tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74100845001948788012023-11-16T01:36:36.094-06:00The Tuning CayeI’m a life-long musician and some-time technical writer that has grown weary of the daily grind. Living in a post wife and kids world I now have the freedom to do as I choose. Breaking from the corporate world is intimidating but if not now, when? These difficult questions face me and I’m convinced that the answers lie outside the cubicle.
My neighbors are in various states of health and financial situations. All make it clear to me that life is short and the good years are shorter still.The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-20165382391054600602019-04-23T16:52:00.000-05:002019-04-23T16:53:32.123-05:00I can see (more) clearly now...Or, "out with the old, in with the new."<br />
I had the good fortune to buy new portholes at a bargain price. The fellow down the dock ordered extra portholes for his boat and had two left over. He sold them to me for the volume discount price that he received.<br />
He's now on this year's Christmas card list.<br />
After talking it over with him and a few other people, I undertook the task of installing them.<br />
It's not as difficult as it would seem to be.<br />
Prying out the old porthole took a bit of doing as they were caulked shut for ten years and the mounting screws had been in place for 40 years.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">40 year-old porthole</td></tr>
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To get a proper seal, the mounting surfaces must be clean, clean, clean as a friend of mine would say. That requires mineral spirits, towels, and a way to remove the old sealant. Just because the sealant is old doesn't mean it's gonna be easy to take off. I used my Dremel tool set to a medium speed and a wire wheel to remove the old stuff. Be careful to keep moving and don't bear down more than necessary to do the job.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing the old sealant</td></tr>
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Take your time and be thorough. New sealant won't stick to old sealant so get it all off. Wipe the area with mineral spirits and let dry.<br />
In my case, the new porthole matched almost perfectly with the old. The one adjustment to be made was where the drains fit. Again, out came the Dremel tool. Using a routing bit, I was able to clear out the needed space. Wear safety glasses, and don't breathe the dust. Wipe the whole thing with mineral spirits.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adjusting for the new drains</td></tr>
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I kept test fitting until I had it right. Once the new porthole popped in without resistance, I was ready to drill the new mounting holes.<br />
Using the porthole as the template, I drilled the holes using the appropriate (1/4") drill bit. Use a sharp bit and don't force it. Let the bit do the work. Clean the area using mineral spirits and remove all of the dust.<br />
Drill the trim ring to match the porthole holes. The twist was that the trim ring holes had to be one bit larger (5/8") to accommodate the barrel bolts I was using to sandwich the assembly together. I used the porthole as a template and drilled the holes to the 1/4" size and then separately re-drilled the trim ring to the 5/8" size.<br />
Once done, test fit everything BEFORE opening up the tube of sealant. This way you will escape the trap of getting sealant all over the place and then finding out that one or more of the holes don't line up. Don't ask how I know this. Just trust me.<br />
Now you're ready to get really messy.<br />
For this step I suggest not working in direct sunlight or in the heat of the day. The sealant will skin over quickly, reducing your working time.<br />
Apply a wide bead of sealant to the area around the porthole. Be generous. You want the stuff to squeeze out around the trim ring to indicate full coverage.<br />
Make the assembly and install all of the bolts. Tighten them as needed.<br />
Use a tool to remove the excess sealant from around the trim ring and use mineral spirits to clean the rest of the sealant from the area. The use of mineral spirits will keep the sealant from drying too quickly and when finished, will give a professional finish to the job.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product</td></tr>
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<br />The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-12389098752437853502019-04-17T11:29:00.000-05:002019-04-17T11:31:53.216-05:00Well, then.<br />
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I like birds as much as the next guy but this is ridiculous.<br />
The last few weeks have been a bit like a Hitchcock movie. You might say, "Jeff, you weenie, seagulls are a part of the deal," and you would be right. Like other marinas, there is also the local Osprey and some Pelicans.<br />
Where this place departs from normal is the hundreds of blackbirds. They roost on the roof of the nearby restaurant and many of the boats, mine included.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgSq93Q21kDWWuAnmDO4Z-FxxvQVvFb8niATtEukPkbCb7OIsRZbnXIXwfmVXV2evTJfoaYB_h77c2DifA_3r3npELfmQnOp-SvlAVM8A7aw1Zb0-N79JK4Rsp2Bm5hIpNVZtNZ9-tTA/s1600/Da+Boids+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgSq93Q21kDWWuAnmDO4Z-FxxvQVvFb8niATtEukPkbCb7OIsRZbnXIXwfmVXV2evTJfoaYB_h77c2DifA_3r3npELfmQnOp-SvlAVM8A7aw1Zb0-N79JK4Rsp2Bm5hIpNVZtNZ9-tTA/s320/Da+Boids+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The little buggers are just like seagulls. They steal scraps from the tables of the restaurant and, since they cannot be housebroken, drop said scraps and their leavings on the decks of the boats. Again, mine included.<br />
It is a normal morning to pick up two or three bones from the deck.<br />
What a pain.<br />
Add to that the hundreds of seagulls doing the same thing and I begin to wonder the wisdom of moving here. Also, are the restaurant customers actually getting to eat before the birds make off with the food?<br />
Add to that the pigeons shamelessly making little pigeons right there on the dock. Sheesh!<br />
Spring time in Florida.<br />
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<br />The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-9038255503788469302018-10-05T11:37:00.001-05:002018-10-05T11:37:16.042-05:00Hmm. Puerto RicoThis is one of those days when I just can't seem to get away from the starting line. Sure, I have things to do but I seem to have left my get-up-and-go somewhere else.<br />
I'm now working part time at West Marine. It's an interesting place to be and I'm afraid I fit in a bit too well with the other "older" gentlemen there. You know the kind: thinning grey hair, white beards, a few years in the face. Yep. That's me. I chuckle when I look at and talk to these guys. We all have our "life before West Marine" stories.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4V0p3-nUElLr1GARMKcpgZBz2KyrZNzmRH38PycbWiSGWZEVjvnxn16_DhwvO7sqbFtK3eq2v8r1XE3UWjV_AektzOnh2AXd2HlZizNTob_TmP1C8EEzXxMmhnCA4JXM3OnXWGF_9dI/s1600/WM+Storefront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4V0p3-nUElLr1GARMKcpgZBz2KyrZNzmRH38PycbWiSGWZEVjvnxn16_DhwvO7sqbFtK3eq2v8r1XE3UWjV_AektzOnh2AXd2HlZizNTob_TmP1C8EEzXxMmhnCA4JXM3OnXWGF_9dI/s320/WM+Storefront.jpg" width="320" /></a>Most were professionals. Office types and glad to be out of the rat race. The kids are all grown and the condo life is just fine.<br />
Surprisingly, some have been with WM as many as 20 years or more. That's as long as my tech writing career. To think that I could be here 20 years is not out of the realm of possibility. Mind you, I'm a relatively young man not yet 60!<br />
I'm okay with that.<br />
I like chatting with boaters,cruisers and contractors. I actually have some experience and knowledge of what I'm talking about and I enjoy talking with new boaters.<br />
