POSTED by: csjmoore on 09/30/2008
Today I bought several things I’ll need for the layup of Inspiration this winter. First, was the Jabsco electric oil extractor. Before I just paid to have it done but now that I am retired I can do most of it myself so that is what I intend to do.
Second, I ordered oil filters, oil, impeller and gaskets and some other nicknacks. Haul is still three weeks away but I need time to mess around on rainy days and then there are the afternoon naps.
I was out with a friend in a Seaward 23 the other day and the river current was almost 5 knots as it was exiting through the narrow channel to Lake Michigan a strong west wind generated som 5-8′ standing waves. As we were getting bounced around pretty good the high temp alarm came on and since we were just clear of the turmoil we shut the engine down and threw out the anchor. Thanks to the owner’s foresight he had bought a quick impeller replacement kit from Speedseal Safety Covers.
This kit allows a no tools replacement of the impeller just by loostening 4 knuralled knob bolts and a thick plate with a couple O-ring seals comes loose and exposes the impeller. In spite of the waves bouncing us around the impeller was changed and operational in about 10 minutes. After a small miscueue the engine was started and we motored out of the area pleased as punch. The website for the kit is www.speedseal.com out of the UK. It is really slick and everyone should have one on their engine.
I have not installed the Combiner yet but could do it pretty easily but I have to determine just how I want it to work. Right now the alternator is tied to the house batteries directly with a paralleling switch for the motor. For short daysails it is OK to leave it on both but if going out for several days I like to isolate the starter battery. The bigger problem to figure out is where to put the remote indicator/control and then bend the necessary aluminium and paint it krinkle black. It is a fiddle job that I have put off.
POSTED by: csjmoore on 09/26/2008
I will start with an apology for not blogging with more frequency. This summer has seen me retire, spending 4 weeks installing new teak plugs, sailing and other stuff. There has been goo and bad in my personal life since the last update. I will summarize below with my personal blog.
September 24th, 2008
The past few weeks from the last post have been spent mostly on the boat. The several day exception is when Ike came rolling thorough and almost directly overhead. On sailor said he could see the remnants of the “eye”. I trust his judgement as he has 60K sea miles and has survived a couple of open sea hurricanes. On my return the boat was dry inside and this made me happy.
I spent a couple of weeks making and installing a total of about 100 teak plugs for the cabin top deck. I can do 15 per day if I hurry but average 10 per day. The process involves popping out the old plug has been sanded to about 1/32″ thick, countersinking the existing Flathead screw hole to a 1/8″ depth and installing a 1/8″ shorter stainless steel screw and gluing in a 1/2″ long plug. Later when the glue is dry, I use a fine and flexible back saw made by Stanley to cut the plug almost flush with the deck. If needed I sand it shorter. All this can be done production line style if rain is not in the immediate future.
Fred B spent last Th, Fri, Sat & Sun on the boat and we had a good time. We were supposed to go on a 4 day cruise but at the last minute a potential buyer showed up on Saturday and we had to cancel the trip as it would take too long. The days on the boat seem to pass quickly and I am enjoying the freedom of retirement. I may get bored this winter though but there is winter boat work to do too.
September 7th, 2008
We departed about 11:00 for a stint on LM near Saugatuck. The winds were westerly about 12 to 17 knots. We first went north towards Holland and then successfully tacked and headed south past Mt. Baldy. After a couple of hours SAM started feeling sick so I gybed and headed for the harbor entrance. Opps, not in time and the fishes received some more food.
We were docked and fixing a late lunch about 1500 hrs. Then SAM took a long nap and myself a shorter one. We then made the ship shipshape. By then it was time for dinner and then we showered and I am writing this.
Thus go the days – the sailing season is almost over we have about 4 weekends then it is time to take the boat out for the winter.
August 24th, 2008
Teh lake Michigan waves were 5′ today and SAM lasted about 15 minutes before wanting to turn back. We were accompanied by Artha and Bill who own a Seaward 23. This is the day we had been waiting for with 10 – 20 kt winds from the north. Unfortunately the wind was up long enough to kick up some of the famous LM waves that are steep and have a short period. About every 10th wave was much bigger than the others and we shipped some water for the first time. We ate lunch with them on-board Inspiration and had a good time.
Later I did a period of meditation and SAM did some bible studies and we drove home tonight instead of in the morning. It was a perfect day except for the waves.
August 3rd, 2008
We are having fun! That is what is up. This is the fastest summer on record for us. Kayaking, sailing, work on the boat, closing in on retirement, job instability and church. all this leads up to no blogs. Here is the plan.
The boat has a secure winter storage. There are many weeks of retirement work on the boat for this winter. Actually it will probably extend into the summer with a late launch. Then I need some crew to help get Inspiration to the North Passage for the summer which will probably be on anchor or mooring.
June 28th, 2008
We worked at home this AM in PL but left about 1500 and arrived by 1800 local. We went out to eat at Kalico Kitchen and then went to Oval Beach to watch the sun go down. No green flash tonight.
