After much thought, research and conversation between us, Dottie and I have agreed that we will not be coming back to Oak Park Resort Marina next year for the full season.
Both of us feel we need to do a little more traveling and a lot less sitting around the docks.
So here are our tentative plans:
We should launch sometime in May 2010, and we will stay at Oak Park until after the Memorial Day Weekend.
The month of June will be spent cruising the Erie Canal, and our base will be the
Mid-Lakes Erie Macedon Landing Marina, in Macedon, NY. We will stay there for approximately one month then move on to the Finger Lakes region for a month.
The month of July we will be based out of Hibuscus Harbor Marina in Union Springs, NY.
We would like to spend some time exploring both Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.....the two largest of the Finger Lakes
The month of August we will head north to the Thousand Islands region. While in that area, we will be based out of The Thousand Island Club Marina.
We expect our friends, Craig and Mary Farnsworth, aboard their 40' cat "Rum Tum Tiger" to be there about the same time. Both of us want to do a trip up the Rideau Canal in Canada, and that trip will begin in Kingston, Ontario Canada, just 15 miles from our base.
Toward the end of August, beginning of September, we will return back to Oak Park Resort Marina for haul-out and winter storage.
So far, all of these plans are tentative, and as changes come about I will post them here.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Weekend we all Hate
This past weekend was spent doing the final winterization of the Lucky Find III. Last year I contracted with Great Lakes Yacht Services to have this done for me, and after watching the excellent skills of Scott, their mechanic, I decided to do it this year myself.
We winterized both engines and generator, the domestic water system, the air conditioning system and the fresh-water washown. After that it was on to winterize the head, shower, and sump. Along with Dottie, we had this done in a few hours and then just decided to sit back and relax.
On Sunday, Dottie and I took off all the linens, towels, electronics and food. Packaged it all up and brought it home. Doug Parkhurst and I lowered the mast, and now she is about ready to shrink-wrap. I did order a new flybridge cover to be made by Cooper Canvas out of Mexico, NY. He promises an October 3rd completion date....we will see about that!
Once the cover is made, we will be able to bring down the bimini and flybridge enclosure and stow it all away. Then the marina will be able to do the shrink wrapping....and that will do it for 2009.
We winterized both engines and generator, the domestic water system, the air conditioning system and the fresh-water washown. After that it was on to winterize the head, shower, and sump. Along with Dottie, we had this done in a few hours and then just decided to sit back and relax.
On Sunday, Dottie and I took off all the linens, towels, electronics and food. Packaged it all up and brought it home. Doug Parkhurst and I lowered the mast, and now she is about ready to shrink-wrap. I did order a new flybridge cover to be made by Cooper Canvas out of Mexico, NY. He promises an October 3rd completion date....we will see about that!
Once the cover is made, we will be able to bring down the bimini and flybridge enclosure and stow it all away. Then the marina will be able to do the shrink wrapping....and that will do it for 2009.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Season Comes to an End
I can't believe that it is already September 23rd....and that marks the end of the 2009 boating season for us.
Some nights have already been in the lower 40's temperature wise, and today, although, it will be in the high 70's, the Lucky Find III will be brought over to be put on the hard.
We were scheduled for a 2PM haul-out, but the marina had a few cancellations, and so by 9:30 AM we were out and on the hard. Our friends, Doug and Donna Parkhurst aboard the Camelot, came out right behind us and we will be side-by-side in the yard for the winter.
Now, all the winterization chores need to get done. Hopefully by the time we leave to go to the Annapolis Boat Show on October 17th the boat will be winterized, shrink-wrapped and put to bed for a long, cold winter.
Some nights have already been in the lower 40's temperature wise, and today, although, it will be in the high 70's, the Lucky Find III will be brought over to be put on the hard.
We were scheduled for a 2PM haul-out, but the marina had a few cancellations, and so by 9:30 AM we were out and on the hard. Our friends, Doug and Donna Parkhurst aboard the Camelot, came out right behind us and we will be side-by-side in the yard for the winter.
Now, all the winterization chores need to get done. Hopefully by the time we leave to go to the Annapolis Boat Show on October 17th the boat will be winterized, shrink-wrapped and put to bed for a long, cold winter.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Final In-The-Water Chores
We scheduled our annual haul-out today with the marina. We will be pulled next Wednesday, September 23rd at 2PM.
This weekend will be spent readying the boat for haul-out. I changed the oil in both the engines and generator and put in new oil filters. Diesels are new to me, and I can't get over that each engine holds 16 quarts (4 gallons) of oil. I am used to gasoline engines that held only 5 quarts of oil. After the oil changes, I spent some time tidying up the engine room, and then went up above to empty the water tanks. Things all went well, and she looks like it is ready to be put on the hard for the winter.
I am already antsy for next season, and we are not even out of the water yet....but this gives both Dottie and I plenty of time to plan what we will do next year.
All in all, this year was really spent just getting to learn the in's and out's of this trawler. Not much time was spent doing any cruising, but I have to say, I did gain a lot of knowledge....so, at least it was good for something.
We are looking forward to doing a lot more cruising next season, althouh it will only be spent traveling around NYS.
This weekend will be spent readying the boat for haul-out. I changed the oil in both the engines and generator and put in new oil filters. Diesels are new to me, and I can't get over that each engine holds 16 quarts (4 gallons) of oil. I am used to gasoline engines that held only 5 quarts of oil. After the oil changes, I spent some time tidying up the engine room, and then went up above to empty the water tanks. Things all went well, and she looks like it is ready to be put on the hard for the winter.
I am already antsy for next season, and we are not even out of the water yet....but this gives both Dottie and I plenty of time to plan what we will do next year.
All in all, this year was really spent just getting to learn the in's and out's of this trawler. Not much time was spent doing any cruising, but I have to say, I did gain a lot of knowledge....so, at least it was good for something.
We are looking forward to doing a lot more cruising next season, althouh it will only be spent traveling around NYS.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Oswego - Sodus Bay - The last Leg
Saturday - August 15th.
Again we were off the docks by 9AM and headed out into Lake Ontario to make the final leg of the trip. This run is about 30 miles, and the lake was flat making this trip uneventful.
Doug and Donna took off and decided to run their boat on plane....something my trawler was not built to do. They arrived at Oak Park about 45 minutes befor we did, but by noon we were all tied up in out home berth. The end of an almost perfect trip with some good friends.
Trip Summary:
Hours run
Port engine - 2762.7 - 2748.0 = 14.7 hours
Starboard engine - 2730.3 - 2712.9 = 17.4 hours
Miles Traveled Round Trip = 226
Fuel Consumed - 131 gallons
Avg. Speed = 12.9 MPH
Avg. Fuel = 7.50 GPH
Again we were off the docks by 9AM and headed out into Lake Ontario to make the final leg of the trip. This run is about 30 miles, and the lake was flat making this trip uneventful.
Doug and Donna took off and decided to run their boat on plane....something my trawler was not built to do. They arrived at Oak Park about 45 minutes befor we did, but by noon we were all tied up in out home berth. The end of an almost perfect trip with some good friends.
Trip Summary:
Hours run
Port engine - 2762.7 - 2748.0 = 14.7 hours
Starboard engine - 2730.3 - 2712.9 = 17.4 hours
Miles Traveled Round Trip = 226
Fuel Consumed - 131 gallons
Avg. Speed = 12.9 MPH
Avg. Fuel = 7.50 GPH
Friday, August 14, 2009
A-Bay to Oswego
Friday - August 14th.
Off the dock at 8:30 AM as planned, and a 55 mile run to Oswego. Sunny, warm and no wind....what more can you ask for?
As we pulled out of the marina basin, we got behind a freighter going down the St. Lawrence. We stayed behind the freighter for the next 25 miles until we got out onto Lake Ontario. About half way down the river, Doug took the lead. The river and lake were like glass, making for a very easy run to Oswego....or so we thought!
After rounding Cape Vincent and heading for Galloo Island, my port engine started acting up again. I noticed I was losing RPM's. Exactly the same symptom we experienced coming up this way. By the time we were about even with Main Duck Island, my port engine quit. Apparently the same dirty fuel filter causing the problem, but I had a spare on board and no need to worry. At this point we are about 25 miles offshore, but my starboard engine was running fine, and I figured we could run on one engine to Oswego. We slowed back down to 7 knots, and things were good for the next 5 miles or so. Then my port engine started doing the same....losing RPM's. But before she could quit, I slowed her down to 4 knots, radioed Doug to explain, and we were going to try to make the last 20 miles at this speed. Doug headed off into the horizon, keeping constant radio contact with me. Oswego has three very visable landmarks....two huge smokestacks from their electric power plant, and a huge plume of steam from their nuculear power plant called Nine Mile Point. All three were very visable from where we were, but they were also very slow into coming into clear range....however we made it about 15 mile further, and I tried starting the port engine. It started, and we were back to to 2 engines, although I kept them running slowly until we made it to the harbor entrance of Oswego.
As we entered the harbor, I thought it best to take on some new fuel, so I pulled into the Oswego Marina and took on a 100 gallons....just to be safe.
Doug had already stopped there and refueled himself, and he was already tied up at the west wall in Oswego.
After I fueled, I tied up in front of him and went on to change out the primary filters in both engines. Again, both were really dirty and it looked like oil instead of diesel fuel. I thanked God we made it to a safe harbor, and we settled into Oswego for the night.
