Good evening!
Two weeks left to go!
Got a bunch of hard stuff done today and yesterday. I've also been "Greening" the original list in update 3.
The weather here has been Pacific Northwest perfect for like 3 weeks now. And I've been capitalizing on my time on the boat, which has had the unfortunate and opposite effect on our yard. I think I'm going to have to water the flowers tomorrow and cut the grass.
So here's the break down so far.
Monday and Tuesday I worked on:
1. Installed two bank battery charger, hard wired to a dedicated 15amp outlet.
2. Installed second marine deep cycle battery, and hard wired both batteries to the battery charger.
3. Charged batteries over night, and received a satisfactory green light indication on battery charger.
4. Installed DC system analog volt meter. Installed in power distribution panel, adjacent to old "good/bad" battery indicator. Hard wired new volt meter to existing volt meter. Tested satisfactory.
5. Installed jack line (safety line).
6. Finished fabrication of dinghy seat. Will paint tomorrow and install in dinghy Thursday.
7. Went for a much needed two hour sail today with Don and Jake.
Left ta dooos:
1. Install anchor cleat.
2. Install dinghy seat.
3. Test anchor system.
4. Test dragging dinghy.
5. Test motoring dinghy.
6. Test transferring from boat to dinghy and back.
7. Paint bulk head
8. Fabricate chart table
9. Stow boat
10. Varnish wood work
11. Evaluate fabrication of new awning.
12. New sail gaskets (4)
Now to wonder where tomorrow will take me. Grass? Plants? Boat? Man, maybe I'll get to them all!
Good night for now!
Campy Out!
Showing posts with label Sailing Kitsap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sailing Kitsap. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Solo Sail Around Kitsap, Update 5.
Spend this last weekend working on the tedious projects that I really hate to do like sanding teak blocks, filling in nail holes on the dinghy seat, fabricating a jack line. Spent time buying flashlights, some non perishable food, deep cycle battery, battery charger, and other things that have been on my list of stuff to get.
This weekend I worked on:
Finishing the inflatable boat seat box. Figured out how to fasten it to the wood floor of the dinghy, what to paint it with, and how to attach the hinge.
Buying more stuff to finish outfitting the boat.
Painted registration number on boat. Place annual sticker on boat.
Today I hope to complete:
Install outlet
Install battery charger
Charge Batteries
Paint aft bulkhead
No varnishing today... rain predicted... bummer
Bolt on Zodiac Bench after installing piano hinge and latch to top, and painting box.
Bolt on Anchor Cleat after varnishing it.
Install Jack Line
Stow safety lighting
Install cock pit item holders.
Plan meals (shopping list) for trip.
I think that should keep me busy for the day today. Got to go to the gym first to work some of these muscle and joint kinks out. Will update you all later on today as to my progress.
Campy Out!
This weekend I worked on:
Finishing the inflatable boat seat box. Figured out how to fasten it to the wood floor of the dinghy, what to paint it with, and how to attach the hinge.
Buying more stuff to finish outfitting the boat.
Painted registration number on boat. Place annual sticker on boat.
Today I hope to complete:
Install outlet
Install battery charger
Charge Batteries
Paint aft bulkhead
No varnishing today... rain predicted... bummer
Bolt on Zodiac Bench after installing piano hinge and latch to top, and painting box.
Bolt on Anchor Cleat after varnishing it.
Install Jack Line
Stow safety lighting
Install cock pit item holders.
Plan meals (shopping list) for trip.
I think that should keep me busy for the day today. Got to go to the gym first to work some of these muscle and joint kinks out. Will update you all later on today as to my progress.
Campy Out!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Solo Sail Around Kitsap, Update 4
OK Sports Fans... Another update on the Solo Sail Around Kitsap project (S.S.A.K.)
18 Days left till underway!
Anyone with a better acronym or name for this project please feel free to chime in!
Yesterday I worked on:
1. Making the dinghy rowing seat. Looks pretty good so far. Nice and strong and just the right height. Filled in the screw holes and stowed the boat.
2. Wired in the compass, but shorted out the circuit and blew a fuse. After moving fuses around, I still had no light on the compass but every thing else on the circuit worked. Maybe the light is too weak and has to be seen at night.
3. Figured out a Jack line for the boat. I love Harbor Freight!
4. Oh... need more fuses. New item on the list!
5. Filling in screw holes in the aft bulkhead.
Today, I worked on:
1. The forward anchor cleat, which requires a teak sandwich above and below deck in order to strengthen the cleat. Made the sandwich... got to round the edges, bolt together, varnish, and install on the boat. (Don't want to rip the cleat out of the deck on a dark and windy night at anchor... No sir!)
2. Purchased permanent battery charger and 2nd marine battery. Installation may have to wait until Monday, need to install another house outlet on the boat.
