Wood work

I had to strip down the hatch boards and the frame around the companion way. Rather than revarnishing I am using pureTung oil.
Tung oil is made from a nut ( similar to walnut oil) and is non/toxic. If you are interested in details of its properties and uses you can google " real milk paint" and go to their web site ( based in Merrit b.c. ).

I have just finished the 5th coat and the wood seems saturated, for now at least. I may try another coat or two after the July trip up north.

I wasn't clever enough to get a 'before ' photo before I removed the old finish. However I will get an after photo tomorrow.

Repaired likage

Here is the ' after' photo. 

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Regards,

 Bruce Warren

Lifting bridle

I finally made up a lifting bridle for the new dinghy. Some of the slices are not ' book perfect' but they will do the job. 

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Regards,

 Bruce Warren

Docking Rodeo and more TODO items

Today's morning task was simple: turn the boat around in the slip.

For the winter, I back Tatoosh into the slip so that the bow faces the winter winds; however this means the cockpit is open to the dock and passerby''s,etc. So in summer, it is normally docked bow-in, this gives more privacy and means a nicer view in the cockpit with morning coffee.

Task this morning was simple: take Tatoosh out into the anchorange, swap the fenders over to starboard and come back to the slip bow-in. This is also a chance to change over from the heavy, winter dock  lines to the 'summer' dock lines. All was ready, engine warmed up and I was ready to go....but the transmission shifter wouldn't move. Turned out to be a bit of rust , cleared that and off we went. 
As I was just about into final approach, I tried to shift to neutral to slow down, but it would not shift into neutral or reverse! I couldn't drift about the anchorage while I went below to troubleshoot, so I decided to take the boat out into open water to deal with the problem. 

Turned out that in freeing the linkage at the dock, the snap ring on the linkage had popped off and the linkage was disconnected. I improvised a connection with ty-wraps; however I only had forward and neutral, no reverse. If this was a problem with the transmission itself, I could not fix it out in open water, so I decided to return and do a 'hot' ( i.e faster than normal ) docking , since I would not be able to stop the boat in the slip using reverse. Adding to the drama was the fact that both the current and wind would be pushing me into the slip, so that even if I had all way off in the water using neutral,  the boat would still be moving into the slip. I had a spring line rigged, but I would have to get off the boat and tie the line quickly to avoid collision with the end of the slip.

The wind pushed me into the dock, which popped out the fenders, I managed to fend the boat off ( with a minor black mark on the hull to clean ( another TODO Item)) and got things under control. However, in fending off the boat, I managed to re-activate an old skiing injury in  my right shoulder.

The problem with the reverse turned out to be a minor orientation issue with the linkage, but in working on it, I decided I may as well remove the rust and repaint, so now on my list is:

1) find replacement retainer clip for the linkage
2) remove old paint and rust
3) treat the metal before painting
4) buy more red spray paint ( my can is almost empty)

And so it goes.
I am on my way to chandlers (new nut/bolts for linkage holder), NAPA ( clip and red paint) and rec. centre for hot tub for my shoulder.

 Over and out from E-dock.

Fwd: why TODO lists don't shrink on a boat

This is explanation of why it seems that a TODO list never gets  much smaller on a boat.

I was putting the coils of rope from the port lazerette out into the sun and noticed some water in the locker. So, this then lead to:

1) empty locker completely

2) wash out locker to get rid of patches of mildew

3) drag out spare anchors ( 2) and

4)scrap and clean anchors

5) re-galvanize (using spray on galvanizing)

6) re-stow locker

None of this was on the original TODO list.

I have to keep telling myself , it is the journey that is important, not the destination.

New Pudgy Dinghy

Well now that my new Pudgy has arrived it is definitely time to start sail trip planning in detail!

Here is a link to show one’s man’s use of the pudgy.
Sailing a Pudgy


I am still waiting for the sail kit, canopy [ i.e. life raft ] kit and boat cover to arrive via UPS.  The basic boat is well designed and well crafted.
Now I just have to hope I can fit it on my roof-rack!

I can’t wait for the ‘sea trials’.

Spring Work List

I am still coming to grips with accepting a TODO list that never goes away [ as a manager/project manager consultant this is difficult!]. Each year starts with the left overs from last year, with new rationalizations, priorities and new work to be added to the list.

Aside from the normal, opening and cleaning tasks, the 'priority' list is [ orange items are mostly just spending money, not work] :

• clean and get inflatable dinghy sold
• confirm if existing motor can be used on the Pudgy
• 'commission' the Pudgy: sailing kit and life raft kit
• make a mounting bracket for the Pudgy on foredeck
• up the mast to check fittings,etc
• replace anchor light with LED bulb to cut down on battery usage
• re-grease winches
• ? Replace main halyard, due to chaffing at eye splice
• oil wood work in cockpit: with tung oil not varnish ( my test piece from last year seems to be holding up...more on this in another post I'm sure)
• find water leak into engine room (reported by Alec during the winter rain, likely  a failed cock pit drain as was case last year
• replace propane tanks: they are expired
• get/install and check new foresail
• test autopilot/ manual controller
• improve set up for the stern line drum/deployment
• Remove water maker parts: sell?
• Change battery arrangement: 1 large house battery, and smaller starter battery
• Improve galley piping for foot pump
• Tighten head sink throuhull valve handle
• Check/test fuel tank sending unit?
• Test ammeter connections on power panel
• Perm. mount for CO detector
• Replace failed cordless drill
• Install shelf in cupboard above galley sink
• Install shelf/storage in old TV spot
• ?? Replace or plan replacement for traveler??
• AIS receiver ( delay for next year off shore?)
• Buy new , small grease gun
• Repair sole board that has swollen
• ? there are 4 more ports to re-bed... which is most likely in need?? ??
• Remove frozen blocks on deck
• Check 'working " blocks on deck
• ?? evaluate hatches -- candidate to replace or rebuild ??
•  Edit and have ship's safety manual ready for July trip.
• check/replace life lines
• build mounting for small cockpit table
• make spare spline for steering wheel
• get spare nut for steering wheel

That is it for now, more will come to mind and even more will get added once I get out and open the boat.