR0oem7LUZ8GZmDSwZnLHfaA/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrV9ypsoH9pB2xFsGSjZjqsQFbdcuZvuZF_RjPEP97Gue9hzTEuedSvc3k8v8SOrEmo_1LUbq0FqPKeWMsbqV2aPWK5g6gGSPmXbikDpCoDul0CL2W3aR0oem7LUZ8GZmDSwZnLHfaA/s400/IMG_0403.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hard day's work deserves rewards. This is a Blueberry Mojito reward.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADiUmms0EQwl9IBzaZkCsQbCvltB0FU6G-uk6RChZx3n0JRFemqGbE7h9kuqT9DcYmGOJnHROg4-DQlapjz1yN-KMGOxuUl4t4I6lj3TxbCyFHTRa0PhDJQ5rFgJNJLocwnTZTqwXWw/s1600/IMG_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADiUmms0EQwl9IBzaZkCsQbCvltB0FU6G-uk6RChZx3n0JRFemqGbE7h9kuqT9DcYmGOJnHROg4-DQlapjz1yN-KMGOxuUl4t4I6lj3TxbCyFHTRa0PhDJQ5rFgJNJLocwnTZTqwXWw/s320/IMG_0402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberries, lime juice, & mint leaves - the aroma is all about summertime</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This delicious recipe is from a wonderful blog called <a href="http://www.thenovicechefblog.com/" target="_blank">The Novice Chef</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's what you'll need:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup of fresh blueberries (& extra for garnish)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4 oz of clear rum</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10 fresh mint leaves</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 tsp of sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Juice from 2 limes, and extra wedges for garnish</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6 oz club soda</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
ice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Use a blender to puree all but a few of the blueberries, and set aside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Add 8 mint leaves and the sugar to a cocktail shaker (or a bowl if you have none). Use a muddler (or the end of a wooden spoon) to muddle the mint and sugar together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Add the lime juice, and the rum, and the pureed blueberries; shake vigorously in the cocktail shaker (or stir in the bowl).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pour ice and club soda into tall glasses and then pour the rum & blueberry/lime/mint mixture into the glasses. Stir gently and garnish with lime wedges and a mint leaf. Serve immediately.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These go down smooth and lip-smackingly easy, so enjoy them carefully. ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2cmvq-NbadDOSP5qvkDhsxBRxBSMZQsJDuUykdw4OxQpl0a-yESf9SoCuWNiq5wHHyvI1KAhrpC35t4uTkl4SMJHAAyoj6i7jrSq_OtoPtB8TtrdKCugE1SiFm6zdBbLb79DOC2XCw/s1600/IMG_8826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2cmvq-NbadDOSP5qvkDhsxBRxBSMZQsJDuUykdw4OxQpl0a-yESf9SoCuWNiq5wHHyvI1KAhrpC35t4uTkl4SMJHAAyoj6i7jrSq_OtoPtB8TtrdKCugE1SiFm6zdBbLb79DOC2XCw/s320/IMG_8826.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for sunset on s/v Forian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=bedepefiar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1904920799&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Our favorite bar book, by the founder of the </span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">London Academy of Bartending - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Douglas Ankrah: Shaken and Stirred.</span></div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-3898588297645200592013-06-13T09:20:00.000-07:002013-06-13T09:20:31.929-07:00In Pursuit of a Dry Bilge: Kracor Water Tanks (& a cocktail recipe)<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghyphenhyphensrqzHn1AD5J-J8tJgdnmAH3-amzxybqM-f2g8iZxhJgLY_HarF2qykQhR85OCMOXB7m4uCevDXeGD6O9CZRtTCO3u72KUrdLvlBwvVIiDTGdRXx_DHnhwxtnNm7Qy9EyJRwpoWPQ/s1600/tomanddononheiress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghyphenhyphensrqzHn1AD5J-J8tJgdnmAH3-amzxybqM-f2g8iZxhJgLY_HarF2qykQhR85OCMOXB7m4uCevDXeGD6O9CZRtTCO3u72KUrdLvlBwvVIiDTGdRXx_DHnhwxtnNm7Qy9EyJRwpoWPQ/s400/tomanddononheiress.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My step-dad TC and Don on Heiress (Cape Dory 31)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For my non-boaty friends, a bilge is like a miniature basement; a compartment on a boat that sits in the lowest area - under the sole (floor) - below the waterline. It's purpose is to collect & contain liquids - everything from waves-over-the-boat sea water, to leaking engine oil & diesel, etc. A wet bilge is normal, so automatic bilge pumps are installed to keep the levels manageable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuglaGaOHDsonFh6yhvLBop94q7qiYyQmPtNeYvfgfZwuIzd33eE_cVFV78PUFrVBuD6ij26VaGo5E6NNUelWVoo6CQ0dh7GFOfGpU3RWtlwOpfjupXPkqmVRkMQaG6WFZ9b4li1CzyQ/s1600/waterinthebilgecapedory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuglaGaOHDsonFh6yhvLBop94q7qiYyQmPtNeYvfgfZwuIzd33eE_cVFV78PUFrVBuD6ij26VaGo5E6NNUelWVoo6CQ0dh7GFOfGpU3RWtlwOpfjupXPkqmVRkMQaG6WFZ9b4li1CzyQ/s400/waterinthebilgecapedory.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little water in the bilge is normal and acceptable. <br />
But I'd prefer ours (above) to be dry & dusty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">The contents of bilges can be informative, because other than wet marine environment condensation running down the interior walls of your hull, the other stuff boaters find in bilges is often evidence of some looming project (a split in the sanitation hoses, a leaking oil seal, corroded gas tank, weeping through-hulls, etc.) I'll go on record and say it; we want a dry bilge. Our salty, seasoned, sailing friends shake their heads at this seemingly naive & futile goal. But determination</span><span style="text-align: left;"> works for salmon swimming upstream, and we're determined. If you're not into bilge water source diagnostics (</span><i style="text-align: left;">and if you're not a boater, I don't blame you</i><span style="text-align: left;">), scroll to the bottom of this post for a groovy cocktail recipe that has nothing whatsoever to do with bilges or boats. And thanks for stopping in.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2r1zsG_WKhCb7IB2hD8K_M6BEm1h7wucuho7ZQRdPQjyZGkMb0vhlgPLJfPiZm2AX-S8LfBCMXOg_s958KqAwCADMLa4Bsz23fY4gc-GZmRxuoQ9Fo5tPbJGk_keiBkCATQAvPCoLPQ/s1600/capedorywatertankcapsleaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2r1zsG_WKhCb7IB2hD8K_M6BEm1h7wucuho7ZQRdPQjyZGkMb0vhlgPLJfPiZm2AX-S8LfBCMXOg_s958KqAwCADMLa4Bsz23fY4gc-GZmRxuoQ9Fo5tPbJGk_keiBkCATQAvPCoLPQ/s400/capedorywatertankcapsleaking.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mopping pooled water around the caps of the tank under the nav berth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After finding tiny rivers of wetness snaking down the sides of the bilge from three directions, we traced those little water maps back to the sources and found pools on top of all three fresh water tanks after recently filling them. We reduced the level of the water in the tanks by running the faucet, and took the caps off to have a look at their sealing abilities.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtTc-9r_SHoDHi8jFro8-fXiT0_z41eisZR1ZRiLi2Y_41yajaGEtYtxM7ftKHAAEXJ8fPLxKc9fpDC9LeEzs18Rh5RKBIiPBFiibo_aSByABSuEpEdjFcV7J-qwYJKhO9HU_SqmgLQ/s1600/kracorwatertankcaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtTc-9r_SHoDHi8jFro8-fXiT0_z41eisZR1ZRiLi2Y_41yajaGEtYtxM7ftKHAAEXJ8fPLxKc9fpDC9LeEzs18Rh5RKBIiPBFiibo_aSByABSuEpEdjFcV7J-qwYJKhO9HU_SqmgLQ/s400/kracorwatertankcaps.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the existing caps on our Kracor water tanks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrGEEVIx7ygaQR3HXPpFKtVTa46bHHtBYnXMB2osCV6963ONmXmP9fSovBZwZDQvhUyr1uiWc4qwpWe9P-ObeCeajmqi3c0qltPcJnXztWNk1WLYjcqX3U-T739vTJdyYW_-y5J9JVg/s1600/kracorwatertankcapwasher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrGEEVIx7ygaQR3HXPpFKtVTa46bHHtBYnXMB2osCV6963ONmXmP9fSovBZwZDQvhUyr1uiWc4qwpWe9P-ObeCeajmqi3c0qltPcJnXztWNk1WLYjcqX3U-T739vTJdyYW_-y5J9JVg/s400/kracorwatertankcapwasher.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the existing Kracor water tank cap gaskets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They were probably original to the boat (17 years old), and looked like they needed to be retired. We jotted down the serial number and manufacturer of the tanks, and called Kracor to ask about replacement caps. Steve at Kracor took our call, and he was kind, helpful and very knowledgeable. He deduced the make and model of our boat by the serial number of the starboard tank, because they were custom made for Cape Dory and Robinhood boats. Then he informed us that the openings and caps, which are actually called <i>clean out covers</i>, are manufactured to be splash proof, but *not* water proof, so the tanks should not be filled to maximum capacity. <i>Now we know. (</i>And I wonder; how does that work when we're heeled over?)<br />
<div>
<i><br /></i>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj3OTgPdHDK4c_KBZh2ZIq6YkGCyuDIY00pjyrBndgnjBLI7Y228WIOsN33jsDFK-BNkhecCydb-tdbWIpmCUTv0ZsN1AmJD6LQUNmWz8LYLFfC7m0kG3VhaS4lEYenhufHNo1BsioA/s1600/kracorcapoldandnew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj3OTgPdHDK4c_KBZh2ZIq6YkGCyuDIY00pjyrBndgnjBLI7Y228WIOsN33jsDFK-BNkhecCydb-tdbWIpmCUTv0ZsN1AmJD6LQUNmWz8LYLFfC7m0kG3VhaS4lEYenhufHNo1BsioA/s400/kracorcapoldandnew.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New cap & gaskets arrived in the mail; big difference!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I explained that I wanted to order replacements for our old and slippery "splash proof clean out covers", he said we'd save money by ordering them directly from the supplier Kracor orders them from. (How cool is that?) And the company - <a href="http://bit.ly/18yA6tT" target="_blank">Claire's Marine Outfitters</a> - recently opened an Ebay store, to make online ordering easier. So, for $14 each, we got three new caps for our water tanks. Yahoo!<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr-8nhPCekSN6o-1wRawDt2UzIJgL4R5YkkRdcgtpJqdEVcTNdbAh_sY3fYrydWpDO55CxflSkmCmZrXFJ8nPFYXG7j8LxlqDUyy0RreH2Df4Up03pNzbfKm6Yx9IDk7SqPqU-vS0Ew/s1600/starboardsetteewatertankcleanoutcovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr-8nhPCekSN6o-1wRawDt2UzIJgL4R5YkkRdcgtpJqdEVcTNdbAh_sY3fYrydWpDO55CxflSkmCmZrXFJ8nPFYXG7j8LxlqDUyy0RreH2Df4Up03pNzbfKm6Yx9IDk7SqPqU-vS0Ew/s400/starboardsetteewatertankcleanoutcovers.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much better = not leaking. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Boaters are all too familiar with the concept of Scope Creep; when your original plan for a project stretches and grows to take <i>more</i> time, <i>more</i> supplies and <i>more</i> money. Well, of course, once we got the tanks open, and saw the slime on the original caps, we used flash lights to explore the interior of the fresh water tanks. Too Many Floaties. :( So, we began - in earnest - researching all the different ways and products used to clean fresh water tanks. But I'll save that for another post.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGN2NVveuTz2FsEkxSZYZd2euvti1blNCRfdt7XTcfQkB_JQAMVa_lq7gK3uWBCa0hZbHXJaxGh-KUxlyh28En07AbbWDBAk-3GcTUYCTni2nu8wsHO5mWRCgdubMCrWtm25DzwYx4g/s1600/IMG_9818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGN2NVveuTz2FsEkxSZYZd2euvti1blNCRfdt7XTcfQkB_JQAMVa_lq7gK3uWBCa0hZbHXJaxGh-KUxlyh28En07AbbWDBAk-3GcTUYCTni2nu8wsHO5mWRCgdubMCrWtm25DzwYx4g/s400/IMG_9818.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian Smoke Jumper (think: pancakes at a campfire)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I found this drink - a Canadian Smoke Jumper - online <a href="http://cocktailhacker.com/?p=4092" target="_blank">here</a>, and since Don a) loves Laphroaig, b) loves all things maple, and c) is a fire fighter, we had to make it. The recipe calls for equal parts:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.laphroaig.com/whiskies/cask-strength.aspx" target="_blank">Laphroaig</a> Single Malt Scotch Whiskey<br />
<a href="http://www.drinkspirits.com/canadian-whisky/crown-royal-maple-finished-canadian-whisky/" target="_blank">Crown Royal Maple</a> Finished Whiskey<br />
Simple Syrup<br />
<br />
We erred on the side of sweet-caution, and reduced the simple syrup by half, and will probably reduce it further in the next round. If you like smokey, peaty scotch, and maple scent & flavor - like pancakes by a campfire, you might like this drink. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-7612584243491872262013-06-11T18:09:00.000-07:002013-07-22T21:23:51.242-07:00One Year as Boat Owners (& a Force 10 Sea Kettle Grill for sale)<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUoyASoXuLvvVbhk5zFQ6UCC1_72Gmh29i6VAa3W0bZBIU37YzL3KBaU-zcEG09omeRnbAf9j4209HbC0CyFpzTdO_JKvd6NbkoMhyphenhyphenUbENH4f3_atAzVKtlr-4RqUvxWaOHzIJ4iiIw/s1600/sailingpacificoceansky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUoyASoXuLvvVbhk5zFQ6UCC1_72Gmh29i6VAa3W0bZBIU37YzL3KBaU-zcEG09omeRnbAf9j4209HbC0CyFpzTdO_JKvd6NbkoMhyphenhyphenUbENH4f3_atAzVKtlr-4RqUvxWaOHzIJ4iiIw/s400/sailingpacificoceansky.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Ocean skies above Florian's sails off the coast of Ventura</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took delivery of s/vFlorian - our Robinhood 36 - one year ago. I keep a folder of all boat related images on iphoto as a visual documentation/log of our projects, and as a reminder of our progress. In a year, we've taken a little over 2500 boat pictures.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ30Un3bYEMk_EFpaG4DsSojVgD4XQ2OVLKe8g96MgK2YGX_VzoFZftDYBdynAPKyExlnXBGaIaQxeWVwk5FRbIUFgL0Cbdr-yf_zxgteyoc9RFcxHboOZhSAlAIedR1TOeAo857cZ3w/s1600/hemakesherlaugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ30Un3bYEMk_EFpaG4DsSojVgD4XQ2OVLKe8g96MgK2YGX_VzoFZftDYBdynAPKyExlnXBGaIaQxeWVwk5FRbIUFgL0Cbdr-yf_zxgteyoc9RFcxHboOZhSAlAIedR1TOeAo857cZ3w/s400/hemakesherlaugh.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how happy boat owners look (photo by our wonderous friend, J.H.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, to be fair, I'm trigger happy on the shutter, and I like to document *everything*. This comes from being so visually oriented that I'm pretty much lost if I don't have visual cues in life (things like math & numeric time tables make me cry). But being turbo-girl on the camera is a benefit I think, because when I scroll through the photos, and jot down the projects we've accomplished on the boat in the past twelve months, it's a loooong list, and I'm pretty sure I would have forgotten half of them without this pictorial diary. I have many blog posts to write, to share all the repairs, upgrades and retrofits we've tackled, and I hope to write more this summer. And in the meantime, we've got a Force10 kettle grill for sale. (See pics below.) Did I give you whiplash with that subject change? Ooops. Sorry. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i1AIyc-gnsC90khWiMOAfvy3reF_Ead9AFvE7s9pSq7a02BscB8XfJiibXa5VFqkTGju869B-TZzfYNrNg56tgDDnZJ5wJCwk2vinyaM0BbEOYPOyUohygyl2FBjbyakWR18mAFbNQ/s1600/Force10boatgrillkettlebefore&after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i1AIyc-gnsC90khWiMOAfvy3reF_Ead9AFvE7s9pSq7a02BscB8XfJiibXa5VFqkTGju869B-TZzfYNrNg56tgDDnZJ5wJCwk2vinyaM0BbEOYPOyUohygyl2FBjbyakWR18mAFbNQ/s400/Force10boatgrillkettlebefore&after.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This globe kettle was in the lazarette on our boat, and after a little cleaning, it's ready to grill.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKwLZoLvnBB1YBm7mvZyTqwahe7g-cO_mEOIxAFHVjr88I0N07_7No8HBTV58yr8BQRX5x9WwI-R5pOru_GFRYq-TG-O7nBdMBjNNt2OtcaJuf2C3r_nfDOMQkM-1hhrk0pHgXg3twA/s1600/force10seakettle83600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKwLZoLvnBB1YBm7mvZyTqwahe7g-cO_mEOIxAFHVjr88I0N07_7No8HBTV58yr8BQRX5x9WwI-R5pOru_GFRYq-TG-O7nBdMBjNNt2OtcaJuf2C3r_nfDOMQkM-1hhrk0pHgXg3twA/s400/force10seakettle83600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Force10 still makes marine stoves, but I don't think they make kettle grills any more.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_sdCArzd4fSm2w8DklBivkmJFTULh6EKo4FCuYIsGXyT5pwbXhDh3XIxon4rhPglIzd3OyDFT7cqOQLFCfuywRpZi0kKP8Y77kbUZKZTHtE4-DZ-iW-EmuSqVNFNhiCQwiiuKJZD5A/s1600/force10seakettle83600bracketpin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_sdCArzd4fSm2w8DklBivkmJFTULh6EKo4FCuYIsGXyT5pwbXhDh3XIxon4rhPglIzd3OyDFT7cqOQLFCfuywRpZi0kKP8Y77kbUZKZTHtE4-DZ-iW-EmuSqVNFNhiCQwiiuKJZD5A/s400/force10seakettle83600bracketpin.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stem of the kettle grill, to attach to your pulpit rail.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMkuz7thcqohdI43w-v9GXAZm1CjjlajULHZOLWgHIQKVsnpmYdfScfl0dHMJaX_32EjxHJqAyvuVfs0NZ35ePwZ_TYyw7rDuAvP5XPTGhD6-USxBkOj6k3j3ixL9zG0e-EsnW3Yx4w/s1600/force10seakettleboatgrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMkuz7thcqohdI43w-v9GXAZm1CjjlajULHZOLWgHIQKVsnpmYdfScfl0dHMJaX_32EjxHJqAyvuVfs0NZ35ePwZ_TYyw7rDuAvP5XPTGhD6-USxBkOj6k3j3ixL9zG0e-EsnW3Yx4w/s400/force10seakettleboatgrill.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Propane connection on the grill (propane tanks are not included in this offering)</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aRbwTh9si71774741PQuVVpOlK64ZsPG7kRp47oXU-3dm2AkNuC8zwS5T7AS4ChRg_UQWAUpn0LK4QN8WYEx7t9rWEu5Wqn4jTQwzcUEEx_pZV7CRlwUopd9vZm8xeLoRog2JqPVpQ/s1600/force10seakettlemanual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aRbwTh9si71774741PQuVVpOlK64ZsPG7kRp47oXU-3dm2AkNuC8zwS5T7AS4ChRg_UQWAUpn0LK4QN8WYEx7t9rWEu5Wqn4jTQwzcUEEx_pZV7CRlwUopd9vZm8xeLoRog2JqPVpQ/s400/force10seakettlemanual.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The manual to the Force 10 Sea Kettle Maine Barbecue</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1fTllTpAeUbrChniQo6_cLROcZWrwSVGGvo38hF2rlD9OL8Qs-W8C5WTkkcgpKqFpmJLMtZgwCZoXclLgsMn__TMSE_hmGdBCNsE6VN6CAW91wD_5DFwHzrjowkDC2hGhsvTz8etYQ/s1600/force1083600seakettleboatgrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1fTllTpAeUbrChniQo6_cLROcZWrwSVGGvo38hF2rlD9OL8Qs-W8C5WTkkcgpKqFpmJLMtZgwCZoXclLgsMn__TMSE_hmGdBCNsE6VN6CAW91wD_5DFwHzrjowkDC2hGhsvTz8etYQ/s400/force1083600seakettleboatgrill.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hot plate and grill inside the kettle. It works fine, or use it for parts.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRU_eixzDTdA-1PvTFeYUdy75K7BWaI7Yec7b_TVQvBpMZ_ovKSluFSeFdACmcAC6IQs-uPjqlq-DtjzbGBt1jDyhzsjxh8uYy8ePj1qgCBUyOf4ACfrOOPMEAHEpErPgjdaJG1VrIA/s1600/force1083600seakettleboatgrillmanual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRU_eixzDTdA-1PvTFeYUdy75K7BWaI7Yec7b_TVQvBpMZ_ovKSluFSeFdACmcAC6IQs-uPjqlq-DtjzbGBt1jDyhzsjxh8uYy8ePj1qgCBUyOf4ACfrOOPMEAHEpErPgjdaJG1VrIA/s400/force1083600seakettleboatgrillmanual.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hinges for the cover work great, as does the vent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you're interested in buying this little sea kettle, send me an email at bdelpesco at mac dot com. I've got a box to ship it pretty much anywhere, and if you're in the area of Los Angeles or Ventura, you can just pick it up. Grill season is here. :) <span style="color: #cc0000;">(Sold)</span><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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hTZSwbQkVSKn-YXLWWNJGYoCZ0jnZb_19hD3Yow-ksu20N53pvCzdNvL8wmgkQ9qAIZVjonIdvPNFjX_TxsTti7Sn4CTkfGd8coTkH6bUg6-H_DdZetrYvFMgxp22OziSvK72pExTw/s1600/venturamarinasunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hTZSwbQkVSKn-YXLWWNJGYoCZ0jnZb_19hD3Yow-ksu20N53pvCzdNvL8wmgkQ9qAIZVjonIdvPNFjX_TxsTti7Sn4CTkfGd8coTkH6bUg6-H_DdZetrYvFMgxp22OziSvK72pExTw/s400/venturamarinasunset.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in Ventura, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-25984674834487744452013-03-15T22:03:00.000-07:002013-03-15T22:08:28.732-07:00Winter & Spring Sailboat Projects<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQKzpDHKgYT2zifsVgwHnsb8JMUjF5yV9EiU5-ACVDzcwgmXVG4qEciFwK4ma3Ml4Uj5iTIVvRX1mYBibpI63h812Hm1fN2jzO3iFHIPeOFFe7jIpk7m2_eCJZerlSRJMu5G6uDpx6A/s1600/pooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQKzpDHKgYT2zifsVgwHnsb8JMUjF5yV9EiU5-ACVDzcwgmXVG4qEciFwK4ma3Ml4Uj5iTIVvRX1mYBibpI63h812Hm1fN2jzO3iFHIPeOFFe7jIpk7m2_eCJZerlSRJMu5G6uDpx6A/s400/pooper.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds will ensure frequent visits to your boat over the California<br />
