Dinghy launched

It wasn’t covert launching of the dinghy this year. Instead  it was a predawn mission. In the past I have used an air compressor to inflate the tube half way but this year I used a hand pump. I figure by the time I dragged the air compressor out and loaded it would the same time as few extra pumps. A few tips below to remember.

1. Use a foot pump vs bicycle style pump your back will thank you.
2. Launch at pre-high tide so the water raises to you
3. Get a helper!

Fresh Paint

Finished the second coat of bottom paint this evening. The next step is too grab an extra set of boat stands so I can move the original stands. Some folks in the yard just pull away the 2 bow side stands to paint but with extra stands available just playing it safe. Also need to cut a new hose to connect the raw intake thru-hull to the strainer.

First Boat Workday

First boat workday! With help from Mark we pulled off the shrink wrap. We were careful not to make any unnecessary cuts or rips because this fall I might be able to reuse it. After airing out the cabin a little we went to work reassembling the aft bulkhead. Missing a few bolts we made a trip back to the house to pick-up a bag that didn’t make it to the car. After re-installing the Sail Comp, fuse panels, battery switch, VHF radio and bilge pump switch we mounted the battery. With power to panels and battery switch we were going to start the engine but need a second hose to run water to the boat for the cooling. So back to the house. With water to the boat I fired up the engine. It started with no problems and began spitting water out the stern! We inspected the engine for leaks and didn’t find any. The only issue was the tach but thankfully the rebuilt water-pump was working. 

No Pursuit

Trying to look for info and dates for the Pursuit Courage Regatta but it lead to a dead website. Also looking at their Facebook page it has not been posted to since May 2014. The Pursuit Courage Regatta raised funds for the Wounded Warrior Project in 2013. Later in 2014 it raised funds for both Wounded Warrior Project and LCpl Rodriguez Memorial Foundation. Last year we didn’t hear anything about a 2015 edition being held. For 2016 our fingers are crossed that a race will be held because it aligns perfectly with our goals of supporting veterans and getting more veterans out on the water!

Annual Defender Pilgrimage

We made our annual pilgrimage to the Defender Warehouse Sale. This is the Black Friday for sailors and boaters! They open the warehouse to public and bring in vendors and extra staff to help demonstrate products or give advice. But be warned it gets busy! Hopefully the few tips below can help prepare you if you make the trip.

1. Plan ahead and make a list to include part numbers.
2. Try to get there Thursday or Friday is possible. They limited number of promo items from the vendors.
3. Last if you bring your spouse promise them lunch or dinner in Mystic (not a suggestion)

Blizzard Sailboat

A lonely sailboat weathering the blizzard out on its mooring.

Crazy Friday Nights

What to do with the boat hauled? Maintenance for 2016! After failed attempts to loosen the corroded screws on the impeller cover the other option was to remove the whole raw water pump. So tonight replaced the impeller, impeller gasket, impeller cover, screws and water pump O-ring.