3. Finishing the Dinghy seat/box - bought molding, paint, need cushion for top. I've also got to find latches to secure the lid and to secure the box to the wood floor of the dinghy.
4. Purchased chart 18840 for chart table! Need craft epoxy to finish the Chart Table.
5. Installed spare tire holder and tire on trailer, freed up brake line connectors.
6. Fabricated "Jack Line" from 3000 pound webbing, and 500 pound shackles from Harbor Freight... cost: $18.00. ($70.00 at West Marine!)
Tomorrow's a planned light day.
Field day shop in AM...
Les Miserable at the 5th Ave in the Afternoon.
Chill out at home with the little lady.
Campy Out!
18 Days left till underway!
Anyone with a better acronym or name for this project please feel free to chime in!
Yesterday I worked on:
1. Making the dinghy rowing seat. Looks pretty good so far. Nice and strong and just the right height. Filled in the screw holes and stowed the boat.
2. Wired in the compass, but shorted out the circuit and blew a fuse. After moving fuses around, I still had no light on the compass but every thing else on the circuit worked. Maybe the light is too weak and has to be seen at night.
3. Figured out a Jack line for the boat. I love Harbor Freight!
4. Oh... need more fuses. New item on the list!
5. Filling in screw holes in the aft bulkhead.
Today, I worked on:
1. The forward anchor cleat, which requires a teak sandwich above and below deck in order to strengthen the cleat. Made the sandwich... got to round the edges, bolt together, varnish, and install on the boat. (Don't want to rip the cleat out of the deck on a dark and windy night at anchor... No sir!)
2. Purchased permanent battery charger and 2nd marine battery. Installation may have to wait until Monday, need to install another house outlet on the boat.
3. Finishing the Dinghy seat/box - bought molding, paint, need cushion for top. I've also got to find latches to secure the lid and to secure the box to the wood floor of the dinghy.
4. Purchased chart 18840 for chart table! Need craft epoxy to finish the Chart Table.
5. Installed spare tire holder and tire on trailer, freed up brake line connectors.
6. Fabricated "Jack Line" from 3000 pound webbing, and 500 pound shackles from Harbor Freight... cost: $18.00. ($70.00 at West Marine!)
Tomorrow's a planned light day.
Field day shop in AM...
Les Miserable at the 5th Ave in the Afternoon.
Chill out at home with the little lady.
Campy Out!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Solo Sail Around Kitsap, Update 3
As promised yesterday here is the list of items left to complete prior to my planned Sept 7th underway. I didn't include dates on these items due to the fact that this list is a moving target of money, energy, weather, and time. I will color each item Green when completed. So here goes nothing!
Windsocket Refit Items:
Paint Registration Numbers on Inflatable dinghy
Fabricate and install Seat for Inflatable dinghy
Rig and test inflatable with boat motor
Install anchor cleat with backing block
Rig and Test anchor system
Fill old screw holes in bulkhead
Supplies (Perishable)
Fast Cruise Port Orchard
Underway
I'm so looking forward to getting underway, although I really enjoy working on the boat just as much sailing her.
Stay tuned sports fans! More updates coming!
Campy Out!
Windsocket Refit Items:
Paint Registration Numbers on Inflatable dinghy
Fabricate and install Seat for Inflatable dinghy
Inflatable in Water
Rig and test inflatable tow line Rig and test inflatable with boat motor
Install anchor cleat with backing block
Rig and Test anchor system
Fill old screw holes in bulkhead
Install dinghy tow cleat with backing block
Install battery charger
Install deep cycle battery (#2)
Charge deep cycle battery (#1)
Install Jack Line
Fabricate cooking board for cockpit (could be combined with inflatable seat)
Refit trailer
Measure and balance mast
Install cockpit item holderEpoxy Puget Sound Chart to table top
Crab Trap
Stow boat
Supplies (Non Perishable)Supplies (Perishable)
Fast Cruise Port Orchard
Underway
I'm so looking forward to getting underway, although I really enjoy working on the boat just as much sailing her.
Stay tuned sports fans! More updates coming!
Campy Out!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Solo Circumnavigation of Kitsap Peninsula, 2011
After a few weeks of thinking and rethinking, I think it's time to set a date and actually start planning my solo sail around Kitsap Peninsula, in a 38 year old, 22 foot Catalina sailboat called "Windsocket". Since I'll be leaving from the Port Orchard/Bremerton area located on the Puget Sound's Sinclair Inlet, the trip will be somewhere just over 400 miles of sailing. I think I'll start just after Labor Day and take three lazy weeks to complete the trip and really soak in the beauty of the Puget Sound.
So looking at a calendar, it appears my begin date will be September 5, 2011. Since I've been working on the boat most of the summer I think it's pretty well prepared at this moment to get underway. Since I have three weeks to get underway as a couple of things I need to add, or modify in order to make it a safe and comfortable cruise for me and Chief my service dog.