As for education, West Marine has an impressive amount of information stored in their catalog and online. Part of the attraction of working there is the online classes and tests made available to me as an associate.<br />
It's a bit like drinking from a fire hose. You could make a career out of each department: Electrical, sanitation, plumbing, safety, Fiberglas repair, paint and so on.<br />
There's also the flexibility of working most anywhere near the water. Florida has 15 stores and there are stores as far afield as Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Perhaps down the line I can go to Puerto Rico to work there for awhile.<br />
Hmm. Puerto Rico.The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-53050476753460590992018-08-05T17:17:00.000-05:002018-08-05T17:22:51.683-05:00My 2000 Watt Insurance PolicyIn my quest to have more options on the boat, I added a generator. My concern was that I would be "out there" and run out of power and be unable to start the diesel or recharge batteries or not be able to recharge battery powered tools and the like.<br />
I am no fan of gasoline on a boat but I took the leap and got a 2000 watt generator that is gas powered. At the moment I keep a one gallon gas can on the rail next to the diesel jugs. In the event there is a spill, the fumes and gasoline (or diesel) will go over the side harmlessly.<br />
I use the same plan for the propane canisters on board. They are stored in a 4" PVC tube strapped to one of the stanchions and hanging over the side. Since propane fumes are heavier than air, they will drop over the side and not settle in the cabin or the bilge.<br />
Back to the generator.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 2000 Watt Insurance Policy</td></tr>
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2000 watts is enough to recharge the batteries and power the boat lighting, radios and bilge pump. I put together a cord that plugs into the generator and the shore power input on the boat. Once the generator is running, the boat operates as if on shore power. The power goes through the battery charger and the interior 120V plugs.<br />
So I have three options for recharging batteries: the diesel engine's 35 amp generator, the 2000 watt gas generator and the 100 watts of solar on the top of the bimini.<br />
One thing I would still like to add to the mix is the ability to pull start the diesel like a lawnmower. It would require an additional pulley on the main crank shaft and a few feet of rope. By opening the compression levers and giving the cord a yank, I could start the diesel if all else fails.<br />
Having options while "out there" is a good thing and to me, the more the merrier!<br />
<br />The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-32239637920638237672018-07-26T10:15:00.000-05:002018-08-01T18:11:43.003-05:00Louisiana and Its CharmsThe trip from Kemah, Texas was an advanced course in boating. Thankfully I had the help of Scott, a former US Coast Guardsman and well versed in the waters around New Orleans.<br />
The trip took a week or so longer than planned because of weather stops and taking a week off in New Orleans for me to visit my brother and he his daughter.<br />
All in all, it was a good experience. I will tell the tale in pieces instead of trying to spit it out in order with a lot of detail. Parts of the trip were crushingly boring, like driving through the salt grass of Louisiana, and others were heart-stopping moments.<br />
There is a beauty to all of the areas we passed through. Well, maybe not the Harvey Canal. That is as industrial as it gets. Driving a little plastic sailboat past all of those hulking, steel barges, ships and structures just waiting to crush you to bits is humbling.<br />
The anchorages, like the Mermentau river or Shell Island for example, were beautiful. I'd stay there again if given the chance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchored in the Mermentau River</td></tr>
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Since there were no cities around, the night sky was on full display. I hadn't seen that many stars since back in the 90's when camping in the Chisos Basin in Big Bend National Park in Texas.<br />
In March the temperatures were comfortable and the nights cool. The one word of warning though, and you'll see this coming - is put the screens up before sunset because the mosquitoes arrive in clouds! The buzzing might just keep you awake.<br />
Watching birds is something I really enjoy and along the Intra Coastal Water Way (ICW) there are plenty of opportunities. We identified Bald Eagles, Osprey, Ibis, plenty of sea gulls. There were several other varieties I don't know.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_4f5k4AFpE5sV9RDSa-_wa00Jqlf3ChVflBj6NnnvkHkrwaerhgEaIVFhmWkf9f8RpAUZ-sm0sBV53TkTA6FcdYbCVHMsKxPW2Q11RaCpMGDXA066OfNxFreXcJnMjoaRVsbW-p59Vg/s1600/DSC_0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_4f5k4AFpE5sV9RDSa-_wa00Jqlf3ChVflBj6NnnvkHkrwaerhgEaIVFhmWkf9f8RpAUZ-sm0sBV53TkTA6FcdYbCVHMsKxPW2Q11RaCpMGDXA066OfNxFreXcJnMjoaRVsbW-p59Vg/s320/DSC_0732.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were trees full of these guys for maybe a mile or so</td></tr>
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If you have the opportunity, take a trip on the ICW. The scenery and people along the way make the trip worthwhile.The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-74830419182375970042018-07-18T18:44:00.000-05:002018-08-01T18:11:43.019-05:00Rain, Lighting, Work and Long HaulsIt rains a lot here. A LOT!<br />
It's not so much the rain as there is also a regular light show, seemingly every night. I'm told that Florida is the lighting capitol of the world. I thought it was local boasting: you know, like the biggest mosquitoes or highest winds. Nope. It's not boasting if it's true.<br />
This time of year you can count on a bit of rain most every afternoon. You can't set your watch by it but it is regular. When the forecast says "isolated" showers take them at their word. Walk a few feet and you're out of the rain.<br />
Big deal. I live on a boat.<br />
I'm now working at a West Marine store near the boat. It's a two-mile commute so there's no crying about that. They're a nice bunch of people and of course, they all have boating in common. It beats the office.<br />
Retail is new to me. I've always been on the other side of the counter. It's a new perspective. I don't have any horror stories yet but give me time. I'm sure there'll be some.<br />
Getting settled in takes time but I'm managing. It's not a sprint. I'm in for the long haul.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLqI86TgBYXLzWpn6k2kqnHNvylHbaUeC6klbMQ3vBa3PVX6rJ-4PGN4cizhDkR6cr7NNqe6RU0DNwFCDbpAkoTovDr3p1O2Vq6pJIW8AMi2xtMLdqBP8wlOd7l1SjtGG_7SCrCVMFSM/s1600/DSC_0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLqI86TgBYXLzWpn6k2kqnHNvylHbaUeC6klbMQ3vBa3PVX6rJ-4PGN4cizhDkR6cr7NNqe6RU0DNwFCDbpAkoTovDr3p1O2Vq6pJIW8AMi2xtMLdqBP8wlOd7l1SjtGG_7SCrCVMFSM/s320/DSC_0750.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the tiller on the trip from Kemah, Texas</td></tr>
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<br />The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-53295448150309931012018-05-31T14:51:00.000-05:002018-08-01T18:11:43.015-05:00Change is good. Right?After several years of planning and many, many stops and starts, I have moved the whole shebang to Florida. <br />
Originally, I was to take a year off and go sailing and then return to Texas and reinsert myself into the office work life. <br />
So much for that! <br />
Three years later, having made the promise to move to Florida if my parents did the same, I have finally cut the lines and now find myself in the Tampa area. <br />