We walked over to a restaurant called The Office for dinner.....had a great fish fry and returned back to the boat for a night's rest.
Doug and Donna headed back to the Clubhouse for a few beers, but Dottie and I were exhausted and went to bed.
Off the dock at 8:30 AM as planned, and a 55 mile run to Oswego. Sunny, warm and no wind....what more can you ask for?
As we pulled out of the marina basin, we got behind a freighter going down the St. Lawrence. We stayed behind the freighter for the next 25 miles until we got out onto Lake Ontario. About half way down the river, Doug took the lead. The river and lake were like glass, making for a very easy run to Oswego....or so we thought!
After rounding Cape Vincent and heading for Galloo Island, my port engine started acting up again. I noticed I was losing RPM's. Exactly the same symptom we experienced coming up this way. By the time we were about even with Main Duck Island, my port engine quit. Apparently the same dirty fuel filter causing the problem, but I had a spare on board and no need to worry. At this point we are about 25 miles offshore, but my starboard engine was running fine, and I figured we could run on one engine to Oswego. We slowed back down to 7 knots, and things were good for the next 5 miles or so. Then my port engine started doing the same....losing RPM's. But before she could quit, I slowed her down to 4 knots, radioed Doug to explain, and we were going to try to make the last 20 miles at this speed. Doug headed off into the horizon, keeping constant radio contact with me. Oswego has three very visable landmarks....two huge smokestacks from their electric power plant, and a huge plume of steam from their nuculear power plant called Nine Mile Point. All three were very visable from where we were, but they were also very slow into coming into clear range....however we made it about 15 mile further, and I tried starting the port engine. It started, and we were back to to 2 engines, although I kept them running slowly until we made it to the harbor entrance of Oswego.
As we entered the harbor, I thought it best to take on some new fuel, so I pulled into the Oswego Marina and took on a 100 gallons....just to be safe.
Doug had already stopped there and refueled himself, and he was already tied up at the west wall in Oswego.
After I fueled, I tied up in front of him and went on to change out the primary filters in both engines. Again, both were really dirty and it looked like oil instead of diesel fuel. I thanked God we made it to a safe harbor, and we settled into Oswego for the night.
We walked over to a restaurant called The Office for dinner.....had a great fish fry and returned back to the boat for a night's rest.
Doug and Donna headed back to the Clubhouse for a few beers, but Dottie and I were exhausted and went to bed.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A Day at the Thousand Islands Club
Thursday, August 13th.
No plans for today except to hang around this beautiful marina and just relax.
Doug and I spent the morning washing down the boats while the women headed off to do laundry. Around noontime Doug decided he wanted to take his boat out for a ride around the A-Bay area. We had lunch on board, and took a tour of the river . We returned to the dock at about 2PM then headed to the pool to sit and relax, and stay cool. The past 2 days have been sunny, hot and humid.
Back to the boats by 4:30PM for a nap, and onto dinner at the marina's restaurant called Joey's Thousand Islands Club Restaurant. This is an exceptionally high end restaurant, and their prices reflect it....LOL. But the service and food were impeccable. We even bought some desserts back to the boat for a late night snack.
After dinner we walked around the marina and just kept oogling the beautiful boats....most of them 45 foot and larger and just great. A few of the boats were over 60 footers, and all we could do was dream. While we walked we discussed plans for the next two days. Our plan was to leave A-Bay at 8:30AM on Friday, spend the night in Oswego, and then on Saturday make the final leg of the trip from Oswego to Sodus Bay.
No plans for today except to hang around this beautiful marina and just relax.
Doug and I spent the morning washing down the boats while the women headed off to do laundry. Around noontime Doug decided he wanted to take his boat out for a ride around the A-Bay area. We had lunch on board, and took a tour of the river . We returned to the dock at about 2PM then headed to the pool to sit and relax, and stay cool. The past 2 days have been sunny, hot and humid.
Back to the boats by 4:30PM for a nap, and onto dinner at the marina's restaurant called Joey's Thousand Islands Club Restaurant. This is an exceptionally high end restaurant, and their prices reflect it....LOL. But the service and food were impeccable. We even bought some desserts back to the boat for a late night snack.
After dinner we walked around the marina and just kept oogling the beautiful boats....most of them 45 foot and larger and just great. A few of the boats were over 60 footers, and all we could do was dream. While we walked we discussed plans for the next two days. Our plan was to leave A-Bay at 8:30AM on Friday, spend the night in Oswego, and then on Saturday make the final leg of the trip from Oswego to Sodus Bay.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Cape Vincent to Alexandria Bay
Wednesday August 12th.
Hans arrived at 8:30 AM today to change out the filters. After he changed both primary filters, he then changed out the secondary filters. The crud that came out of the filters looked like mud. He brought along a set of spares, and told me I may have to do this again before our trip was to end on Saturday.
Hans had explained to me back in October 2008 that I may have fuel problems because the when we bought the boat there was 250 gallons of fuel in the tanks, and that fuel was purchased by the previous owner back in September 2006. It was then already two years old.
We left the docks in Cape Vincent at about 10:30 Am and we had a 30 mile run to A-Bay. The St. Lawrence River was calm, and the trip to A-Bay was uneventful. By 1:30 we were settled in our docks at the Thousand Islands Club.
This has to be the most beautiful, well-kept marina in the Northeast. Everything about this marina is first-class, including the boats that seasonally dock there. This marina, although it has an Alexandria Bay address, is actually located on Wellsley Island.
We headed to the marina pool to cool off, and just sat around and talked. By 6PM we were all hungry, so we headed back to the boats to bbq some chicken and have dinner.
While cooking, some friends of ours, former boaters at Oak Park, Dave and Sue Hirst who now live on Wellsley Island, dropped by to visit. They arrived via golf cart, and Dave gave Doug and I a tour of the club, his home and some of the complex. It is all so beautiful.
We returned back to the Camelot, sat around and just talked the evening away. At about 10, Dave and Sue left and we headed off to our boat to watch some TV and go to sleep.
Hans arrived at 8:30 AM today to change out the filters. After he changed both primary filters, he then changed out the secondary filters. The crud that came out of the filters looked like mud. He brought along a set of spares, and told me I may have to do this again before our trip was to end on Saturday.
Hans had explained to me back in October 2008 that I may have fuel problems because the when we bought the boat there was 250 gallons of fuel in the tanks, and that fuel was purchased by the previous owner back in September 2006. It was then already two years old.
We left the docks in Cape Vincent at about 10:30 Am and we had a 30 mile run to A-Bay. The St. Lawrence River was calm, and the trip to A-Bay was uneventful. By 1:30 we were settled in our docks at the Thousand Islands Club.
This has to be the most beautiful, well-kept marina in the Northeast. Everything about this marina is first-class, including the boats that seasonally dock there. This marina, although it has an Alexandria Bay address, is actually located on Wellsley Island.
We headed to the marina pool to cool off, and just sat around and talked. By 6PM we were all hungry, so we headed back to the boats to bbq some chicken and have dinner.
While cooking, some friends of ours, former boaters at Oak Park, Dave and Sue Hirst who now live on Wellsley Island, dropped by to visit. They arrived via golf cart, and Dave gave Doug and I a tour of the club, his home and some of the complex. It is all so beautiful.
We returned back to the Camelot, sat around and just talked the evening away. At about 10, Dave and Sue left and we headed off to our boat to watch some TV and go to sleep.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sackets Harbor to Cape Vincent
Tuesday August 11th.
Our original plan for today was to head out of Sackets Harbor and go the the Thousand Islands Club in Alexandria Bay....but as we all know, plans are made to be put by the wayside.
We left Sackets Harbor to begin a 55 mile trek to Alex Bay. We got about 10 miles out of Sackets Harbor and our port engine began acting up. Within a few minutes, the engine quit, and it would not restart. Thankfully, the lake was calm, and we had about a 15 mile trip to Cape Vincent to go. I felt it was safer to pull into Cape Vincent until I could determine what the problem was. We used our starboard engine for the remainder of the trip to Cape Vincent, and while underway, I determined we had a clogged fuel filter on the port side. Running on one engine slowed us down to about 7 knots, and we did not make landfall at the Anchor Marina until 1PM.
Being that the boat is new to Dottie and I, I thought it best to have someone check things out for us. I called a mechanic, Hans Wahl at French Creek Marina, that I knew in Clayton, and I explained the problem. He agreed it was fuel related and said he could make the 20 mile drive within the hour. Hans was the person I hired back in October when we bought this boat to survey the engines. He comes as a very highly regarded diesel mechanic in this neck of the woods. He asked if I had filters aboard, and I said I did. He arrived about 3 PM, and I showed him the filters I had....apparently they were the wrong ones, but he was confident he could get them in Clayton, so he headed to the NAPA store in Clayton only to be told they were out of stock.
He then called the NAPA store in Alex Bay, but no luck, out of stock also. Well, he finally tracked them down at a NAPA store in Syracuse, and off he went to pick them up, along with a few spares for my collection.
He had the filters in his hands at 5PM, but called me back to say it was too late to get back to Cape Vincent and install them, so we would have to spend the night in Cape Vincent.
The gentleman at Anchor Marine was very accomodating and arranged for both the Lucky Find III and Camelot to spend the night there. At $0.80 cents a foot, it was the most reasonable dockage we had ever heard of.