winter, because you'll want to scrub all the crap they splatter<br />
on the deck & sail covers before it petrifies in the sun.<br />
If you're really unlucky, you'll have to remove their nests<br />
from under your dodger. (Not us, but our slip neighbors; what a mess.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've spent weekends working on the boat here and there over the winter, but not as frequently as we did in the Fall and Summer. When it's raining, windy and cold, we'd rather stay home, and work on the plenty of other things that need our attention.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJ8nWJUtlk4xgq9duhKfugMObOSYcNI3VG5Tj06A1jwBKISHEfHZ7ntKjEFk0MQfTvMPV1XeyT3YRR2g9J6lLkeM4FwAsbKcbOl_gxahyLuFOYS6hlqIBjSa_aCMkD3xClz-LjfLAqg/s1600/foundcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJ8nWJUtlk4xgq9duhKfugMObOSYcNI3VG5Tj06A1jwBKISHEfHZ7ntKjEFk0MQfTvMPV1XeyT3YRR2g9J6lLkeM4FwAsbKcbOl_gxahyLuFOYS6hlqIBjSa_aCMkD3xClz-LjfLAqg/s400/foundcard.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try not to drop your key card on a windy day. <br />
Especially if it might fly out of your hand before <br />
you even get the gate to your dock open. <br />
But if you must, be sure to drop it at low tide<br />
so you can crawl precariously down <br />
the slippery rocks to go retrieve it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We've accomplished a decent pile of projects, which we'll write about soon. The assortment included water-tank clean out, a new stereo, an overhaul of the propane system & new tanks, a bilge mystery and a leak in the Vetus Water Exhaust system. When we sleuthed the cause of water-where-it-shouldn't-be (the exhaust), we both tried to fold, twist & squeeze into the lazarette to access it, but we failed. We called on a professional to help. A small-ish professional.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCpJasnirG8dGvmjZD9l7UVtkosvBYGZwU0g-mAjFRCIiyJkhwJQzYoKaBFLS7QiQqwPmFLnpmM_zhsNOnT0m8u8tHqh3mOxecbzXzeNPswrHBE-l6uERyn6c2CaJQiEKLIvv_h5qVQ/s1600/joseinthelaz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCpJasnirG8dGvmjZD9l7UVtkosvBYGZwU0g-mAjFRCIiyJkhwJQzYoKaBFLS7QiQqwPmFLnpmM_zhsNOnT0m8u8tHqh3mOxecbzXzeNPswrHBE-l6uERyn6c2CaJQiEKLIvv_h5qVQ/s400/joseinthelaz.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jose, showing how it's done. Getting to the exhaust to replace the Vetus.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidizMmGVfNsWaPc7LzMLflmzmIlkwXIOgZV7DRL-dI1VdwxKwHgAUHAU4mxzKEO_bh_Va9ETYF1WeReCKELopu5C75g86j7B09iInSiAe4LaKAYQ0ha-ZlHS7S5gR5QnhiCMCLo-stJw/s1600/lazaretteyoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidizMmGVfNsWaPc7LzMLflmzmIlkwXIOgZV7DRL-dI1VdwxKwHgAUHAU4mxzKEO_bh_Va9ETYF1WeReCKELopu5C75g86j7B09iInSiAe4LaKAYQ0ha-ZlHS7S5gR5QnhiCMCLo-stJw/s400/lazaretteyoga.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After watching the Amazing Jose (abt 5'5") fold himself <br />
just right, and twist & scrunch ever so slowly to get into our lazarette, <br />
I felt sure I could fold enough too (I'm 5'11"). It wasn't easy, but I did it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The mistake in my effusively enthused accomplishment (the pic above was snapped as I was coming back out) was that Don thought for about 2.5 seconds, and announced that from now on, if we need anything else in the lazarette worked on, I'm the Go-To-Gal for the job. Durnitt.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscYt026aesWFQYqS_2rPbv0VK5FpGgsAqNvCHREu_FXy1hwb3dV-eoGk8Zp502giq5hgIcLGV5lgjyAwic_SsKv1H4mM8tDJBufLAdJe88G8oHrxTAhzbHk5VKaGr0BUK9mt7NpIWFw/s1600/mildew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscYt026aesWFQYqS_2rPbv0VK5FpGgsAqNvCHREu_FXy1hwb3dV-eoGk8Zp502giq5hgIcLGV5lgjyAwic_SsKv1H4mM8tDJBufLAdJe88G8oHrxTAhzbHk5VKaGr0BUK9mt7NpIWFw/s400/mildew.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little puddles of rain water coming in the anchor <br />
hawsepipe and settling at the base of the mast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In our search for a dry bilge, some of our next projects include a re-do of the hawsepipe, a new mast boot, re-bedding cleat screws on the foredeck where we've got water coming down the thread of the screws - and then, of course, lots of mold abatement. :) More on that later too. I know, I bet you can't wait.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTdYnM-J8imz1FtSS4MoqqRGK3g2Hjtjut9ilmzkocinhdxh2h-08IsVxz_4m1vTlT2_Lp5UPr0mNe78LVKn9u73RuSBQ7_qWvQcT9elZX7Hr99g_pO_n4PgATQ4uV5yjWPsYmiWzGg/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTdYnM-J8imz1FtSS4MoqqRGK3g2Hjtjut9ilmzkocinhdxh2h-08IsVxz_4m1vTlT2_Lp5UPr0mNe78LVKn9u73RuSBQ7_qWvQcT9elZX7Hr99g_pO_n4PgATQ4uV5yjWPsYmiWzGg/s400/IMG_0082.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But even with the rainy chill, and the list of projects, <br />
we did find some unseasonably beautiful days <br />
here and there, which gave us an excuse to take breaks<br />
and sprawl in the cockpit in the sunshine <br />
with a cold beer and an ear-to-ear grin. <br />
We are SO glad Spring is here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-56475662113506210082013-01-01T19:28:00.000-08:002015-07-21T10:52:32.222-07:00Happy New Year (and a little carpet install)<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP3GUXxR2lni2B_vUdpT6zqU8sHzQQlF6k2gFSYkht5p_9jGdaXU1vMHrnU0rt9XWvAPCnKoqigT77M-ZmKM0728BqGlZdRPleKkMF-pEHmUZpi3vT_NfFGty0mq7o5tdT2mf9IL0FA/s1600/slipreflections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP3GUXxR2lni2B_vUdpT6zqU8sHzQQlF6k2gFSYkht5p_9jGdaXU1vMHrnU0rt9XWvAPCnKoqigT77M-ZmKM0728BqGlZdRPleKkMF-pEHmUZpi3vT_NfFGty0mq7o5tdT2mf9IL0FA/s400/slipreflections.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter sunset in the slip on s/v Florian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlyj6S9asWIFHS3Yvda6kadYZCDeI2ySSdI71lLOCps0l6AVfnqpDsGuvQuseaYwk7g8_tbyTiVQZsSVAbdKwQg3jlTfOcuBm9QUUbacgV5IA-t9SbFLW-3vMtRDTdF7MqUTuZcrMfQ/s1600/florianportsideseteesole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlyj6S9asWIFHS3Yvda6kadYZCDeI2ySSdI71lLOCps0l6AVfnqpDsGuvQuseaYwk7g8_tbyTiVQZsSVAbdKwQg3jlTfOcuBm9QUUbacgV5IA-t9SbFLW-3vMtRDTdF7MqUTuZcrMfQ/s400/florianportsideseteesole.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florian has a nice teak & holly sole (floor)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The previous owners of our sweet little boat took very good care of her. The sole (floor) is almost 17 years old, but it looks great, with just a few scratches here and there. We thought it might be wise to protect it with carpet, and give our bare feet a surface to land on that's less slippery when wet, and less chilly during the winter. Boat carpeting is spendy, so we went looking for an alternative.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1P122ptn_iS_Oz6N_3aaaN0n0UtNFY3-cIKGL7udzIatFeplBKXzAhtHEquOMctPeY2TF5S2j67DwNSPrpZO-17Xz_egzfxzSGL9_l3-AIJLcrHJQse-O265BwvBvgp5z4quVRikxQ/s1600/templateforrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1P122ptn_iS_Oz6N_3aaaN0n0UtNFY3-cIKGL7udzIatFeplBKXzAhtHEquOMctPeY2TF5S2j67DwNSPrpZO-17Xz_egzfxzSGL9_l3-AIJLcrHJQse-O265BwvBvgp5z4quVRikxQ/s400/templateforrug.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We used butcher paper to make a template on the floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I use black butcher paper to seal the back of <a href="http://www.belindadelpesco.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my art</a> when I frame it, so I have a big roll of the stuff on a dispenser in my studio. I cut a length off, brought it to the boat, and we made a template of the shape and size we needed to cover just the center-line of the teak, with holes for the drop-down dining table legs to lock into their little recessed collars.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3B-vTPWqcS_tKkU3rIXcMqCnKAbth1XctYmAt7qYlSEK6UbLWFF5LNyR00CF2yCFSHnENMfYF3RhMz5CiweWzXlSOSsRdEx-qJGFPGlkwtmsObwE6KmpTRLqYZ3GnW7o9Gp9v8c5cQ/s1600/carpetremnants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3B-vTPWqcS_tKkU3rIXcMqCnKAbth1XctYmAt7qYlSEK6UbLWFF5LNyR00CF2yCFSHnENMfYF3RhMz5CiweWzXlSOSsRdEx-qJGFPGlkwtmsObwE6KmpTRLqYZ3GnW7o9Gp9v8c5cQ/s400/carpetremnants.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping the remnant carpet store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5ki6jPOj4UK12B2evWUbEjymE3S0TG9fO-y3dAWYo2cmocXe97C3UOelrRESr4Jeuln48cyitvXbUkhQLBB6PiCetvX94yZUq1dSGeBnNDZgUCndAiI_RoSCpFrn6llYv4Cb4nJnlw/s1600/cuttingthecarpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found a carpet remnant manufactured for school floors (water proof and tough) for about $40.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGPVLgaf1pM1S46DxOebMKnFYaf42hWeEiSmpBmXDwnQR2OmzwPC60edEkTw6efenmu922RjnMn5jmjeDp1jbY4ff8vkgJpsovvA0iE4yEqWpVh0H06gFRBvZRDHEqGegUFa1nhixmg/s1600/templateandcarpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGPVLgaf1pM1S46DxOebMKnFYaf42hWeEiSmpBmXDwnQR2OmzwPC60edEkTw6efenmu922RjnMn5jmjeDp1jbY4ff8vkgJpsovvA0iE4yEqWpVh0H06gFRBvZRDHEqGegUFa1nhixmg/s400/templateandcarpet.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying our template over the remnant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We flipped the carpet remnant, and flipped our template, and traced the shape on the back of the carpet webbing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5ki6jPOj4UK12B2evWUbEjymE3S0TG9fO-y3dAWYo2cmocXe97C3UOelrRESr4Jeuln48cyitvXbUkhQLBB6PiCetvX94yZUq1dSGeBnNDZgUCndAiI_RoSCpFrn6llYv4Cb4nJnlw/s1600/cuttingthecarpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5ki6jPOj4UK12B2evWUbEjymE3S0TG9fO-y3dAWYo2cmocXe97C3UOelrRESr4Jeuln48cyitvXbUkhQLBB6PiCetvX94yZUq1dSGeBnNDZgUCndAiI_RoSCpFrn6llYv4Cb4nJnlw/s400/cuttingthecarpet.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don uses a straight edge and a knife to cut the remnant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With cardboard and a big cutting surface underneath, Don cut the carpet to size.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXpGKgAc-yr_6620YMhvURGmtfSgi-8KkTxYWl4cs1zu342RS8mmQqRWRYO_FOyR7Nv-J8N1Qdz7c52jXMXRzrIZkWKfVYkEEuuZHLofXpSfgm0zKOVdaqqsQDGLjCTGeE4YiYIHu7w/s1600/carpetnonslip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXpGKgAc-yr_6620YMhvURGmtfSgi-8KkTxYWl4cs1zu342RS8mmQqRWRYO_FOyR7Nv-J8N1Qdz7c52jXMXRzrIZkWKfVYkEEuuZHLofXpSfgm0zKOVdaqqsQDGLjCTGeE4YiYIHu7w/s400/carpetnonslip.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting non-slip to lay under the carpet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I bought a roll of non-slip carpet backing for about $9. and we cut & placed it between the sole (floor) and the carpet to eliminate any slipping, and to protect the wood from the course surface of the carpet backing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=bedepefiar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0044WWL34" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</center>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBg2_kCoerQzLsoz2j2dUU1eiBhu31C64Z0S8bYoyq0e1tVoZ_b2GBkl5sTHNxQcJkrN5isSYzcJo4hlNANlGYAw9aq8pXwc7pVqFwm0LqZcnm-J2WfDbIfDmjcA6tL6XbyGxk2XAyZQ/s1600/carpetinplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBg2_kCoerQzLsoz2j2dUU1eiBhu31C64Z0S8bYoyq0e1tVoZ_b2GBkl5sTHNxQcJkrN5isSYzcJo4hlNANlGYAw9aq8pXwc7pVqFwm0LqZcnm-J2WfDbIfDmjcA6tL6XbyGxk2XAyZQ/s400/carpetinplace.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floor is prettier than the carpet we've<br />
covered it with, but it's protected now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv9s1xDVmRLWs1ODkYJ-msKHZ2LCVe6sxknad32AKVavEKwFp6fv0_RZceRc2Z85Ro-t11WOrUk13cbUI3xkB11XNClX1-cHVkxKDzxtipuQBIoR-di4z3xB5XzmrNOi87eps6ExFkw/s1600/applejackcocktail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv9s1xDVmRLWs1ODkYJ-msKHZ2LCVe6sxknad32AKVavEKwFp6fv0_RZceRc2Z85Ro-t11WOrUk13cbUI3xkB11XNClX1-cHVkxKDzxtipuQBIoR-di4z3xB5XzmrNOi87eps6ExFkw/s400/applejackcocktail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a nice, old fashioned Winter cocktail - the Applejack Rabbit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<i>Fill a cocktail shaker half way with cracked ice</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>Add four shots of your favorite Calvados (apple brandy)</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<i>Squeeze the juice of one small lemon into the shaker</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<i>Add two teaspoons of real maple syrup (or more if you like sweet)</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<i>Cap & shake mightily.</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<i>Strain the drink into chilled glasses and top with a thin apple wedge.</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<i>Put your feet up, take a deep breath and enjoy this dandy little drink.</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<i>Happy New Year!</i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-61888198992796556282012-12-03T13:53:00.003-08:002012-12-03T13:53:31.361-08:00Boat Yoga: Squeezing tall bodies into tight spaces<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4anDZEpud2udyu8CaqhArnLicHuSur9OEnMoVJGZc6SgVwDXw7TRJ-SwHTZ0Cvj5W5RLsZFW0xrOBcst8nF5gyzF5l8HkwNVisNzZYZAZs6UggQJ22L2uTiOKlFwIB0YlFahFSHP-g/s1600/boatyogadaveperry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4anDZEpud2udyu8CaqhArnLicHuSur9OEnMoVJGZc6SgVwDXw7TRJ-SwHTZ0Cvj5W5RLsZFW0xrOBcst8nF5gyzF5l8HkwNVisNzZYZAZs6UggQJ22L2uTiOKlFwIB0YlFahFSHP-g/s320/boatyogadaveperry.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don helping Dave Perry work inside the <br />port side cockpit locker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we took delivery of Florian in the Spring, Dave Perry, the broker from Robinhood Marina visited to go over some of her particulars during her re-commissioning. With a little twisting and folding, he slid into the port side cockpit locker (above) which lead me to believe we'd be able to do the same thing. After several attempts, not so much. We've learned pretty quick that trying to fold, twist & contort your body to fit into small spaces is a normal endeavor on a boat. It's a bit more challenging when you're tall, and both of us are just too long to fit into many spaces on Florian. But that doesn't stop us from trying. We refer to these contortions as Boat Yoga.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-r29pceVcRVPP2GWMdtNsq12bSoNuf6sN4E402MsHDuNldKtz4OrTc0MPX_ksIKtIOyAYezoLj3-3NDYLHCKDXIpcCKWzUbbXC0mCUgtgibFQsE83h3hZnAw9xpPduEMSLukL6ki8Q/s1600/boatyogabattery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-r29pceVcRVPP2GWMdtNsq12bSoNuf6sN4E402MsHDuNldKtz4OrTc0MPX_ksIKtIOyAYezoLj3-3NDYLHCKDXIpcCKWzUbbXC0mCUgtgibFQsE83h3hZnAw9xpPduEMSLukL6ki8Q/s320/boatyogabattery.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port side settee battery compartment bend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk77Zi_DavakemlvFqLh9RBLdpqwOXChyphenhyphenTwTDD3M-dSo7nFoh3FJ40RBl5yzECHL5JClv4tBKke-NIPyd65KsAp6nD2YsDL5GgK-mRMV6ue86TEavnSiTPP9gJMscJCp0NKkPRlew11w/s1600/boatyogaberth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk77Zi_DavakemlvFqLh9RBLdpqwOXChyphenhyphenTwTDD3M-dSo7nFoh3FJ40RBl5yzECHL5JClv4tBKke-NIPyd65KsAp6nD2YsDL5GgK-mRMV6ue86TEavnSiTPP9gJMscJCp0NKkPRlew11w/s320/boatyogaberth.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shop-Vac stretch to the anchor locker in <br />the V-berth - a low cobra pose?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGvPDQjYrLpMLe3mMn_WL8DhC6KtX1NjmbnhfK53XpDKsVfM95hCKk2L1md9oOrSqcVN0SMTaabZvKOXHmW63pIclNv7bo_zLP3zXw8lT10xZSkFC5SMsv5SY1TE-DG9zlCnmy_rzyA/s1600/boatyogacockpitlocker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGvPDQjYrLpMLe3mMn_WL8DhC6KtX1NjmbnhfK53XpDKsVfM95hCKk2L1md9oOrSqcVN0SMTaabZvKOXHmW63pIclNv7bo_zLP3zXw8lT10xZSkFC5SMsv5SY1TE-DG9zlCnmy_rzyA/s320/boatyogacockpitlocker.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port side cockpit locker reach-in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZ9kC-pyaSze6N8Ra43wSM5irFj73Ww12tivLIYrspnsNFU8z8LXNK9lXTRtFIoYzK3V6Z1t7coHcpze_DKReFywT82XNVF83trwoYBS5MuT27QWfMXVHhc9VUueUIwoa8dTmyiXWHg/s1600/boatyogadonbilge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZ9kC-pyaSze6N8Ra43wSM5irFj73Ww12tivLIYrspnsNFU8z8LXNK9lXTRtFIoYzK3V6Z1t7coHcpze_DKReFywT82XNVF83trwoYBS5MuT27QWfMXVHhc9VUueUIwoa8dTmyiXWHg/s320/boatyogadonbilge.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squeezing into the bilge to sponge out water - <br />a modified sunbird pose?</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3Ybt03TwXlLIJ0B_fpOnMcKvC3-GypmA-laUQTxYgpgZKYStVmLMFSJavvdhWzZq3RhNb-V7_RxA6k7AXq02edrA-Tr9cn3J1qygM-KxG7OS-kPOCKakmcPrH6A12oEDnuk0l9Flpw/s1600/boatyogaengine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3Ybt03TwXlLIJ0B_fpOnMcKvC3-GypmA-laUQTxYgpgZKYStVmLMFSJavvdhWzZq3RhNb-V7_RxA6k7AXq02edrA-Tr9cn3J1qygM-KxG7OS-kPOCKakmcPrH6A12oEDnuk0l9Flpw/s320/boatyogaengine.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sideways in the engine compartment<br />- a marichyasana pose?