It's an open-ended plan and going about as well as can be expected. Leaving behind all of the music contacts, boating contacts and office contacts has me a bit out of sorts. When I think about it, dragging me up out of my rut will be a good thing. <br />
Mind you, I liked my rut. It was comfortable. I had squelched myself down in the mud and knew where everything was. All of my favorite restaurants and guitar stores and hideouts were right where I knew and all was good. <br />
Now I'm trying to work my way into a new music scene, learn where all of the shoals are in the waterways and find some work that will keep food in the fridge. <br />
There is much to be gained. I am closer to some really good cruising grounds and the water here is amazing! The trip over was an advanced boating course in itself and I had many firsts - often several in a day. <br />
So. A new chapter opens and as intimidating as it is, here I go. <br />
JeffThe Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-90905788822124124832017-01-03T09:03:00.000-06:002018-08-01T18:11:43.023-05:00A New Year and a New Commitment to Keeping Up With this ThingSo, okay. I've been derelict in my blogging duties. Oops!<br />
Frankly, I've become lax in realizing just how many people enjoy reading about the foibles of living on and working on boats. I've been at it long enough that it's old hat to me.<br />
I'll do better.<br />
<br />
<br />The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-35567715955327389292015-07-26T16:41:00.001-05:002018-08-01T18:11:43.011-05:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Robert
Burns from his poem, “To a Mouse” and the source to John Steinbeck’s title, “Of
Mice and Men.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“All dressed up and nowhere to go.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Insert your favorite platitude here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m still at the dock after all these months. The plan was
to leave in January after quitting the day job in December. Lucky thing I
didn’t leave. The transmission conked out and required several boat bucks (a
measurement of money in thousand-dollar increments) to repair. It’s just as
well. I would have ended up in a foreign boat yard trying to negotiate a
deal. As it is I worked with the local
guys that I already have a working relationship with. While a good thing, I’m
still out many boat bucks and the cruising kitty is reduced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next on the horizon is hurricane season. It’s a little
lottery we on the gulf coast look forward to every year hoping we don’t win.
Maybe ‘looking forward to’ isn’t exactly accurate and in my particular case I’m
enduring it. It will set my evil scheme back another six months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here I sit at the dock working on various boat projects
and trying not to fry in the Texas gulf coast sun (106°F heat index
today). Fortunately I’ve picked up with
the band again and found work on a work boat during the week. “What about the
office?” you say. Not a chance. While my wallet would thank me my nerves just
wouldn’t. I’ve become accustomed to not commuting and the negative atmosphere
would do me in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why would I want to do that? I’m driving a paid-off pickup
truck that suits my needs and living on a boat that I’ve rebuilt, made more
close friends than I’ve ever had and hanging out with a bunch of quirky
retirees that entertain me daily. I’ve seen my first alligator in the wild and
more fish than I can count. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all cuss the ducks and their duck byproducts they leave
on the docks and argue when the next high tide will be. My favorite is the
“who’s laundry day is it?” conversation. You’d never guess the level of
interest in laundry machine availability. Go to the office and miss this? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wake up with the sun and often go to bed by it too. I’m
more relaxed and my blood pressure has dropped. I’m eating a little better and
the neighbor that drives the big rig occasionally brings fruits and veggies
from his trips to the valley. We share here and look out for each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I don't grouse about not getting away just yet. I already have. </span></div>
The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-11664553476127285612015-03-05T12:34:00.000-06:002015-03-05T12:34:30.152-06:00There's Right and Wrong and This Ain't RightUsually the lessons learned under stress are the lessons that stay with you for a lifetime.<br />
<br />
During my expedition into the mud while trying to enter the channel I tried to use the jib to heel the boat over enough to get the keel out of the muck. What I wound up with was the jib falling all around me on the foredeck.<br />
<br />
Here is the reason for that.<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/AVvXsEgIeq6Xkn4UwOIqb0bvo0AlNKbSTW2VyRDEjD_7pC8E7RXZS2wDUqBZ1xPr90sW5X7KqHefqVR4VEi6NA1-m9ZKl3H92InQ9UlogBzEsZJPjXK9PIi5Qzl2gTd-5bvINkMIxjV5CMVg2ho/s1600/Wire+Tie+Shackle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeq6Xkn4UwOIqb0bvo0AlNKbSTW2VyRDEjD_7pC8E7RXZS2wDUqBZ1xPr90sW5X7KqHefqVR4VEi6NA1-m9ZKl3H92InQ9UlogBzEsZJPjXK9PIi5Qzl2gTd-5bvINkMIxjV5CMVg2ho/s1600/Wire+Tie+Shackle.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire Tie Used to Seize the Shackle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The shackles were seized using plastic wire ties. The plastic breaks down in the sunlight and they let go at the first chance to endanger or, at least, embarrass the owner of the boat.<br />
<br />
Once I had the furler and the top of the jib reunited on the deck (thank you Kelly Waterhouse!) I found the offending wire ties. Actually, wire tie. The other had disappeared like a teenager after dinner when the dishes need washing.<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/AVvXsEh6Wb-OSP0gmnyn82OTNVWnxhzAZ2voeQ_m57MU68KoQKVQ5corEhDA_geVg8IiO49XQCdmorCqwX0NF518yI4vrs57kGLQaMTRuJnzDBj7qBTshYKF5fgHwawICclX9KCDMwg2jRC1VwU/s1600/Empty+Shackle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Wb-OSP0gmnyn82OTNVWnxhzAZ2voeQ_m57MU68KoQKVQ5corEhDA_geVg8IiO49XQCdmorCqwX0NF518yI4vrs57kGLQaMTRuJnzDBj7qBTshYKF5fgHwawICclX9KCDMwg2jRC1VwU/s1600/Empty+Shackle.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shackle Pin and Wire Tie Consigned to the Depths</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The proper way to ensure this doesn't happen again is to seize the shackle pin using stainless steel wire wrapped through the pin hole and shackle. I'm certain there is a more appealing way to do this but this bad boy ain't a'goin' nowhere!<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/AVvXsEjlf2yq8_y9IjYg8Lzqqenp3V4YUC_ruwCoW1RgJX9R1NEdtXNBvzKPVQF76QmiiUxXk5WeZC6-DRYyVnR9YKdImS82INIXiTe2u0DQRqT1KZY9x22Sa5lHy1drLwu39nf6uqvFN60Cco8/s1600/all+seized+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf2yq8_y9IjYg8Lzqqenp3V4YUC_ruwCoW1RgJX9R1NEdtXNBvzKPVQF76QmiiUxXk5WeZC6-DRYyVnR9YKdImS82INIXiTe2u0DQRqT1KZY9x22Sa5lHy1drLwu39nf6uqvFN60Cco8/s1600/all+seized+up.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seized Shackels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yeppers. I won't soon forget that lesson. I've gone over the rest of the boat for more of these little surprises. I can only hope I've got them all.The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-23203271279704516052015-03-05T11:58:00.000-06:002015-03-05T11:58:18.028-06:00Okay Now. Enough is Enough!<div class="MsoNormal">
We get a peek at warmer weather and then it gets cold and
wet again. Sheesh!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many things have happened and much money has been spent in
the last couple is weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I called the Yanmar rep here in town because when I revved
