The !@#$%^&* starlings grow up very slowly! How I wish the mother starling an empty nest so I can begin using the boat. I have now missed the full-moon higher tide cycle as well as the one two weeks before that. Winterizing will take on a new importance next fall.
The enforced idleness did have some good results, however. I discovered and fixed some minor rot associated with the cockpit seat backs. Perhaps I can use some of the time to devise a better latch system.
Also, since one strand of the back-stay has broken, I want to add some short reinforcement cable around the area. I bought some stainless cable to eventually replace the back-stay, which is in the shape of an inverted Y, with two stays that go straight (and separately) from the deck to the top of the mast. That would give me redundancy on all four sides so any one cable could fail or come loose without allowing the mast to come crashing down.
Hi George & KerriAs this is a general conmemt, I figured this was probably the best place to post it I’m not sure if the conmemts are page specific or if you just get them all in one bucket .Firstly let me say thank you very much for your exceptionally well done blog. It is a perfect balance of personal insights, photos and information. I am really enjoying reading it, and I am also enjoying the chemistry between both of you which comes through in your writing.I have been a regular on the Latts & Atts board for years and read your post there, but the blog consolidates your adventure very well.May I make one request: Please don’t under-estimate the value of the cool stuff we use section. If you think back to your days of outfitting and prepping a boat, imagine how valuable real life conmemtary on equipment can be, when faced with having to make a choice, and needing to get it right because you can’t afford to buy something 2 or 3 times.I’m sure you know from the Latt & Atts board, there are often discussions about some do-hicky or another (let’s just throw out the old favorite anchors for example .But seriously, your experiences, both good and bad, can be invaluable to others, so if you have the time and are wondering about an update to the blog, look around you and pick something you bought, and let us know how it’s working out. You’d probably be surprised how a review of even an insignificant piece of gear might help someone who is currently wrestling with that exact choice.If I could request a topic, how about your grill (Igloo I believe) and the e-book reader? Thanks again for your wonderful blog, I hope you continue to have a wonderful adventure.