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Fht5_zsuifLCgDbana_soFtPRKZ2xTvuLYrD-h8aSbR80mxXPFFCl6Y7ypxpVCvkJgbdsncFgVq4BEHZT0LDOrxA99njwnErVfbOjl36K5w_8LaUroMfmtfww3rscf7NlWcB8rneIg/s1600/boatyogagalley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Fht5_zsuifLCgDbana_soFtPRKZ2xTvuLYrD-h8aSbR80mxXPFFCl6Y7ypxpVCvkJgbdsncFgVq4BEHZT0LDOrxA99njwnErVfbOjl36K5w_8LaUroMfmtfww3rscf7NlWcB8rneIg/s320/boatyogagalley.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the galley (kitchen) floor, replacing a <br />water accumulator - modified eagle pose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48-H_iULsAKT6dZm31UsShrDlXQ-ACWj4Wxi5BMJbnpZnJIc-GGhQ7JasvGBaW2HCPEBh9VWrmA8hX6V8JIjwUURuOorKXcl_HOzlABNfkCCoXbtedC_wSOy-VfBx4JQG94xGjSjW1Q/s1600/boatyogagalley2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48-H_iULsAKT6dZm31UsShrDlXQ-ACWj4Wxi5BMJbnpZnJIc-GGhQ7JasvGBaW2HCPEBh9VWrmA8hX6V8JIjwUURuOorKXcl_HOzlABNfkCCoXbtedC_wSOy-VfBx4JQG94xGjSjW1Q/s320/boatyogagalley2.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accordian-man; trying to reach a hose under <br />the sink - a Natarajasana?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJea7xun26wjiysWJCBqSHcQELkTyQ8CMZ1hHGG3LF2yGcd9fQtJgR7SQY627wx3T8IPEZSTzwjBr-EKuuKdZ6a2sL6OC75Gp5ndcDfrjhPmj6vCqiK8v573CScsfzl9Q3QOLKhYLDA/s1600/boatyogahead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJea7xun26wjiysWJCBqSHcQELkTyQ8CMZ1hHGG3LF2yGcd9fQtJgR7SQY627wx3T8IPEZSTzwjBr-EKuuKdZ6a2sL6OC75Gp5ndcDfrjhPmj6vCqiK8v573CScsfzl9Q3QOLKhYLDA/s320/boatyogahead.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folded in the head (bathroom) to upgrade <br />toilet parts - a tortoise pose?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSd6_Dl4Z2c-_xYZwllI_5avCn0RJLYcQsmiAF6TdlxvCftksTSQcGYTSDW-9wLtqCKNMKtlzZExCpMz864p9f7lAIWhaE8fAJEySXTn2mfe80Z3K7mI7YcUqx-HjvpxNqm36tQ8O1A/s1600/boatyogalaz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSd6_Dl4Z2c-_xYZwllI_5avCn0RJLYcQsmiAF6TdlxvCftksTSQcGYTSDW-9wLtqCKNMKtlzZExCpMz864p9f7lAIWhaE8fAJEySXTn2mfe80Z3K7mI7YcUqx-HjvpxNqm36tQ8O1A/s320/boatyogalaz.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dangling in the Lazarette, hanging on with a foot to <br />reach exhaust hoses - Locust pose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95hgWOe13YrDixv_JQHqUwRY8I3R0S5ZFSK-RL6k8zFQpEeBv_N0-RyK7YoQ9L6Zj6Yjtwfy8OTJV5_LyGg7RNUZUwz_m7Zqzy19h3wd7GZijLIBrucr_UAU_qEFkDvgpiVcUjlLjcA/s1600/yogawhiskeybread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95hgWOe13YrDixv_JQHqUwRY8I3R0S5ZFSK-RL6k8zFQpEeBv_N0-RyK7YoQ9L6Zj6Yjtwfy8OTJV5_LyGg7RNUZUwz_m7Zqzy19h3wd7GZijLIBrucr_UAU_qEFkDvgpiVcUjlLjcA/s320/yogawhiskeybread.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post Boat Yoga Reward: Bread & Whiskey :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our boat is 36 ft with a 10'8" beam. I imagine a bigger boat has larger spaces to squeeze into, no? Do you fit into the crawl spaces on your boat?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-34069994828691153802012-11-07T13:54:00.002-08:002012-11-12T15:58:01.870-08:00Energy Efficiency on a Boat: upgrading to LED bulbs<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OwOHvNK8VFPe9vrlkdxi2p8gfar9jdbwZZkIVmoQLyyQcJYfWNhVBwIYcibEmIrpatVNIyFh_vHzp3HTRkoB0qLpe49gIS94-M_BMMGJ8gU3HjDRsT_v2lnhL_NdsBTAoSE4TLD1Nw/s1600/nnapolis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OwOHvNK8VFPe9vrlkdxi2p8gfar9jdbwZZkIVmoQLyyQcJYfWNhVBwIYcibEmIrpatVNIyFh_vHzp3HTRkoB0qLpe49gIS94-M_BMMGJ8gU3HjDRsT_v2lnhL_NdsBTAoSE4TLD1Nw/s400/nnapolis.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful weather and a lot of fantastic boats at the Annapolis Boat Show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In October, Don and I went to the Annapolis Boat show to look, touch, test and ask questions about at all the latest boat gear. We enjoy the historic maritime atmosphere of Annapolis and we also get to see friends who live nearby. One of the items we wanted to look at was LED lighting made by <a href="http://www.imtra.com/" target="_blank">IMTRA</a>. Florian arrived in California with incandescent bulbs throughout, which had a significant impact on our battery levels after only a few hours of reading time with two lights on in the evenings. In the interest of energy savings, and brighter output, we ordered and installed a few single LED bulbs from other manufacturers online with mixed results. We had heard about IMTRA, but hadn't seen their product first hand, so we visited their booth, and knew instantly that we found the new LED's for our boat (at "show special" pricing too).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUtYwlrhCXevy1NU9cZQJsSOX4GGcgsbMjeOb0m145efQJZpP2dx8EYLU86WT-N8ZZ36talOfurHWjeeCKrV9gMDE2AqNBsZYAhyphenhyphenBNwMaCjQQjHbDd__B7mUZFUFSAonCC_3JIigIJg/s1600/firstLEDtest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUtYwlrhCXevy1NU9cZQJsSOX4GGcgsbMjeOb0m145efQJZpP2dx8EYLU86WT-N8ZZ36talOfurHWjeeCKrV9gMDE2AqNBsZYAhyphenhyphenBNwMaCjQQjHbDd__B7mUZFUFSAonCC_3JIigIJg/s400/firstLEDtest.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first LED bulb test during the summer - from a different manufacturer than IMTRA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv3EpF7BRU7IzwIvKsiLvVsr4IxyFjTyFsnbkX-v6uMkaU-NV1TwpYRHrSJt-W5ViCmMOn3nct7oSayGQuNJRBhrF4dGYsFSPSag2cSkTTFSaOh9R-orw3gFoGBjo8qh4zG5a4fudkA/s1600/imtraLEDlights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv3EpF7BRU7IzwIvKsiLvVsr4IxyFjTyFsnbkX-v6uMkaU-NV1TwpYRHrSJt-W5ViCmMOn3nct7oSayGQuNJRBhrF4dGYsFSPSag2cSkTTFSaOh9R-orw3gFoGBjo8qh4zG5a4fudkA/s400/imtraLEDlights.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the boat show, a box of IMTRA LED lights and adapters arrive!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1jhbBtt8kYqzSsf5ZDvaIO_pCn818OJIpOx6TXLXSxZS49Mc5jw3haTZbZvbv-d89wdzG6Uvd1Sjjttvg5888j_nwMY-mDNJDDNylDOL-Mvlt9AmLASs17DFxLY1dk-xMqJd31KAGg/s1600/boatlights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1jhbBtt8kYqzSsf5ZDvaIO_pCn818OJIpOx6TXLXSxZS49Mc5jw3haTZbZvbv-d89wdzG6Uvd1Sjjttvg5888j_nwMY-mDNJDDNylDOL-Mvlt9AmLASs17DFxLY1dk-xMqJd31KAGg/s400/boatlights.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">s/v Florian has screw socket reading lamps and dual contact bayonet down lamps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uuXbN2XoOKdGK1fYVOXd6BaqKHwv4BRPW2tXBT36AzkCIBwkdukekrUYGquDM_-y9hYVyXr21qLdSrso5wt3oZ4fT7hjWxjdd5lUga-vcR9ctxcpI0THrIYDq58ooUcn7edXxu4ZzQ/s1600/dualpinbayonetadapter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uuXbN2XoOKdGK1fYVOXd6BaqKHwv4BRPW2tXBT36AzkCIBwkdukekrUYGquDM_-y9hYVyXr21qLdSrso5wt3oZ4fT7hjWxjdd5lUga-vcR9ctxcpI0THrIYDq58ooUcn7edXxu4ZzQ/s400/dualpinbayonetadapter.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dual contact bayonet incandescent bulbs (on the left)<br />
required an <a href="http://www.imtra.com/e376defe-8780-4a3b-a8b4-06f97b17fa4a/lighting-parts-adapters-detail.htm" target="_blank">adapter </a>(right) before we could replace them with the LED</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EoqKd4T9bdgcAf8-BoJPgqUlhy_o6eqfcnWlQe3FSBxAMiwu31S8LjMl9hpZf_Fir5QUGGHoJWPIBZmhrNUMtOp0CjKDDf3KfeZ6kwdM8aB3DOVHc9mKN4LTQmVEq5jjXvlla2q8EQ/s1600/redorwhitenavlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EoqKd4T9bdgcAf8-BoJPgqUlhy_o6eqfcnWlQe3FSBxAMiwu31S8LjMl9hpZf_Fir5QUGGHoJWPIBZmhrNUMtOp0CjKDDf3KfeZ6kwdM8aB3DOVHc9mKN4LTQmVEq5jjXvlla2q8EQ/s400/redorwhitenavlight.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dual color LED bulb on the downlamp over the Navigation desk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With the on & off cycle of the Nav desk light switch, we can illuminate the navigation area on Florian with a red or white light. The <a href="http://www.imtra.com/e3145243-199b-48b0-8a52-33b2664e5f25/lighting-bulbs-led-detail.htm" target="_blank">Dual Color LED</a> uses a smidge over 1.5 watts (vs the 8 watts in the old bulb). Pretty sweet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-3v0CfaaFkl9oPdBBB0Vh6ZvS-kYm7L5ZjhZjuMXkJemUHacw_2n3hLJRFwpUwgXv_vFml7xewkvB9M4gpSpHj7Sw19otYXJ44OQ_CF89vfB_iH8uuIPWeQ0tZ5wW-i_ondLK0xlvg/s1600/IMTRAbrightlightforgalley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-3v0CfaaFkl9oPdBBB0Vh6ZvS-kYm7L5ZjhZjuMXkJemUHacw_2n3hLJRFwpUwgXv_vFml7xewkvB9M4gpSpHj7Sw19otYXJ44OQ_CF89vfB_iH8uuIPWeQ0tZ5wW-i_ondLK0xlvg/s320/IMTRAbrightlightforgalley.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These bad-boys are my favorite bulbs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
IMTRA makes these awesome <a href="http://www.imtra.com/397daf8b-19f2-48ea-87db-9b374d828e0c/lighting-bulbs-led-detail.htm" target="_blank">Corona bulbs</a> that put out serious lumens in either cool (200 lumens) or warm (181 lumens) light. I've got two cool (brighter) lights over my galley area on Florian, so instead of supplementing my previously dim incandescent bulbs with two or three candles to chop salads & sauté dinner in the evenings, I have what looks like squinty-bright sunlight washed evenly over my stove and sink. I'll take a photo this weekend and add it here so you can see. (Update: see IMTRA lit photos below)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwV0EizVn28muqWVTyQ-xwg3BQOUpdto_VDATfWek09riSPEWLaX4v58B1i4Krja1oh7oPbquyL6jJfRW13bi_9lVDdNzt3FVBBCz34CpD2y_JC6XjaMJhpdSysfLBZXDOMCWH5kImUQ/s1600/IMG_4481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwV0EizVn28muqWVTyQ-xwg3BQOUpdto_VDATfWek09riSPEWLaX4v58B1i4Krja1oh7oPbquyL6jJfRW13bi_9lVDdNzt3FVBBCz34CpD2y_JC6XjaMJhpdSysfLBZXDOMCWH5kImUQ/s400/IMG_4481.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before LED's - evening in the galley on Florian with an incandescent bulb and a candle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh, that? It's a Rum & Tonic - a wonderful little drink our friend JH introduced us to. He also supplied the ingredients, and joined us for an inaugural tasting of this concoction: put ice in a couple of glasses, pour a few fingers of Pampero Annivarsario Rum (a richly fragrant, dark rum, distilled from fermented molasses) over the ice, and squeeze a *generous* slice of lime into each glass, dropping the remnants of the rind into each drink. Top with tonic water and enjoy.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7vPreUEgCaciHnW302AIMCPyBSsYC9Fhyz9ElQrrb0B09YUXnAxLtOQdXPoRmd23fxYOyY64hikPd-HNZd8Mg48Y4BZ15jjwqkkD9Dw1qnD3u8vEPELPpzq2Btq_6ujgHFYkHCYyyA/s1600/CoronaIMTRAinthegalley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7vPreUEgCaciHnW302AIMCPyBSsYC9Fhyz9ElQrrb0B09YUXnAxLtOQdXPoRmd23fxYOyY64hikPd-HNZd8Mg48Y4BZ15jjwqkkD9Dw1qnD3u8vEPELPpzq2Btq_6ujgHFYkHCYyyA/s400/CoronaIMTRAinthegalley.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A benefit of bright Corona LED bulbs in the galley; <br />
Hey, look at the mildew growing around the fixture base. Ew. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0H6qQFI3CJD3CrFakr8QLEXJ9fYLvImz7oN1izalWnFTvGg3RZgwebDMh7hkJyF1mwlrDG0cowVgmGljR8wUzapVhAY6f3VBUasl_zldYT6rNi-T02Gw6eVfCUGY7oaI0YBk7pCOnA/s1600/daylightons:vflorian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0H6qQFI3CJD3CrFakr8QLEXJ9fYLvImz7oN1izalWnFTvGg3RZgwebDMh7hkJyF1mwlrDG0cowVgmGljR8wUzapVhAY6f3VBUasl_zldYT6rNi-T02Gw6eVfCUGY7oaI0YBk7pCOnA/s400/daylightons:vflorian.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even in daylight, boat interiors can be a little dim. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This photo above was snapped mid day in early December when we were looking at Florian with the dealer. All the lights in the cabin were on so we could survey her bones and lines and particulars to see if she was the boat for us, but even with the lights on in the middle of the day, there were lots of dark and shadowy areas. By upgrading to LED's, we'll reduce the draw on the batteries, while simultaneously increasing lumen output. We can control the color and temperature of each light, depending on where it's located and what it's used for, and the life of the bulbs are significantly longer, and run much cooler than their incandescent cousins.<br />
<br />
<table 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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjwrmMMGs3JalYWXLYz3dObATZ24ZP6Cip24lpqCj3kz9mlJW1sFXszYsqymRqHzi9s7Fl0vXBcgvjGI2btwjfuYzhsAeVF61vMTyBuy_5uM_9e5XeOTsi01hLkUMCBrXYQVnHab8ww/s1600/imtrasalonstarboardside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjwrmMMGs3JalYWXLYz3dObATZ24ZP6Cip24lpqCj3kz9mlJW1sFXszYsqymRqHzi9s7Fl0vXBcgvjGI2btwjfuYzhsAeVF61vMTyBuy_5uM_9e5XeOTsi01hLkUMCBrXYQVnHab8ww/s400/imtrasalonstarboardside.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The starboard salon just after sunset, with Imtra LED bulbs (corona) installed.<br />Much brighter than the daytime & incandescent bulb photo above.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrI3cgI6nz7EqP3RurEWw7lyVULfFmuxeKPVxs9xgSJScmuBQ2RRFfKbZoUcJL_ejxGLPUL_yuVx6RCY-Vi5xZTOkzMISh8IebDxOy0pZrHdciK2hq277aHjTg04Bufmm4Mb8LhAY9w/s1600/imtrasalongalleyportside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrI3cgI6nz7EqP3RurEWw7lyVULfFmuxeKPVxs9xgSJScmuBQ2RRFfKbZoUcJL_ejxGLPUL_yuVx6RCY-Vi5xZTOkzMISh8IebDxOy0pZrHdciK2hq277aHjTg04Bufmm4Mb8LhAY9w/s400/imtrasalongalleyportside.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The galley and starboard salon just after sunset, after installing IMTRA LED bulbs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirbSi6IzSM743_5EVxGLQGbxylC9gF-B77TC2n44YZypuIN1_pTeITk3yMvVii2V6lgS2Zz3AAhjptIXUIxnMQ-nuHtcffE0h0uKe95t0NUfUflL-xbs-8X3737UoCZYykBmEppec8g/s1600/IMG_6269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirbSi6IzSM743_5EVxGLQGbxylC9gF-B77TC2n44YZypuIN1_pTeITk3yMvVii2V6lgS2Zz3AAhjptIXUIxnMQ-nuHtcffE0h0uKe95t0NUfUflL-xbs-8X3737UoCZYykBmEppec8g/s400/IMG_6269.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking in Annapolis, on our way to the sailboat show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you've not been to a boat show, but you own a boat, I highly recommend attending one. In the course of a day or two, you get to touch, test, try on, ask questions & read literature about, and compare various manufacturers of the latest advancements in boating supplies and merchandise, all in one place. You can research like crazy online (I have my hand up), but there's a lot of efficiency in looking at so many offerings, side by side, in your hands, face to face in one place. An added benefit is the reduced show pricing; everything we purchased in Annapolis was discounted, and shipped from the east coast to California - either for free, or at the most (in our case for a generator), $15. And if you're not in the market to buy anything for your boat, it's still fun to walk the show, explore the newest boats and talk to fellow boating enthusiasts and experts. If you do attend boat shows, which are your favorites? Should we go to the Miami boat show? Because, well, you know, a trip to Florida and the Atlantic isn't a bad way to spend a few days in February, right? :)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-86528576502303050862012-10-30T13:31:00.000-07:002015-07-21T10:59:35.060-07:00A drink at the end of the day<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7K53X8HAMwAzsBa1IOSY9XXheqn_RK5vrWQT0cFG-kBWziJD_tmwuLinMsIPd8T2o0NSlqcUz3TwInZtjqHDW5uO1bj2b7TWil4E2D_m_7EE1sA_B_HJbdlto0rnBx491no-njt2mww/s1600/VenturaIsleSunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7K53X8HAMwAzsBa1IOSY9XXheqn_RK5vrWQT0cFG-kBWziJD_tmwuLinMsIPd8T2o0NSlqcUz3TwInZtjqHDW5uO1bj2b7TWil4E2D_m_7EE1sA_B_HJbdlto0rnBx491no-njt2mww/s400/VenturaIsleSunset.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late October Sunset in the marina on s/v Florian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Up to now, our blog posts have focused on what some may call the less-than-exciting topics of boat acquisition; cleaning, trouble shooting, upgrading, etc. Even though we're still having fun with these projects, in the interest of our friends & family who aren't boaters, and to those who would probably choose to walk barefoot on hot coals rather than, say, repair a boat toilet, or swab the decks, we're going to throw in some subjects that speak universal languages. Like cocktails. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrPz0jHthetEoremLvml2rMhkvZpU1q5DDNFiWouXzm1tY-F6wj1bpD4velqGDNfcQsTJWOZOZ_bqdkaL3UgA1pEw_9h-QhCkmPMyTImPOFi8LLSmZ9dMmpwmZYSGY8DbkLJIxbUEwg/s1600/IMG_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrPz0jHthetEoremLvml2rMhkvZpU1q5DDNFiWouXzm1tY-F6wj1bpD4velqGDNfcQsTJWOZOZ_bqdkaL3UgA1pEw_9h-QhCkmPMyTImPOFi8LLSmZ9dMmpwmZYSGY8DbkLJIxbUEwg/s400/IMG_0194.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of our favorite drinks, by Douglas Ankra,<br />
called a Jadoo, which is the Hindi word for "magic".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sundowner, in colloquial British English, is an alcoholic drink enjoyed after completing the day's work, usually at sundown. (It's also the name of a particular drink recipe, but I'll save that for another post.) In boating, a sundowner is pretty much any sort of cocktail, sipped casually on board, as the sun goes down. Here's one of our favorite drinks - a cousin to the gin & tonic, but a little sassier.<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KvSHW6pYDw1kXCgwegktzirX-oCKfXOEK3uGYGce3E-PwA7NlMIR2OvgHNZ_MDpCn7qJH-B4B7TtHF7J2Z9hSwW0gRdtUdGFrx83d4GGhtr3APVq94_lbW0zM54TBIvorB3s2O6Nig/s1600/IMG_6132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KvSHW6pYDw1kXCgwegktzirX-oCKfXOEK3uGYGce3E-PwA7NlMIR2OvgHNZ_MDpCn7qJH-B4B7TtHF7J2Z9hSwW0gRdtUdGFrx83d4GGhtr3APVq94_lbW0zM54TBIvorB3s2O6Nig/s400/IMG_6132.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the recipe snapped directly from our favorite bar book.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">We used New Amsterdam gin, and simple syrup, with lots of fresh </span><span style="text-align: center;">Kentucky Colonel mint (mentha spicata) that </span><span style="text-align: center;">we grow in a pot for just such </span><span style="text-align: center;">occasions</span><span style="text-align: center;">. Keep the skins on the lime as you muddle it with the mint. The fragrance is outdoorsy fresh and green, and your galley will smell heavenly.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=bedepefiar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1904920799&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></center>