the engine up to full power in gear I got this nasty black goo out of the
tailpipe. In addition, the tachometer wasn’t giving me the honest truth when it
came to RPM readings. To top it off, it still shuddered a lot and gave the
impression that the engine wasn’t happy in its space and wanted to leave…NOW! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hence, the call to the factory guys. Well Eric, (that’s the
local mechanic and a really good one at that) showed up and started
troubleshooting and asking a lot of questions. The engine is sound but needs a
bit of TLC. TLC is a technical term that translates to Truck Loads of Cash.
Those truck loads are measured in Boat Bucks. Now boat bucks are spoken of in
increments of $1,000 and are tossed around like napkins in a pizza restaurant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The possibility of the engine needing aligning was discussed
and that the mixing elbow may have had a clog in it. The tachometer was
condemned and a new one was ordered. And the propeller being over pitched came
up for consideration. There’s also a propeller shaft and cutlass bearing to
look over. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that was only the first hour!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The decision was made to pull the boat out of the water.
That’s yard time plus the price of actually lifting the boat out of the water
and placing it on stands. Start your calculators!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I explained to the yard manager that I live on the boat and
could he give me a place in the yard with a nice view? He said he’d expedite
the work if he could. As busy as this yard is I was lucky to get a place in the
parking lot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember now, it’s January and we’ve had a long cold one so
far. Here I am at the top of a ten foot ladder, the boat on stands with winds
gusting to 20 or so miles an hour in 30° F weather. Add to that that there is
no power to the light sockets in the yard so there’s no heat on the boat. I get
points added for dedication to the live aboard lifestyle but many deducted for
not being too bright. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The three days in the yard were a bit like being tossed out
of your house for the carpet guys to come in and work. I had to find myself
someplace to be during the day. I hung out at my marina office, wandered around
town and sat in the truck perusing the web in the parking lot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I checked in regularly at the yard to assess the progress on
the boat. There was much inactivity. And some activity that turned out to be
nothing to see and then some actual work being performed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Wednesday I got the phone call to come get the boat.
They’d already put it in the water so I wasn’t able to see for myself the
finished work below the waterline. But being the trusting soul that I am, I
paid the bill, cast off and headed for home port. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mistake #1: Getthereitis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hindsight being 20/20 I should have stayed in the shipyard
marina for the remainder of the day and overnight. But, no. I headed back home
at low tide. On top of that I had to work with the band that night. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Four PM. I got firmly stuck in the muck at the channel
entrance of my marina. After an hour of pushing and pulling trying to get out
of the mud, I called the marina office to see if there was anyone willing to
pull me free. I figured I needed to be pulled 100 feet to the main channel.
This, of course, comes on the heels of not renewing my towing membership for
the first time in many years. That was Mistake #2. In this area always have
towing insurance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would have just tossed out the anchor and waited till
midnight for the tide to rise if not for the whole needing to get to work
thing. Mistake #3: trying to keep a schedule.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A friend on his way to an appointment at the bar across the
lake stopped and offered a hand. He suggested raising the jib to heel the boat
over a bit. A reasonable suggestion. Unfortunately, unknown to me the shackle
that holds the jib had parted and was only waiting until I needed it to fall
around me on the foredeck. Yep. Now I had a pile of sail trying to fall into
the water. I wrestled it to the deck and tied it off to keep it on board. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A neighbor that had just finished washing his boat, now came
to my rescue. After much conversation and planning (and pulling) we had my boat
out of the muck and I was on my way back to the shipyard marina. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After all of the pushing and pulling and being stuck the
engine again sounded as if it wasn’t at all happy and that it was going to
leave me in the middle of the lake. One of those, “Stop the car right here, I’m
getting out you bastard!” kind of moments. I cooed, I nursed, I implored it not
to be hasty and that we could work it all out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At about six PM I pulled into an empty slip and tied off the
boat. I had to be at the club at seven or so to start playing at eight. I
called the fellow that had volunteered to come get me and got no reply. I was
concerned since he had taken a swim a few days prior and now had a new phone. I
tried another friend that is always at the marina and he was in Houston at a
friend’s place. Another call to a friend down my dock that never goes out was
at a get together for a coworker that had just crossed the Atlantic. I started
walking. I figured that if I hustled, I could get back to my marina where my
truck was and make it to work in plenty of time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I almost made it. My first volunteer pulled up behind me a
mile from my destination and picked me up. He had left his phone in the marina
office and wasn’t able to get it after closing time at 5 PM while he was still
helping me out of the mud. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was waiting for me at the yard parking lot but got
impatient and went looking for me. We figure I passed him by but because of
buildings, he didn’t see me. He finally decided to come looking for me and
that’s when he found me just up the street from home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next day, I return to pick the boat up at high tide and put
it in my slip. Later in the day I get a call from Eric, the mechanic. He asks
me when I’ll be ready for him to align the engine! I told him the boat was back
in the slip and I thought he had already done the work. Here I thought I
screwed his work up digging in the mud and it turns out the boat should not
have been released to me because the work was not complete! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eric worked the rest of that day and most of the next
finishing the project up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A very expensive week, it was. While I know I have added
many years to the life of the boat I have shortened the life of my checking
account by about four months of cruising money!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so it goes.</div>
The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-66485654856048088702015-01-17T18:14:00.000-06:002015-01-17T18:20:08.388-06:00How Cold Was It?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a ridiculously cold winter here in Houston. Unnecessarily
cold. “Dammit!” quality cold. Today was the first day in weeks that didn’t require
a jacket of some kind. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it’s this cold I lose the will to work on the boat.
