S 13

Having had 2 nights sleep has put enough time between shakedown cruise II and now, that I can finally reduce it to words. It's a day that I hope never repeats itself and that I hope to never put us through again.

I have never considered myself particularly superstitious nor have I ever known Chrissy to be superstitious.

That said, I am more cautious than normal when a black cat crosses my path.  I do not make a habit of walking under open ladders.  I am careful when handling mirrors so as not to break one.  I would not walk on the chalk like on a baseball diamond if possible to avoid. I am not fond of any string of numbers that includes "666". And, I'm appreciative when airlines omit naming any row "13", and when hotels do not have a "13th" floor.  

Saturday morning started out like it was going to be a grand day. We planned to move exactly 5.4 miles (as the crow flies) west of here to the city marina offering us new elements of adventure, more services, and another, albeit small, step closer to heading home.

We had a relaxed breakfast and coffee, then each began working on unassigned duties that we knew had to be done to cast off.  High tide was at 12:30 so generally that would be departure time.

I began to work on the various things on the dock and topside--getting the floor boards back into our dinghy. This had been particularly difficult the first time we did it, but I was relieved that it did go much easier this time.  Our dinghy had now spent 2 nights in the water after the repairs we made, and we were particularly happy that it was holding air IN and water OUT.  This would be critical when we got to the mooring ball at the marina, since Ripple would be our "car" to get is from the Hoot to the marina to avail ourselves to their many services.  

Chrissy was busy below deck, having learned how much things shifted around on our first shakedown, and securing things for our short journey.  The coffee pot, tools, food, groceries all stowed away.  

I unplugged our electricity and water, readying for our departure, and cleaned up our dock area.  We fired up the engine which we hoped to use sporadically since it still is running "hot".

It seemed routine, we collectively did the tasks that needed to be done, and at approximately 12:30, we cast off the last dock line and made our way out of our canal for the last time.  We wouldn't miss the mosquitos, but the people here have been good to us and we were leaving familiar, if not particularly comfortable, surroundings.

As we motored the 1.5 mi or so down the narrow channel, we found ourselves with plenty of water given that we had "mastered" the tide tables now.  Chrissy went below and made soft drinks for the trip which I hoped would take us no more than 5 hours. Spirits ran high and we both smiled and waved at passing boats.

As we neared the end of the entry channel and the beginning of Hawk Channel, aka Atlantic Ocean, the breeze picked up and it was turning out to be a really nice day.  

      

We started to deploy our sails and the mainsail was jammed. As happy as we were to get it in on the last time out, it was disappointing that it wouldn't come out of the furler.  Not a big deal really and with the increasing breeze, the headsail would do fine, or so I thought. This learning curve is still reall steep.

As we moved into Hawk Channel, winds now reported at 12kts, increasing to 17 kts in a couple of hours. Excellent.  And, while the seas were higher than the last time out, forecast of 2-4 ft, the boat handled it easily.  

We rolled out the jib and we were sailing along at 3.5 - 4 kts.  Again this was encouraging.  

Chrissy made sandwiches for lunch and we enjoyed sailing for a half hour or so, relaxed, peaceful, serene.  It's a feeling so nice it's hard to describe, as you glide along with the only sound being the surf and the wind.  

One thing we had read about Irwin 37's, is that they do not sail well to wind.  So attempting to make 8-9 miles west, in a WNW wind, was actually not possible, considering we had no main.   It just took us a while to figure that out.  The more the wind blew, the harder it got to move up to the wind. We were covering a lot of ground, but with the current and having only the jib, we were making only slight progress to the west.  

The wind gradually strengthened and as it did, the boat became more difficult to steer.  With no mainsail to balance the boat out, the wind was pushing us around more than the rudder.  At times, we didn't have enough control of the boat to even tack and had to employ the engine just to change directions.  

The wind became stronger and the seas were the biggest we had been in this far.  At one point as we tried to start the engine, it wouldn't start!  Crap!  All of the sudden, it wasn't fun any more. 

The VHF radio was going off all afternoon with the coast guard announcing boats in distress.  Engine issues, health issues, boats taking on water.  It was frightening to say the least.  

All this time, I never left the wheel and Chrissy did everything out of the cockpit, including trying to zip tie a line that been ripped from the back edge of our only sail. 

       

Earlier she experimented with how long the line was out towing Ripple, finally deciding that the closer it was to the back of the boat, the better.

        

 At about 6:30, we decided to turn back and return to the Driftwood boatyard.  It wasn't a great option but it was an option. The problem was that we had no engine and we would be coming in at low tide.  

We contemplated dropping the anchor in shallower but unprotected water, but that didn't seem like a great option given the winds and seas. We also contemplated, and came close to calling the Boat US tow service.  We decided to try the engine once more and it started!  I had left the boat in gear the last time and that was why it wouldn't start.  We were so happy when it started!  