Our favorite bar book, by the founder of the London Academy of Bartending - Douglas Ankrah: Shaken and Stirred.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-10600488026163488722012-10-26T12:54:00.001-07:002012-10-26T12:54:31.892-07:00Cleaning our Life Lines & Dorade Vents<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYVnFUfrS5dikZS2n8nIV5W915bMZcQje3U-j-OoBBBrmBs55rRLzpgvo3yXltP2dU6nvIThiALbKkNlsnkt_9rkCeLigATEZ6PWnInNIhHUXLM0koJrry2vSkI68ZYhvKYZatEjdmg/s1600/Zcleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYVnFUfrS5dikZS2n8nIV5W915bMZcQje3U-j-OoBBBrmBs55rRLzpgvo3yXltP2dU6nvIThiALbKkNlsnkt_9rkCeLigATEZ6PWnInNIhHUXLM0koJrry2vSkI68ZYhvKYZatEjdmg/s400/Zcleaner.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Z-Cleaner sample (two sponges in a sudsy solution)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After successfully cleaning our white, vinyl <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/07/cleaning-vinyl-cockpit-cushions-on-sail.html" target="_blank">cockpit cushions with Mr Clean Magic Eraser pads</a> a few months ago, I tried the same product on a few of our life lines with pretty good effects. I hadn't even thought about using them on the life lines, and then I got a comment from Pete over at <a href="http://neophytecruiser.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sailing the Dream</a> asking if the pads might work on brightening the vinyl coating. I planned to finish the job in between other projects when I found a Zcleaner sample given to us at last year's Annapolis boat show.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi7KjMTYOrxp7vUe9BA3yKtbuUjNo7E1njWRe73K7wlJe_R5C88v_mFW5YhrJpg8ssXPDo2P5gpL4XrXt0fbtn9N-dGRr16tKLduUQwDYsFbdjkSzb6QTSOJNTG2VuNw4vq9_naV8kQ/s1600/mrcleanvsZcleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi7KjMTYOrxp7vUe9BA3yKtbuUjNo7E1njWRe73K7wlJe_R5C88v_mFW5YhrJpg8ssXPDo2P5gpL4XrXt0fbtn9N-dGRr16tKLduUQwDYsFbdjkSzb6QTSOJNTG2VuNw4vq9_naV8kQ/s400/mrcleanvsZcleaner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Clean & Zcleaner at work on the boat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_rZt-w32uhRLv_36vLD_ww42DFIxlOS29pDhkjlJwGJHQjcA2zPJWM4OFfsp25Gowv-WAsFPHbYlp9dwyWKtvNbTcYClwrd_hTeIBKd3rde_qkLJrh-5B2s09tMlXWZ90RPJ3rYGKQ/s1600/cleansafetylines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_rZt-w32uhRLv_36vLD_ww42DFIxlOS29pDhkjlJwGJHQjcA2zPJWM4OFfsp25Gowv-WAsFPHbYlp9dwyWKtvNbTcYClwrd_hTeIBKd3rde_qkLJrh-5B2s09tMlXWZ90RPJ3rYGKQ/s400/cleansafetylines.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mister Clean works pretty well with a bit of scrubbing on the vinyl coated life lines.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXAUnK7x9isfW2NpX-Rd_VvcaRfoH4U0pBsw5bWgwLPaCsk6K0eGz7_gr4xocWzr7m2Sgbwv5euscyYj1dVuEIR7lZ6Ytp6XOJa1muWm8bhE3RBET45jXwc0ACW0fCRGd4am4nJiUhw/s1600/safetylinesrusting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXAUnK7x9isfW2NpX-Rd_VvcaRfoH4U0pBsw5bWgwLPaCsk6K0eGz7_gr4xocWzr7m2Sgbwv5euscyYj1dVuEIR7lZ6Ytp6XOJa1muWm8bhE3RBET45jXwc0ACW0fCRGd4am4nJiUhw/s400/safetylinesrusting.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It doesn't remove rust stains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While the Mr Clean pad didn't remove the rust from the life lines, that's okay, because the stains are like little red signs hollering that it's time to inspect and likely replace the lifelines. (The ISAF Offshore Racing Congress has banned coated lifelines because the vinyl prohibits inspection for cracks, rust and corrosion. We aren't racers, but it seems pretty common sense to want to see & inspect the lifelines.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJbKtljAPS4KOWdtvKj1TPsnh6Qjru-rzP7qcua6zWbhDTfuYc0GUDEqtmE8deXE1q8jfFK3XlC7Ru8QDgolLpByOzaAWZFEcpeohaupLRgVRM_cbfRRinBhCv6GucGjwhNleXbt3hg/s1600/pockmarksonsafetylines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJbKtljAPS4KOWdtvKj1TPsnh6Qjru-rzP7qcua6zWbhDTfuYc0GUDEqtmE8deXE1q8jfFK3XlC7Ru8QDgolLpByOzaAWZFEcpeohaupLRgVRM_cbfRRinBhCv6GucGjwhNleXbt3hg/s400/pockmarksonsafetylines.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zcleaner worked really well on the lifelines. <br />
And made it easier to see all the pits in the vinyl too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After trying both products, our old lifelines are pretty bright and clean, and I'd say the Zcleaner was a bit faster at removing the stains. Dane over at <a href="http://www.cadenceofthesea.com/" target="_blank">Cadence of the Sea </a>left a comment on our <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/06/sailboat-bling-sv-florians-first.html" target="_blank">post about re-painting the bronze dorade cowl interiors</a>, pondering if old, plastic vents could be painted. I had a spare Zcleaner sponge in the sample packet, so just for grins, I swiped it over one of our stained, plastic dorade cowls. Huge WOW! No need to paint if you can make them clean and bright again! I had previously used Simple Green to clean them, with little to no results (even though that stuff works great for most things on Florian), but the Zcleaner immediately diluted the stains and suspended them in the cleaning solution. They wiped off effortlessly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxarCVsJZn7NwX7FMUjsM0zM-OBjvkNG4M0qvtWeMQW2yl6qkvO_gFlqSkGpc9rI9gT_M1zP8dFA2i4PI3JsaVX5xsNM13LHa4p6BYVLesFRvYfJytuYQuey5nAk2ILirWEhqsFGYchw/s1600/ZcleaneronplasticDorade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxarCVsJZn7NwX7FMUjsM0zM-OBjvkNG4M0qvtWeMQW2yl6qkvO_gFlqSkGpc9rI9gT_M1zP8dFA2i4PI3JsaVX5xsNM13LHa4p6BYVLesFRvYfJytuYQuey5nAk2ILirWEhqsFGYchw/s400/ZcleaneronplasticDorade.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A swipe of the Zcleaner pad, and all the dirt and oxidization just fell away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRgdY3YL8zLml3uRcTmxZYT4fu7TpQGDWNTDACn5I5ze_47jsPFBwcCjZQPxI8kW7T5Uv6IbMBoztTXp26rHdre44qoAScWlUbYzYBOaJrThM5YF53V-SA4h8iUTC5UEcMGvxDsnRDA/s1600/cleandoradecowel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRgdY3YL8zLml3uRcTmxZYT4fu7TpQGDWNTDACn5I5ze_47jsPFBwcCjZQPxI8kW7T5Uv6IbMBoztTXp26rHdre44qoAScWlUbYzYBOaJrThM5YF53V-SA4h8iUTC5UEcMGvxDsnRDA/s400/cleandoradecowel.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After wiping the dorade vent with a towel, it's good as new!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvYhcHqOgQB9NgaLWjj9Isa-ExPaflrCobCFq7Nf3p74Wsz7FGlZ-CQcR32cfBfp0B4ACFOv5fzCNODNKJMiAyeiHe8uqP0Jqi_Lo1OPCFiUrqRgpZHIJO5_FYwerC9f4RzFWAHF_yw/s1600/twocleandoradevents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvYhcHqOgQB9NgaLWjj9Isa-ExPaflrCobCFq7Nf3p74Wsz7FGlZ-CQcR32cfBfp0B4ACFOv5fzCNODNKJMiAyeiHe8uqP0Jqi_Lo1OPCFiUrqRgpZHIJO5_FYwerC9f4RzFWAHF_yw/s400/twocleandoradevents.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two, formerly yellow-brown, and now bright and white plastic dorade cowls.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rrDPPQpeSZ0ag-reWhgIrZUEfY_n3-sKG6HpwSZcng-NHIYycFyh295H8aGdEL-y7b3IJKJaE9gF5JJAycUNDgKx8XziRPwNzDVm-e0cmCt-gYt3FO-izjUGyL90f2LMMc8fkS8r2w/s1600/zcleanersampleafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rrDPPQpeSZ0ag-reWhgIrZUEfY_n3-sKG6HpwSZcng-NHIYycFyh295H8aGdEL-y7b3IJKJaE9gF5JJAycUNDgKx8XziRPwNzDVm-e0cmCt-gYt3FO-izjUGyL90f2LMMc8fkS8r2w/s400/zcleanersampleafter.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zcleaner sample pad after cleaning the life lines. Ick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2u0Q7l2Bic_CCKo3iWB4-e9bncaS855SZFi5E9YFu_0aHwbu2OkxDADQTnU8oaAhHid7uPApZghUIf5Fwp7diLeUUUoB94tm7435TjV2GskeA2gyZnMP0klyvGW30hZCpVEpISfq6Q/s1600/floriansailboatspiffy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2u0Q7l2Bic_CCKo3iWB4-e9bncaS855SZFi5E9YFu_0aHwbu2OkxDADQTnU8oaAhHid7uPApZghUIf5Fwp7diLeUUUoB94tm7435TjV2GskeA2gyZnMP0klyvGW30hZCpVEpISfq6Q/s400/floriansailboatspiffy.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florian's whites, looking good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9g49opqYYjNCNYanrFiS44UlpEw5KB2V1zjqrwWztp6gJJ9VvgV8a_O992KFBHeY__YHVcGKxyIV2F-qqxOJlgYmn0K4cnZrLxEfRB5xpAPEDr_xiytY0wOFiP0-GruZ4o85xCVbYTA/s1600/floriancaptainbeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9g49opqYYjNCNYanrFiS44UlpEw5KB2V1zjqrwWztp6gJJ9VvgV8a_O992KFBHeY__YHVcGKxyIV2F-qqxOJlgYmn0K4cnZrLxEfRB5xpAPEDr_xiytY0wOFiP0-GruZ4o85xCVbYTA/s400/floriancaptainbeer.jpg" width="351" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold beer dispenser (Don) while I'm working. I love this boat!</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8szX8xadDArh2NwhlpnLRkE48JnC0pN0qRiZfx3ETyElkkE-zh8frFTOjHWq3lKCKeC5HnkqT7d69JzhgHckZpD_Y44P7nVYEvlQiRA4zPZKkkLvbJ8VJvvJXLY4bRRYs6-80Glv3Fg/s1600/floriancigarsnipper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8szX8xadDArh2NwhlpnLRkE48JnC0pN0qRiZfx3ETyElkkE-zh8frFTOjHWq3lKCKeC5HnkqT7d69JzhgHckZpD_Y44P7nVYEvlQiRA4zPZKkkLvbJ8VJvvJXLY4bRRYs6-80Glv3Fg/s400/floriancigarsnipper.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/09/teak-oil-and-little-projects.html" target="_blank">last post,</a> Don was using errant screws to open the tip of his cigars.<br />
Now, Florian has her very own V-snipper. (Thanks, MKH!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-5191371629809517882012-09-11T13:57:00.002-07:002015-07-21T10:36:24.345-07:00Teak Oil and Little Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruKWPCU9macAtqinIwMQh5oEtCwgvtWIajRjLJkpnhFj4dYoQopwLGba7Dpn4VXADdCHA5LtYMnFNfAkDRaEMKO-9nhEHn4Z7idOrhETWX0XGkwjPPEE9RPUsV3AMVVH-csPMuB67-Q/s1600/teakoilheadfloorboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruKWPCU9macAtqinIwMQh5oEtCwgvtWIajRjLJkpnhFj4dYoQopwLGba7Dpn4VXADdCHA5LtYMnFNfAkDRaEMKO-9nhEHn4Z7idOrhETWX0XGkwjPPEE9RPUsV3AMVVH-csPMuB67-Q/s400/teakoilheadfloorboard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Scrubbing the floor boards with simple green and a little dawn dish soap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While Don and I were working on fixing <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/08/fixing-marine-toilet-part-i.html" target="_blank">leaks</a> and <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/08/fixing-marine-toilet-part-ii.html" target="_blank">blocked hoses</a> in the head (bathroom) on Florian, we noticed the teak slatted wood floor that inserts over the shower basin was stained, and a little, er... odiferous - from its proximity to the leaking toilet. We took it home, and scrubbed it thoroughly (diluted simple green & a drop of Dawn dish soap), rinsed it really well, and then put it outside in our dry, hot desert air for a week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OvH8HDKZ_u3gdZ2skUNn-rj3_4zGy5Dy1-nX7geRvbQs_Onpzb3tDrlEduZ3xlY3-0-qki8kqhL7LU-8NgpI5Z46iQxyalFaD0MXqmSb3BnHVrML5oeKIJfbBFtqh57e3J00pOt6TQ/s1600/slattedteakfloormatwatco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OvH8HDKZ_u3gdZ2skUNn-rj3_4zGy5Dy1-nX7geRvbQs_Onpzb3tDrlEduZ3xlY3-0-qki8kqhL7LU-8NgpI5Z46iQxyalFaD0MXqmSb3BnHVrML5oeKIJfbBFtqh57e3J00pOt6TQ/s400/slattedteakfloormatwatco.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting the first coat of Watco Teak Oil on the slats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After researching options for treating the teak, we bought a can of Watco Teak Oil Finish, and followed the easy instructions: Apply it generously, wait 30 minutes (it soaked in pretty fast), apply it again, wait 30 minutes, and then wipe off the excess. It worked beautifully.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhh7lEYgP3WN9dNUUg30SpV3RU1GXg-AE5dGwV2lRpj91wcUhI-tJWboUvPv0bv-DSAziKmo4RdwqZfIhzd2NT47LXJ4IuYnhw8zdRYMdaoeg5-XnA2NBiFTM7E75oonuEHZI1aQiNNw/s1600/teakheadfloorinsert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhh7lEYgP3WN9dNUUg30SpV3RU1GXg-AE5dGwV2lRpj91wcUhI-tJWboUvPv0bv-DSAziKmo4RdwqZfIhzd2NT47LXJ4IuYnhw8zdRYMdaoeg5-XnA2NBiFTM7E75oonuEHZI1aQiNNw/s400/teakheadfloorinsert.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After applying the 2nd coat, and wiping away the excess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was amazed at how quickly the oil soaked into the wood, and the transformation from dull and parched looking, to rich and grain-beautiful. I chose this route with the floor slats after I read about teak oil in an article by <a href="http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/teak-care.asp" target="_blank">Don Casey</a>. Access to information like this is one of the thousand reasons I love the internet. In my day to day boat ownership school, I'm in the 1st grade, learning to read <i>See Jane Run</i>, and the expert advice archived online is a stadium of generous tutors, waiting for me to pull up a bench and absorb the knowledge they're sharing. I feel so stinkin' lucky to be mounting this boat-ownership adventure at this time in technical history.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_Q833e9xfs8icKVHJ95Mpuvl7cwBtSOSrsgRMxoYOap99oZuAFjOtY0IcJpx5zLrZ1GL-vs046SwT95_QW3IQqfmU-SbJAdTCzuXPLkELib4QZvuxNl7fck-O7xiVeoQIGgC7EjljQ/s1600/teakslatfloorsailboathead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_Q833e9xfs8icKVHJ95Mpuvl7cwBtSOSrsgRMxoYOap99oZuAFjOtY0IcJpx5zLrZ1GL-vs046SwT95_QW3IQqfmU-SbJAdTCzuXPLkELib4QZvuxNl7fck-O7xiVeoQIGgC7EjljQ/s400/teakslatfloorsailboathead.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Re-installed in the shower basin floor, and it looks brand new</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=bedepefiar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000ONXGZY" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQbHPyvWHr1LMhTd_DZxuHx5SV7HihYr6_VQIvbfEl3Q_1woaD_kHtIMUsfc19vGj955FnQh6ZItljPLtF5byf_VLe-aDmiLOV1flZh7qD-osYFbfsW0ZL4uTOrTjUE8e2PUPzgkRTQ/s1600/rubberboatladdercaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQbHPyvWHr1LMhTd_DZxuHx5SV7HihYr6_VQIvbfEl3Q_1woaD_kHtIMUsfc19vGj955FnQh6ZItljPLtF5byf_VLe-aDmiLOV1flZh7qD-osYFbfsW0ZL4uTOrTjUE8e2PUPzgkRTQ/s400/rubberboatladdercaps.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old and new rubber ladder caps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next little project was replacing the caps on our Swim Ladder. They were split and cracked, so we bought a few spares to swap them out. I dont expect them to last long in the sun and sea air, but at least I don't have to worry about the stainless ladder tubing cutting through the old rubber to mar the gelcoat on our transom (rear end of the boat - the ladder legs rest against the transom when it's dropped down for climbing in and out of the water)<br />
<div>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xDWxvkAeUrrft1GlLdgVhbChyphenhyphen8sIgwjqTuairtftQv9iWqAyWk84-Y6C4eGtFZcTkBLGxFAOWHyfrtN-vvOLHkxqjcN-qPSwyOvQAqu8iQ5h_7lOIw9QlfQ5_bBdXQ7pf0MDCMwoqw/s1600/swimladder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xDWxvkAeUrrft1GlLdgVhbChyphenhyphen8sIgwjqTuairtftQv9iWqAyWk84-Y6C4eGtFZcTkBLGxFAOWHyfrtN-vvOLHkxqjcN-qPSwyOvQAqu8iQ5h_7lOIw9QlfQ5_bBdXQ7pf0MDCMwoqw/s400/swimladder.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drop-down stainless swim ladder on Florian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div>
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=bedepefiar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0060LIVL8" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINYGmoOsnQoG9HsnIHuLaXOWQEuhikT2-IgXOl5b7glhyathVx68HVDSXYHqglYP7IClFncs4F47zYeYBw0WlBky9fRUwwLBRZLTXvMY8HnHbAF2qwVNZAXlTV5GRtEJk4pWvuxQnkQ/s1600/boatladdercaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINYGmoOsnQoG9HsnIHuLaXOWQEuhikT2-IgXOl5b7glhyathVx68HVDSXYHqglYP7IClFncs4F47zYeYBw0WlBky9fRUwwLBRZLTXvMY8HnHbAF2qwVNZAXlTV5GRtEJk4pWvuxQnkQ/s400/boatladdercaps.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before & After - Rubber Swim Ladder caps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up on the swim ladder is a little stainless polish and some elbow grease.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nyqtTYLfDNWtvqwduLthUz39nwhyEiCZxZK0Ak0LFewl_C7FKeOvsmO-NrrMNgFrQi623WMjP-gbnuzbc86F_gSBZOVH2IEDUq7bAku0uVwNlyDBFM7R1q6dHgAR_Rsk_ul8j5SkRQ/s1600/bottleopenerbeforeafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nyqtTYLfDNWtvqwduLthUz39nwhyEiCZxZK0Ak0LFewl_C7FKeOvsmO-NrrMNgFrQi623WMjP-gbnuzbc86F_gSBZOVH2IEDUq7bAku0uVwNlyDBFM7R1q6dHgAR_Rsk_ul8j5SkRQ/s400/bottleopenerbeforeafter.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every boat needs a bottle opener</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bottle opener on Florian is mounted to the cabinet under the Nav desk. It's in a good spot, but had seen better days; the ridge that catches the lip of the bottle cap had chipped and required a bit of wrestling to get the cap off a bottle. Since Florian is the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Florian" target="_blank"> Patron Saint of Firefighters</a>, we thought our new bottle opener should be adorned with the Florian Cross. We tested it with a couple of frosty Sam Adams when we finished projects for the day, and I'm happy to report that it works beautifully.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh816jPDBwzVr63BEFwH-3ZAY_lDWQp-pnj1SgD6goKviGGSKhxQu45tApDsb7FMwgTWfLeDLgdkbL1Z-Qb2xrh_0JwBkPP7yK4j6iYoDRW7x7SeiAskE2iAsq5xvaHhKwYffMsslejUQ/s1600/cigarsnipper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh816jPDBwzVr63BEFwH-3ZAY_lDWQp-pnj1SgD6goKviGGSKhxQu45tApDsb7FMwgTWfLeDLgdkbL1Z-Qb2xrh_0JwBkPP7yK4j6iYoDRW7x7SeiAskE2iAsq5xvaHhKwYffMsslejUQ/s400/cigarsnipper.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next handy tool we need to bring aboard Florian is a working cigar snipper. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-54014010570399855432012-09-04T10:47:00.000-07:002012-10-30T13:44:06.740-07:00Prop Wash & Anchor Rode<br />
We had a great Labor Day weekend laboring on s/v Florian. We re-installed new, longer rope with a new splice to our existing chain, and put the anchor back on with a new shackle, minus the last 6 chain links that were corroded.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouavSdfvV39Av8zxEfD2EAgjpFbIxgytSuFFTBpKPho3jMbFQJyOuwBZ1WyGpjTBLfAfmjiajKBXd0IBCb1nkgvIatZiqMpbfaoLDsZzavil9PgePyZcWVyrfO4w42WjsqzPXdZPWkw/s1600/tangledanchorrope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouavSdfvV39Av8zxEfD2EAgjpFbIxgytSuFFTBpKPho3jMbFQJyOuwBZ1WyGpjTBLfAfmjiajKBXd0IBCb1nkgvIatZiqMpbfaoLDsZzavil9PgePyZcWVyrfO4w42WjsqzPXdZPWkw/s400/tangledanchorrope.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stiff, twisted rope in the anchor locker. With Don on deck using the windlass <br />
and me down below wrestling rope kinks, we eventually got it all off the boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The splice in our chain/rope was too stiff & swollen to fit through the windlass. After several attempts - both wet and dry - we decided to pull the chain, rope and anchor off Florian so we could lay it all out in the garage at home and take a closer look at the entire rode.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWtp-DLam9U3cYrJ-fJl-ZL7sQ3r7i88_vBASyJMzRY1OJfKgavymH86miobbdP-NrxgcaFtHRg4Wxj5vL2i-VtpBAg-DjaG3QwWiwC589B3MaSpJOLMAUnoxkuMgM02qWx5o0KhiJA/s1600/anchorrodeinthecar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWtp-DLam9U3cYrJ-fJl-ZL7sQ3r7i88_vBASyJMzRY1OJfKgavymH86miobbdP-NrxgcaFtHRg4Wxj5vL2i-VtpBAg-DjaG3QwWiwC589B3MaSpJOLMAUnoxkuMgM02qWx5o0KhiJA/s400/anchorrodeinthecar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchor and rode off the boat and in the car.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We cut the fat, old splice off, and I was amazed at how fluffy and light the interior of the nylon strands are, considering how hard and stiff they were on the outside from compression and 16 years of silt & salt water.</div>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwXm_IBK38VuHRYgngeTI-zYZFLzZ9g57c5UGt3yiKGS8olP_Wr2CllpBGbTzPKtAIzExL3kQaLvWrBKOoU-8JqKA96jWUHjnxjXylwfh83gFXkBRqazD24fKjNxG5xqd-CnP_6q9lw/s1600/slicedsplice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwXm_IBK38VuHRYgngeTI-zYZFLzZ9g57c5UGt3yiKGS8olP_Wr2CllpBGbTzPKtAIzExL3kQaLvWrBKOoU-8JqKA96jWUHjnxjXylwfh83gFXkBRqazD24fKjNxG5xqd-CnP_6q9lw/s400/slicedsplice.jpg" width="351" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After cutting the splice, the rope opened up, like a flower.<br />