Most boat tasks require taking large quantities of stuff out of the boat and
placing them on the dock or in the cockpit. The hatches are open and the
companionway is open and it’s just too cold for that. So I sit inside and eat. And
nap. It’s rough. Don’t try this at home kids. Leave it to the professionals. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right now the air temperature is in the 60s and I have the
boat opened up to air it out. What a relief. Even the cat is acting a little
less crazy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I have quit the day job I have the time for the next
part of my nefarious scheme. I’ll begin anchoring out for a night or two at a
time to make sure I have things sorted out. I need more time sailing and
getting offshore is a requirement. I have got to get my sea legs under me. I
can’t just “read” that part away. Getting used to the motion of the boat is
something that can’t be done at the dock. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it’s off to various anchorages around the area. I’ll mix
in forays off into the Gulf and back to get more comfortable with being in
bigger water. Nothing serious – I’ll leave the anchorage in the morning, sail
out a few miles and come back in for the night. After a few trips, I’ll return
to the home port and think about what happened. Easy. Right?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easy or not, it's got to be done. Until I have the sea legs under me, there's really no trip. And no trip is not an option.</span></div>
The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-5305908508334234432014-11-18T13:30:00.000-06:002015-01-17T18:20:44.433-06:00The Deed is Done<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve given notice at work. At first my boss was tentative. His
concern was that I was going to a competitor. There’s all that do-I-try-to-outbid-the-other-place-to-keep-him talk. I cut that conversation short by telling him my plan of sailing
for a year. He visibly relaxed and expressed his envy. With a child in college
and all of the expenses he couldn’t even think about a long vacation much less
taking off for a year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He’s a gracious loser. No way can he compete with floating
about in a sailboat in the Florida Keys or the Bahamas. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mean, it’s a nice
company but be real. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now the next phase of the plan begins. I’ll be spending
time doing final checks on the boat and then taking off for points unknown. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had so many people support me on this project. I can't thank them enough. It is truly a new beginning for me. </span></div>
The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-34985788518668620582014-09-09T11:43:00.002-05:002014-09-09T11:43:26.685-05:00The Clock is Ticking
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m still counting the days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wind vane installation is going slowly. The fabricator
has delivered the mounting parts but the fellow I have preparing the transom is
taking his time. Well, that, and the weather isn’t cooperating. The boarding
ladder had to be removed in order to fit the mounting bracket. I called on the
fiberglass guy to come fill the holes and clean up the paint and now I have one
coat of gelcoat in place and am hoping for a clear weather window for him to
finish the job. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once done, it’s off to the races to get the steering gear
set up and dialed in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am getting so much support from neighbors. Three have
loaned me books and travel guides to help with the trip planning. One has given
me a copy of his trip log to Florida to use as a guide. Everyone is really
enthusiastic and cheering me on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I, on the other hand, am feeling a bit unsure about this
whole thing. I’m not sure why but I’m becoming apprehensive. I suppose it’s the
whole “journey into the unknown” thing but it has me bugged. I’m putting it
down to “normal jitters about big changes” and moving forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what I’m going with: Here I’m living in the known
world and no longer happy with it. Out there I’ll be experiencing new things
and seeing new stuff and people. I really do believe it will be for the best. And hey; If
I don’t like it I can reinsert myself into this place and try something else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I’m really rooting for liking it and
continuing the project. I don’t know how long I’ve got. Do you?</span> </span>The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-8438658991563489062014-07-15T12:28:00.002-05:002014-07-15T12:28:56.167-05:00The Boat is Ready. Me, Not Just Yet
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The boat is ready. I am not. For once she’s ahead of me and
I’ve got to play catch up. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only big thing lacking right now is the wind vane mount
and that’s in progress at the fabricator’s shop. The other project I want
completed is the leak in the lens of the forward hatch over the V berth. I have
the materials at hand and some time to pull the old cracked and crazed plastic
lens out and trim up a new one to install. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The inaugural trip offshore into the Gulf of Mexico was a
roaring success. The boat performed perfectly and all of that money spent wasn’t
wasted. My mentor and captain friend, Eudell Jiles, went along for the ride and
coached me on the correct way to manage traffic in the ship channel, talk to
the ships’ pilots and in general how not to be a pain in the ass to the
professionals that work the Houston Ship Channel (HSC) for a living. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The weather was picture perfect for a newbie. The HSC was
flat, the wind and the tide was in our favor. Traffic was light. The Gulf was
reasonably calm with winds about 12kts and seas 2-3 feet. Nothing broke, the
engine purred contentedly down below and kept her temperature steady. We turned
south out of the jetties about eight miles offshore and set sail for Freeport,
TX 40 miles south down the coast. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the motion of the boat was extreme for me, he was in
his element. I could tell this was his payment for all of the times he helped
me on this project. This guy lives for this stuff; tiller in hand, wind in his
face shouting encouragement as I hung over the back rail and fed the fish. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yep. That sucked. Of all the details to leave unattended, I
forgot to get the motion sickness pills. In my defense, I didn’t know if I’d be
affected by it. Oh, well. Now I know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a brief discussion about this going on another nine
hours, we turned around and headed to the Galveston Yacht Basin for the night.
