Best of 2008

I saw this on another blog I read and thought it was a great idea so here it is, the best of 2008

Soldering in the screens

I had some time this weekend so back at the port lights. I cut the bronze screens to fit the port lights using a Sharpie to mark the outline. I decided to do this solder work over the stove so the exhaust vent would allow me to work inside and vent the smoke outside. This is a pain staking process, heat the bronze ring only so as not to melt the screen and make sure the screen is not floating, it needs to be touching the ring so it will hear up as well. I used a little flux. This is not the prettiest solder job that I have ever done, but it should hold. I had earlier thought I might just epoxy the new screens in, unsure of the end result I went with the original method solder. I have since herd from fellow Seabreeze owner Art Hall and he used epoxy then painting the epoxy silver to look like solder and had success with this method. I am thinking of putting a little bead of clay ( the kind used to plug cracks in old houses) to cover up the solder. I might just try on this year to see how clay holds up in the sea air. I don’t really need to, it would be just for looks. To finnish this project a made some knotting and used it as pull strings. I made a long strand then cut and melted the ends in the length that I needed.
Time spent: 8 hours

Port lights

This weekend I thought I would tackle the bronze screens that go in the 6 port lights on Snowfish. I had earlier removed the old corroded screens and had made an attempt at soldering in the new bronze one. This attempt failed because I did not clean the surface so the solder could stick. So yesterday I picked up 2 wire wheels that fit into a drill, I thought I would try this out for $6, what a deal and it worked perfect. I just clamped the drill down, used a wood clamp to hold it on. So now they are all clean and I will cut some more screen and go for the solder this week. Kurt

It was a cold November day...... burr when I arrived at Bittersweet around 2pm on Thursday it was about 25 degrees and the boat was somewhat frozen. The water tank had about 2" of ice in it and the seawater strainer was almost frozen. So the first order of business was to heat up the old girl. I had the Mr. Heater, the charcoal stove and a small electric heater. After 3 hours I was able to start the engine, flush it out with fresh waterand add three gallons of anti-freeze, maybe a little overkill but this stuff is cheap insurance. I added a new Groco water strainer this summer and it made this process very simple. I noticed that there was a coolant leak and a pretty good drip every second or so. After using the blue LED flashlight to view the coolant I think that the leak is from the reserver hose so i tightened it up about 4 tuns with a screw driver, shout stop the leak. I changed the oil with the vacuum changer and got about 5 1/2 qts out (takes 6), I am unable to remove the rear drain plug because of another bolt in the way. I also changed the fuel on the left in the photo, cleaned out the bowl witch had about 1" of yuck and changed the fuel filter on the engine that has never been changed. The batteries were almost dead so I brought them home for a good charge. Pumped the water tank out into the sink as there is no drain plug, pumped anti-freeze in the head, drained the foot pump. I found the part number for the raw water impeller F85.

Time to head home

I hate these days. Well, at least the part about cleaning up, packing, heading home, unpacking, etc. etc. It was a perfectly beautiful day, and everyone was asking why we were leaving on such a perfect sailing day. Well, the Eaton Fest was to be Sunday, and Kurt couldn’t shirk his duties to the Eaton Village Preservation Society’s Parade. So we reluctantly began the brutal packing/cleaning process. Mikey did come early in the morning to move Yankee Spirit off our mooring and move us to our snug spot next to Witch Island. Good to be back in our spot; feels like forever since we’ve been here! And then Mikey yanked me into his boat to have me take photos of Snowfish with the Whitehall trailing behind. Very nice indeed...those two transoms. I must say it’s fun to have a pretty boat...with a pretty tender attached. It has been a fantastic week; trying out our new Snowfish in the best weather all summer! It’ll be a couple weeks before we’re aboard again...can’t wait!!