After settiling in, we walked into town and stopped at a place called Captain Jack's for dinner. It was good, nothing special, but good. From there we walked to a grocery store called Aubrey's and stocked up on a few items, and then back to the boat.
We sat on the Camelot for a nightcap, and at about 9:30Pm a severe thunderstorm came through. It poured for about 20 minutes, and the lightening lit the sky, but by 10 it was over and off to bed we went.
Our original plan for today was to head out of Sackets Harbor and go the the Thousand Islands Club in Alexandria Bay....but as we all know, plans are made to be put by the wayside.
We left Sackets Harbor to begin a 55 mile trek to Alex Bay. We got about 10 miles out of Sackets Harbor and our port engine began acting up. Within a few minutes, the engine quit, and it would not restart. Thankfully, the lake was calm, and we had about a 15 mile trip to Cape Vincent to go. I felt it was safer to pull into Cape Vincent until I could determine what the problem was. We used our starboard engine for the remainder of the trip to Cape Vincent, and while underway, I determined we had a clogged fuel filter on the port side. Running on one engine slowed us down to about 7 knots, and we did not make landfall at the Anchor Marina until 1PM.
Being that the boat is new to Dottie and I, I thought it best to have someone check things out for us. I called a mechanic, Hans Wahl at French Creek Marina, that I knew in Clayton, and I explained the problem. He agreed it was fuel related and said he could make the 20 mile drive within the hour. Hans was the person I hired back in October when we bought this boat to survey the engines. He comes as a very highly regarded diesel mechanic in this neck of the woods. He asked if I had filters aboard, and I said I did. He arrived about 3 PM, and I showed him the filters I had....apparently they were the wrong ones, but he was confident he could get them in Clayton, so he headed to the NAPA store in Clayton only to be told they were out of stock.
He then called the NAPA store in Alex Bay, but no luck, out of stock also. Well, he finally tracked them down at a NAPA store in Syracuse, and off he went to pick them up, along with a few spares for my collection.
He had the filters in his hands at 5PM, but called me back to say it was too late to get back to Cape Vincent and install them, so we would have to spend the night in Cape Vincent.
The gentleman at Anchor Marine was very accomodating and arranged for both the Lucky Find III and Camelot to spend the night there. At $0.80 cents a foot, it was the most reasonable dockage we had ever heard of.
After settiling in, we walked into town and stopped at a place called Captain Jack's for dinner. It was good, nothing special, but good. From there we walked to a grocery store called Aubrey's and stocked up on a few items, and then back to the boat.
We sat on the Camelot for a nightcap, and at about 9:30Pm a severe thunderstorm came through. It poured for about 20 minutes, and the lightening lit the sky, but by 10 it was over and off to bed we went.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Oswego to Sackets Harbor
We left the dock at 9AM on Sunday and headed for Sackets Harbor, NY. This trip was about 45 miles or about a 5 hour run. Doug stopped at the Oswego Marina first to top off his fuel tanks, and out into the lake we headed.
Weather was warm, and winds were about 10 knots from the south west. The lake was rolling quite a bit, and it was a bumpy ride almost all the way. We arrived at Navy Point Marine at about 2:05 PM, and luckily we did....a lightening and thunderstorm hit there at 2:10.....and let me tell you, that first bolt of lightening struck about 500 yards off our dock. Within 15 minutes it was over and the sun came back out, and it was humid....but at least it was not raining.
Our friends, Todd and Jason Walker were heading in to meet us, but they caught the storm and arrived at the marina a few hours after us. They made the trip from Sodus Bay to Sackets all in the same day. Thank God they arrived safely.
Our plans are to stay here for two nights and then on Tuesday head out to Alexandria Bay.
Sunday we had dinner onboard. We all barbqued some sausage, made a salad and some salt potatoes.
After dinner, Doug and the two Walkers headed into town to visit a few bars....but things wrap up early on a Sunday night in Sackets, and they were back to the boat by 10:30 PM.
Monday was a day to relax around the marina. Around 1Pm the Walkers left and headed back to Sodus Bay, and at dinner time we walked into town. We stopped at a place called the Boathouse for a cocktail and then on to Tin Pan Galley for dinner. This is a high end restaurant where you eat outside in gardens. It was great and, as ususal, the food was superb.
We walked back to the boats around 9PM and sat around having a few nightcaps....by 10 we were headed to bed.
Weather was warm, and winds were about 10 knots from the south west. The lake was rolling quite a bit, and it was a bumpy ride almost all the way. We arrived at Navy Point Marine at about 2:05 PM, and luckily we did....a lightening and thunderstorm hit there at 2:10.....and let me tell you, that first bolt of lightening struck about 500 yards off our dock. Within 15 minutes it was over and the sun came back out, and it was humid....but at least it was not raining.
Our friends, Todd and Jason Walker were heading in to meet us, but they caught the storm and arrived at the marina a few hours after us. They made the trip from Sodus Bay to Sackets all in the same day. Thank God they arrived safely.
Our plans are to stay here for two nights and then on Tuesday head out to Alexandria Bay.
Sunday we had dinner onboard. We all barbqued some sausage, made a salad and some salt potatoes.
After dinner, Doug and the two Walkers headed into town to visit a few bars....but things wrap up early on a Sunday night in Sackets, and they were back to the boat by 10:30 PM.
Monday was a day to relax around the marina. Around 1Pm the Walkers left and headed back to Sodus Bay, and at dinner time we walked into town. We stopped at a place called the Boathouse for a cocktail and then on to Tin Pan Galley for dinner. This is a high end restaurant where you eat outside in gardens. It was great and, as ususal, the food was superb.
We walked back to the boats around 9PM and sat around having a few nightcaps....by 10 we were headed to bed.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Sodus Bay to Oswego
Here we go, our weeks vacation is underway, and both the Lucky Find III and Camelot are ready to go. Doug and Donna have their son Nick and Nick's friend Ryan Youngs aboard to take the trip with us.
We departed Oak Park Resort Marina at 8:30 AM yesterday. Weather was warm, and winds were out of the southwest at about 5 knots. The 30 mile trek to Oswego was basically uneventful, except for lake conditions. NOAA said waves were 1-2 feet, but I felt they were a bit more, but nothing to get excited over.
We arrived in Oswego a little past Noon, and tied our boats up on the west wall in the Oswego River. For twenty bucks you get dockage, electricity and restroom facilities. It is a good deal.
Donna's parents had left a car there for us to use. We headed to a place called Rudy's for lunch. This small restaurant has to do the most fish sandwichs and dinners in upstate NY. We got there around 1 Pm and it was crowded. I counted 18 people working the cooking line, plus an additional 8 or 9 order takers. Their menu is extensive, but the majority of orders that day was their famous fish sandwich. Rumor has it that they do over a 500 sandwich's each and every day, and on a Friday that number could double. After lunch, we headed back to the boat for a nap and some cocktails. We sat around discussing our plans for the next few days.
Dinner time we headed to a place called the River Run BBQ....it was excellent, and the view of the Oswego Canal was great. By the time dinner was done, it was time to relax at the boat. Donna's parents came down, and dropped off a bunch of snacks for both boats.. We sat around and "shot the bull" for a while and then it was time to go to Doug's favorite watering hole in Oswego.
A small place called The Clubhouse on First Street. Robert, the owner, was glad to see Doug and Donna and Dottie and I and he bought the first round of drinks. Robert is known locally as the "Doctor of Alcohol". He just has a way about him that wants to make you stay and stay and buy more and more drinks.
A local band was setting up and began playing, and we all had a great time. By 11PM it was time to call it a day, and get to sleep. The river was calm, and the boat sat quietly all night....a peaceful nights sleep was had by all.
We departed Oak Park Resort Marina at 8:30 AM yesterday. Weather was warm, and winds were out of the southwest at about 5 knots. The 30 mile trek to Oswego was basically uneventful, except for lake conditions. NOAA said waves were 1-2 feet, but I felt they were a bit more, but nothing to get excited over.
We arrived in Oswego a little past Noon, and tied our boats up on the west wall in the Oswego River. For twenty bucks you get dockage, electricity and restroom facilities. It is a good deal.
Donna's parents had left a car there for us to use. We headed to a place called Rudy's for lunch. This small restaurant has to do the most fish sandwichs and dinners in upstate NY. We got there around 1 Pm and it was crowded. I counted 18 people working the cooking line, plus an additional 8 or 9 order takers. Their menu is extensive, but the majority of orders that day was their famous fish sandwich. Rumor has it that they do over a 500 sandwich's each and every day, and on a Friday that number could double. After lunch, we headed back to the boat for a nap and some cocktails. We sat around discussing our plans for the next few days.
Dinner time we headed to a place called the River Run BBQ....it was excellent, and the view of the Oswego Canal was great. By the time dinner was done, it was time to relax at the boat. Donna's parents came down, and dropped off a bunch of snacks for both boats.. We sat around and "shot the bull" for a while and then it was time to go to Doug's favorite watering hole in Oswego.
A small place called The Clubhouse on First Street. Robert, the owner, was glad to see Doug and Donna and Dottie and I and he bought the first round of drinks. Robert is known locally as the "Doctor of Alcohol". He just has a way about him that wants to make you stay and stay and buy more and more drinks.
A local band was setting up and began playing, and we all had a great time. By 11PM it was time to call it a day, and get to sleep. The river was calm, and the boat sat quietly all night....a peaceful nights sleep was had by all.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
What a Terrible Summer !!