(I know, that's a total girl-statement, but I get to. (: )</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">The anchor shackle screw pin was corroded, and the last 6 links of chain were pretty beat up too.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span>Don used a plumbing wrench to get the shackle off, and we bought new, longer rope. We had a new splice made to our existing chain (70 ft), after cutting the bad links off. I'm interested in <a href="http://www.anchoring.com/article_info.php?articles_id=5" target="_blank">learning to splice</a>, but since keeping the chain and rope connected is rather crucial, I'll opt to leave this new splice to a professional so I can relax when we're anchored, and I'll practice splicing with the old rope.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TTc6MxJB2fJh2UPB6Fm_hBAmcGT7uYM0b3Bts2thK5J4SWA01qPqTH0z9eiBVI2EuejVFkYvGuxIHW0bbtWnGtkeJMl6GkmEmyfJd6KXLEjP8ZkxRcapAT2ygRcnqMPfMLoiRp1GKQ/s1600/shackleremoval.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TTc6MxJB2fJh2UPB6Fm_hBAmcGT7uYM0b3Bts2thK5J4SWA01qPqTH0z9eiBVI2EuejVFkYvGuxIHW0bbtWnGtkeJMl6GkmEmyfJd6KXLEjP8ZkxRcapAT2ygRcnqMPfMLoiRp1GKQ/s400/shackleremoval.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The previous shackle had to be wrenched from the anchor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We haven't been able to identify the manufacturer of our chain. It could be Simpson Lawrence, since we have a SL Windlass, but after calling them (now Lewmar) to ask if they sold chain in the mid 90's, the support staff had no answers and little interest in finding one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6v_Sd7fiConH-h4YfFnSAFWP00guxQaHp4aeYQ068VwrUBIEU_jHJiTRpRRH4x4zRQtp4IxHy4-EOX3HgW03e29dK44GwSR0rqoM3Z3H0zItLu0B8lEwEVdIDd0MppvxGZkqWHUPQw/s1600/SLCHain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6v_Sd7fiConH-h4YfFnSAFWP00guxQaHp4aeYQ068VwrUBIEU_jHJiTRpRRH4x4zRQtp4IxHy4-EOX3HgW03e29dK44GwSR0rqoM3Z3H0zItLu0B8lEwEVdIDd0MppvxGZkqWHUPQw/s400/SLCHain.jpg" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you know of a chain manufacturer that stamps the links with SL?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
*UPDATE* At the Annapolis boat show in October 2012, we had the good fortune to speak with Kevin Donahue of Lewmar, formerly Simpson Lawrence. He helped us identify that the SL on our chain stands for Short Link, and that it's 3/8 BBB, likely manufactured for Simpson Lawrence by ACCO back in the early 90's. Mystery solved! Thanks, Kevin!<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgq2vqsk1QGbAP0qZT153x_o66w5B_rL-NOpYh0cQ62aXS3AvQ2F9rkYP3xfSHgb-d1mgSl06GemtUcZxrLAhlCKoA9YTBPuMQJw4nTiI-WAPRx74DRBJa3O8WtbRj7CgY09R6tKInuw/s1600/florianrodechainrope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgq2vqsk1QGbAP0qZT153x_o66w5B_rL-NOpYh0cQ62aXS3AvQ2F9rkYP3xfSHgb-d1mgSl06GemtUcZxrLAhlCKoA9YTBPuMQJw4nTiI-WAPRx74DRBJa3O8WtbRj7CgY09R6tKInuw/s400/florianrodechainrope.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pile o' rode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1029495338"></span><span id="goog_1029495339"></span>We re-attached the anchor to our partially new rode and fed it through our cleaned and greased Windlass (more on that in the next post). It's a tall pile of rode with not a lot of fall in our anchor locker, so we'll have to be mindful of kinks & hockles by letting the full length of chain and rope out without the anchor in deep water so it can untwist and right itself once or twice a year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LuMA0u_wpd5FSPQ1c88Z3A9tbdbMkDACbs0coPd0H9fLaG3DWfBh4GkRRjMPa-YgTaqbY6S98Ooa3Rb3nh7yzcvdIRB1eKSVi7NwkQUoppaqWvcWGYkwBX05JjeH1RHFDN7wMPPLnQ/s1600/beardedpropeller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LuMA0u_wpd5FSPQ1c88Z3A9tbdbMkDACbs0coPd0H9fLaG3DWfBh4GkRRjMPa-YgTaqbY6S98Ooa3Rb3nh7yzcvdIRB1eKSVi7NwkQUoppaqWvcWGYkwBX05JjeH1RHFDN7wMPPLnQ/s400/beardedpropeller.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bearded Propeller on s/v Florian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Florian hasn't left her slip for about 8 weekends while we <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/08/fixing-marine-toilet-part-i.html" target="_blank">removed & re-built the head</a>, <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/08/fixing-marine-toilet-part-ii.html" target="_blank">cleared a sanitation hose block</a>, and worked on the windlass and anchor rode, so our prop has grown a beard. (Which is a good thing; no growth = <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion" target="_blank">galvanic corrosion</a> from <a href="http://www.henleyspropellers.com/photos_of_galvanic_reaction_and.htm" target="_blank">electrolysis</a>) Our zinc anodes are working.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/a6Lg35eajD4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
This is a 20 second video Don shot with the GoPro - to test the camera & dive housing mounted to the whisker pole, and to see if he could clean the prop from the cockpit. :)<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pVIfSm0nMyQN9ly5fLvBzGcZMERD6C-luJc7b1NPXabDjP1ixE0Itj_nkGymu8bsN-_i8noD0Pmr2mPdFLa7j2eLhWX3eZVu18es7MZ9pFCcL0bIElwcO0Q-B1N1y4eTd5ej7QYFqA/s1600/timetorelaxonsvflorian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pVIfSm0nMyQN9ly5fLvBzGcZMERD6C-luJc7b1NPXabDjP1ixE0Itj_nkGymu8bsN-_i8noD0Pmr2mPdFLa7j2eLhWX3eZVu18es7MZ9pFCcL0bIElwcO0Q-B1N1y4eTd5ej7QYFqA/s400/timetorelaxonsvflorian.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After lots of labor over Labor Day weekend, it's time to relax on Florian.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After ticking off a list of To-Do's, it was time to relax with a cold brew in the cockpit. The weather was beautiful in the marina (though we heard a big Southerly swell from Pacific storms was not fun out on the water, and most of the boats that left in the mornings came right back.) We hope you had a safe & fun (and productive, if that's on your list) Labor Day weekend. Happy September!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-88432972355423178222012-08-31T16:38:00.001-07:002012-08-31T16:38:43.514-07:00Finding the right marina<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY73HJ2oZe1q9Z_A3mmJBKnOuUd28OozCC7kbheAihzJIri9edhZG9VyJnYL9xAlpm2acH8OjhV2ORF1-s8ggABKQfefLaQmxq2yn-mWt3HxHyiZ6bR4yldwqluHZTN72UxAxJo4-sFg/s1600/venturaislamarina2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY73HJ2oZe1q9Z_A3mmJBKnOuUd28OozCC7kbheAihzJIri9edhZG9VyJnYL9xAlpm2acH8OjhV2ORF1-s8ggABKQfefLaQmxq2yn-mWt3HxHyiZ6bR4yldwqluHZTN72UxAxJo4-sFg/s400/venturaislamarina2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial view of Ventura Isle Marina (<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo courtesy of Almar Marinas</span></i>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last summer, when Don and I were <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/03/it-all-started-with-water.html" target="_blank">just starting</a> to assemble our plan to buy a sailboat, we visited several California marinas - to meet with brokers and look at boats on the market, as well as slips. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I remember multi-year wait-lists for slips back in the 80's in Santa Barbara, so I was surprised at the empty/available slips in every marina we visited - evidence of sad economic fluctuations. (I wonder where all of those boats went? Where are they now, if they aren't in marina slips?)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Through out the summer and into last Fall, we gathered brochures, looked at amenities, met with marina administrators and walked the docks - sometimes for hours, because we were enjoying the coastal atmosphere, comparing all the makes, models and sizes of boats, and soaking up the environment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-UftYJKl88mk0bqjrtvbNeY4pVM5FzKHnet730XtOpIj5yQas2TpXnd5zElFIj4MIgI9b7JIbvzjdUw9GQ-39lvOipA_XaInaIH-WFay49FLgKanowtHIwVfncrJmqWVrbQzFbqDSg/s1600/venturaislamarinaAdock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-UftYJKl88mk0bqjrtvbNeY4pVM5FzKHnet730XtOpIj5yQas2TpXnd5zElFIj4MIgI9b7JIbvzjdUw9GQ-39lvOipA_XaInaIH-WFay49FLgKanowtHIwVfncrJmqWVrbQzFbqDSg/s400/venturaislamarinaAdock.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along Ventura Isle Marina near A & B Dock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After we <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/04/searching-for-sail-boat-finding-one.html" target="_blank">purchased Florian</a>, and had a confirmed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Length_overall" target="_blank">LOA</a> (Length Overall - needed to calculate the size & cost of the slip. Don grumbles that LOA always includes the bowsprit, so you have to pay more for a plank of wood extended beyond the bow.) We returned to the marinas we were considering, and took a closer look at what was available for a 36ft boat. After repeated visits to our top choices, we knew we wanted to keep Florian at Ventura Isle Marina. We marked dock maps with our preferences, and waited for Spring, and Florian's arrival from <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/06/sv-florian-travels-east-to-west-via.html" target="_blank">Maine</a>.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnXEazuwlgHgc_Vzj5KmATVrPsEVfHfDCBe1RBSmPL51fihLkyw2QuBW4AtCYfCwZvqyYa7Rc6332gPChJn2iznPpPXNt_m3RT-9EnJSXRCWyr_UnNWgIV_ve9PO84m9GA8Cho5uzvg/s1600/venturaharborvillage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnXEazuwlgHgc_Vzj5KmATVrPsEVfHfDCBe1RBSmPL51fihLkyw2QuBW4AtCYfCwZvqyYa7Rc6332gPChJn2iznPpPXNt_m3RT-9EnJSXRCWyr_UnNWgIV_ve9PO84m9GA8Cho5uzvg/s400/venturaharborvillage.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayak & Paddle Boat rentals, shops and restaurants <br />
at <a href="http://enturaharborvillage.com/index.php" target="_blank">Ventura Harbor Village</a> <i>(photo courtesy of Vicki Leigh</i>)</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNHDgEtKB5PRMQo4jgS9SQA9SelipDC0X0vJLfByjPu-eD8FBr5XMN350tPMK19C_qqetgbdyPdBr7rKj24XQwlBIOkPwsu3wVpHN_q15H3k8PpkNM1HdYZA-c21BGsklB-b8XwmoWw/s1600/Channelislandsca.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNHDgEtKB5PRMQo4jgS9SQA9SelipDC0X0vJLfByjPu-eD8FBr5XMN350tPMK19C_qqetgbdyPdBr7rKj24XQwlBIOkPwsu3wVpHN_q15H3k8PpkNM1HdYZA-c21BGsklB-b8XwmoWw/s400/Channelislandsca.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coast of Southern California with Channel Islands (<i>photo courtesy of NASA</i>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everyone has different criteria for a marina, but here is a list of things we like about ours:<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="clear: line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">♥ </span>We live about an hour from the coast, and the drive to the marina meanders through citrus groves and farms. That's not a bad weekend commute when you live & drive on the freeways of Los Angeles.</span><br />
<span style="clear: text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">♥ Ventura Isle is owned and managed by a marina company that has reciprocal privileges at all their marinas. So, lets say we want to sail to San Diego, or San Francisco. We simply call our marina office, and they make arrangements for a guest slip for us, no charge.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="clear: line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">♥ The <a href="http://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm" target="_blank">Channel Islands National Park</a> is - at it's closest point - 14 miles from the Marina. This chain of five islands are laced with hiking trails, protected anchorages, sea caves, diving, kayaking, camping and an amazing assortment of wildlife. The islands also host the largest aggregation of bue whales in the world. The accumulated pristine coastline spans 175 miles. We plan to spend a lot of time exploring this beautiful treasure of islands.</span></span><br />
<span style="clear: text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">♥ We spend most weekends on the boat, and if we don't feel like cooking, we can walk the curve of the harbor to Ventura Harbor Village for dinner at any number of great restaurants. There's also a variety of bands performing every weekend in the village, so we can sit in our cockpit to watch the sea lions, <a href="http://www.birdinginformation.com/birds/comorants/double-crested-cormorant/" target="_blank">cormorants</a> and the sunset with a live musical score.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="clear: text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">♥ We have great neighbors. (This one is very important, because you're all hanging out in very close proximity.) The day we walked the dock to look at available slips marked on the map, a gentleman with a big smile, an effusive Italian accent, and a cute little dachshund named Roma popped out of his Catalina 33 companionway to say hello. He asked if we were considering the empty slip next to him. When we confirmed that we were, he gave us some insights about other folks on the dock, and shared the reasons he thought it was the best place in the marina. He was right. We love it there, and we count down the week days to each Friday so we can get back to our waterfront property on board Florian.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="clear: text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="clear: text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">What was on your list for the Right Marina?</span></span></span><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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSncZEHY_NBbr9Ja0DM-0V7a8DEe3Xa8nWAfuBY67FDeV6LSyUvmbuQJJPptQqQe-Y5d7V8o0comcuHE0PtuRbsOGdxSVJ3YPkeB0TE92JjO4l5HSmzgTi1rgg3a5-ohk1l-DNC1IEhQ/s1600/venturaislemarina.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSncZEHY_NBbr9Ja0DM-0V7a8DEe3Xa8nWAfuBY67FDeV6LSyUvmbuQJJPptQqQe-Y5d7V8o0comcuHE0PtuRbsOGdxSVJ3YPkeB0TE92JjO4l5HSmzgTi1rgg3a5-ohk1l-DNC1IEhQ/s400/venturaislemarina.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial view of Ventura Isle Marina, surrounded by ocean & farmland.<br />
(<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo courtesy of Almar Marinas</span></i>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtE_r46UvAja5cu6ZU_ScTPMW3k3fgfUJ9rpQwrQVdtWttCZLO-m447MPkQl-3URfJtgoCuKHAhiFLzVNItQ89OhYcGO128kEeLPdUBCvEwjQg07wLtk0Vh9VZ3z2aL_cXRsa8aCW9_w/s1600/venturaislefishingboats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtE_r46UvAja5cu6ZU_ScTPMW3k3fgfUJ9rpQwrQVdtWttCZLO-m447MPkQl-3URfJtgoCuKHAhiFLzVNItQ89OhYcGO128kEeLPdUBCvEwjQg07wLtk0Vh9VZ3z2aL_cXRsa8aCW9_w/s400/venturaislefishingboats.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://enturaharborvillage.com/index.php" target="_blank">Ventura Harbor Village</a> Fishing Boats, Dive Charters & Water Taxis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table 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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqIFacXYLDkhv6yWn_RufzuIOcHQ_ezhB6oSeFvvPSz5-hL_ogYtTONhrv7BB99CinB7jPceSve1ZCO6JAEm4-fT4zL5HW8qi3szp4BxGm3Z9n_Lbh3LNGron3sRI4Gkwz2-StmZf-w/s1600/svflorianinherslip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqIFacXYLDkhv6yWn_RufzuIOcHQ_ezhB6oSeFvvPSz5-hL_ogYtTONhrv7BB99CinB7jPceSve1ZCO6JAEm4-fT4zL5HW8qi3szp4BxGm3Z9n_Lbh3LNGron3sRI4Gkwz2-StmZf-w/s400/svflorianinherslip.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">s/v Florian in her slip at the marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-47218781663179002612012-08-15T22:07:00.003-07:002015-07-21T11:02:30.114-07:00Fixing a Marine Toilet (part II)<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc30Fwk1EAWa5R5jCCoJwldZCrJ9i87mOs4DYH1v5Th6Ugv6ZcZqj4cFGTJmayermzGPo_jhyaKg-h3vgm1kxLIJ5xq0kMvo2LCM27ZoLjPJsJs1nb3vkvtGkeX4xw70zj5goFkI6j0g/s1600/basictoiletdiagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc30Fwk1EAWa5R5jCCoJwldZCrJ9i87mOs4DYH1v5Th6Ugv6ZcZqj4cFGTJmayermzGPo_jhyaKg-h3vgm1kxLIJ5xq0kMvo2LCM27ZoLjPJsJs1nb3vkvtGkeX4xw70zj5goFkI6j0g/s400/basictoiletdiagram.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The what's and where's of a manual Marine toilet<br />
which I found very helpful - from Nigel Calder's book<br />
Boat Owners Mechanical & Electrical Manual</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/08/fixing-marine-toilet-part-i.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, after attempting (& failing) to fix leaks, tired parts and an apparent block in our Raritan head (toilet) with vinegar and a new pump assembly, we re-wound to the beginning, & dismantled the whole toilet. What we found was the source of the remaining leak; a warped ring where the bowl attaches to the base. According to Raritan, this is the result of a hard freeze. It must have been leaking for awhile, since the bolts on the base left corroded water tracks & rust stains on the floor leading into the shower basin.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAo3-ELqfDU7BOf-QxGo5nazyFpPR02JUJdUY51UNfCKFBhrjrpbZye2NPigBStKCtm9Vf1U03VpW6a53Acu9042hKcjtvVlSjN62sA0w6qkgUf0t0lHVsYsOkZVmI1MzvlIXB56UExQ/s1600/marinetoiletbase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAo3-ELqfDU7BOf-QxGo5nazyFpPR02JUJdUY51UNfCKFBhrjrpbZye2NPigBStKCtm9Vf1U03VpW6a53Acu9042hKcjtvVlSjN62sA0w6qkgUf0t0lHVsYsOkZVmI1MzvlIXB56UExQ/s400/marinetoiletbase.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After removing the new pump assembly & the toilet bowl, <br />
we discovered another source of leaks: a warped base,<br />