Back to South Bristol

What a nice day. Another leisurely morning, followed by a sail up to a neat little spot between Cranberry and Friendship Long Island for lunch. After lunch, we thought we (okay, so this was more of Tinkering Man’s idea) would try out the ancient Tiller Master tiller pilot. Kurt had it all rigged up (with rigging tape to attach it to the tiller) and we set sail. Things were going fine...quite noisy...but fine, until Kurt decided to mess around with the compass heading settings and the thing went nuts overcorrecting one way, then the other way. This being Muscongus Bay and all, I made him remove the bloody thing and put it back in it’s box for fear of running into a ledge while it tried to figure out what to do. After the autopilot incident, we put the centerboard down (no idea how far it was down, haven’t figured it out yet...) and went sailing. Naturally, the wind was out of the southwest...and that’s the way we needed to go to round Pemaquid Point. We made some short tacks between Harbor Island and some ledges, and then continued all the way down between the Scary Ledges of Muscongus (you know, the Devil’s Back and the Devil’s Limb and such). We had a great time, the winds were a little light, but the boat ghosted right along, pointing well and the helm was sooo nice and light. I finally decided at about 5:30 that we should motor around Pemaquid, as it was getting late and all aboard were hungry. So we fired up the engine and headed back to the mooring field. Alas, someone was still on our mooring so we grabbed another one and Kurt cooked up some mussels, rice curry and a bunch of other stuff we needed to eat. Yummy.

A great, lazy vacation type morning was had by all. It was nice to have a big breakfast of eggs, bacon and potatoes that we procured in Port Clyde. Kurt and Mads went rowing in the Whitehall all around Maple Juice Cove and checked out the surroundings. I just stayed aboard and read a magazine in between swatting at flies. In the early afternoon the wind began to pipe up, so we decided to just go sailing upriver to continue figuring out the boat. Going upriver was downwind, so we did a bunch of controlled jibes which went well. Then we started heading downriver to tack a bunch. The wind was probably about 15 knots, perfect for trying stuff out. We got the same impression as the day before...what a great sailing boat!! Later on, we anchored out behind a tiny island in Otis cove. Very nice spot, but we were hanging strangely on the anchor due to the current and wind. Kurt then tried to light the kerosene oven to cook a whole chicken....and after a few flames threatened our floating home (and discovering some leaky connections) he wisely decided to cook on the Magma again. Dinner was a slightly charred (yet perfectly cooked inside) chicken. Doesn’t seem to matter what’s for dinner aboard, it always seems good. Especially when I don’t have to cook it. Cathy

Crazy Wind and Maple Juice Cove

Quite a day, really. Woke to a beautiful morning, and rowed ashore for some time on the Lido deck before leaving. Sue, Chris and Emily were also heading out, so there was the usual hustle and bustle of people packing and cleaning. It became clear that this day was going to be WINDY! We finally got our act together after lunch and decided we would head across toward Vinalhaven for the night. We started out with just a reefed mainsail, and headed that way. After a bit, we realized that we hadn’t really sailed this boat yet except downwind, and that perhaps a 25 knot wind day was not the time to head further away. So we tacked and headed toward Whitehead, with the intention of going to Tenant’s Harbor if necessary. We kept looking at the tattered sails hoping they wouldn’t give up the ghost today. Kurt and I were both pleasantly surprised at how well the boat handled (though we should have had some of the genoa out to ease the helm a bit). She heeled over quite a bit, especially with the higher gusts, but she moved purposefully and we still never got the rail in the water. Everything happened very smoothly and we both were extremely happy with how she sailed. We kept going past Tenants and headed for Port Clyde for some groceries. Then, we decided to go up the St. George River and see what Maple Juice Cove was all about. Turns out it is a great spot, very calm and good holding. Had a great dinner on the Magma...tenderloin!! Cathy

Gray Morning at Dix

Last night we had the most beautiful moonrise. Bright orange, with the “man on the moon” clearly present. We came out to Snowfish with both Madelyn and cousin Sam. Sam was very excited for a sleepover, his first on a boat since he was two. He did a great job aboard, fell asleep quickly in his pilot berth and was super quiet when he woke up at sunrise. When the “crew” of Beau, Gus and Noah arrived in the morning (after pancakes aboard, of course) Kurt let them tug on the lines and the tiller and use the winches. What fun!
The day started with gray skies, which turned to rain, which turned to a downpour after Kurt rowed the boys and Mads and Didi back to the island. We figured we would just hang out and clean and do a few projects until it cleared a bit. Well, no such luck...by noon we decided we would head to the island and make sure Mads wasn’t causing a ruckus for the rest of the grownups. Kurt figured we would try to start the engine (just to make sure). You guessed it...it wouldn’t turn over. After the troubleshooting, Kurt decided the solenoid had bitten the dust. He removed the solenoid and we rowed in. Time to beg Will to bring us in to Rockland for a replacement. By the time we arrived, it started to clear, so a plan was made.

