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.....
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