likely from a deep freeze during Florian's history on the East Coast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also found mineral deposits inside the toilet bowl flush holes around the rim, so the whole bowl was brought home to soak in a vinegar bath for three days while we waited for a new raritan toilet base to arrive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigthkH7g60YZjalRmKYlfclZGscvTSfDldbrdZqX1KrPkJWExnCdiCdNFEmd_j5TpqNzhW6uOML57NDqycAoppIkswfSUtqpy1TNz7V7680tRuVplZeLeX67Hfn3nkwN2hHcQT4yfPA/s1600/svfloriantoiletbase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigthkH7g60YZjalRmKYlfclZGscvTSfDldbrdZqX1KrPkJWExnCdiCdNFEmd_j5TpqNzhW6uOML57NDqycAoppIkswfSUtqpy1TNz7V7680tRuVplZeLeX67Hfn3nkwN2hHcQT4yfPA/s400/svfloriantoiletbase.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Raritan toilet base installed, with shiny new bolts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQrdpmgdUjx-7XfECx-8lCejpW5Y4PLEgwLY7WIX61b1l8TH-El3guTntc_VVUBHtaf5DZ0Ajn3NM1PqQhXjQFqdPjXVKjunVRHRE9PcM8_HMmAbuHlBfFPO0Lal-lwynSE3cylbNdA/s1600/svfloriansanitationhoseminerals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQrdpmgdUjx-7XfECx-8lCejpW5Y4PLEgwLY7WIX61b1l8TH-El3guTntc_VVUBHtaf5DZ0Ajn3NM1PqQhXjQFqdPjXVKjunVRHRE9PcM8_HMmAbuHlBfFPO0Lal-lwynSE3cylbNdA/s400/svfloriansanitationhoseminerals.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After reading about minerals and calcification growing in <br />
marine sanitation hoses where sea water pools, I traced our hoses, looking<br />
for low points and up-angles where that might occur.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A sailing friend who does a major overhaul on his boat toilet every year told us we might be able to dislodge some of the calcification from the interior lining of the discharge hose by lightly tapping the length of the hose where it was accessible with a hammer. We did that - gently - and pulled another cup or so of grit and mineral chips out of the hose. After re-assembling the hoses and head, on the new base, and pumping a test flush, we still had backwash, bubbles and a handle that popped back up from internal pressure in the lines.</div>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHjH5eg8tDuBw6HqSby9EW0Ob3lFz_yE0bu_YiVjwholM1AAwt9dc5BhL4EDqgRCxUsI9eUOYTAmR29_Y9BH5H2kK_zJUisn6c7TiuMhYF0a-0_5L8CFfLr0TQi1Thwd1ipuW2e9n-w/s1600/robinhood36sanitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHjH5eg8tDuBw6HqSby9EW0Ob3lFz_yE0bu_YiVjwholM1AAwt9dc5BhL4EDqgRCxUsI9eUOYTAmR29_Y9BH5H2kK_zJUisn6c7TiuMhYF0a-0_5L8CFfLr0TQi1Thwd1ipuW2e9n-w/s400/robinhood36sanitation.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanitation hose on s/v Florian, from the head to the holding tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We checked the holding tank to be sure it wasn't mysteriously full (we hadn't used it except to test-flush). It was almost empty. We checked the vent line and the the vented loop, and they were both clear. So, the block had to be somewhere between the head and the holding tank, in the length of discharge hose that ran under the sole (floor). Argh.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMZGoqmmUYH_1gTk43bbdT7M5peVBfhK59lNqkCCoGhaDBdn85CfwvEU4ovN6YCjnPrPHAlQtSbmq-_tNGWb9jTpBVlqyIL4nBwwgypReIH0Jguo_N9lOsCm3huC5PpOWCYMOsbuwJw/s1600/readytosnaketheline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMZGoqmmUYH_1gTk43bbdT7M5peVBfhK59lNqkCCoGhaDBdn85CfwvEU4ovN6YCjnPrPHAlQtSbmq-_tNGWb9jTpBVlqyIL4nBwwgypReIH0Jguo_N9lOsCm3huC5PpOWCYMOsbuwJw/s320/readytosnaketheline.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Armed with gloves, mask and an altered plumbing snake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We read all sorts of cautionary tales about how you shouldn't snake the hoses on your boat, for fear of puncturing the line and having a stinky mess under the sole that would be far worse than a blocked head. But it was either that, or take up the sole, and do some major re-piping and disassembly projects that we aren't equipped to pull off. So, we went to a hardware store, bought a snake, altered the end so there was nothing sharp on it, and put on some masks to brace ourselves for the dirty task.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-814F4TcMpjtDZ1pVlSI1z2mYUjATZeIcCg3dhhFogLQ1wubjYpRHFUQzlq2coJyhJNgd6ehE-M9DPpCI-krMcnzrFnXJhU5eRSXuSpptbhvN_ajKJ7AwPSR9E3-dJEXoXwwhWNXQQ/s1600/svfloriansnakingsanitationhose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-814F4TcMpjtDZ1pVlSI1z2mYUjATZeIcCg3dhhFogLQ1wubjYpRHFUQzlq2coJyhJNgd6ehE-M9DPpCI-krMcnzrFnXJhU5eRSXuSpptbhvN_ajKJ7AwPSR9E3-dJEXoXwwhWNXQQ/s400/svfloriansnakingsanitationhose.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snaking the line from the head to the holding tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once Don got the snake into the hose, I sat by the bilge with my finger tips on the hose so I could hear & feel that he was getting the snake all the way through.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3-HALYh8WE1CmRaAyL7tBUEKqxSJuQ6IYC3LHQRfDSNtc75dk1uXyfsAHfaGU7GP_qzhcAHZvMdN8CLy69HmVXK7ACKcX5YzzHanj6LTS01YLvQDLQ8pdNPYVlJdYn-NopE_2oxXYQ/s1600/sanitationdischargehose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3-HALYh8WE1CmRaAyL7tBUEKqxSJuQ6IYC3LHQRfDSNtc75dk1uXyfsAHfaGU7GP_qzhcAHZvMdN8CLy69HmVXK7ACKcX5YzzHanj6LTS01YLvQDLQ8pdNPYVlJdYn-NopE_2oxXYQ/s320/sanitationdischargehose.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other end of the sanitation hose; it runs under <br />
the sole (floor) and through a couple of holes bored<br />
through cross beams, from the head to the holding tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don used the snake to clear the hose all the way to the holding tank, where it abruptly stopped & got stuck. I reached inside the tank, trying to get to the hose/tank terminal, but the angle was impossible, even with a coat hanger or a screw driver. Ultimately, he was able to pull the snake out, and while hoping and praying no one set foot on our slip or strolled down-breeze, we squeezed a catch bucket into the bilge, and disconnected the hose from the holding tank. And there lay the problem: almost 8 inches of solid calcification blockage. We used a screw driver to break it up and scoop it out into the bucket, and as soon as it was cleared, all the clear test-flush water came gushing forward until Don tilted the hose end upward to stop it. After re-connecting and re-strapping all the hoses, I recharged the head with sea water, and did a test flush. THIS TIME, it went through without resistance, or bubbles or backwash. And taking a hint from an article by <a href="http://www.boatbuilding.com/article.php/MarineSanitationFactvsFolklore" target="_blank">Peggie Hall titled marine sanitation fact vs folklore</a>, we left the cover off the holding tank, and counted how many flushes it takes to exit the hose into the tank, so we can use that count on each flush to ensure there is no waste sitting in the hoses all week between the head and the tank.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBwXGresK7w0eECr3ZSJlOuRUP12MdsVRpqNFDKfH1vvxwKd0JOKNF1zBb2jK5FS0e30G6IT39n1uFu39bVttLDK92iKI1N33p6B5RSoBVFmbeHwyJGpVhEQ358TfGlmFOmqcawZGqA/s1600/svflorianraritanpumphandle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBwXGresK7w0eECr3ZSJlOuRUP12MdsVRpqNFDKfH1vvxwKd0JOKNF1zBb2jK5FS0e30G6IT39n1uFu39bVttLDK92iKI1N33p6B5RSoBVFmbeHwyJGpVhEQ358TfGlmFOmqcawZGqA/s320/svflorianraritanpumphandle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The latest and greatest Raritan pump handle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we ordered the pump assembly, we decided to re-use the same handle that was already on the existing system. Unfortunately, it was too large a circumference to fit into the new pump. The good folks at Raritan told me about their new handle, with a telescoping arm. The cupboard door in our head swings open - right into the old, longer arm, so this new one tucks perfectly out of the way. If you have a Cape Dory with a Raritan handle limiting how wide you can open your under-sink cabinet door, check out a replacement arm at Raritan. They aren't in the catalog yet, but you can <a href="http://www.raritaneng.com/contact_us/index.html" target="_blank">call or email them</a> to inquire.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3FqlqEmEw1tdG_9l2S6qVF8wJTKmeSEfqqhjjcJyjW1e3lcfzzSucxTdRGSi9Ds6Eq9QGv_nWlAmTuJ79YmC_2Kz572XAuk0zU0oGu-t1P3yiFAx8TWMxj98YjnYjHU5kc1c__jNZA/s1600/svflorianraritanphIIhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3FqlqEmEw1tdG_9l2S6qVF8wJTKmeSEfqqhjjcJyjW1e3lcfzzSucxTdRGSi9Ds6Eq9QGv_nWlAmTuJ79YmC_2Kz572XAuk0zU0oGu-t1P3yiFAx8TWMxj98YjnYjHU5kc1c__jNZA/s320/svflorianraritanphIIhead.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiffy new (working) toilet on s/v Florian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don and I can both say with confidence that we know how our sanitation system works on Florian, and that's one of the benefits of these sorts of projects. When you buy a boat - new or not - one of the best ways to get to know her bones and pipes and parts is to roll up your sleeves and fix her yourself. I'm certain we'll eventually bump into repairs way beyond our skill set, and those will require a professional, but wherever possible, we are enthused and ready to do the work ourselves. What have you fixed on your boat that left you feeling knowledgeable about a system or a part?<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=bedepefiar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0071432388&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></center>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzoQS5Euh5nkl5m4mg6YClsnedgOEozFaN5V2KT-eRlx3jAZjvbbfnaJbPzNobJ3StrK52_UArsyJ2gWcNXvPD9vxJa5ZLp8Q6e5lUZXDCoLa7m82i4M6tZ_GtzpiJ5ULkY9eF-cMIg/s1600/moonrisesvflorian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzoQS5Euh5nkl5m4mg6YClsnedgOEozFaN5V2KT-eRlx3jAZjvbbfnaJbPzNobJ3StrK52_UArsyJ2gWcNXvPD9vxJa5ZLp8Q6e5lUZXDCoLa7m82i4M6tZ_GtzpiJ5ULkY9eF-cMIg/s320/moonrisesvflorian.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the sunset and the moon rise from the cockpit<br />
after a very productive day<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
P.S. On a somewhat related, but slightly askew side note, did you know Bill Gates <a href="http://mashable.com/2012/08/16/bill-gates-reinvent-toilet-fair" target="_blank">hosted a competition</a> to reinvent the toilet as we know it?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-79850183338649264082012-08-08T15:41:00.000-07:002015-07-21T10:27:31.618-07:00Fixing a Marine Toilet (part I)This post is about toilets. If you're looking to read something about good wind and rocking the sails in calm seas on a clear day, maybe skip this post, and come back and see us again later. :) If you're trying to fix the head (sea-speak for toilet/bathroom) on your boat, read on.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTeJ_-FuM-xy2SlK7V86fnFXIg-hnuOA-85SxrrOQWWnKo_DqkR8yeJB4iphXVooLKpLVw_zuncWZVW-OqpWvbwHXT8ShyphenhypheneuTPTUfKruJyEmk9bMx_OVW8szWOMgGclJlhRgiDm9-RQ/s1600/RaritanPEII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTeJ_-FuM-xy2SlK7V86fnFXIg-hnuOA-85SxrrOQWWnKo_DqkR8yeJB4iphXVooLKpLVw_zuncWZVW-OqpWvbwHXT8ShyphenhypheneuTPTUfKruJyEmk9bMx_OVW8szWOMgGclJlhRgiDm9-RQ/s400/RaritanPEII.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Raritan PHII Toilet on s/v Florian. The upper arrow shows how <br />
the pump assembly handle popped back up on each flush cycle. <br />
The bottom arrow shows the area where a visible leak stained<br />
the floor and collected in the shower basin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/06/receiving-your-boat-after-cross-country.html" target="_blank">first few weekends</a> on board s/v Florian gave us a chance to really get acquainted with her. We washed every surface, explored all of her cupboards, and crawled around in her cockpit lockers & engine compartment. On closer inspection, one thing I was a little intimidated by was the toilet. (Eegads, look at all those hoses.) It's been over 20 years since I felt comfortably familiar with a marine head, and my fears of the unknown weren't helped when the first test flush spouted little arcs of water, back wash into the bowl, air bubbles, and then a mysterious pressure popped the handle back up in my hand.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBexwV9o9H-AQzaeSOxVxPJZ4M2YproDSAQ4Y0wNZTwQByHeFnpnt9a5c25t-fVG0uNdnjgsKchlq4AWFhkYQUIdt6GKkbQNIEytq20Qo3_BG3Fi7ceCauRVLreZAe4Z5ISEpxEx8cQ/s1600/RaritanToiletMarineleaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBexwV9o9H-AQzaeSOxVxPJZ4M2YproDSAQ4Y0wNZTwQByHeFnpnt9a5c25t-fVG0uNdnjgsKchlq4AWFhkYQUIdt6GKkbQNIEytq20Qo3_BG3Fi7ceCauRVLreZAe4Z5ISEpxEx8cQ/s400/RaritanToiletMarineleaking.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down at the rear of the pump assembly - arrows show<br />
were leaks erupted with each pump of the flush.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After scouring the net for cause & effect, symptoms, and solutions, I decided the issue must be a number of things related to the joker valve, and the pump assembly piston rod and the air valve. It's a manual toilet, so it can't be that hard to figure out, right? (Quit laughing.)<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32_yb3W3Yn1rs2MVGuEArIsZ2dGEBKjesqmgr8IB9EQgFScdSTqXYkzpqQ15e64bWT7dYzzGFPXDexkiuKyS5JSn-lg8p1BKCmpE5VZsuc3ZOPChRq86vIKKJ6vPppxGrlMQZPPsm8A/s1600/raritantoiletsheads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32_yb3W3Yn1rs2MVGuEArIsZ2dGEBKjesqmgr8IB9EQgFScdSTqXYkzpqQ15e64bWT7dYzzGFPXDexkiuKyS5JSn-lg8p1BKCmpE5VZsuc3ZOPChRq86vIKKJ6vPppxGrlMQZPPsm8A/s320/raritantoiletsheads.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studying the exploded parts diagram in the Raritan pamphlet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I called Raritan (we have a Raritan PHII) to confirm my conclusions for a fix, and review the parts I planned to order. After totaling my list, it became clear that instead of parts for a re-build, we could buy a whole pump assembly for close to the same price, and start fresh, without worrying which teeny part would fail next.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCroldEKhzf4A91yTA-fDgu1xiqAkOZ0PeM_EXu5m0tJU0rldYOVURVQ23cDIkmcqc7Pas2XGyx3NCghbjF_dt4un7_9Es4_v1e7IMSz1D_AqIfvTfnn109e1GKzTG06lbVDWqMrI-qA/s1600/RaritanPumpAssembly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCroldEKhzf4A91yTA-fDgu1xiqAkOZ0PeM_EXu5m0tJU0rldYOVURVQ23cDIkmcqc7Pas2XGyx3NCghbjF_dt4un7_9Es4_v1e7IMSz1D_AqIfvTfnn109e1GKzTG06lbVDWqMrI-qA/s400/RaritanPumpAssembly.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Raritan Pump Assembly arrives!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My husband Don is completely "disinterested" when it comes to toilets, sewage and holding tanks. The notion of taking hoses and leaky fittings apart on a sixteen year old toilet made him shudder, so he announced "I'll write a check! Just tell me how much, and we'll put a whole new head in!" I assured him that I would handle the replacement pump because toilets don't bother me so much. As I researched particulars on marine toilet systems, and waited for the Raritan shipment to arrive, he started referring to me as the <i>HEAD Engineer</i> on Florian, and reassured me again that he'd simply write a check and we could be done with the whole sordid affair.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuOrDVnh5tH0xIwEpfMPG6uIOLnNrZqUdDvPic3PM7MF9s6h9gh6eZwMSlIT3Ol5I3IppgqId869gW-ee6FuUlcKrRgTVQNdyxDBWiu5aOb5-4TnU2qpSk9i3JTE6z0GnpQIeVOcLRg/s1600/marinetoiletfrustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuOrDVnh5tH0xIwEpfMPG6uIOLnNrZqUdDvPic3PM7MF9s6h9gh6eZwMSlIT3Ol5I3IppgqId869gW-ee6FuUlcKrRgTVQNdyxDBWiu5aOb5-4TnU2qpSk9i3JTE6z0GnpQIeVOcLRg/s400/marinetoiletfrustration.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasn't strong enough to disconnect the joker <br />
valve elbow from the discharge hose, so I had to ask for some muscle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pump assembly arrived, and I couldn't wait to swap it out, and fix the toilet. We drove out after work on a friday night, closed the sea cocks, laid out the tools, and got to work. My step Dad TC warned me that the hoses would likely be very tight, and I should be prepared to use a blow dryer to heat them for easier removal (thanks, TC, you were so right). Even with the heat, and lots of pulling, I couldn't disconnect the discharge hose from the joker valve elbow, and I had to ask poor Don to help me. :( What a good sport.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2UEmZRjR5cxRDnc6MA7T6sEelaFkFAuSlEXQ2_LNyMwEidrw2mWgyfyBIRvxKus6H9_c-wSeVV4TUt1bfbVqEYyKIWIujaDxm-PIP2p5RCckYKRscYv-EGlNfPtNny5JinR6kfmkow/s1600/removingsanitationhose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2UEmZRjR5cxRDnc6MA7T6sEelaFkFAuSlEXQ2_LNyMwEidrw2mWgyfyBIRvxKus6H9_c-wSeVV4TUt1bfbVqEYyKIWIujaDxm-PIP2p5RCckYKRscYv-EGlNfPtNny5JinR6kfmkow/s320/removingsanitationhose.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After heating the discharge hose (with a blow dryer) where it meets <br />
the joker valve elbow, Don muscled them apart for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOdy-m3wgYdLfTg6q4z4rdHr0ArXZc2ovQIOUwQzbyAXTZIIN_N-yqcLHA7XrBWKagYF7gQDaeL8KIAtXhluRoldDxI4FjaDRUeGyTvrrwlHMK2iZpJO1xCkwv_9fsUVYgHgop8C9QA/s1600/removingraritanassemblypump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOdy-m3wgYdLfTg6q4z4rdHr0ArXZc2ovQIOUwQzbyAXTZIIN_N-yqcLHA7XrBWKagYF7gQDaeL8KIAtXhluRoldDxI4FjaDRUeGyTvrrwlHMK2iZpJO1xCkwv_9fsUVYgHgop8C9QA/s400/removingraritanassemblypump.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing the old Raritan Pump Assembly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I read on various boating boards about calcified mineral deposits from sitting sea water - adhering to the interior of the hoses - and causing problems with eventual blockage and/or sand-paper-like surfaces which were perfect catching points for toilet paper and waste. What I found when I got the joker valve elbow off was a complete blockage in the discharge hose made up of calcified minerals. It looked like the minerals had collected on the interior hose wall to about 1/8 inch thickness, and collapsed in a pile, only to collect and collapse again and again, until the hose was filled completely at it's lowest point. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbaG88pKLiVTDxmfQENFTW28gLFxAuy47HONwrQNAv5niNYZbWNJszgpUxI4siVcFUdRddx4cF78fn1zbtSttaXAeD-JfDWqaYt_L20IYpHD0Rfs7IPA_U1jLqVYq7zIEWjUKN_o0-A/s1600/mineralchip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbaG88pKLiVTDxmfQENFTW28gLFxAuy47HONwrQNAv5niNYZbWNJszgpUxI4siVcFUdRddx4cF78fn1zbtSttaXAeD-JfDWqaYt_L20IYpHD0Rfs7IPA_U1jLqVYq7zIEWjUKN_o0-A/s320/mineralchip2.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A chip of calcified sea water from the discharge hose. <br />