There are a bunch of partiers across from us and we have the radio on loud to cover it up plus the air fan to circulate the air. Tomorrow will be more thunderstorms so I do not know how far we will venture out tomorrow.
June 24th, 2008
The Garmin 492 GPS is back up and running aboard Inspiration. The replacement unit acquired the satellites in seconds and came alive with the exact position. The DSC radio did not recognize the GPS of after a moments thought I remembered that the default buss was the Garmin buss so I changed it to the NMEA in/out and bingo the DSC radio was talking with the GPS and reporting position.
SAM & I did not go to the boat this weekend. Instead we drove to Grand Rapids and picked up my new Honda Civic. The first gas mileage checks resulted in 37 mpg and I drove back at 70 MPH. I am happy with this but wish it were higher. My first feedback is that it is more cramped than the truck and I have to put my right foot at an odd angle while using the cruise control. I have not had a chance to test the air-conditioner but I’ll bet it is marginal. The rear window heater is anemic too. I was simply amazed at the size of the battery – it is the size of the one in my lawn mower.
June 11th, 2008
Tuesday 6/10 I left work about 1600 hrs local and got to the boat about 1700 hrs. I immediately started with the varnish (actually Cetol Light) on the cockpit area. I put a thin coat on the wood and covered up some nicks and scrapes too. I would like to do one more tonight but I think it will be later when I get there and for some reason I just do not seem to have the heart for it today. It is pushing the envelope a bit since if the Cetol does not dry before the sun goes down then the dew could leave spots that you have to sand out. Afterwards I did my meditation and stayed in the zone a bit longer than usual and then had a lousy home made meal of angel hair spagetti with a Ravoli sauce topping. I spiced a bit with pepper, Italian Seasoning(bad idea) and garlic powder. I had a handful of raisins for desert. I hope to eat a bit more healthful food tonight but the cupboards are pretty bare. It is sort of hard for me to get a balance meal on the boat. Lately, I did switch from Lactaid 2% real milk to Soy Milk with Omega 3. Does that count?
June 9th, 2008
A depressing day. Man, it seems like winter here but it is warm and supposed to be sunny. Instead it is overcast and raining off/on for the last 3 days. We have a few more days to look forward to as well. It would be nice if all personal bloglines were happy and cheerful all the time. Today is not one of those days. I am not enjoying myself very much. I guess I worry too much too and my vital energy level is down.
Over lunch I sent the boats GPS in for repair (or replacement) and got in just under the wire as far as warranty is concerned. I did some troubleshooting and found out that the antenna was working OK so it had to be the Garmin 492 chart plotter that failed. Maybe some stray lightning got it via the NMEA buss that I have hooked to the radio?
May 30th, 2008
I arrived at the boat about 1830 hours and loaded the stuff on to the boat then went to the grocery store for some supplies. Now it is 2035 hrs and I am writing this piece of art. The forecast and radar are calling for rain but at least it is cool – about 65 – and is expected to get to 59 tonight.
After arrival AI noticed we had forgotten to close the head portlight and it had rained in through the open portlight. At least the screen appears to have diverted some of the rain and maybe the wind direction helped too.
May 28th, 2008
We left the boat Sunday evening to get back to town for the memorial Day services held in our little town. Way back when there was a parade and a marching band and we would all march from the school to the cemetary where we would meet the American Legionnaires who would present the 21 gun salute.
May 24th, 2008
We awoke early, loaded the truck and drove up to Saugatuck to the boat. It wad windy from the West. Lots of loads of clothes, food, electronics, etc. I am tired by now but no relief. Time for the sails – so we put them up. In total the weigh about 100# but the heaviest is about 50# and we started with the roller furling headsail first. Then the inner staysail which is club footed. We finally ended with the main sail and this was the toughie. The wind was up and we missed the boom track twice but finally succeeded in getting it all together. Late in the evening we raised the main and tied in the first and second reefs. We should be already to go.
Out slip is 5′ 6″ deep and we are nearly striking the bottom. So, we complained and received a deep water slip but it is at the end of a long pier – the center one – so now we will be slip 153 which is a port side position. In some respects this is a plus as the reverse gear tends to walk the boat to port so it will pull towards the dock. However if the wind is from the South it pushes you towards the dock and makes exiting doubly hard. At least we have 8′ depth and will not strike bottom this year.
May 20th, 2008
I called Tower Marine to find out when they were going to put my boat in the water. They said it was already in but they for got to call me – THANKS! Anyway I threw a bunch of clothes, gear, electronics and headed out for Saugatuck. I arrived about 1530 – 1600 hrs.
I got everything loaded and water put in the tanks and mounted the jib club foot and the boom. If it is calm tomorrow I may try to put the sails on. It is supposed to be cold tonight. I think the heater is up front so I might plug it in. So far everything works OK that I have tried..
I am listening to Delilah on the radio. I started this years ships log am not totally settled in but at least I went to the store to get some breakfast items and some hormel chili for lunch tomorrow. Opps, I forgot to set the barometer – better do this now. OK, its done – 29.55 and supposed to rain tonight. There is rain on the radar but it is up north right now. Time to cruise the net. BFN.