This summer has to be the worse we have had in the past 10 years.
It remains cool and windy, and here we are in the first week of August, and so far we have taken the boat one time, and that was just a short shake-down cruise around Sodus Bay.
While cruising the bay, I noticed that my starboard engine had been running a bit hotter than normal, but that turend out to be minor, as the heat exchanger wa a bit low on water.
Topped her off, and she was good to go.
Talking about "good - to - go", we have decided to take a week's cruise with our friends Doug and Donna Parkhurst aboard the M/V Camelot. Both boats will depart on August 8th, and return on August 15th. Should be fun....regardless of the weather. We plan to stop in Oswego, Sackets Harbor, Alexandria Bay and Cape Vincent.
Check back for more details.......
It remains cool and windy, and here we are in the first week of August, and so far we have taken the boat one time, and that was just a short shake-down cruise around Sodus Bay.
While cruising the bay, I noticed that my starboard engine had been running a bit hotter than normal, but that turend out to be minor, as the heat exchanger wa a bit low on water.
Topped her off, and she was good to go.
Talking about "good - to - go", we have decided to take a week's cruise with our friends Doug and Donna Parkhurst aboard the M/V Camelot. Both boats will depart on August 8th, and return on August 15th. Should be fun....regardless of the weather. We plan to stop in Oswego, Sackets Harbor, Alexandria Bay and Cape Vincent.
Check back for more details.......
Sunday, June 14, 2009
When Will It Stop?
Here it is, the end of the second week of June and the winds are still creating havoc. Dottie and I have had enough of the rocking and rolling at the dock and we need to move our location in the marina for a more comfortable "fit".
We have been a part of the B-Dock family for the past 8 years, and over that time have made many friends. For those of you that are boaters, you know that your dock neighbors anr just like your neighbors around your home. You become attached, but in boating, it even becomes more of an attachment. The decision to move out of our neighborhood, and into another one is quite a big decision, but we had no choice. We were getting slammed by crazy winds and rolling docks and water for about 6 weeks now, and there was no end in sight.
So we decided to move.
Robb Lubin, the owner of Oak Park Resort Marina, was very cooperative. He found us a spot on A dock, and much closer to shore. Instead of walking a 1/4 mile out on B-dock, we would be only a few steps from "terra-firma".
On Thursday, June 11th, we made the move....we went to A-dock and for the past few days have been very happy with our decision. We are actually able to walk around the boat without "holding on for dear life." We spent the past weekend making new friends, and saying good-bye to our old friends. We will miss everyone on B-dock, but we had no choice, and found ourselves very happy with our decision. We are now located in slip A-15.
Our friends Doug and Donna Parkhurst also moved along with us, as they too had enough of the rocking and rolling that went along with being out in the boondonks of B-dock. They are located one slip away in A-11.
Life is good on A-dock for now.
Maybe we can finally get our season underway...........
We have been a part of the B-Dock family for the past 8 years, and over that time have made many friends. For those of you that are boaters, you know that your dock neighbors anr just like your neighbors around your home. You become attached, but in boating, it even becomes more of an attachment. The decision to move out of our neighborhood, and into another one is quite a big decision, but we had no choice. We were getting slammed by crazy winds and rolling docks and water for about 6 weeks now, and there was no end in sight.
So we decided to move.
Robb Lubin, the owner of Oak Park Resort Marina, was very cooperative. He found us a spot on A dock, and much closer to shore. Instead of walking a 1/4 mile out on B-dock, we would be only a few steps from "terra-firma".
On Thursday, June 11th, we made the move....we went to A-dock and for the past few days have been very happy with our decision. We are actually able to walk around the boat without "holding on for dear life." We spent the past weekend making new friends, and saying good-bye to our old friends. We will miss everyone on B-dock, but we had no choice, and found ourselves very happy with our decision. We are now located in slip A-15.
Our friends Doug and Donna Parkhurst also moved along with us, as they too had enough of the rocking and rolling that went along with being out in the boondonks of B-dock. They are located one slip away in A-11.
Life is good on A-dock for now.
Maybe we can finally get our season underway...........
Saturday, June 6, 2009
A Short Lived Addition
If you read my post from earlier this month, you know that we purchased a smaller boat for bay hopping around Sodus Bay.
Well, that was short lived.
We purchased the boat from Arney's Marina in Sodus Point and picked it up on Memorial Day weekend with the understanding that we would return it to them on Tuesday May 26th with a list of what needed to be repaired. This list of items was to be covered by the warranty, and basically didn't include any thing major. It needed to have the engine mounts tightened and the carbureator adjusted.
Well, on Friday May 29th, Arney's called and said they found some other issues, and the boat would not be ready to be picked up until the following Tuesday. I agreed to let them keep it and fix whatever they thought should be fixed.
Our friend Doug Parkhurst and I went to Arney's on Thursday June 2nd to pick the boat up, and we were greeted by the salesman that sold me the boat. He didn't look like a happy camper, and basically here is what he had to say to me:
"You have two options. We can either keep the boat for another week and try to resolve this issue, or you can have your money back".
I don't know what the issue was, because they never told me and skirted the question when I asked, so I opted for my money returned.
Truthfully, I thought that was quite a fair decision on their part. Not too many businesses today are willing to refund the purchase price of a boat, without creating a major scene.
In my opinion, Arney's Marina was very fair about it, and that may be a reason for them being in business for as many years as thay have. Jo-Ellen Arney, the owner, apoligized a thousand times, and returned the original bank check along with my $500.00 cash deposit.....no questions asked. They never even deposited my money, saying they didn't want to do so until they knew that both Dottie and I were satified with our purchase.
Now, the search is back on for a small "bay-hopper", and I will tell you, it is not easy. Seems that many small boat owners don't believe in keeping their boats in good condition. We have looked at many, and have not been able to find one that suits our tastes.
Well, that was short lived.
We purchased the boat from Arney's Marina in Sodus Point and picked it up on Memorial Day weekend with the understanding that we would return it to them on Tuesday May 26th with a list of what needed to be repaired. This list of items was to be covered by the warranty, and basically didn't include any thing major. It needed to have the engine mounts tightened and the carbureator adjusted.
Well, on Friday May 29th, Arney's called and said they found some other issues, and the boat would not be ready to be picked up until the following Tuesday. I agreed to let them keep it and fix whatever they thought should be fixed.
Our friend Doug Parkhurst and I went to Arney's on Thursday June 2nd to pick the boat up, and we were greeted by the salesman that sold me the boat. He didn't look like a happy camper, and basically here is what he had to say to me:
"You have two options. We can either keep the boat for another week and try to resolve this issue, or you can have your money back".
I don't know what the issue was, because they never told me and skirted the question when I asked, so I opted for my money returned.
Truthfully, I thought that was quite a fair decision on their part. Not too many businesses today are willing to refund the purchase price of a boat, without creating a major scene.
In my opinion, Arney's Marina was very fair about it, and that may be a reason for them being in business for as many years as thay have. Jo-Ellen Arney, the owner, apoligized a thousand times, and returned the original bank check along with my $500.00 cash deposit.....no questions asked. They never even deposited my money, saying they didn't want to do so until they knew that both Dottie and I were satified with our purchase.
Now, the search is back on for a small "bay-hopper", and I will tell you, it is not easy. Seems that many small boat owners don't believe in keeping their boats in good condition. We have looked at many, and have not been able to find one that suits our tastes.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Is It May or November ?
The boat has been in her slip for just about a month, and what a crazy month it has been.....as least weather wise.
The winds have been constant this month, and at times gusts reached over 65MPH.....crazy, just crazy. Mother's Day had sustained winds of 50MPH!!
We haven't accomplished much this month as it has been almost impossible to even get steady footing, let alone any work done. The boat and the docks have done nothing but shake, rattle and roll. It almost feels like November instead of May. Nightime temps have been in the low 40's and daytime temps rarely broke 70, but the winds have not died down. If anything was accomplished, it was the fact that we know our lines and cleats will hold this boat securely to the dock. They have really been put to the test this past month. At one point we thought they'd fail, but we were wrong. We did learn that there is no such thing as too many lines, or lines that are too thick or heavy. We needed all the help we could get from them, and they pulled through.
The marina's location just seems to be prime for north, northwest winds that come barreling down the bay and whip around the point and hit us broadside. The problem this past month was that the winds were coming from all directions, and were changing hourly instead of daily. Whitecaps were showing their nasty little heads whether the wind was coming from the north, south east or west, or any combo of direction.
Hopefully June will be a quieter month, and the winds will lie down for the summer, and the temps will rise to normal.
The winds have been constant this month, and at times gusts reached over 65MPH.....crazy, just crazy. Mother's Day had sustained winds of 50MPH!!
We haven't accomplished much this month as it has been almost impossible to even get steady footing, let alone any work done. The boat and the docks have done nothing but shake, rattle and roll. It almost feels like November instead of May. Nightime temps have been in the low 40's and daytime temps rarely broke 70, but the winds have not died down. If anything was accomplished, it was the fact that we know our lines and cleats will hold this boat securely to the dock. They have really been put to the test this past month. At one point we thought they'd fail, but we were wrong. We did learn that there is no such thing as too many lines, or lines that are too thick or heavy. We needed all the help we could get from them, and they pulled through.
