Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Breaking even

We headed annapolis last weekend to relax and sail alittle. We managed to knock the nav light off the bow pulpit getting away from the dock and then left the dink to get stuck under a dock as the tide came in. So the second half of the weekend was spent fixing the nav light and working the water out of the dink moter. Also noticed an extra pair of holes drilled in the inner hull of the dink. Of course these holes allowed the inner hull space to fill with water so I had to pull the plugs and hoist the dink on the davits to get it to drain. I will be filling those holes next trip. 

Capt. Mike


Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Whatta Deal !

We took the kids and grand kids out on the lake for the 4th of July. We had a very nice evening but our little 5411 diesel overheated on the way back. We made it back in and I went back Monday to tear down the water pump. I got the empellor replaced but discovered a water leak past the shaft. Fortunately, a replacement pump is still available and is on the way.

Monday, June 30, 2014

Frustrating summer

Headed to the boat week before last to reinstall the headliner and work on the toe rail. I only got a day and got rained out so I headed back to Ohio to work. The leaking area stayed dry so I reinstalled the head liner and pronounced the repair successful.

I headed to the boat this weekend expecting to get several days to work but had a breakdown and had to head back after a day to try to keep the business on track. I did manage a full day of teak repair and bung replacement. Hopefully, the next trip, I can start on the toe rail without needing to fix something else first. I guess I can't do anything but keep trying.

As a side note, we spent a weekend on our Catalina 30 with our grandson and had a grand time. We launched our Advanced Elements Kayak and and it was definitely a hit.






My granddaughter Lucy joined us Sunday and took over the boat.

Capt. Mike

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Chasing leaks

I tore the headliner out of the front berth over the weekend. I traced the leak back to the (for want of the correct term) main Bullard post. The teak decking that buts up against it has deteriorated and the caulk needed some work. I dug out the bad wood and saturated the area with Mr Smith's penetrating epoxy. I used my Fein multi tool with a rasp to cut out the grooves and replaced the caulk in the grooves. It rained over night and appeared to stay dry. Will give the repair a little longer before I put the headliner back in.

I also mounted the stainless steel strip to the back of the boat. To protect the paint from the dinghy. Will post a pic next trip. The real challenge for the day was fishing the dinghy into place to be lifted onto the davits by myself. It involved the pulley system for the lift, a boat hook and extra rope to maneuver the dingy around the docking posts.
Capt. Mike

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Paying for Zoe

We are back in Ohio after a nice weekend working and relaxing in Annapolis. Two of the batteries in the starting bank had burst leaving the battery bin with acid in the bottom. We neutralized it with baking soda and rigged a block and harness to lift the batteries from under the quarter berth. The batteries were extracted and placed in heavy plastic bags to protect the boat from the acid. I came back to find Kat stripped down and cleaning the mess out of the battery bin. I asked why the lack of clothes and was informed that acid would ruin her pants. I guess it's ok to get acid burns on your skin if you can save a pair of jeans.

We, also, finished rigging the sails so Zoe is ready to head for the bay. Unfortunately our season is cranking up so fun will have to wait for awhile. Gotta make money to pay Zoe's bills. Next up, Engine service and track down a new leak in the front cabin.

I pick up my new ride tomorrow.
Capt. Mike




Friday, May 2, 2014

Busy April

I am setting here with my best girl in my wonderful enclosed cockpit. It is the first weekend in May and we have the portable heater running to keep things toasty. Getting Zoe ready for the season has been a battle. The weather has not cooperated. I ran over for a Monday drop and managed to get from the marina to the dock without tearing anything up in a pretty stout wind. I had to plug the boat in to get the engine to roll over. Upon further investigation, I found a destroyed battery in the starter group. I suspect it froze and broke open over the winter. It is 11years old so I guess I won't complain. I brought 3 AGM batteries to replace the bank and will attempt to wrestle the old ones out tomorrow. For now I am going to enjoy my evening. Unfortunately, this spring hasn't given us much time to enjoy the boat and our busy season starts in earnest next week. Could be worse. I could be in Ohio working and not own a boat.
Capt. Mike

Monday, April 7, 2014

Gettin ready to launch

Headed to annapolis this weekend to get Zoe back on the water. Had a couple projects to clean up. Got the check valve in the sink drain freed up, the cover off and the bottom paint sanded and acoat added. Will head over this coming weekend to finish the paint change the zinks on the rudder and drop the boat in the water. 



Monday, January 13, 2014

January Blues

We went to visit Zoe this weekend. Found the batteries dead and water in the bilge. Not to bad though. I plugged in overnight and decided to go with shutting down the pumps in favor of not freezing a battery. I am counting on the cover to keep the bilge from filling and will pump her out again in about 6 weeks. I think I will research solar panels to top off the batteries and allow me to leave a pump powered up. 

Also discovered flaking bottom paint in a few areas. I am attributing this to bad adhesion due to substandard temps when we applied the paint. Will try again before we splash in the spring. Boat was cold and damp but wintering ok. 
Capt. Mike