I pulled about 2 cups of this out of the hose at it's lowest point.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After clearing the interior of the hose, and cleaning everything with simple green and bleach water, we reattached the pump assembly to the base of the toilet, attached the elbow and joker valve and re-strapped everything good and tight. (As much as I wanted to do all of this myself, Don actually did most of it. Once he got squeezed into the small space of our bathroom to help me disconnect the discharge hose, he just stayed there, and asked for tools & parts in the order they needed to go in.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once it was all assembled and clean, I opened the sea cock and charged the hose with sea water for the inaugural flush. And once again, the handle popped back up in my hand, sea water back-washed into the bowl, and burped bubbles, and little streams of water trickled out from under the base. Arrrrrgh! It was late Friday night, at the end of a full week, and I was so disappointed that we weren't celebrating with a cool drink, and toasting a successful toilet fix!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next morning, we concluded that there had to be a block somewhere else. We studied photos of Florian's bones and underparts, and traced the hoses through the bilge to understand where all the possibly blocks could be. We also noticed - now that everything was clean and dry - that sea water was leaking from the base of the bowl, where it connects to the floor, and the bolts holding it in place appeared to be corroded. So, the areas of trouble could be:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) a block further down in the discharge hose, under the sole (floor) or at the holding tank intersection</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) a block in the vent line in the holding tank, or the vented loop of the discharge hose</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) a full holding tank</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4) some as yet unknown problem we weren't thinking of</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We decided to take the toilet apart, and start over.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0ksx-03Cgl0SjHF0W0mmYrsTUobokoI9ILWmpJdrQENR-CYOPvpSb6530JdCCgJoUQclJ968ulIS1d1kkyo2_C5VWVPySwQa1hmmfdiPH5tNbmiWiyMkqm_RGqKO9P5HOcV0nRo6Qw/s1600/raritantoiletbowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0ksx-03Cgl0SjHF0W0mmYrsTUobokoI9ILWmpJdrQENR-CYOPvpSb6530JdCCgJoUQclJ968ulIS1d1kkyo2_C5VWVPySwQa1hmmfdiPH5tNbmiWiyMkqm_RGqKO9P5HOcV0nRo6Qw/s320/raritantoiletbowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toilet parts and the teak floor board from the head in the back of my car.<br />
There's just nothing discreet about walking around a marina with a toilet bowl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL4wIfjZTKBNIywEq07nOLzYgtdERO_AzsjkMEZMEiVZzMA_H4ShSX6U7GobsPskgkpiP-piEMwUYCAePsCFtORp4deebdMS8Gc4jNFZw-zlMxEn7H-JrjoLBorJM7o9HbMA9esOp6A/s1600/soakingcleaningraritantoiletbowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL4wIfjZTKBNIywEq07nOLzYgtdERO_AzsjkMEZMEiVZzMA_H4ShSX6U7GobsPskgkpiP-piEMwUYCAePsCFtORp4deebdMS8Gc4jNFZw-zlMxEn7H-JrjoLBorJM7o9HbMA9esOp6A/s320/soakingcleaningraritantoiletbowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The toilet bowl and the seawater pump-to-bowl instake hose,<br />
soaking in vinegar-water at home</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq3nSU7FLTyxhwRF0kjpbe-gQeJFAvx3_G7G_LH6xG-E2wjCLrbTVUympO2TmHTN3X1aYI8xyBYPu7QefYL_X6gvP7N0fdZ9A7xdpA5fe0n__hG9qX7kcbx_KgLkPkb525vm-0m2J5Q/s1600/raritantoiletbowlvinegarclean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq3nSU7FLTyxhwRF0kjpbe-gQeJFAvx3_G7G_LH6xG-E2wjCLrbTVUympO2TmHTN3X1aYI8xyBYPu7QefYL_X6gvP7N0fdZ9A7xdpA5fe0n__hG9qX7kcbx_KgLkPkb525vm-0m2J5Q/s320/raritantoiletbowlvinegarclean.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After three days soaking in vinegar-water, <br />
the toilet bowl is spotless, and all mineral-clogged holes are now open.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Stay tuned for Part II; How we fixed our Marine Toilet.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-42820757017323638282012-07-28T12:55:00.002-07:002012-08-22T09:31:26.464-07:00Cape Dory 36 & Robinhood 36 Sailboats<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Don and I talk to other boaters – especially all the folks we’re meeting online and in the Marina - people want to know what kind of
boat we have. </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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3t_77srUvIQ6IXId5935dlZVuXqiZI0VUCeTmwNoPUG3rzHcG2oBUqusIbmsz_TXJI6kFwYYBWXJOQHehexCdbpdkAsKDVjNUWrsEeyY9HXdxFywm7dU36ef8zAFRVhyU1xhyphenhyphenonjJQ/s1600/florianonthetruck&inslip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3t_77srUvIQ6IXId5935dlZVuXqiZI0VUCeTmwNoPUG3rzHcG2oBUqusIbmsz_TXJI6kFwYYBWXJOQHehexCdbpdkAsKDVjNUWrsEeyY9HXdxFywm7dU36ef8zAFRVhyU1xhyphenhyphenonjJQ/s640/florianonthetruck&inslip.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florian on the truck, arriving in Ventura, CA - and in her slip with Don</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we reply that she’s a Robinhood 36, just about every
person exhibits that tilted-head-Huh?-look… “Never heard of ‘em.” When we explain she’s just like a Cape
Dory, faces light up with familiarity, and they nod at us approvingly.
(Especially the full keel & classic design affectionados.) </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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi_wnmpHRN6bJEks4l61icK6cZUaI8ND35ALWKwJd8lin73mH1ivMMDoBbiUe8uSgCnN5LdMLwHmVZo0aVVwzskyMcRb7ET2HIYVyg_RqrSNL0Jnuew9L32HzPpUfUXtcFlM7Y55vgw/s1600/floriantopdeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi_wnmpHRN6bJEks4l61icK6cZUaI8ND35ALWKwJd8lin73mH1ivMMDoBbiUe8uSgCnN5LdMLwHmVZo0aVVwzskyMcRb7ET2HIYVyg_RqrSNL0Jnuew9L32HzPpUfUXtcFlM7Y55vgw/s400/floriantopdeck.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florian's roomy deck is perfect for one of our niece's to explore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>We wrote a little <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/04/searching-for-sail-boat-finding-one.html" target="_blank">in this post</a> about our experience with
all the Cape Dory folks at Robinhood Marine. The Robinhood 36 is pretty much the same boat as the Cape
Dory 36 – glassed in the CD hull mold – but all of them were built after 1991,
when Cape Dory morphed into Robinhood, so they are a teeny bit modified. <a href="http://www.capedory.org/cdinfo.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is a great page on the Cape Dory Owners Association site, reviewing the history of Cape Dory and the transition to Robinhood Marine.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3_U7IOM5VY3dzgCdWu0wqhgeP6Llp6w_aVYZtfpVV1ZzDGGWsn7t05eLN-y6ajW6eaH2pniLbLxdSl7u61dj9R-tHIIU60Yf_qmbdnaT85jaA9IDoGfyU0SzHPGhHjTRQy1LUhJA7g/s1600/floriancompanionway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3_U7IOM5VY3dzgCdWu0wqhgeP6Llp6w_aVYZtfpVV1ZzDGGWsn7t05eLN-y6ajW6eaH2pniLbLxdSl7u61dj9R-tHIIU60Yf_qmbdnaT85jaA9IDoGfyU0SzHPGhHjTRQy1LUhJA7g/s400/floriancompanionway.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just after Don re-painted the Dorade cowls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I understand it from <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/06/receiving-your-boat-after-cross-country.html" target="_blank">Dave Perry</a>, the toe rail and sheer
line are slightly changed, and some of the crazing issues on Cape Dorys were addressed on Robinhoods, but that was more of a cosmetic issue and didn't affect the integrity of the decks. Some of the wiring and bones are a little
modernized, but over all, Cape Dory 36 & Robinhood 36 are sisters.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxGIBaERE77mhdrT8JPhSPvlf-FcoZRrHK8Cil6pDb4U05WyEnUsTPdWM-mJNrug9mRzz4AH5_p6orxdBnWlgdUloqgY1MSmepOnALeduR-eGJmeTo9Ha3gZw36i8VzpRHSDoRRITXg/s1600/FlorianStairAft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxGIBaERE77mhdrT8JPhSPvlf-FcoZRrHK8Cil6pDb4U05WyEnUsTPdWM-mJNrug9mRzz4AH5_p6orxdBnWlgdUloqgY1MSmepOnALeduR-eGJmeTo9Ha3gZw36i8VzpRHSDoRRITXg/s400/FlorianStairAft.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florian's galley the day she was lowered into Pacific water. <br />
I sat and stared - marinating on the realization that we owned this beautiful boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>When Don and I were searching for a boat, we looked at a
number of Cape Dory 36's, and I don't recall any overwhelming differences between
our Robinhood and a Cape Dory. Same hull, same teak, same layout, built by the
same hands – with the same plans, but in Maine instead of Massachusetts.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kDxuLSfBHieQ0Pblxrx8LTpgpANmUCvqsa2K7fKfbxbqaULLWHT0qbeb44JUXxc3_0x-HDmSlcrfZdwSMaBFa94-mliiBLggUE19GCp-n7geWYfwOUadd9GYw1JfQ_Go55CtdisTMg/s1600/florianvberthbulhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kDxuLSfBHieQ0Pblxrx8LTpgpANmUCvqsa2K7fKfbxbqaULLWHT0qbeb44JUXxc3_0x-HDmSlcrfZdwSMaBFa94-mliiBLggUE19GCp-n7geWYfwOUadd9GYw1JfQ_Go55CtdisTMg/s400/florianvberthbulhead.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos I snapped of Florian the day she was moved from the truck to the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d be curious to hear from other CD owners about
differences – especially if you’ve got a 36. Check out some of our pics here
and let us know if your boat is very different from ours.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFzQyBBZIYpdOSSBhagk84ZFdKvCPeuzH6Aeyll7tDqVcso6UXOQ90-ZXxEm4N9qdv8K6nhubJpa7vAurT2VtRfi0pTkch8t1iWk26qqayjnJG5w0RQqLSmPyFiKB_YrlVPbPZxQH0A/s1600/Florianlookingaft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFzQyBBZIYpdOSSBhagk84ZFdKvCPeuzH6Aeyll7tDqVcso6UXOQ90-ZXxEm4N9qdv8K6nhubJpa7vAurT2VtRfi0pTkch8t1iWk26qqayjnJG5w0RQqLSmPyFiKB_YrlVPbPZxQH0A/s400/Florianlookingaft.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on the v-berth, looking aft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7ZEwOsjykCxa2nh_gplZuyFACsedctO9NVJltNYOk3AAN205D0EfvSZlT32EvYxFtSDbiv-DnRenHJ0feJf4Tk9nzmRUMenGjzJtk9YdwfeUjJR-DhSvvTscPGNliQuASeJGzqHhYw/s1600/floriancockpitforward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7ZEwOsjykCxa2nh_gplZuyFACsedctO9NVJltNYOk3AAN205D0EfvSZlT32EvYxFtSDbiv-DnRenHJ0feJf4Tk9nzmRUMenGjzJtk9YdwfeUjJR-DhSvvTscPGNliQuASeJGzqHhYw/s400/floriancockpitforward.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florian on the first weekend in her slip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszNvikMA_hhyphenhyphenOQ09IbhwLq_hyEcKwUfKApMZlfD4MmPTJrq33O4QF8mzZLqPI8UZ2iZty1KCvV3HIBwkEWpRsgMgTpPcmRA2rIxf_xvgcz-Kpd7DIxAIx2oa0EjHN8PAr4gFgmels-A/s1600/pettingFlorian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszNvikMA_hhyphenhyphenOQ09IbhwLq_hyEcKwUfKApMZlfD4MmPTJrq33O4QF8mzZLqPI8UZ2iZty1KCvV3HIBwkEWpRsgMgTpPcmRA2rIxf_xvgcz-Kpd7DIxAIx2oa0EjHN8PAr4gFgmels-A/s400/pettingFlorian.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the truck - just arrived from Maine (April 2012). <br />
Getting acquainted with [petting] her hull. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-87591588905910698542012-07-15T18:51:00.000-07:002012-07-15T18:51:36.777-07:00Cleaning Vinyl Cockpit Cushions on a Sail Boat<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JWGqpUikZg6JWtwk8c1re6NtN6J86mXJOPAxsfUBNK4tTY0bruRHiGLi15UtzS9q25Frh4RLyvwN5ma88wukrfq_kx3nvBDOjewLEUMfmfq4MkCPeklINMReewtZAR41ImL0rnWeKA/s1600/Floriancockpit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JWGqpUikZg6JWtwk8c1re6NtN6J86mXJOPAxsfUBNK4tTY0bruRHiGLi15UtzS9q25Frh4RLyvwN5ma88wukrfq_kx3nvBDOjewLEUMfmfq4MkCPeklINMReewtZAR41ImL0rnWeKA/s400/Floriancockpit.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cockpit cushions on board s/v Florian, shortly after she <br />arrived in California</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we took delivery of Florian in April of this year, I knew she had awesome cockpit cushions, and they were in great shape. When we stay on board over the weekends, the first thing Don does in the mornings is wipe the moisture off the cushions with a terrycloth towel, so they're pretty clean. I noticed a couple of stains here and there, and some ball point pen streaks, and wondered if <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001339ZMW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bedepefiar-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001339ZMW%22%3EMr.%20Clean%20Magic%20Eraser%20Cleaning%20Pads,%208-Count%20Box%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bedepefiar-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001339ZMW%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">Mr Clean Magic</a> erasers would work. Friends told me they do a great job on vinyl, plastic and formica, etc.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8SNxQV7UA0IVepvt_9Atem5Zlm7MJyuBSoH7XzAwII7UvuQFPKsUYyIXDlJPP2esVNenmilMHMop3mVfYRrcSTQp278jHOS7RM42D8gBJIAdkgApN8pSBZfLuJAOeQlPlGmBzLwUTw/s1600/mr.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8SNxQV7UA0IVepvt_9Atem5Zlm7MJyuBSoH7XzAwII7UvuQFPKsUYyIXDlJPP2esVNenmilMHMop3mVfYRrcSTQp278jHOS7RM42D8gBJIAdkgApN8pSBZfLuJAOeQlPlGmBzLwUTw/s400/mr.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001339ZMW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bedepefiar-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001339ZMW%22%3EMr.%20Clean%20Magic%20Eraser%20Cleaning%20Pads,%208-Count%20Box%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bedepefiar-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001339ZMW%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">Mr Clean Magic Eraser</a> pads... I heard from friends they work well, <br />but I'd never tried them till now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I bought a box, and ran one of the pads under a little water, barely enough to fully absorb the pad, and started washing down the cushions this morning.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vliMCQvpq0QMF4dUL0XB1kHlZpoLoHZQ1XsIfrjMyF9jPGDIHcLQUQAt5tAaLRd_DTRIihSmmUe4Hs1mGYVBgShu3QiB323ismPS2VAIirClRYEoFZf2AQzxkzevgBgqBqp4D3Js2A/s1600/floriancockpitcushions1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vliMCQvpq0QMF4dUL0XB1kHlZpoLoHZQ1XsIfrjMyF9jPGDIHcLQUQAt5tAaLRd_DTRIihSmmUe4Hs1mGYVBgShu3QiB323ismPS2VAIirClRYEoFZf2AQzxkzevgBgqBqp4D3Js2A/s400/floriancockpitcushions1.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pad after wiping about half of one cushion. Yowzers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPrQf-uR8FzrrtArBC9fRFcmTlU6aCu14U_lknPf4KO2avC1Q6EKYC2Aly6AWDV6QYRIkiR8PXQDpJIqygLmIjW9I1hLmYEBQO6h3U4kok0P0GxqcjeTW7LE80etlKcl2NeaYA_lpdQ/s1600/floriancockpitcushions2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPrQf-uR8FzrrtArBC9fRFcmTlU6aCu14U_lknPf4KO2avC1Q6EKYC2Aly6AWDV6QYRIkiR8PXQDpJIqygLmIjW9I1hLmYEBQO6h3U4kok0P0GxqcjeTW7LE80etlKcl2NeaYA_lpdQ/s400/floriancockpitcushions2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before and after of a cockpit cushion after using Mr Clean.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF9tjOF7_gmDWz_ovf1SdBWlZmztfYB4TwmugIriFkS43nzUHKl1KInocQb1s0p0pBFy1x_OR4XOhPMv_oi2da4xZKf6LhAFgem6Jx1WLd53le8KVEwIj74behCzd-xlGt7xAnq1K9Q/s1600/floriancockpitcushions3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF9tjOF7_gmDWz_ovf1SdBWlZmztfYB4TwmugIriFkS43nzUHKl1KInocQb1s0p0pBFy1x_OR4XOhPMv_oi2da4xZKf6LhAFgem6Jx1WLd53le8KVEwIj74behCzd-xlGt7xAnq1K9Q/s400/floriancockpitcushions3.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cockpit cushions still have a few stubborn, but lightened spots of ink, <br />and varnish drip spots, but over all, they look terrific.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm looking for any and all suggestions for cleaning and conditioning all parts of a sail boat, so if you've found something that works well, please share in the comments. The blogosphere has been an <i>amazing</i> resource of information, so I hope to share all of the tried and true (and not so true) approaches we discover.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-13459527052591141932012-06-22T11:59:00.000-07:002012-06-23T10:49:07.458-07:00Boat Safety: Overboard & Lifesling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAcxKR3TR7rqWsVZYuuZKH1dA5t3XLZG3MlQWjQOsgVU4c7f0grFi-lcH98NxziPdsTHSCkx7ARZAkXU6u-iKDBZr7teGVrloILhu9Tpmo5o5zCErkRQEtMUUTRM3Ln_-BjmKOPoo0g/s1600/onboardheiress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAcxKR3TR7rqWsVZYuuZKH1dA5t3XLZG3MlQWjQOsgVU4c7f0grFi-lcH98NxziPdsTHSCkx7ARZAkXU6u-iKDBZr7teGVrloILhu9Tpmo5o5zCErkRQEtMUUTRM3Ln_-BjmKOPoo0g/s400/onboardheiress.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 1988 s/v Heiress Beaufort, SC with my step dad TC and two friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Learning how to sail feels overwhelming at times. The location, function & maintenance of every part on a boat, the nomenclature, the ability to read & interpret currents, weather patterns, charts and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Regulations_for_Preventing_Collisions_at_Sea" target="_blank">COLREG rules</a>, etc. - all together - it feels akin to learning 4 new languages at the same time. All of that is fine (and fun), but sailing also has some inherent dangers, and I suspect that's the roughest part most newbies have to tame; the fear of not knowing what to do if a situation turns bad. <br />
<br />
When I sailed with my step dad TC and two friends in 1988 in Chesapeake Bay (photo above), I was oblivious of danger, as well as sailing in general. I was a student at the time, so I must have thought TC's Cape Dory 31 was my Spring-Break-in-Daytona-Beach, minus the sand. I did a lot of reading, lounging, and cooked an occasional meal. The ships log on day two of our sailing adventure reads "Belinda painted her toenails today - true sign of a vacation... everyone kicked back & reading." If I ever raised the mainsail or tacked, I don't recall, if I hadn't seen photos of myself at the helm, I wouldn't have believed I did anything to help sail the boat. I remember swimming, sunning and lounging. I think wistfully about how much I'd try to learn if I did it all over again. But, I'm on-it now, and having a blast challenging my much-older brain to absorb & recall. <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201004/building-better-brain-strengthening-your-mental-muscle" target="_blank">Neural aerobics.</a><br />
<br />