We dropped anchor just after sunset and discussed the events of the day and
what I had learned. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now my appetite is whetted. I'm looking at the calendar trying to figure out when I'll be able to get out there for more practice. I've got only 20 weeks or so before the planned departure so I need to make the time to get offshore again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Not Everyone Was Working That Day</span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"></span>The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-90131434352455544642014-04-21T12:23:00.001-05:002014-04-21T12:23:59.038-05:00Biding My Time
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two milestones are rapidly approaching; my 55<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
birthday and the final task on the boat. The last big project is installing the
Cape Horn steering system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once that’s
in place it is the jog to the finish line. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That will be the fun part. I’ll have to spend time sailing
and making minor adjustments to the boat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, I know. Tis a tough job but you know,
someone has to do it. I plan a couple trips to Freeport and maybe the Flower
Gardens 100 miles off the coast. Those trips will give me the offshore
experience I need to begin making open-water passages by myself. Now that the
wind and water are becoming more favorable for my part of the coast, I can make
plans more reliably. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m toying with the idea of moving the departure date up by
four weeks or so. Still chewing on that idea. While I don’t want to cut my
training period short I’m getting the itch to get gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This trip is gonna be soooo cool! The plan is one year off
to shake off old memories and hurt feelings and gain a new perspective for the
next 30 or 40 years. At the end of 12 months I’ll reconsider; should I keep
going or come back and reinsert myself into the matrix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">Sitting
here I don’t know what person I’ll be when that decision time comes. It will be
fun to see.</span>The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-71177228378498417122014-03-25T11:14:00.000-06:002014-03-25T11:14:34.128-06:00Rounding Third and Heading for Home!<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the to-do list grows shorter and the months zoom by
I am both eager and nervous about leaving. Focusing on the many details of
getting the boat ready leaves me little time to just daydream about what it
will be like when I arrive.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">White sand, salt air, clear water and the cry of
seagulls overhead are what I have to keep in mind. Venturing ashore to visit
the village taco cart and chit chat with the locals is what I’m looking forward
to. That and mixing with other cruisers that are happy to be where they are.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For now I’ll have to satisfy myself with reading the
blogs and looking at the pictures of those already there.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting here doing the math I find I’ll have enough to
complete the boat projects and if I play my cards right I’ll have a dollar or
two extra to put into the cruising kitty. Postponing departure to make extra
money is not an option. I’ll go with what I have and work it out later.</span></span></span></span></span>The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-88448428165060779672013-12-17T08:30:00.001-06:002013-12-17T08:32:01.736-06:00Inching Closer to the Finish LineWell a lot has happened in the last few months. <br />
Bonnie Lou is just about finished. The most recent project was to install the new propeller, inspect and repack the stuffing box, inspect the rudder for water and other damage and get the bottom painted. I contacted Captain Randy Pruitt to do the work. He had done the initial work on the boat when I bought her in 2010.<br />
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With the installation of the new motor last February the propeller was now in need of replacement. The old Volvo MD7A rotated counter clockwise and at a much lower speed than the new Yanmar 2GM20 that rotates clockwise at almost twice the RPMs. <br />
I contacted Bauman Propellers here in Houston and answered their questions and had a new propeller a couple of days later. The engine installer had (unbeknownst to me) reversed the transmission link so when the shift handle was in the forward position, the boat moved forward while actually operating in reverse. A tip of the hat to the installer for a quick remedy but not a situation I want to live with.<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/AVvXsEi5qGYfP0yTBr7Op2mrbFsRHsSxqc4yMSLSGOj5gHzTk3I-sKnkzCaUtOMC0mjeSO4nzUeCqApTVsCdDXstdxTOsfSb8xIfdJ42rg_6hnVhSNNDMQwjGnGs6NSeIqTVknn7j-SLTCqeAMY/s1600/propeller+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_396262="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qGYfP0yTBr7Op2mrbFsRHsSxqc4yMSLSGOj5gHzTk3I-sKnkzCaUtOMC0mjeSO4nzUeCqApTVsCdDXstdxTOsfSb8xIfdJ42rg_6hnVhSNNDMQwjGnGs6NSeIqTVknn7j-SLTCqeAMY/s1600/propeller+compressed.jpg" dua="true" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Will Do Nicely</td></tr>
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So, all is well on the mechanical propulsion front. Everything, from the deck fill to the cotter pin on the propeller has either been replaced with new or refurbished professionally. <br />
Now when I put the boat in gear she really moves. <br />
The rudder checked out fine except for some minor fiberglass repair at the top near the post. A bit of glass, resin and some paint and back on the boat it went. The play in the tiller was gone and my fear of the whole thing dropping to the bottom of the bay has gone away. <br />
The stuffing box was a non-event too (am I living right, or what?). Just an inspection and repack. The shaft and bearings looked good. <br />
There were a few blisters to attend to and then two coats of bottom paint. <br />
Earlier in her life, little Bonnie Lou got up against the piling and scuffed the hull up a bit. I’d guess it was during hurricane Ike. I had the rough spot repaired by a friend in the marina. The Randy agreed to compound and buff the hull and paint the repair. That bit of work took an extra day in the yard but I’m certainly not complaining. The boat looks great!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dOy18-H3r-dwcMHyZHHAM9m2hF486ANGW3-cNeBUvqgtreevmb5EHBsxR-jTw7-DSj_Ky8W_wMzJs5B8OGT3L-rXoJsY2I7ZgZQzIJt2vHWgRcTH-DaZZHkPL8IW8q0yxm-NPnuh-Fo/s1600/Before+compressed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_396262="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dOy18-H3r-dwcMHyZHHAM9m2hF486ANGW3-cNeBUvqgtreevmb5EHBsxR-jTw7-DSj_Ky8W_wMzJs5B8OGT3L-rXoJsY2I7ZgZQzIJt2vHWgRcTH-DaZZHkPL8IW8q0yxm-NPnuh-Fo/s1600/Before+compressed.JPG" dua="true" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJzLxdUigeQgd9lPXwpm_IIR-t3-qDUi65hxYPyFGiz0hOEL2FjqHVVcDfFmpWp52HOsxiOQn7MWg_s6SlqkjDq8WHp73eyPHTBt-YaQOitfSxDoRiRN3GieljArC9UqUJhePWospxKQ/s1600/After+compressed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_396262="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJzLxdUigeQgd9lPXwpm_IIR-t3-qDUi65hxYPyFGiz0hOEL2FjqHVVcDfFmpWp52HOsxiOQn7MWg_s6SlqkjDq8WHp73eyPHTBt-YaQOitfSxDoRiRN3GieljArC9UqUJhePWospxKQ/s1600/After+compressed.JPG" dua="true" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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Now I’m in the envious position of living on a refurbished 35-year-old boat that’s paid for. The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-41620922230780903922013-11-22T07:52:00.000-06:002013-11-22T07:52:05.711-06:00Apologies for the DelaySorry for the delay. I've been busy saling and working out issues with the boat. I'll have a post here soon. Here's something I found while poking around that I keep on my desk to keep me focused. Perhaps it will do the same for you: <br />
