We drove up to Inspiration today to get more of the electronics and to charge the batteries.  Surprisingly, the batteries were in pretty good shape but then it is only the second season for them.  We took off the GPS, VHF radio remote mic and PLB.  As we were going out we took the companionway doors off to refinish them.  All the charging cables are on the boat so the next time we go up we will charge it again. 

This season I need to figure out a better shutoff switch.  The problem is that the cable makes about 270 degrees of bends and water gets into the cable and rusts it so it won’t pull up the exhaust valve shutoff release.  I have to design something better & have a few ideas. 

The idea would be to generate a more efficient way to make the first 180 degrees bend.  I have seen these on tractors.  It looks like bar that pivots in the center.  One cable goes in one end and the other end has a cable – walla, and efficient 180 degree reversal.

Now how to mount it in the lazerette?

With Inspriation out of the water and after the fall leaves raking I put the kayak into the water and paddled around Gooseneck Lake yesterday. All I saw was one lethargic snapping turttle but it was fun anyway.  I guess I might have to build a rack so I can put both on the deck of Inspiration for next summer.

The beautiful fall weather has turned inot the more normal overcast, grey rainy days and today is not exception.  Yesterday was the same but the rain held off.  We have mulched and disposed of about 10-12 loads of leaves so it appears we are half way through the annual ordeal.

I met up with Bill M and Jerry M to look at Jerry’s new twin engine boat.  It is a trailerable 32′ with a 11+ ft beam and came with the tri-axle trailer.  It is a very nice boat but I liked his trawler better.  This one is a planing hull that goes a lot faster.  I guess his last trip down the Great Circle route was too slow.

This is the link to Inspiration which we have put up for sale so we can continue to follow our sailing plans

We are in heated shelter for the winter.  Inspiration was still on the forklift dolly but the cradle appears ok.  We found a new ding in the cap rail teak that looks like they banged into something while removing from the slip.  We are going up next weekend if it is not too cold to sand out the scrape and apply a coat of Cetol.  They have us in a position right now that will not allow us to wax the whole above water surface so it looks like some hand work will be necessary.

The batteries have not been disconnected yet so if they are still intact next week I will charge them and then disconnect.  I have a lot of work to do this winter – I am sure my retirement months will be filled with great joy. 

I need a cheap trailer to live in while up there though.  Pretty primitive, no water system and no head.  At least I should be able to have heat and can live off of bottled water from home.