Chrissy took this photo just before we turned in.  Definitely not the chipper skipper from 6 or 7 hours ago.

The sun was setting and although each of us took sunset photos, we didn't really appreciate what a nice sunset we had until we looked at photos yesterday.

Still, it was very low tide and we weren't sure how long we could rely on the engine.  We needed it for about an hour and a half.  

We lined up on the channel to come in and had hoped to be able to sail some on the way in reducing how much we needed the engine but again the boat was unsteerable at low speed in the wind, unless the engine was pushing us. So the engine was just going to have to work.

As we started into the channel, the depth finders were both reporting levels that I  had never seen before.  The Hoot draws 4'6" of water.  We were getting readings in the low 4's, then down in the 3's. Dragging bottom.  Throttling up the engine to push us through, backing off when we got more water. Temp going up as we pushed her hard, going back down when I could back off.  This process repeated over and over for over  an hour of gut wrenching nail biting agonizing as darkness had settled on us in the channel. 

Chrissy readied the boat for docking.  We would dock straight into the wind and on the opposite side than we have been docked all this time.  She set up the dock lines.  She moved our dock cushions. She redied Ripple.  And then she helped me navigate a completely dark and shallow channel, no moonlight even because of the clouds. (She never asked and I never told her how shallow it was and how often we were dragging the soft bottom of the channel, but I think she knew every time I pushed the engine. She was everything you could ask for in a  sailing mate.  She gives me strength.

Sunset was at 7:40 and we arrived to the dock at 9:00. As we inched to the dock, she yelled that she had cast the lines onto the dock, boat in neutral, I hopped onto the dock and secured the bow line to the cleat, for the first time sure that this day was over.  I tied off the stern line and we were safely tied up.  I hopped aboard and gave Chrissy a big hug. We made it!!

In a matter of minutes, a nerve shot happy hour started as we settled our nerves from what had started so well but had turned into a very rough afternoon.  

Chrissy forced a smile at dinner but we both had very frazzled nerves.

Yesterday we took the day off and celebrated a quiet Easter. We had our steak dinner aboard the Hoot, but saved the champagne for another time. It was nice to relax and not work on any boat projects all day long.   We earned a day off!

Chrissy looked spectacular in her Easter dress and the memory of Saturday had become not so bad.

We shared a lot of laughs, a few glasses of wine, talked about all the lessons that we have learned and the things that we have to fix before we can get to shakedown III.

We had made a trip to the marina yesterday afternoon for a hot shower and to sit on a bench and just relax with a drink. 

The nice lady Ann from the marina had left an envelope with keys for us under an ash tray.   When we picked up the keys, it hit me.  

She knew it was our first time onto a mooring ball.  She knew we might be late arriving. She had reserved for us the absolute easiest spot to find, the easiest to get to....an end spot, the first one available to boats our size.  S  13.

S 13!  I'm not superstitious.

Good Friday

Well, today didn't go as planned or expected, but then again, we haven't had an "as expected" day yet.  Hopefully tomorrow will go closer to plan.  

The plan now it to head the Hoot straight out of this channel and to another local marina, about 5 miles away.  We'll probably enjoy some sailing before we head to the City Marina where we'll be on a mooring ball for the first time...no electricity, no water, just tied up to a mooring ball.  

       

Last night we worked until 1:00 am with our friend DJ to flush the cooling system.  He took off almost every hose and flushed every line.  This picture is one of the things that came out of it.  It's a big chunk of liquid gasket that was sloppily used to patch something at some time.  Hard to believe that was inside our engine, but nothing surprises us now.  Thankfully it's gone now but we still aren't running cool enough to rely on the engine for more than an hour or so. But it has become reliable to start at least and we're planning another flush of the fresh water side of the cooking system.

 

This morning we woke to no water pressure from the fresh water pump.  I'm hoping it's nothing more than a poor connection. We'll figure that out tomorrow but fortunately we have lots of other water on board.  It wouldn't be the first pump we've had to replace on the Hoot and it won't be the last.  That's one of tomorrow's mysteries. 

       

We spent the day getting the final provisions on the boat.  More Gatorade and some steaks to celebrate with tomorrow night.....hopefully!

Ripple the dinghy is now back in the water after all her repairs.  She's solid for now but none of this equipment lasts forever. 

        

Ramble on Rose, the desert rose boat plant, is watered, tethered and ready to move as well.

            

The highlight today was getting to play with the manatee.   She surprised us both with how friendly she was and how long she hung out with us, at least an hour.  Amazing what a little fresh water will get ya.  She kissed our boat, farted, laid on her back to drink in all the fresh water from our dock hose and basically just relaxed with us. She even seemed comfortable when I petted her belly. Wow!

       

Chrissy finished scrubbing up the rest of the deck. In 2 days she's made the boat spotless.  And, she's really good at finding places to store lots of stuff inside the boat.  Downstairs is ready!