<i>Where a brooding Buddha blinks, <br />
Deeply graven is the message, <br />
It’s later than you think. <br />
The clock of time is wound but once, <br />
And no man has the power, <br />
To tell just where the hands will stop, <br />
At late or early hour. <br />
Now is all the time you own, <br />
The past a golden link. <br />
Live now my brothers, <br />
It’s later than you think. <br />
~On the ancient wall of China</i><br />
The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-1850429587157304152013-08-09T07:05:00.000-05:002013-08-09T07:05:47.277-05:00Like I Need a Reason? <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reasons I’m doing this are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To finally live my life on my terms. I’ve worked for others doing what they want me to do to produce things that benefit them in some way and reward me with money. What I want is to spend my time as I chose and be rewarded with life experiences that have meaning for me. Experiences like; seeing other places and cultures in their habitat and not the ‘Americanized’ version; live on my wits without comparison to others and the judgment that I’ve experience in those comparisons; I want to be in the company of others of a like mind that possessions are not the end goal; I want to do work that has meaning for me and gives me satisfaction; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to leave the routine of seeing the same people every day saying the same pre-programmed things. I’ve learned that we all have about five stories that we love to tell and to go beyond that requires thought, action and some risk. Thought and action require self-study and that can be unpleasant and require more than most are interested in actually doing. It’s far easier to wave our hands dismissively and say something like, “whatever. You know what I mean” instead of taking the time to think the topic through and explain the beliefs held. That short circuit of the thought process is, I believe, a result of our present ‘sound bite’, condensed-media-story life style. As a group we have convinced ourselves that differing opinions and discussion are passé and show some kind of weakness. We have become so concerned about offending someone or some group that we can’t say anything. On top of that there are the constant jokes about political correctness (PC). PC used to be just being polite. What’s wrong with being polite? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The risk comes from not wanting to take the chance that what you say may be unpopular. The presumed price would be the loss of friendship or maybe ridicule. None of us, regardless of how thick our skin is, want that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And after some inward reflection we may find out that we don’t like what we see and that would take a decision to change and that would require some work on our part and that’s just not acceptable. It’s easier to wave our hands dismissively and turn back to listening to the talking head on the TV or radio. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So you see, I’ve done the 9-5 thing in the office and the field work in the heat; I’ve done the self-employment thing and the corporate drone act; I’ve done the single and married things. I’ve been so immersed in the American way and lifestyle that I really would like to try something else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having been showered every day of my life with the deluge of images, sounds and information messages that each of us is subjected to I am looking forward to the almost depravation-chamber quiet I expect on a days-long passage. I really wonder how I will respond. Will it take me a week to acclimate? A month? Will it be an easy transition? Will I grab the first person I see upon landfall and start talking nonstop just to hear another voice? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope to re-learn the trick of creating a complete thought in my head. I’m sure there was a time in my life when I could do that. It’s just been so long ago. I’ve always had a touch of ADD and the fast-forward society I live in doesn’t help at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thought of slowing down to the pace of the boat and the waves is a bit daunting. I admit at times crossing the lake at 4 knots is a bit dull. But then I’m still living the 70+mph world of commuting to work every day. Once I make the change to a life at a walking pace I’ll know better how to deal with it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope for a great cleansing; a new start. A reset, if you will. After the year is up I’ll make up my mind to continue or head back to civilization to pick up where I left off. I know I’ll never be the same.</span></div>
The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-12120449749052724342013-07-02T13:47:00.000-05:002013-07-02T13:47:03.871-05:00Traditions!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In keeping with tradition, I placed a coin at the base of the mast for good luck. I put a 1979 quarter because that’s the model year of the boat (and I didn’t have a 1978 for when the keel was laid). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While I’m not terribly superstitious, I don’t want to miss my ride across the river Styx because I didn’t have the toll. The legend is that Charon, the ferryman, requires a toll to take souls across the river. If you arrive and have no way to pay, some say your soul must wander the shores for one hundred years. I’m guessing a quarter is a worthwhile investment. <o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Hope I Don't Need it to Make a Phone Call!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another tradition I’ve considered is painting eyes on the bow of the boat. This is a very old tradition dating back to the Egyptians. The belief is that eyes help to guide the ship safely to its destination. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll have to get back to you on that one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everything from the chain plates to the masthead has either been replaced with new or reconditioned. While luck has its attractions I’m going to go with new parts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the interest of making repairs far afield I skipped the swage fittings and chose mechanical fittings. They’re reusable and I can make adjustments to them with a couple of wrenches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The 35 year-old wiring was replaced with new and attached inside the mast to quiet that clacking noise every time I stepped onto or off of the boat. I had an LED deck light added for those times when you just gotta see what’s on the deck and of course all of the masthead parts were replaced. The original tricolor was sun rotted and cracked when I gave it a twist to look at the bezel. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBs60ti6c4wKARNlvWuwt0VkQCnEImyhTa6a0auA2p8mqS8EN436UBZHx4yLAzLnOBxusCzR1VaHZKSXLxxqdhxFEnUt8qVsTYxvp1x4lPso57egMCkq0JzjjoklrmQNRfjRoOXJ-ICNg/s448/DSC_0367+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="212" oya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBs60ti6c4wKARNlvWuwt0VkQCnEImyhTa6a0auA2p8mqS8EN436UBZHx4yLAzLnOBxusCzR1VaHZKSXLxxqdhxFEnUt8qVsTYxvp1x4lPso57egMCkq0JzjjoklrmQNRfjRoOXJ-ICNg/s320/DSC_0367+compressed.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Did They Get the Colors On the Correct Side?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The fellows that were going to reinstall the mast weren’t really sure what to say when I suggested I go get an antenna ball from Jack In The Box to put on the new VHF antenna. This comes from the guy that wanted to go with plaid sails! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was gently dissuaded from the plaid sails. I may add the antenna ball later when I get the nerve to climb the mast. Stay tuned.</span></span><br />
