It's Thursday evening, and Chrissy and I, along with DJ, our trusted boat guru and friend (promise good pic of him is forthcoming) have spent the last 5 days getting the Hoot ready to go out again, to Boot Key and the Marathon City Marina.
Why things will be different and better this time.
-we learned a lot the last time out
-we have completely flushed the cooling system on the engine so now it runs cooler
-the Hoot now has a completely new house battery bank
-the Hoot has re-wired bilge pumps
-the Hoot now has a new pressure water pump
-the mainsail has been re-rigged and Chrissy and I have deployed it effortlessly, repeatedly
-the headsail damage was cosmetic so it's been put in workable order and a sailmaker is waiting for us at Boot Key.
-we're leaving before 8 am and will be riding a high tide out to the ocean.
-sailing conditions will be much milder tomorrow (5-10 kt winds)
-wind will be at our back and not at our face
-in short, perfect sailing conditions, except for possible chance of rain.
Chrissy and I have spent most of another week getting the boat ready for a short 15 mile trip, all in. Between the light winds out of the east, we should make it over there in 4-5 hours, unless we decide to stay out longer.
We'll post some photos on facebook along the way.
It's late and we've got an early wake-up tomorrow. We are so excited for the change of scenery. Boot Key Harbor, here we come!!
Sounds like you guys are off to an awesome start. Good winds and gentle seas my friend. Y'all have fun!
ReplyDeleteJust now reading this one on April 26. Hope all is well. anxious to hear from you. Steve and Diane
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