The marina's location just seems to be prime for north, northwest winds that come barreling down the bay and whip around the point and hit us broadside. The problem this past month was that the winds were coming from all directions, and were changing hourly instead of daily. Whitecaps were showing their nasty little heads whether the wind was coming from the north, south east or west, or any combo of direction.
Hopefully June will be a quieter month, and the winds will lie down for the summer, and the temps will rise to normal.
Monday, May 18, 2009
A New Addition To Our Family
Dottie and I have been known to do things on a whim.....and we pulled it off again this past weekend.
After enjoying a nice breakfast at Cooper's Cafe on Sodus Point, we were driving back to Oak Park Marina, when out of the corner of her eye, Dottie noticed this boat for sale at Arney's Marina.
We stopped and checked it all out, and Dottie really liked it. We needed a smaller boat to scoot around the bay and this would be ideal.
Dottie gave it a once going over, and we decided to purchase it. Buying a smaller boat is so much simpler than buying a boat over 30 feet long.
We could pick up the boat the following Friday and have it in time for the Memorial Day weekend, which suited us just fine.
After enjoying a nice breakfast at Cooper's Cafe on Sodus Point, we were driving back to Oak Park Marina, when out of the corner of her eye, Dottie noticed this boat for sale at Arney's Marina.
We stopped and checked it all out, and Dottie really liked it. We needed a smaller boat to scoot around the bay and this would be ideal.
Dottie gave it a once going over, and we decided to purchase it. Buying a smaller boat is so much simpler than buying a boat over 30 feet long.
We could pick up the boat the following Friday and have it in time for the Memorial Day weekend, which suited us just fine.
Hopefully this boat will be a Lucky Find also, although, we will probably give her a different name.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Launch Day
Today was the day....the weather was great with easterly breezes at less than 5 knots and temps in the 60's.
Dottie and I made the decision to launch the Lucky Find III, and the marina's crew splashed her at about 2:15PM.
Everything went well, and believe it or not, I even remembered to put in the drain plug.
She is now sitting in her slip, awaiting a few more projects to be completed before taking her out for the seasonal shake-down cruise.
Dottie and I made the decision to launch the Lucky Find III, and the marina's crew splashed her at about 2:15PM.
Everything went well, and believe it or not, I even remembered to put in the drain plug.
She is now sitting in her slip, awaiting a few more projects to be completed before taking her out for the seasonal shake-down cruise.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Well...Almost Finished
The past week has been spent putting some finishing touches to the so far completed projects.
On Thursday April 9th, our friend Bruce Malboeuf delivered the finished seating group for the flybridge. With the help of another friend, Doug Parkhurst, we finally got to put the boom on the Lucky Find III to a test. We lifted the benches up and onto the bridge deck so Bruce could do the final installation.
The cushions for these benches are being manufactured by Nicoletta's Upholstery of Clyde. We are anticipating a mid May delivery date. They do great work, but move at their own pace.
On Thursday April 9th, our friend Bruce Malboeuf delivered the finished seating group for the flybridge. With the help of another friend, Doug Parkhurst, we finally got to put the boom on the Lucky Find III to a test. We lifted the benches up and onto the bridge deck so Bruce could do the final installation.
The cushions for these benches are being manufactured by Nicoletta's Upholstery of Clyde. We are anticipating a mid May delivery date. They do great work, but move at their own pace.
CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE
Port bench
Starboard Bench w/built in cooler
Knowing Bruce as we do, we had expected only the best of craftsmanship and material....and he delivered. These benches look better than the manufacturers originals. We were 110% satisfied with his workmanship.
Also, our upholsterer, Mike Nicoletta, delivered the new cushions for the dinette, and he also did a great job as you can see in these photos:
Dinette cushions after re-upholstering by Nicoletta's Upholstery of Clyde, NY
On Friday April 10th, our friend Doug Parkhurst helped to install the new Glomex TV antenna on the mast of the Lucky Find III. Needless to say, this antenna works like a charm especially with the new digital TV stations. The new law mandates all TV stations to brodcast in digital no later than June 12th, and so far we can only receive 9 digital stations. Hopefully after the 12th of June that number will increase to over 20.
Our location, 40 miles from either Syracuse or Rochester NY always meant that we either had no TV on the boat, or we had to use a satellite service. Now, we just turn on the TV, and
BINGO....we have reception.
April 13th, 14th and 15th we had Tim Youngkrans from Webster compound and wax the hull. He did a fine job, and the boat really looks clean and shiny now.
And finally.....our sign team from Signs and Designs in Clyde, NY, Junior and Debbie Leisenring, arrived to take off the old name of Tumbleweed and replace the lettering with the new name as shown in both the above and below photos:
We are almost ready to launch. The only items left are to touch up the bottom paint and polish the bronze rub rails....and in the water she'll go!!!!
BTW- After today, our old Silverton 34' Convertible, Lucky Find II looks like this:
Friday, April 3, 2009
Re-Finishing, and Finishing
This week was spent re-finishing the teak parquet sole in the salon, galley and lower helm.
I must admit, for my first re-finishing experience, it turned out pretty good. Frankly, i don't understand the whole process.....why put a new finish down, then re-sand it the next day, and put down another coat, and re-sand that the next day, and finally put down the same thing again for the final finish. Oh well....another reason I am not a woodworker.
I used Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane in a clear satin finish. I did find that applying it with foam brush gives much better results than a natural bristle brush. Thursday was the final finish coating day, and the weather was in the mid-60's, and bright sun.....giving the floor a good chance to dry uniformerly.
It really made a big difference in how the floor looks, and everyone who has seen it remarks about it.....so I guess, I was successful.
This weekend, our electrician will be running the wiring for the new outlets, and his brother, who is a wood craftsman is making us teak electrical boxes and covers. I am sure they will look great when completed.
I must admit, for my first re-finishing experience, it turned out pretty good. Frankly, i don't understand the whole process.....why put a new finish down, then re-sand it the next day, and put down another coat, and re-sand that the next day, and finally put down the same thing again for the final finish. Oh well....another reason I am not a woodworker.
I used Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane in a clear satin finish. I did find that applying it with foam brush gives much better results than a natural bristle brush. Thursday was the final finish coating day, and the weather was in the mid-60's, and bright sun.....giving the floor a good chance to dry uniformerly.
It really made a big difference in how the floor looks, and everyone who has seen it remarks about it.....so I guess, I was successful.
This weekend, our electrician will be running the wiring for the new outlets, and his brother, who is a wood craftsman is making us teak electrical boxes and covers. I am sure they will look great when completed.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
A Sad, Sad Day for Dottie and I
They say the two happiest days in a man's life is the day he buys his boat, and the day he sells his boat.
Dottie and I disagree.
This afternoon was the closing on the Lucky Find II....money was exchanged in return for NYS DMV registration papers, and the Lucky Find II is no longer our boat. I handed over 4 sets of keys and just kinda stared at her, knowing we can never board her again without asking "Permission to Come Aboard"
Although, we are glad to have sold her in this economy, we were both very sad knowing that the boat we had come to love and cheriesh is no longer ours....we wish Moe and Bonnie the best with her, and we know she will serve them well.
This was no April Fool's joke.....
Dottie and I disagree.
This afternoon was the closing on the Lucky Find II....money was exchanged in return for NYS DMV registration papers, and the Lucky Find II is no longer our boat. I handed over 4 sets of keys and just kinda stared at her, knowing we can never board her again without asking "Permission to Come Aboard"
Although, we are glad to have sold her in this economy, we were both very sad knowing that the boat we had come to love and cheriesh is no longer ours....we wish Moe and Bonnie the best with her, and we know she will serve them well.
This was no April Fool's joke.....
Friday, March 27, 2009
Everything is Coming Together.....Finally
This past week quite a few projects have either been completed or are near completion.
On Tuesday, I visited the shop of Bruce Malboeuf, the craftsman that is constructing our flybridge seating group. They are almost all done. All that is needed is a few coats of paint and some stain, and they will be delivered to the boat and installed.
They look great, even without the paint. You can tell Bruce pays particular attention to detail.....and I guess, that is the art of master craftsmanship.
Starboard Bench
On Wednesday, the foam we ordered for new mattresses in the guest stateroom came in, and Dottie has choosen the fabric for the coverings. Mike and Antoinette Nicoletta are working on them now, and they should be ready by next weekend.
Thursday, our fiberglass guy came out to take a look at repaining a few cracks we have in the flybridge decking. Good news for us, it will only cost around $300.00.....ten times less than the estimate I had received back in October for the same job. Hopefully he will have this done no later than April 15th.
On Friday, our canvas guy, Mike Overbaugh of the Geordie Magee Canvas Company arrived at the marina to measure, cut and install the new aft curtains for the flybridge enclosure. When he arrived, I explained the new benches that Bruce had done, and Mike caught a major problem in the way I was going to lay them out. Apparently, once the radar mast was raised, the new benches had to be reversed. I had originally planned to have the "L" shaped seating on the port side, but that would not work for the way the canvas would have to be installed. However, if we put the "L" on the starboard side, there would not be a problem.
A quick phone call to Bruce to make the changes, and after a bit of thought, he figured out what needed to be done and by 5 PM today, he was finished making the changes.
Mike finished the canvas work today, and even threw together a new dashboard cover and a free bottle of Imar's Strataglass cleaner to keep the clear vinyl looking good. Mike does excellent design and construction work when it comes to marine canvas.
