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.

After she was launched, I checked for leaks and found none, then we fired up the twin Perkins diesels, and after about 3 or 4 minutes of smoke....they ran like a charm.



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.

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.

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:

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.

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.....