Kurt, Will and I headed in to Rockland later in the afternoon. The skies turned to bright sun...and a great deal of wind. Was even a little snotty heading over to Rockland in Bogus. We had fun though...had a list of things for the gang like beer, ice, and carrots (?) We found all, including a new solenoid (Thanks to Journey’s End Marina for helping us get one...Carquest ended up delivering it to us right there). Also, Will got to fill Bogus with gas, always a fun and expensive endeavor. Kurt managed to spend some money at Hamilton Marine, including a 3” cap for our charcoal stove. Will and I headed for Rite Aid, where we found all we needed (except carrots).

Big day was finished off with a nice dinner outside, the new solenoid successfully installed, and some gin and tonics. Not a bad way to spend an evening. Time to depart tomorrow, as the crew will be increasing in size with the arrival of the rest of Will’s family. Always a lovely privilege to come to Dix....thanks to the Owens!!!

Cathy

Another Beautiful Day

We awoke to yet another gorgeous day at the Harbor Island anchorage. It seems like the longest stretch of nice weather that we’ve had all summer...we’ll take it, of course!! We were going to leave Harbor for Dix around 8am, but the engine decided it didn’t want to start. There was absolutely no wind, so we either had to wait, or Kurt could tinker with the engine. The latter prevailed (of course!) so within a couple minutes, Kurt determined the solenoid was acting up, messed around with it, and started the engine. I’m glad he has some aptitude for such things...as I am currently useless in that department. Someday...I hope!? We bid Irish Ayes goodbye and headed for Dix. The seas and wind were flat calm, and we easily made over 6 knots under motor. Very different than the old Snowfish! This boat makes 6 knots at 1600 RPM. The other boat would make 5 knots at 2800 RPM, quite a difference. We arrive at Dix around noon, and decide to have lunch aboard before rowing ashore. We are greeted with an army of young boys, ages 3-8 who are anxious to see the new vessel. They have fun tugging at the lines and climbing out the forward hatch, running around like crazy people. We are proud to show Snowfish off, and bring her to the dock so the grownups can check her out too. Seemingly universal approval amongst our friends...and even some game for a weekend aboard in the future! Well, maybe all except 6’4” Cheni....although if his back stays crooked he’ll have standing headroom! (Sorry Susie, just kidding.....) We have the obligatory round of GT’s, and we Fisher’s have much to celebrate with our first trip to Dix with the Allied!!
Cathy

Shakedown!

Well, we’re here, and it is very enjoyable to row around Snowfish in the Whitehall and admire her sitting in the water.
We’ve been here for two days just doing last minute things like putting on the sails (oh...very ratty looking, must start saving $$$$ for new ones next season). We also did important things, like get a larger flag (??Kurt??). There’s now a swingarm mount for the GPS and the Magma grill rail mount is now the right size. We have lots of ice in the icebox and are hoping it keeps for more than a couple days. The freshwater and diesel tanks are all filled....and we think we’re ready for a little shakedown sail with Irish Ayes to Harbor Island for the night. If all goes well...we’ll be off to Dix to see the Owen clan for a couple days of island fun!
As it turns out, we have a lovely mostly downwind sail to Harbor, and with that nice 3’10” draft, we sneak right up to the head of the harbor and drop anchor. A great day was had by all, for sure!
Cathy

Launch Day, maybe??

So the day begins with the noxious fumes of bottom paint killing off what few brain cells remain in my head. Do I worry? No, because that smell means that Kurt and Mike have risen early in hopes of us launching on the morning tide. This is good news indeed. I can’t shake that sneaking feeling that something must go wrong, though. Ah...don’t be such a pessimist.....
Things are going well. The boat gets loaded on the trailer, the mast and its associated parts and pieces seem to all make sense, the crane begins to haul the mast up to its proper place...
“Wait!” Kurt says...there seems to be a piece missing! And so, my pessimism rings true. The mast step is somehow missing. Holes are there for the rivets, but it is definitely gone. But of course, there is excitement in the air, because now the boys get to FABRICATE ONE!!! WHAT COULD BE MORE EXCITING?? So Mike and Kurt get right to work on the ins and outs of mast step fabrication as the tide begins to recede. Oh well, that’s why they make 2 high tides per day. There’s nothing for me to do now except clean the nasty looking dodger and tidy up the cabin.
Madelyn doesn’t seem to care much; she’s happy drawing on the boat and staying in her pajamas all day (what else is new?)
Several hours later, the mast step is done, and fits perfectly!
The gang successfully installs the mast this time, and Mike readies a bottle of champagne for the impromptu christening of the new Snowfish.
We did it!!! (Well, with a lot of help from Mike and Charlotte of Bittersweet Landing Boatyard) We couldn’t have done it without you guys, thanks so much!!!
She is so pretty....can’t wait to sail her!!
Cathy