Some of you reading this just reread the phrase "service dog". Yes I have a service dog. His name is "Chief" and is a two-year-old Australian Shepherd mix that's just about as smart as I am. I travel with Chief wherever I go. For those who don't know me I'm a 49-year-old guy with Parkinson's disease. I've had Parkinson's for about 14 to 15 years, and 18 months ago I had brain surgery to install a deep brain stimulator in my left brain! After some initial programming setbacks, I feel much better, stronger, and although a bit heavier (up 25 pounds), I feel pretty darn good most days. Back to Chief, he used to help me get around, but now he pretty much reminds me to take my medicine, rest went I'm tired, and finds things went I can't remember where I put them. Chief is pretty cool!
I'm not going to worry too much about the Parkinson's thing. I've had it for so long now that I don't think about it most days, with the exception of taking my medicine 4 times a day. I don't intend to let Parkinson's disease rule my life anymore. I used to sail quite a bit, and after nearly one year off, I'm ready to hit the water again and see if I've still got the mental and physical strength to reclaim myself from Parkinson's. As long as I can move safely, I don't want to miss any opportunities... In other words, I don't want to have any regrets or doubts later on.
So now back to the list of things I've got to do to the boat before going away:
Install a hardwired battery charger
Replace number two battery battery
Install cockpit gear holders
Install anchor cleat forward
Install dinghy cleats (also acts as aft anchor points)
Install a safety "jack" line aft to forward
Test the anchor system
Test inflatable dinghy towing and motor transfer.
Buy new (2nd) crab pot
Buy new logbook
Buy Salmon fishing gear (Will be dragging a line for the duration)
stocked boat with food, supplies, and clothing.
Reschedule dental appointment
Reschedule doctors appointment
Clear calendar for three weeks
It probably seems like a long list, but should take only a week to finish. I figure this day and age of reality shows, websites and blogs, it would only be fitting for me to chronicle this event as electronically as possible, so look for pictures, movies, blog updates, and Picasso picture posts during the trip as I find Wi-Fi availability.
So that's my update for today! I'm looking forward to taking pictures of what the boat looks like, upgrades, stowage, sleeping and cooking arrangements, and bathroom issues.
Stay tuned kiddeeees! This is gonna get fun!
Campy Out!
So looking at a calendar, it appears my begin date will be September 5, 2011. Since I've been working on the boat most of the summer I think it's pretty well prepared at this moment to get underway. Since I have three weeks to get underway as a couple of things I need to add, or modify in order to make it a safe and comfortable cruise for me and Chief my service dog.
Some of you reading this just reread the phrase "service dog". Yes I have a service dog. His name is "Chief" and is a two-year-old Australian Shepherd mix that's just about as smart as I am. I travel with Chief wherever I go. For those who don't know me I'm a 49-year-old guy with Parkinson's disease. I've had Parkinson's for about 14 to 15 years, and 18 months ago I had brain surgery to install a deep brain stimulator in my left brain! After some initial programming setbacks, I feel much better, stronger, and although a bit heavier (up 25 pounds), I feel pretty darn good most days. Back to Chief, he used to help me get around, but now he pretty much reminds me to take my medicine, rest went I'm tired, and finds things went I can't remember where I put them. Chief is pretty cool!
I'm not going to worry too much about the Parkinson's thing. I've had it for so long now that I don't think about it most days, with the exception of taking my medicine 4 times a day. I don't intend to let Parkinson's disease rule my life anymore. I used to sail quite a bit, and after nearly one year off, I'm ready to hit the water again and see if I've still got the mental and physical strength to reclaim myself from Parkinson's. As long as I can move safely, I don't want to miss any opportunities... In other words, I don't want to have any regrets or doubts later on.
So now back to the list of things I've got to do to the boat before going away:
Install a hardwired battery charger
Replace number two battery battery
Install cockpit gear holders
Install anchor cleat forward
Install dinghy cleats (also acts as aft anchor points)
Install a safety "jack" line aft to forward
Test the anchor system
Test inflatable dinghy towing and motor transfer.
Buy new (2nd) crab pot
Buy new logbook
Buy Salmon fishing gear (Will be dragging a line for the duration)
stocked boat with food, supplies, and clothing.
Reschedule dental appointment
Reschedule doctors appointment
Clear calendar for three weeks
It probably seems like a long list, but should take only a week to finish. I figure this day and age of reality shows, websites and blogs, it would only be fitting for me to chronicle this event as electronically as possible, so look for pictures, movies, blog updates, and Picasso picture posts during the trip as I find Wi-Fi availability.
So that's my update for today! I'm looking forward to taking pictures of what the boat looks like, upgrades, stowage, sleeping and cooking arrangements, and bathroom issues.
Stay tuned kiddeeees! This is gonna get fun!
Campy Out!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)