On Tuesday, I visited the shop of Bruce Malboeuf, the craftsman that is constructing our flybridge seating group. They are almost all done. All that is needed is a few coats of paint and some stain, and they will be delivered to the boat and installed.
They look great, even without the paint. You can tell Bruce pays particular attention to detail.....and I guess, that is the art of master craftsmanship.
Port Bench
Starboard BenchOn Wednesday, the foam we ordered for new mattresses in the guest stateroom came in, and Dottie has choosen the fabric for the coverings. Mike and Antoinette Nicoletta are working on them now, and they should be ready by next weekend.
Thursday, our fiberglass guy came out to take a look at repaining a few cracks we have in the flybridge decking. Good news for us, it will only cost around $300.00.....ten times less than the estimate I had received back in October for the same job. Hopefully he will have this done no later than April 15th.
On Friday, our canvas guy, Mike Overbaugh of the Geordie Magee Canvas Company arrived at the marina to measure, cut and install the new aft curtains for the flybridge enclosure. When he arrived, I explained the new benches that Bruce had done, and Mike caught a major problem in the way I was going to lay them out. Apparently, once the radar mast was raised, the new benches had to be reversed. I had originally planned to have the "L" shaped seating on the port side, but that would not work for the way the canvas would have to be installed. However, if we put the "L" on the starboard side, there would not be a problem.
A quick phone call to Bruce to make the changes, and after a bit of thought, he figured out what needed to be done and by 5 PM today, he was finished making the changes.
Mike finished the canvas work today, and even threw together a new dashboard cover and a free bottle of Imar's Strataglass cleaner to keep the clear vinyl looking good. Mike does excellent design and construction work when it comes to marine canvas.
While the canvas work was being done, Wayne Robinson, marine surveyor, was at the Lucky Find II doing a pre-purchase survey for the new owners. His only negative findings were that the starboard running light bulb, and the stern light bulb were burnt out. 
They have to be replaced.....other than that the Lucky Find II was in great shape.
No need to say, the new ower was happy to hear that the problems were minimal, and I was glad that those were the only faults that a surveyor could find.
No need to say, the new ower was happy to hear that the problems were minimal, and I was glad that those were the only faults that a surveyor could find.
Tomorrow, Saturday, we have an electrician coming aboard to look at what is needed to install 3 or 4 more 120v outlets. There are 10 outlets already on the boat, but they are either in inconvenient loctions or not in the right location for our needs.....so, this should be the start of a new project for next week.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The First Day of Spring....and the " 7 Year Itch"
It is finally here....The First Day of Spring.
Friday, March 20th, 2009.
I got to the marina early this morning for the annual ritual of removing the shrinkwrap. It was a bit chilly when I arrived, about 34 degrees, but the forecast was for a day in the mid 40's.
I started at 9AM and by 11 all the shrinkwrap was removed, and the bimini top was up.....it now looks like a boat again.
Getting the 7 pieces of side curtains installed took the most time, but all in all it is now offically boating season....at least in our minds.
I had plans of removing the shrinkwrap on the Lucky Find II, our 34' Silverton Convertible, today also. But those plans went by the wayside as I was exhausted and it was now 3PM by the time all the little things were done on the Lucky Find III. I let it go till tomorrow.
Saturday, March 21st....a day that will remain in our minds forever.
I arrived at the marina by 8:30AM to begin removing the shrinkwrap from the Lucky Find II. It was cold, 19 degrees but sunny. The weatherman promised me a day in the high 40's.
I had scheduled two appointments to show the Lucky Find II for today. One at 11AM and the other at 11:45 AM.
By 10AM, the covers were off and the bimini was up. Again, the LF 2 looked like a boat. Dottie arrived at 10:15 AM and we both waited to meet our first appointment at 11AM.
Well, 11AM came and went, and so did 11:15AM....we thought we had a no-show. The folks for the 11:45 appointment arrived 15 minutes early, so the day was not a total loss. Joe was a local Sodus Point businessman and he brought two of his friends.
We gave them a tour of the boat, pointed out all the good things and let them have free rein for the next few minutes.
Sure enough, our 11AM shows up at 12 Noon. This couple Moe & Bonnie, came from Rochester....along with 4 of their marina friends. After a few cordial introductions, we had nine people scurrying over the Silverton. Looking into every nook and cranny. Opening and closing hatches, holds and lazerettes.
At about 12:30, Joe and his friends bid farewell with...."I'll give you a call" and Moe and Bonnie and their friends remained.
They must have liked what they saw, because by 1PM Bonnie had her checkbook out. They gave us an offer, and we accepted.
Bonnie wrote the deposit check, we went over the details for closing and then we went aboard the Lucky Find III to seal the deal over a few shots of Crown Royal. Well, at least Moe and Dottie did....afterall, this deal was between them. Bonnie and I don't drink.....Crown Royal, that is.
Both Dottie and I were very happy for selling the Lucky Find II, but down deep we knew we were gong to miss that boat. She served us well over the past 7 years and we really enjoyed her. But we knew that Moe and Bonnie would take good care of her and we wished that they enjoyed her as much as we had.
We wrapped the day up around 3PM and headed home....with check in hand.
Then it dawned on me....March 27, 2002....one week shy of the day we took ownership of the Lucky Find II 7 years ago.....So this is the "7 Year Itch" we have all heard about. Unbelievable!
Thank You....Craig's List!!!
Friday, March 20th, 2009.
I got to the marina early this morning for the annual ritual of removing the shrinkwrap. It was a bit chilly when I arrived, about 34 degrees, but the forecast was for a day in the mid 40's.
I started at 9AM and by 11 all the shrinkwrap was removed, and the bimini top was up.....it now looks like a boat again.
Getting the 7 pieces of side curtains installed took the most time, but all in all it is now offically boating season....at least in our minds.
I had plans of removing the shrinkwrap on the Lucky Find II, our 34' Silverton Convertible, today also. But those plans went by the wayside as I was exhausted and it was now 3PM by the time all the little things were done on the Lucky Find III. I let it go till tomorrow.
Saturday, March 21st....a day that will remain in our minds forever.
I arrived at the marina by 8:30AM to begin removing the shrinkwrap from the Lucky Find II. It was cold, 19 degrees but sunny. The weatherman promised me a day in the high 40's.
I had scheduled two appointments to show the Lucky Find II for today. One at 11AM and the other at 11:45 AM.
By 10AM, the covers were off and the bimini was up. Again, the LF 2 looked like a boat. Dottie arrived at 10:15 AM and we both waited to meet our first appointment at 11AM.
Well, 11AM came and went, and so did 11:15AM....we thought we had a no-show. The folks for the 11:45 appointment arrived 15 minutes early, so the day was not a total loss. Joe was a local Sodus Point businessman and he brought two of his friends.
We gave them a tour of the boat, pointed out all the good things and let them have free rein for the next few minutes.
Sure enough, our 11AM shows up at 12 Noon. This couple Moe & Bonnie, came from Rochester....along with 4 of their marina friends. After a few cordial introductions, we had nine people scurrying over the Silverton. Looking into every nook and cranny. Opening and closing hatches, holds and lazerettes.
At about 12:30, Joe and his friends bid farewell with...."I'll give you a call" and Moe and Bonnie and their friends remained.
They must have liked what they saw, because by 1PM Bonnie had her checkbook out. They gave us an offer, and we accepted.
Bonnie wrote the deposit check, we went over the details for closing and then we went aboard the Lucky Find III to seal the deal over a few shots of Crown Royal. Well, at least Moe and Dottie did....afterall, this deal was between them. Bonnie and I don't drink.....Crown Royal, that is.
Both Dottie and I were very happy for selling the Lucky Find II, but down deep we knew we were gong to miss that boat. She served us well over the past 7 years and we really enjoyed her. But we knew that Moe and Bonnie would take good care of her and we wished that they enjoyed her as much as we had.
We wrapped the day up around 3PM and headed home....with check in hand.
Then it dawned on me....March 27, 2002....one week shy of the day we took ownership of the Lucky Find II 7 years ago.....So this is the "7 Year Itch" we have all heard about. Unbelievable!
Thank You....Craig's List!!!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Another Weekend of Preperations
This past Saturday and Sunday were spent getting the salon, galley and staterooms in order. The weather has been cooperating also, with temps in the high 40's and low 50's and bright sun.
On Saturday we loaded up the mini-van with boxes and those Rubbermaid bins of all the things you need to make a boat a "home on the water."
A large amount of the things we brought aboard is what is commonly known as "Lady Litter"....you know, all those little things that make your house a home. Pictures, placques, and other decor items.
Dottie spent Saturday polishing woodwork, dusting, and cleaning.....and transfering everything in the van to the engine room.
On Sunday we went through all the boxes and bins, and started emptying them, one by one.
We stocked the galley with all the dishes, pots & pans, glassware and silverware. Then on to the salon to lay down the scatter rugs, put in the new wicker chairs & cushions and just go through any storage lockers, loading them with the necessary items you need to have on board.
Then into the head, first for a thorough cleaning and then hanging up the shower curtain, stocking the towels and all the health & beauty aids.
It is unbelievable, the amount of stuff you can mange to collect over the years....and more unbelievable is being able to find a place for it all aboard a boat....but we did it.
This coming week, I will sort through the engine room supplies, and find a place for all the spare parts and tools.
