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The Happy Wanderer

We were standing in front of Refuge Cove Store on a warm, sunny Desolation Sound July afternoon. I spotted her in the distance, making her way up the steep and rickety ramp from the dock below.  She was was coming our direction, on a mission, looking for someone or something.

“Do one of you fellows own the Tolly 28 Express?” she asked.

The outstretched arms and pointing fingers from my friends turned her attention to me as I was working on a humongous ice cream cone, customary when visiting Refuge Cove.

“That would be my boat,” I replied, wondering what I possibly had done this time.  Did I cut them off?  My wake? My boat was still tied to the dock and afloat, so I guessed it wasn’t some sort of emergency.  She was cheerful-looking little lady, wearing a big smile and a sharp summery nautical outfit.  I figured I wasn’t in too much trouble.

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One Project Leads to Another

While quite some time has passed since I finished my “big” project for this spring, I realized that I had failed to write an update showing the completion of the project.

If you had been reading before, you may recall I installed a windlass this spring, which turned into one of those projects where you might as well do this or that while the boat is torn apart, and was an opportunity to take care of some things that I’ve had my eye on for a while.  I’ve used the boat several times since finishing, and I’m pretty happy with the way things turned out.

In the process of installing the windlass, I had to pull some hefty wire to the bow of the boat, which required removing some interior panels.  This resulted in the headliner over the vee-berth being disrupted and was the perfect reason to replace it.  While replacing that portion, might as well do the entire thing.

Replacement began with ripping out the old, original vinyl material.  That part goes pretty quick, except for the thousand or so staples holding everything in place.

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Re-Bedding Hardware, Made Easy (easier, at least)

As part of my recent (and currently ongoing) winter project of installing a windlass, I had the perfect opportunity to take care of a few other items that could use attention.  One of which was re-bedding my bow rail stanchion bases.  Since I had interior panels removed to run wiring, there was no better time to just do it.  It wasn’t exactly a pleasant job, but it’s done, and better than before.  I used a little trick to make the job easier that I’ll share.

I had the original chrome plated bases, that while still functional were looking a little rough.  I figured if I was going through the trouble of taking things apart, I might as well replace them with new stainless steel bases. Continue reading “Re-Bedding Hardware, Made Easy (easier, at least)”

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Cutting Holes: Windlass Install

I enjoy anchoring.  As I gain more experience and increase my level of comfort with my skills and equipment, I’m enjoying it even more.  Over the past few years, I’ve been able to drop the hook in some wonderful anchorages, but I wished I could sleep just a little better knowing I had good ground tackle working for me.IMG_0379

For the past several years I have been using a 22 pound Bruce Anchor and about thirty feet of chain backed up with about 150 feet of rode.  It was perhaps adequate for anchoring in shallow water, but I wanted more.  More chain, more rode, and the ability to deploy and retrieve it all more easily. Continue reading “Cutting Holes: Windlass Install”

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A Fine February Cruise

February? Really?

My lawn is thoroughly confused and obviously didn’t receive the memo that it is not yet time to begin growing.  I suppose it is begging for my attention, but those of you that know me or follow my blog know that lawn care is not something that I list amongst my hobbies.  With a few nice days in the forecast, I could have devoted those days to getting the yard in shape, but I elected to go boating instead.

As often the case for me, the decision to go was made pretty quickly. I tossed some clothes in a bag, made a stop for some groceries, and was at the boat ready to depart.  I leave the boat pretty much ready to go, with all the essentials on board year-round, which makes a quick trip easy.  11021149_10206158215013740_2111190545133881260_n
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