More epoxy barrier, more fiberglass

The name of the game today was just as you see above. Many more layers of glass needed to be applied and following that, the epoxy barrier needed to be applied to the patch area and the spots under the jack stands. But Kurt The ADD Man decided to rip out the nasty plywood under the instruments in the cockpit. This resulted in a lovely couple of holes....
ut no worries, Kurt found a piece of starboard that he installed over the yucky holes and then put the instruments back in. One of those “temporary” fixes that will probably remain for the next 20 years or so...

Good ‘ol Mikey came to the rescue in the afternoon (sans gloves, like a “real man”) to play with some glass and resin.
The patch is starting to look good and thick.
Kurt was hard at work doing the millions of piddly projects that needed to be done....GPS installation, nasty diesel fuel extraction from the tank, fuel filter(s), raw water strainer and the list goes on. We end the day with a fabulous lobster dinner right at the boatyard with Mikey and YaYa along with John and Mimi from Irish Ayes. After dinner, it is the opening ceremonies for the Olympics, and most go in to watch....but I know if we are to launch in the AM, I had better get to work finishing the epoxy over the patch site. So, at 11:30, I finally finish with many less brain cells and go up to bed upside down in the V-Berth.cf

Final Weekend of Preparation

We arrive Friday night with a clear list of things to do this weekend. The first project is to see about the patch for the big hole we created last weekend. We arrive at Bittersweet and Mike has already done a great job filling/puttying the hole so it’s ready to accept new layers of fiberglass. Mike is patient with me as I sit behind him and snap photos of his work doing the first batch of what will be many layers of glass on the former hole. The evening is finished with the first several layers applied and curing under halogen lamps. Cathy

Day 2 of Work

Kurt was going to get up early to help one of Mike’s customers with his computer woes. Yeah, we slept until 8:40. Guess it was all of that “real work” done by us the previous day. Kurt did get up and go help the guy while I continued sleeping upside down in the V-Berth until 9:30. Oh well, it was the weekend after all...
So, a night of a halogen lamp underneath our new hole did a great job of drying out the repair area. We decided to let Mike do the fiberglass work during the week so we could concentrate on the epoxy barrier coat. We went right to work on the epoxy job, as we wanted to get a good 3 coats on before leaving for home. We finished up about 3:30 and my arms were definitely falling off by this point. Now comes the tough decision about what color to have for bottom paint...gray or green. Cathy

First Day of Work

We slept in until about 7:50 this morning, and all woke refreshed after our first night aboard. We arrived and chatted with Mike until about 11:30, but Kurt stayed up even later to check out all the stuff in the drawers and lockers. Sleeping was great except for the boat leans to port and the bow is up high. I just slept upside down in the V-Berth and Kurt slept on the port settee. Mads actually put herself to bed in one of the pilot berths...seems comfortable aboard already!
The big day began with a lot of sanding. We wanted to put an epoxy barrier coat on the bottom while it was mostly free of bottom paint...so it was time to get the last bits off from under the boot stripe. While beginning this project, Mike had noticed an area in front of the keel that was an old repair where someone had found a ledge at speed. The repair looked and sounded a bit hollow, so we decided to investigate. Here we go already, saying “while we’re here we ought to...”. So Kurt started to pry off the old fiberglass patch (which was quite a job; starting with a screwdriver, then a sawz-all, then a grinder...) and what remained was a 12x5” hole. There were bits of balsa and resin that fell out during this very messy and dusty process. It was amazing to see how thick the hull is...they sure don’t make them like they used to! After this project was finished, we continued sanding until all the bottom paint was gone. My arms were ready to fall off by this time. I knew there was a great deal more to do the next day, and was hoping to be able to lift my arms. Cathy


Engine runs, south by truck?

Looks like the engine is running and started right up with a little smoke, so we will not go to the expense of an compression test. With the cost of getting Journeys End Marina to do the epoxy barrier coat $3500 we decided to have the boat trucked $575 to Bittersweet where we can do the work ourselves Any helpers? Kurt