Next weekend it will be getting the shrinkwrap off, and setting up the flybridge enclosure. We need to get the flybridge done in order to clear off the beds with all the canvas and sidecurtains. Once that is done, then we can get to the two staterooms to make up beds, and load the dressers with clothing and whatever else we can make room for.
We have 5 major outside projects to do during the month of April, so getting the interior done now will leave those days open for completing the outside projects. The outside projects include:
On Saturday we loaded up the mini-van with boxes and those Rubbermaid bins of all the things you need to make a boat a "home on the water."
A large amount of the things we brought aboard is what is commonly known as "Lady Litter"....you know, all those little things that make your house a home. Pictures, placques, and other decor items.
Dottie spent Saturday polishing woodwork, dusting, and cleaning.....and transfering everything in the van to the engine room.
On Sunday we went through all the boxes and bins, and started emptying them, one by one.
We stocked the galley with all the dishes, pots & pans, glassware and silverware. Then on to the salon to lay down the scatter rugs, put in the new wicker chairs & cushions and just go through any storage lockers, loading them with the necessary items you need to have on board.
Then into the head, first for a thorough cleaning and then hanging up the shower curtain, stocking the towels and all the health & beauty aids.
It is unbelievable, the amount of stuff you can mange to collect over the years....and more unbelievable is being able to find a place for it all aboard a boat....but we did it.
This coming week, I will sort through the engine room supplies, and find a place for all the spare parts and tools.
Next weekend it will be getting the shrinkwrap off, and setting up the flybridge enclosure. We need to get the flybridge done in order to clear off the beds with all the canvas and sidecurtains. Once that is done, then we can get to the two staterooms to make up beds, and load the dressers with clothing and whatever else we can make room for.
We have 5 major outside projects to do during the month of April, so getting the interior done now will leave those days open for completing the outside projects. The outside projects include:
- -Getting new aft curtains made for the flybridge.
- -Repairing a crack in the flybridge decking.
- -Installing the new bench seating on the bridge.
- -Removing the old name from the transom and adding the new name.
- -Finally, painting the bottom and getting it ready for launching.
Both of us can't wait to get started on these projects and look forward to having her splashed.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Beginning of the Spring Ritual
This past weekend was a good time to start "cleaning house" and getting the boat in order for a timely spring 2009 launch.
Weather was warmer but overcast. On Friday (March 6th) I was able to get the engine room and bilge cleaned out. The prior owner was a bit of a "packrat", and saved just about everything he ever replaced on the boat, including an old macerator pump, a seized fresh water pump and numerous empty boxes, hoses, etc. They are all gone now.
Saturday was a day spent just cleaning the salon, galley and guest stateroom. (Dottie was in Syracuse visiting our daughter Karen and grandson Mitchell).
I ventured to the marina to wash floors and walls and dust & vacumn.
While doing so, I managed to get a CD disc stuck in the radio, and cannot get it out. So, I am now in the market to replace that radio.
Sunday, I was visited by my marina friend, John Finnigan. He wanted to check on his boat and do a few things. We went to lunch at Captain Jack's in Sodus Point, Dottie met us there, and then back to the boat with him to just hang out and talk.
Finished up some odds and ends, got some great advice from John, and went home.
All in all it was a productive weekend, and if the weather cooperates, maybe we can get the shrinkwrap off within the next 2 weeks.
It feels good just to be aboard the Lucky Find III, although on the hard, and getting things ready to go. It has been a long, cold winter.
Weather was warmer but overcast. On Friday (March 6th) I was able to get the engine room and bilge cleaned out. The prior owner was a bit of a "packrat", and saved just about everything he ever replaced on the boat, including an old macerator pump, a seized fresh water pump and numerous empty boxes, hoses, etc. They are all gone now.
Saturday was a day spent just cleaning the salon, galley and guest stateroom. (Dottie was in Syracuse visiting our daughter Karen and grandson Mitchell).
I ventured to the marina to wash floors and walls and dust & vacumn.
While doing so, I managed to get a CD disc stuck in the radio, and cannot get it out. So, I am now in the market to replace that radio.
Sunday, I was visited by my marina friend, John Finnigan. He wanted to check on his boat and do a few things. We went to lunch at Captain Jack's in Sodus Point, Dottie met us there, and then back to the boat with him to just hang out and talk.
Finished up some odds and ends, got some great advice from John, and went home.
All in all it was a productive weekend, and if the weather cooperates, maybe we can get the shrinkwrap off within the next 2 weeks.
It feels good just to be aboard the Lucky Find III, although on the hard, and getting things ready to go. It has been a long, cold winter.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Finally...Getting Some Projects Underway
This past weekend seemd to be a bit fruitful.
We have many projects planned for the Lucky Find III, but thanks to the upstate NY weather, most of them can't be started for another 2 months.
However, this weekend we got some plans off the ground.
On Saturday, we met with some of our marina friends, Bruce & Diane Malboeuf, for lunch in Canandaigua, NY. Bruce is an excellent cabinet maker and woodworker. I hired him to fabricate two bench seats for the flybridge. One will be an "L" shaped bench and the other a straight bench. Bruce gave me some very professional 3D drawings,
When completed, it will look like these two photos ....though the fabric on the cushions will be a different color & material.
Port side "L" seating
We have many projects planned for the Lucky Find III, but thanks to the upstate NY weather, most of them can't be started for another 2 months.
However, this weekend we got some plans off the ground.
On Saturday, we met with some of our marina friends, Bruce & Diane Malboeuf, for lunch in Canandaigua, NY. Bruce is an excellent cabinet maker and woodworker. I hired him to fabricate two bench seats for the flybridge. One will be an "L" shaped bench and the other a straight bench. Bruce gave me some very professional 3D drawings,
3D drawing by Bruce Malboeuf
When completed, it will look like these two photos ....though the fabric on the cushions will be a different color & material.
Starboard side seating 
Port side "L" seatingSo, thankfully, this is underway
After our lunch, we drove to Greece, NY to meet with Bob Gozia of RLG Electronics. Bob is an top-notch marine electrical technician. Our Raymarine L760 had two broken pins in the transducer socket. I ordered the part from Raymarine last Tuesday, and received it on Thursday. We brought the unit and the new part to Bob, and less than an hour later it was finished.....now that is out of the way.
From there, we stopped at a Pier 1 store to take look at some new chairs for the salon.
After our lunch, we drove to Greece, NY to meet with Bob Gozia of RLG Electronics. Bob is an top-notch marine electrical technician. Our Raymarine L760 had two broken pins in the transducer socket. I ordered the part from Raymarine last Tuesday, and received it on Thursday. We brought the unit and the new part to Bob, and less than an hour later it was finished.....now that is out of the way.
From there, we stopped at a Pier 1 store to take look at some new chairs for the salon.
and will get them sometime in March, along with some nice cushions for these chairs. We didn't buy anything, but we found what we like and will get them sometime in March, along with some nice cushions for these chairs.
Like a new home, a boat needs it's owners personal touches. Dottie wants to have new upholstery throughout the salon. On Sunday, Dottie and I went to the boat to make a template of the dinette seating and helm seating. We bought a roll of that brown kraft paper and traced out the cushion arrangements and made some exact measurements.
The week before, we ordered new Sunbrella upholstery fabric from http://www.sunbrellacentral.com/ . We found this place to be an excellent source of fabrics.....inexpensive, free shipping and excellent custome service. We ordered the fabric on a Tuesday and received it on Thursday.
Today I took the fabric, template and old cushions to our friends here in Clyde, Mike & Antoinetta Nicoletta, of Nicoletta's Upholstery and they will get started making us brand new cushions for the dinette and lower helm. Should have them no later than March 21st.
So all in all, it was a productive few days.
Like a new home, a boat needs it's owners personal touches. Dottie wants to have new upholstery throughout the salon. On Sunday, Dottie and I went to the boat to make a template of the dinette seating and helm seating. We bought a roll of that brown kraft paper and traced out the cushion arrangements and made some exact measurements.
The week before, we ordered new Sunbrella upholstery fabric from http://www.sunbrellacentral.com/ . We found this place to be an excellent source of fabrics.....inexpensive, free shipping and excellent custome service. We ordered the fabric on a Tuesday and received it on Thursday.
Today I took the fabric, template and old cushions to our friends here in Clyde, Mike & Antoinetta Nicoletta, of Nicoletta's Upholstery and they will get started making us brand new cushions for the dinette and lower helm. Should have them no later than March 21st.
So all in all, it was a productive few days.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Scratiching the "Spring Itch"
This past weekend skies were blue and the sunny....
So, on Saturday, off to the boat we went, climbed in through the shrinkwrap and began doing some measuring and what not for the coming season. Dottie wants to do a little updating to the interior and needed measurements for curtains, sheets and bedspreads.
While there, we plugged the shorepower in and let the batteries charge a bit. All it took was about 30 minutes, and the batteries were topped off with a full charge.
Sunday morning we drove out to Syracuse to attend the Central New York Boat Show at the NYS Fairgrounds. First wet our daughter Karen, her SO Dave and our grandson Mitchell for brunch.
We went to the Calypso Cay Restaurant in Brewerton, and as always, this place did an excellent job on the brunch menu.
By 1PM we were in the boat show and spent the next 3 hours just strolling around looking at all that was new for 2009.
It was nice, but after attending some of the major shows in Annapolis, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, this show just cannot compare.
All in all, we had a good time, met a few "docker" friends and just enjoyed the day.