The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-34061384016201220522013-06-07T13:18:00.001-05:002013-07-02T13:49:27.552-05:00This is Where Boating Gets Expensive<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the mast surveyed and there were several serious issues. What do you want? It’s a 35 year-old boat with mostly original parts! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1813208736"></span><span id="goog_1813208737"></span><br />I’m always amazed when I see someone go up a mast with such nonchalance. Kevin of Stix ‘n Riggin’ buckled into his harness and zipped up there so easily I was envious. I’ll have to learn to do that soon. He looked things over and called down what was needed to Brian, who stood on the deck making notes and keeping track of the halyard holding Kevin up.<br />
<br />All of the plastic parts were shot. The swage fittings were cracked. The lights that were still good couldn’t be seen through the sun-damaged lenses. The list grew. There was much to be done. <br />
<br />After Kevin finished his high wire act, he zoomed off to some other task and left Brian to describe the job to me. The original bid listed 26 line items. When completed, I’ll have a nicely refurbished mast that will last another 35 years. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Pros Doing Their Bit</strong></td></tr>
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<br />One of the line items was painting the mast. The price was high enough that I decided to consult “the committee” to see what they thought. The committee consists of neighbors that have been involved with boats either by cruising, repairing or being around them for many years. The consensus was to skip painting the mast. The reasoning goes like this: the mast is aluminum and naturally oxidizes thereby protecting itself from surface damage. Painting the mast would require acid etching to remove the oxidation so the paint would adhere. If the paint were damaged moisture would wick under the paint and create bubbles in the paint. Then the cycle of sand-and-paint would begin. Better to leave it unpainted and let the aluminum protect itself. <br />
<br />So I passed on the painting and added lazy jacks and an LED spreader light to the bid.<br />
<br />The original masthead had a wind point and anemometer that was wired to gauges in the cockpit. I don’t need no stinkin’ wind pointer to tell me where the wind is coming from! I’ll just use my face. It’s easy; just look into the wind until you feel it evenly on your face. Job done! That’s one more gauge and the wires and electricity needed to operate it out of the system. I even passed on the Windex. I have the sails to tell me if I’m not pointing correctly and tell tales on the jib and main to indicate airflow. Low tech – that’s the object here. <br />
<br />The anemometer is fun for referencing wind strength but I’ll do without the electric draw for that too. <br />
<br />Now there are folks that told me that I could do this stuff myself. Sure. That’s true. It would take me a dozen trips up the mast…in the 95 degree heat…and maybe three months of my time. This way it’s done in TWO WEEKS and done correctly. I have a friend rebuilding his mast himself and it’s been a year. Nope. Right now I’ve got the resources (a paying job) so I’ll have a pro do it. <br />
<br />Without the mast the boat looks wrong. I’ll be happy when the mast is back up where it belongs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Looks a Little Sad, Don't It?</strong></td></tr>
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</span>The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-20426891231250975162013-05-14T11:37:00.000-05:002013-07-02T13:49:27.550-05:00Twenty Months and Counting<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I may just beat the May ’14 deadline for having the boat ready. Actually, I believe I’ll have the boat ready by December of 2013. That will give me an even 12 months to practice boat skills and prepare the rest of my business to leave in December ’14. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s the plan now – leave on December 1, 2014. The Gulf hurricane season closes the last day of November and doesn’t reopen until June 1. That gives me six months of sailing and fooling around without worrying about big storms. By then I’ll have decided if I like the lifestyle. Then it’s a matter of running south to get below the hurricane belt or north back home.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have the good fortune of a mentor arriving at just the right time. There's the usual "committee" that I consult on various projects - paint the mast or not, what stove works best, anchor sizes for my particular boat - that sort of thing. This fellow is a captain with many years of experience operating crew boats and delivering private yachts in the Gulf and the Bahamas. He's willing to teach me the nuts and bolts of navigating, charting, trip planning and other necessities of getting around safely. He's also volunteered to go sailing with me and show me how this sailing thing is actually done. That will be a real time saver.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After class is over, we'll celebrate with Mexican food! </span></span>The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-19962238059000773762013-05-14T11:17:00.001-05:002013-07-02T13:49:27.547-05:00Two Birds, One Stone<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I was helping a fellow liveaboard install his wind vane steering assembly, I mentioned I was selling my Miata. I figured I could take the cash from the sale and get, what else, boat stuff. We fiddled with the assembly for a while longer and went our separate ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later in the week he proposed that I trade him the car and maybe a little cash for the vane steering gear. He needs a car and I have one; I need a vane steering system and he has one. Since I’ll be ready to leave before him, he can replace the steering gear later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now I have a Cape Horn windvane steering system in my garage where the little red car was. We celebrated over Mexican food.</span></div>
The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7410084500194878801.post-56187716217150921752013-04-22T13:12:00.000-05:002013-07-02T13:49:27.560-05:00Be Ready To Pay The Crew<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After tightening this and topping off that, I finally took the boat away from the dock yesterday. Two of my neighbors agreed to go along for the ride. There was much conversation about how cheap I was (hey! I never said we’d go TO the restaurant, just by it). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I offered lunch from the refrigerator but when they found it was full of veggies and humus, they turned up their noses and demanded I take them somewhere with proper food next time. Lesson learned: either plan lunch ahead or don’t invite the neighbors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hmm. Maybe a burger stop isn’t such a bad idea after all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s okay. Leaving the dock wasn’t so bad. It was the getting back that was tough. The wind blows from the east. I have a boat on my downwind side. That makes returning kinda tough. Having the extra deck hands helped. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the boat ran well and the company kept the trip from getting too quiet. Maybe I’ll do it again today when I get home from work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yep. Just might do that.</span>The Tuning Cayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12606319634424715668noreply@blogger.com0