I learn best by watching first, and then doing - repeatedly. I'm grateful to live at a time when I can watch clips about the best boating safety practices online for free. This week, I've been looking at Lifesling. The cover for ours on Florian needed replacing, which got me thinking about how it works. There are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_overboard" target="_blank">Man Overboard [MOB]</a> diagrams on the front and back, but I wasn't sure about hoisting someone back onto the boat with a spare halyard, so I looked for and found some videos online. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy020ZBYifnMTpzI8EHBR-Cque1Qa6GpwcXaSI5p2mGVNkCCS6h7j1UdL_AhfhLfzTdkaCHo8czqJe85GXfcpDgrRh_jXCyPPqW4eKQW6jmUzKt0BcZenwYkcs5q7lRu3P1rHh6vrXg/s1600/manoverboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy020ZBYifnMTpzI8EHBR-Cque1Qa6GpwcXaSI5p2mGVNkCCS6h7j1UdL_AhfhLfzTdkaCHo8czqJe85GXfcpDgrRh_jXCyPPqW4eKQW6jmUzKt0BcZenwYkcs5q7lRu3P1rHh6vrXg/s400/manoverboard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man Overboard Rescue demo - pulled aboard in six minutes: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stqveg0TYvA&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL95CC583A2E5B343A" target="_blank">video</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table 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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqF1TkzOcw6Q3Av7R3BWIyo2Ju9gSAf0JfGTKA23_jkrRIp1Fmbr5vYX2JHkbTQnL5BsMorFuhSSZlD0Tj9v_Up0gOum0h2q_MHG2KcG8sUkogqfou17kM6dCceHODsb23Yzq6Sf91hw/s1600/lifeslingcontents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqF1TkzOcw6Q3Av7R3BWIyo2Ju9gSAf0JfGTKA23_jkrRIp1Fmbr5vYX2JHkbTQnL5BsMorFuhSSZlD0Tj9v_Up0gOum0h2q_MHG2KcG8sUkogqfou17kM6dCceHODsb23Yzq6Sf91hw/s400/lifeslingcontents.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Marine video about the contents & use of a Lifesling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnX0z7YEufM" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">This</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span>video (two and a half minutes), posted by West Marine, is a great overview of what's in the Lifesling bag, with a brief review of how it's attached to your boat, and a verbal description of how to use it in a man-overboard situation. I'll go out on a limb here and bet that most people put these on their boats because they're supposed to, and likely don't give them a second thought. Kinda like changing the batteries in your smoke detector every 6 months – lots of people think its a good idea but statistically most people don't.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6Be_QeK9w83s-vmd36N7pnBQ5YoHnAOgTYS4tQhd7c8zeCdb78tL1R8ALEDY8JucDdykNugwhlnYGBZYgAeSYhYducZZvBY7JcnXRetTAr8kc-UYBCFUNvHXmYE88KQq7gSm-Fq8FQ/s1600/1500overboardeachyear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6Be_QeK9w83s-vmd36N7pnBQ5YoHnAOgTYS4tQhd7c8zeCdb78tL1R8ALEDY8JucDdykNugwhlnYGBZYgAeSYhYducZZvBY7JcnXRetTAr8kc-UYBCFUNvHXmYE88KQq7gSm-Fq8FQ/s400/1500overboardeachyear.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No one ever plans to fall overboard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnhjOhWD4j0">This</a> video (eleven minutes) published by the <a href="http://www.thesailingfoundation.org/">Sailing Foundation</a> - the folks that developed Lifesling over 30 years ago - is great because they actually use the Lifesling on a sail boat - sailing upwind, and then downwind - and again in a powerboat. If you're a visual learner, these videos are excellent to review as the summer season begins. (While watching, I couldn't help but feel sorry or the folks that "fell" overboard for the demo because, based on the gray skies and all the pulled-up collars on jackets, it looked like a really cold day to be jumping into the water. Brrr.)<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;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxykVSn5Qst-Xg6Nowmq4wqvr8HC1mZwS48dZN1qnRZ4BQRy8GcL_yX9xaBFwt7iL-fq0aC-l1R1y5AWWpc6NcE3COX4rKz1c3LLJQg9QP3V2iSZS9uUSYSt4riwUXqAa_eXPZWJfhQ/s1600/lifeslingcover2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxykVSn5Qst-Xg6Nowmq4wqvr8HC1mZwS48dZN1qnRZ4BQRy8GcL_yX9xaBFwt7iL-fq0aC-l1R1y5AWWpc6NcE3COX4rKz1c3LLJQg9QP3V2iSZS9uUSYSt4riwUXqAa_eXPZWJfhQ/s400/lifeslingcover2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lifesling cover on Florian when she arrived</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xIEwJNy0ueUr9zTBfNwKwd_EmZXd59SULbAoL-Sd3hCdHtki0MTc0NiRn-O-bL3BxnMInvzjFp0Uvm8dvs9ciQHMK4wmE-VYodDy8y-ML81AJq18VibajVajm5H5kOWHfAKc0TlLDA/s1600/lifeslingcover3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xIEwJNy0ueUr9zTBfNwKwd_EmZXd59SULbAoL-Sd3hCdHtki0MTc0NiRn-O-bL3BxnMInvzjFp0Uvm8dvs9ciQHMK4wmE-VYodDy8y-ML81AJq18VibajVajm5H5kOWHfAKc0TlLDA/s400/lifeslingcover3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea water and sunshine sure does a number on pretty much everything exposed to it.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TvnKVy4UsZgQ4OG-XvCUPw0zxcx9btdJzEVi2tbDZQWc8tbsnYUVdskk-oLoVuzXzA1ZTR0Is0fpMyS70ceLBSnlFppGJHfBMzD5_7x1G8w9kjatff-iDUMuaO596Aq7wctLYUfIuA/s1600/lifeslingcover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TvnKVy4UsZgQ4OG-XvCUPw0zxcx9btdJzEVi2tbDZQWc8tbsnYUVdskk-oLoVuzXzA1ZTR0Is0fpMyS70ceLBSnlFppGJHfBMzD5_7x1G8w9kjatff-iDUMuaO596Aq7wctLYUfIuA/s400/lifeslingcover1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to get a new cover.</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://content.westmarine.com/images/catalog/full/266793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://content.westmarine.com/images/catalog/full/266793.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifesling <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cform%20method=%22get%22%20action=%22http://www.dpbolvw.net/interactive%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%20%3Ctable%20border=%220%22%20width=%22600%22%20cellpadding=%225%22%20cellspacing=%220%22%3E%20%3Ctr%3E%20%3Ctd%20valign=%22top%22%20width=%2210%%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://content.westmarine.com/images/catalog/full/266793.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Replacement%20Storage%20Bag%20For%20Original%20Lifesling%22/%3E%3C/td%3E%20%3Ctd%20valign=%22top%22%20%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cb%3E%3Cfont%20size=%224%22%3EReplacement%20Storage%20Bag%20For%20Original%20Lifesling%3C/font%3E%3C/b%3E%3C/p%3E%20%3Cp%3E%3Cfont%20size=%222%22%3EReplacement%20Storage%20Bag%20For%20Original%20Lifesling%20.%20Replacement%20storage%20bag%20for%20original%20Lifesling.%3C/font%3E%3C/p%3E%20%3Chr%3E%20%3Cinput%20type=%22hidden%22%20name=%22cid%22%20value=%22cj%22/%3E%20%3Cinput%20type=%22hidden%22%20name=%22pid%22%20value=%225881797%22/%3E%20%3Cinput%20type=%22hidden%22%20name=%22aid%22%20value=%2210540053%22/%3E%20%3Cinput%20type=%22hidden%22%20name=%22cjsku%22%20value=%22440941%22/%3E%20%3Cinput%20type=%22hidden%22%20name=%22url%22%20value=%22https://westmarine.affiliatetechnology.com/redirect.php?nt_id=3&amp;URL=http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_440941_-1?ci_src=171083619&amp;ci_sku=440941&amp;cid=cj%22/%3E" target="_blank">replacement covers </a>run between $35 (vinyl) and $160 (fiberglass).<br />
We stayed with vinyl.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM0nOIeDzW1ja1MoldZHsYAzMPyYYn9CH83AvdUG68IS_hqlRfOU_bYX1ilGTsLVeMp6cxFNuww50_dJyWPFgLnFJ76iRVSIuGoISXas_gD4eqks_8lijjk8jCGV-voPWelFyRFN7zw/s1600/lifesling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM0nOIeDzW1ja1MoldZHsYAzMPyYYn9CH83AvdUG68IS_hqlRfOU_bYX1ilGTsLVeMp6cxFNuww50_dJyWPFgLnFJ76iRVSIuGoISXas_gD4eqks_8lijjk8jCGV-voPWelFyRFN7zw/s400/lifesling.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Lifesling Cover on s/v Florian. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">If I get warm enough to swim in our chilly Pacific, I'll be practicing drills with our Lifesling to help develop muscle memory, and sail boat manuevering. Barring warmer weather and water, I'll practice by tossing a life ring overboard, to get my boat maneuvering skills sharp. I sure don't want to figure it out in a panic when someone has fallen off the boat. :)</span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Have you ever used a Lifesling, as practice, or in a real scenario?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-34699819530402848982012-06-18T14:08:00.002-07:002012-06-18T14:15:49.341-07:00Re-naming your Boat: a Ceremony<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtq6IGOJpim6kb0goeLfr8wscDB4YQlF-mhsVIZA4tDdjHlus1sHWIrC-0LSD-gZksHugDHmLT9EZTvTuSeDbq-UNERdtQSnShiTuIcZ6dYqmlEByJSMuwclcCTdXZfAELc_XbPq7hAQ/s1600/32212+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtq6IGOJpim6kb0goeLfr8wscDB4YQlF-mhsVIZA4tDdjHlus1sHWIrC-0LSD-gZksHugDHmLT9EZTvTuSeDbq-UNERdtQSnShiTuIcZ6dYqmlEByJSMuwclcCTdXZfAELc_XbPq7hAQ/s400/32212+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">s/v Florian with her new name on her transom in Maine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Re-naming your boat isn't required when ownership changes hands, but as Don explained in <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/04/naming-your-boat-so-whats-in-name.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, after lots of consideration, discussion, and thought, we felt pretty strongly that we wanted to change our boat's name to Florian (the Patron Saint of Firefighters). </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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTs-LS_BBZEulRxQfomgzB8KVjI0QfzXfxG_L_u-kKlfPZ9EeOMjKVSezoNshRImrmA4SV8z_0ZBEasWTixMpoFu3wBUugAVouV7JFrJEbbAxkl7FAEXfyD0oknMvty47dZQyDOGeig/s1600/boat-re-naming-ceremony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTs-LS_BBZEulRxQfomgzB8KVjI0QfzXfxG_L_u-kKlfPZ9EeOMjKVSezoNshRImrmA4SV8z_0ZBEasWTixMpoFu3wBUugAVouV7JFrJEbbAxkl7FAEXfyD0oknMvty47dZQyDOGeig/s400/boat-re-naming-ceremony.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don waving an empty champagne bottle after dousing <br />
Florian's bow with celebratory bubbly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some folks say re-naming your boat is bad luck, and others insist it's no big deal. Boating and ocean-lore are full of superstitions and ritualistic remedies, so most of the seasoned & salty sailors we spoke to thought it was best to be safe rather than sorry. As is required by tradition, we removed all evidence of her previous name, and took her out on a beautiful sunny Saturday, packed with a bottle of champagne, and <a href="http://www.johnvigor.com/Denaming.html" target="_blank">John Vigor's denaming text</a>. After reading the entreaty to the Gods of Sea & Wind for safe passages, fair winds and following seas, Don went forward, shook the champagne, and gave Florian's bow sprit, anchor and foredeck a shower of ticklish bubbly.
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQjikldieXy-ja49a_8Ipwvkra1hJJUKZu6yiutFrZwgWq98ZXZ_200MghfZaLW19fM6BdQy3MfnKHIoWu50YMg3ZPyt-JlwNiEm5pg7UMIy_31gcSgF4ax_ty3fsNwjaj1BCrQOJPw/s1600/donatthehelm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQjikldieXy-ja49a_8Ipwvkra1hJJUKZu6yiutFrZwgWq98ZXZ_200MghfZaLW19fM6BdQy3MfnKHIoWu50YMg3ZPyt-JlwNiEm5pg7UMIy_31gcSgF4ax_ty3fsNwjaj1BCrQOJPw/s400/donatthehelm.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailing Florian off the coast of Ventura, California</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We enjoy tradition, and this observance felt like one more coat of wrap-around love to make Florian truly ours. Did you re-name your boat, and if so, did you have a ceremony?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69413899305419217.post-42616415458376166742012-06-13T16:25:00.002-07:002015-07-21T10:44:19.570-07:00Sailboat Bling: s/v Florian's First Beautification ProjectAfter <a href="http://the-third-quarter.blogspot.com/2012/06/receiving-your-boat-after-cross-country.html" target="_blank">taking delivery of s/v Florian in mid-April</a>, Don and I were eager to get better acquainted with her via some polish & shine projects we documented with our iphone cameras - especially the fast and easy stuff that doesn't require a Master Electrician's license. If you're a long-term boater, you might read our excitement with shaking heads - chuckling sarcastically at our enthusiasm - since boat stewardship is a never ending, widely meandering and at times bumpy ride of repairs, replacements, and mysteries. Our excitement over "projects" marks us as newbies, right? Perhaps, but take heart; we've been duly warned. And, over the years, we've listened, watched, and at times, participated in some of the maintenance of other boats, but that's a different story for another post.<br />
<table 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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOhQeae8uCgQqUJtbRLk5BMEuIqSx-eAMbzRu0aoKhnzPy2p9xLrpfE2E8IEqCx-O2uWuoJZKIC33pZpTVP5MMq-gqLSkDSmQRQO81GrWAQ6P9uQcxI1yzvEPeMq49tatywdQQhJVhg/s1600/doradeboxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOhQeae8uCgQqUJtbRLk5BMEuIqSx-eAMbzRu0aoKhnzPy2p9xLrpfE2E8IEqCx-O2uWuoJZKIC33pZpTVP5MMq-gqLSkDSmQRQO81GrWAQ6P9uQcxI1yzvEPeMq49tatywdQQhJVhg/s400/doradeboxes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">s/v Florian 30 minutes into her first dip in the Pacific <br />
after a cross country truck ride from Maine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;">Florian's Dorade vents/cowls were removed for her transport over land. We saw them tucked into the v-berth when she arrived in Ventura, and noticed they could use a new coat of paint, since the existing layers were pocked along the edges of the vent rim, and floating in curved chips like leaves inside the cowls.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECCm7NtHeydcme_rL35NZg5tNPJXLEX0b0aIEpF08Aiz5WYu8SQ3WGI0GUkfOVaBUa9YZTjTwFgKWkBPBLAxoQ-axAtQ_fxHKypAdcANIXr71xIRz6wVxYj6mur7mJgfFntbsLfb-IQ/s1600/chippedpaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECCm7NtHeydcme_rL35NZg5tNPJXLEX0b0aIEpF08Aiz5WYu8SQ3WGI0GUkfOVaBUa9YZTjTwFgKWkBPBLAxoQ-axAtQ_fxHKypAdcANIXr71xIRz6wVxYj6mur7mJgfFntbsLfb-IQ/s400/chippedpaint.jpg" width="377" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florian's dorade vents in the v-berth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0j92idLCrUoow1hHDQe3aqMN2_zyFzp21UvRZDQnZOL2CCp8GCuGD-U0EO8Z_VvwYXIiSdR-MqJfhLODM4bb3PfGLhjPeJcFtF4orgsxiNzbEkGU2gBbLEz17V1GvTmKwr6aSmwtsw/s1600/powerwashedcowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0j92idLCrUoow1hHDQe3aqMN2_zyFzp21UvRZDQnZOL2CCp8GCuGD-U0EO8Z_VvwYXIiSdR-MqJfhLODM4bb3PfGLhjPeJcFtF4orgsxiNzbEkGU2gBbLEz17V1GvTmKwr6aSmwtsw/s400/powerwashedcowls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First, Don used a power washer to pull the old paint off the vents.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1700309082"><img alt="<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z8C3PM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bedepefiar-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000Z8C3PM">Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bedepefiar-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000Z8C3PM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gYYd6CcT5EftuuU1yfljJ0aET1AV7aI8B5Ha1QVT2n4Zh0JKrTu5sLCYv3Ya5jbbrZw4X0FOGkJ4F81Ho2h2rmCs7Z1NdHLFHIxc0nn-yj-6VqjGVRjfH9SySsdQFF6owk5dgzdf5Q/s1600/primer.jpeg" title="Rustoleum Clean Metal Primer Spray" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We used <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z8C3PM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bedepefiar-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000Z8C3PM%22%3ERust-Oleum%20Clean%20Metal%20Primer%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bedepefiar-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000Z8C3PM%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">this</a> primer on the dorades.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOiYhuaDQgMN17zY2SLAF9P0evLAEBWzWEeDo_9T0trpUcBdoSivSulz359EHr_yG4vEQFjhBs_ejsr6x1q2yHm87DWO8euWtHAh2gHICjMX-9yYPQN7Mrp6kUQlx4m99531_lgHV7w/s1600/cowlsprimed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOiYhuaDQgMN17zY2SLAF9P0evLAEBWzWEeDo_9T0trpUcBdoSivSulz359EHr_yG4vEQFjhBs_ejsr6x1q2yHm87DWO8euWtHAh2gHICjMX-9yYPQN7Mrp6kUQlx4m99531_lgHV7w/s400/cowlsprimed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue painter's tape and paper towels as masks, and a sheet of cardboard as a base</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don placed a sheet of cardboard under the vents so he could spray the primer inside the cowels. Using small strips of blue painter's tape, he masked the arc of the vent rims, and secured paper towels around the back and neck exteriors to protect the bronze from overspray.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJPg6ABu4qhaK73P4Tl3V25BiDv1IuaikAeETfV2PnrvH2cU7t_M775njXnwHzOd_2EJaB16mXc8aGV8-B9pCwI7QxHZJeAKZNsJduP9uKZAX7b2nfzCUwhO00VNAkHSvLySKBteqpA/s1600/toleum.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJPg6ABu4qhaK73P4Tl3V25BiDv1IuaikAeETfV2PnrvH2cU7t_M775njXnwHzOd_2EJaB16mXc8aGV8-B9pCwI7QxHZJeAKZNsJduP9uKZAX7b2nfzCUwhO00VNAkHSvLySKBteqpA/s1600/toleum.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don used a brush-on version of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=bedepefiar-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000C013PO%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">this</a> enamel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08E-aMdEPoU_YTCSP95fXhRP8ByjHHlZ7bfPXHsGkhbBd77OAmlgRbbf6GdP6aLF36mvR4PN-GTKKQYMKPIluslNAV_eHXdreAS6NhvdolOdHY5Gg0FIhqrbeQmbwaFOcr6XBKrwh6A/s1600/reddoradevents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08E-aMdEPoU_YTCSP95fXhRP8ByjHHlZ7bfPXHsGkhbBd77OAmlgRbbf6GdP6aLF36mvR4PN-GTKKQYMKPIluslNAV_eHXdreAS6NhvdolOdHY5Gg0FIhqrbeQmbwaFOcr6XBKrwh6A/s400/reddoradevents.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After removing the tape and paper towels, we have shiny, red vents!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVbqYpcZZ12KnEAspPYolyR4w1BFQLt5IzwFiJcLyw7_Z_QYU88UWnGVcSvl46it5065cAfV8ds6MJvJi1HWify7Hg5Ros-wttt7u1yEc9EysxtumSprJXm2qFF84nukwTxJgaL9iBg/s1600/replacingdoradevents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVbqYpcZZ12KnEAspPYolyR4w1BFQLt5IzwFiJcLyw7_Z_QYU88UWnGVcSvl46it5065cAfV8ds6MJvJi1HWify7Hg5Ros-wttt7u1yEc9EysxtumSprJXm2qFF84nukwTxJgaL9iBg/s400/replacingdoradevents.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don removing the dorade caps to replace the newly painted vents.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8dAHPgY_qgeGUhuhZ_e2IVNP-pwA7IPNuVZdNoAc9fS41BH3f5-xn1aVQl2Xx45hMdIxowAlPEl5nYaq5JObh_znQihBLDPLLcXZhwXF12FqiCKv71R26LEo2IBKKfjxbUXyAQK-aQ/s1600/reddorade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8dAHPgY_qgeGUhuhZ_e2IVNP-pwA7IPNuVZdNoAc9fS41BH3f5-xn1aVQl2Xx45hMdIxowAlPEl5nYaq5JObh_znQihBLDPLLcXZhwXF12FqiCKv71R26LEo2IBKKfjxbUXyAQK-aQ/s400/reddorade.jpg" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screwing the vents into place, and sealing the deal <br />
that our first boat project was complete!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For all my excitement about our first project, you might have noticed that each line of this post started with 'Don cleaned...', and 'Don removed...', etc. The only part I played in this inaugural endeavor was the purchase of the supplies, and the snapshots of the install, because I was out of town. :( But fear not! I have a loooong list of other projects - some of which are already under way, from nesting & comfy-enhancing improvements, to wood treatments and electrical mysteries, so stay tuned!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09181450024533051314noreply@blogger.com4