It's those blue and sunny skies that just puts you into anticipation mode of the Spring season.
So, on Saturday, off to the boat we went, climbed in through the shrinkwrap and began doing some measuring and what not for the coming season. Dottie wants to do a little updating to the interior and needed measurements for curtains, sheets and bedspreads.
While there, we plugged the shorepower in and let the batteries charge a bit. All it took was about 30 minutes, and the batteries were topped off with a full charge.
Sunday morning we drove out to Syracuse to attend the Central New York Boat Show at the NYS Fairgrounds. First wet our daughter Karen, her SO Dave and our grandson Mitchell for brunch.
We went to the Calypso Cay Restaurant in Brewerton, and as always, this place did an excellent job on the brunch menu.
By 1PM we were in the boat show and spent the next 3 hours just strolling around looking at all that was new for 2009.
It was nice, but after attending some of the major shows in Annapolis, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, this show just cannot compare.
All in all, we had a good time, met a few "docker" friends and just enjoyed the day.
It's those blue and sunny skies that just puts you into anticipation mode of the Spring season.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Back Home....AGAIN !....Thank You
Just a note to let everyone know that I am back home from the hospital.
To those that sent an e-mail or made a phone call, I thank you.
On Saturday evening (January 31st) around 9PM, I was overcome with some strong pains in my chest. We were traveling from Oswego back to Clyde when it happened. We had just finished having dinner with 2 other couples, friends of ours from the marina. I had Dottie take over driving and she drove me directly to the E.R. at Newark-Wayne Hospital. I spent the next 6 hours being checked over for a heart attack, and thank God, I didn't have one. I was then admitted to the Telemetry Unit of the hospital until noon the next day. My cardiologist did suspect a blockage, and made the necessary preperations for me to go to Rochester General Hospital on Tuesday (February 3rd).
Sure enough, after a angiogram, a blockage was found in my diagonal coronary artery, and Dr. Ling Ong placed two stents in that vessel to open it back up. He had already placed 3 other stents in my LAD artery in 1999 (1) and 2006 (2)
To those that sent an e-mail or made a phone call, I thank you.
On Saturday evening (January 31st) around 9PM, I was overcome with some strong pains in my chest. We were traveling from Oswego back to Clyde when it happened. We had just finished having dinner with 2 other couples, friends of ours from the marina. I had Dottie take over driving and she drove me directly to the E.R. at Newark-Wayne Hospital. I spent the next 6 hours being checked over for a heart attack, and thank God, I didn't have one. I was then admitted to the Telemetry Unit of the hospital until noon the next day. My cardiologist did suspect a blockage, and made the necessary preperations for me to go to Rochester General Hospital on Tuesday (February 3rd).
Sure enough, after a angiogram, a blockage was found in my diagonal coronary artery, and Dr. Ling Ong placed two stents in that vessel to open it back up. He had already placed 3 other stents in my LAD artery in 1999 (1) and 2006 (2)
"This is a picture of the angiogram showing the blockage in the diagonal artery.
Notice the white space at the beginning of the diagonal artery. That is the blockage.
Notice the white space at the beginning of the diagonal artery. That is the blockage.
After stent placement, that white space disappears, meaning that blood is now flowing into the artery."
These 2 stents were put in a bit differently than my prior 3 stents. Instead of using the femoral artery in my groin, he used my right radial artery in my wrist. One tiny puncture hole into my wrist and artery, and in went the catheter. He went up my arm, into the brachial artery, then into the subclavian artery, across my chest, into the arch of the aorta over the top of my heart and right into the diagonal branch artery. It is unbelievable how far this technology has come since my last double stent placement back in 2006. The best part is the recoup time....now hours instead of days.
Right now, I feel great, and hopefully this will make me a bit more comfortable over then next few years.
Again, thanks for your well wishes, it is deeply appreciated.....
Right now, I feel great, and hopefully this will make me a bit more comfortable over then next few years.
Again, thanks for your well wishes, it is deeply appreciated.....
Al
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Treasure Coast - Hutchinson Island, FL.
As our previous post explained, we were in Stuart Florida attending Trawler Fest, We stayed in the area for four days after the Fest in order to spec out different marinas in the area.
We had rented a condo for our week stay from a listing I found on Craig's List.
It was a beautiful place, located at the Island Beach Resort, in Jensen Beach on Hutchinson Island. It was oceanfront, had a pool and a laundry area, next door was a place called the High Tide Restaurant and Tiki Bar. It was just fantastic.
You can find it at: http://www.priceisrightatthebeach.com/
We lucked out, and were able to strike a deal with him and it saved us about 50% of his normal rates. We did this by booking it only 3 days in advance. Check his website for more info.
As I said, we were there to check out marinas....and we did find quite a few, like over 50 of them.
We narrowed it down to The Harborage Yacht Club & Marina in Stuart, The Fort Pierce City Marina and The Fisherman's Wharf Marina in Ft. Pierce, The Saint Lucie Marina in St. Lucie and Pirate's Cove Marina in Port Salerno, Florida.
All were quite beautiful.
We made a decision, that IF we were to move the boat south, we would stay at The Harborage Yacht Club & Marina in Stuart. It is a brand new marina will all the amenities we would want.
You can see it here: http://www.harborageyachtclub.com/harborage.html
We had rented a condo for our week stay from a listing I found on Craig's List.
It was a beautiful place, located at the Island Beach Resort, in Jensen Beach on Hutchinson Island. It was oceanfront, had a pool and a laundry area, next door was a place called the High Tide Restaurant and Tiki Bar. It was just fantastic.
You can find it at: http://www.priceisrightatthebeach.com/
We lucked out, and were able to strike a deal with him and it saved us about 50% of his normal rates. We did this by booking it only 3 days in advance. Check his website for more info.
As I said, we were there to check out marinas....and we did find quite a few, like over 50 of them.
We narrowed it down to The Harborage Yacht Club & Marina in Stuart, The Fort Pierce City Marina and The Fisherman's Wharf Marina in Ft. Pierce, The Saint Lucie Marina in St. Lucie and Pirate's Cove Marina in Port Salerno, Florida.
All were quite beautiful.
We made a decision, that IF we were to move the boat south, we would stay at The Harborage Yacht Club & Marina in Stuart. It is a brand new marina will all the amenities we would want.
You can see it here: http://www.harborageyachtclub.com/harborage.html
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Trawler Fest - Stuart, Florida
We arrived here on January 21st, leaving the -4 degree temps of upstate NY only to find it 39 degrees in southern Florida. Brrrrrrrrrr.
View from our condo....Sunrise on Jensen Beach
On the 22nd, opening day of Trawler Fest, temps got into the high 60's, but that was better than -4. By the next day, temps leveled out into the mid 70's for the remainder of the Fest. We stayed in the area for 4 extra days after the Trawler Fest, and everyday was sunny, and each day the temp rose a few degrees. By the 28th, the day we headed back to NY, the temp was 82 by 10 AM.
This was our first Trawler Fest, and all I can say is WOW. It was great.
We met so many wonderful people, both novices and experienced cruisers alike.
We also learned quite a bit. They had some seminars that both Dottie and I attended. I went to seminars regarding electrical and charging systems, diesel fuel and fuel polishing, and a diesel engine question & answer forum. Dottie went to seminars regarding medical emergencies aboard while cruising, and we both attened seminars on cruising the Down East Circle route and cruising the Florida Keys. All of the seminars were very well put together, and gave everyone a chance to ask whatever questions they chose.The venue for the Fest was the Marriott Hutchinson Island resort, and it was a great place. In today's world, you kinda forget what service is until you arrive at a place like this resort. It was excellent.
The "in-the-water" boat show was terrific. They had about 50 boats on display which you could go aboard and snoop around all you wanted without the pressure of sales people on your back.There were trawlers that ranged in size from 25' to 65' and in price from under $100K to well over $2.5 million.
We both wished we had a spare million or two to spend....LOL.
Their second largest boat, a 63' Ocean Reef Trawler did sell at the show....for $1.9 million, and the kicker was that the couple who bought that boat had never owned a boat before. What a way to start boating!! At the closing dinner reception, they introduced that couple, and some of the marine gear distributors gave them beautiful gifts to welcome them into the family of boating.
It was a great three days, and we would recommend to anyone that is interested in trawlers to attend one of their Trawler Fests.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Winter Blues
Not much to report this time of the year.
Our weather here has been cold...in fact, we are approaching about a 10 day run of lows into the single digits. It has snowed just about everyday since Christmas, not much.....
The marina is a "sea of blue".....shrinkwrap, that is!
As they say, there is "hope on the horizon".
Sodus Bay is solid ice now, and you can see a few ice fishermen out there. Not my cup of tea for sure. I always marvel how they drive their pick-up trucks out onto the ice.
Something about driving 3 tons of metal over 30 feet of water, and only 12 inches of ice that make me wonder.
Ice fishermen out on Sodus Bay
We are looking forward to heading down to Hutchinson Island, outside of Stuart Florida in a few days. We will be attending Passage Maker Magazine's "Trawler Fest". After Trawler Fest, we will probably head on down to the Keys for a little much deserved R & R.
I have been watching the temps in Florida the past few days, and they are experiencing a bit of a cold snap also, with lows in the mid 50's and highs in the mid 70's.....but that sure beats 2 degrees....which it is right now as I write this.
Keep Warm.....and dream of summer....it will be here shortly.
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