Chrissy is a happy girl and we are both excited about tomorrow.  Getting to the marina should be pretty straight forward so we're hoping for a smoothe sail and calm seas.

          

We enjoyed a nice pizza dinner, left over from last night.  Again the grill is proving to be very reliable which we are thankful for.

        

So on this Good Friday, when we remember that our Lord and Savior died on a cross for us, we have much to be thankful for. The Hoot is ready to leave this dock.

More preparations

Recovering from a harrowing first shakedown cruise, Chrissy and I have spent the last 2 days readying the Hoot for Shakedown II and beyond.  I discovered a way to get some data out of our Garmin regarding the shakedown cruise.  We sailed / motored over 20 miles and averaged 2.5 kts while moving with a top speed of 5.9 kts. :-)

 

And for those interested, this was our track up and down the coast.

It makes me feel great to hear the encouragement that many of you have shared with us.  Excitement is building now at a steady pace.  We are figuring things out and if the cooling system flush goes as hoped, we will be ready.  Let's hope this stuff does a great job on the engine. 

We've replaced our Starting battery, 1200 amps of starting power now.  The old one had a dead cell and would not hold a charge so it was basically dead weight.  We have learned so much in the last few weeks, not the least of which is that we need good batteries.  

Once we aren't tethered to shore power any longer, this will be our only way to get fresh water from our tanks, have light, charge our electronics, and most of all, start the engine. So we don't feel too bad about buying a new battery, despite the cost. 

We also purchased new backup radiator cap and coolant.  That saved our bacon the last time out. Who knew? 

Chrissy is tidying up the boat and the smell of ammonia is a welcome addition to the normal boat smells, diesel, dampness, etc. 

We've also put a new coat of rubber on the bottom of our dinghy. Chrissy's hands tell the story.   She is one hard working and tough lady,  who's as determined as I am to get this boat sailing. 

We learned a new term a few days ago, "boat kisses".  Let's hope she doesn't get too many more of these nasty bruises.  

It was a good night last night as we enjoyed burgers and happy hour at the "Hoot Bar and Grill".  Both our stove and grill worked flawlessly so we are thankful for that.  The full moon was amazing last night and we enjoyed the moon-lit sky and reflected on our adventure ahead.  The Home Depot bucket pretty much sums up the way we're feeling. 

As we get prepared to shove off from here for good, we made a big run to Publix to fully provision the boat. We are as stocked as the Hoot will allow. Breakfast foods, soda, fruit juices, water, canned food, snacks, beer and wine etc.  everything that you can imagine needing. You would think we were making a big ocean passage...lol.  One thing for sure (and very few things on this adventure are for SURE), we will not starve to death.  We've eliminated that possibility. Nor are we likely to miss too many happy hours.  

We are so ready to be gone from here, but we will miss Marathon in a lot of ways.  One thing that we have enjoyed seeing is the Wyland mural painted on the front of the K-Mart. It truly is amazing!

Shakedown Cruise

We started the day really excited about the possibility of getting off the dock...finally...after 3 weeks of work getting the Hoot ready to go out.  Chrissy  loaded the life jackets with the CO2 cartridges, attached a couple of other things that we hope we'll never need.  

She put the finishing touches on our boat registration letters/numbers so we would be street legal.  

After our first night without being connected to shore power, we learned that our Starting battery was not up to snuff, but our house batteries would suffice for the day. 

Under perfect conditions, we carefully motored through the tight and barely-deep-enough channel.  The engine settled in running a little hot, but steady.  As we finally made our way to water deep enough that we didn't have to hold our breath, we unfurled the jib and we were in a moment, motor sailing. 

       

After a few minutes enjoying how well it was going so far, I decided to unfurl the mainsail.  You see, the Hoot has a very nifty roller furling mainsail. However, getting the sail in and out is tricky and  I jammed it on the way out, about half way out...I knew that wasn't good but also that it wasn't going to ruin our day.

           

As I worked to un-jam the main, Chrissy yelled at me looking terrified.....honey, is that smoke coming out of the cabin?    OMG, yes, we had smoke coming from inside the cabin.  Quickly we shut off the engine, now VERY HOT, and I went below to see if I was going to have to use a fire extinguisher.  Opening the engine compartment I see immediately that the radiator cap is gone and all the coolant has boiled out all over the engine and into the bilge.  Wow, we were in deep trouble.

We collected ourselves, sailing along now with a jammed mainsail and an out of commission engine.  Shakedown cruise was working. 

We got the mainsail in after getting all the pressure off of it pointing into the wind.   If necessary, and if things went just right, we could sail back in with no engine and the jib.  

I remember seeing a spare radiator cap in one of the boat compartments and Chrissy remembered seeing a gallon of engine coolant (unopened as it turns out). 

After letting the engine completely cool down, we filled it back up with coolant, put the new (spare) radiator cap on, and crossed our fingers that she would start.  I need a miracle now!   And yes, miraculously, she fired right up. Holy @€#%!  Tragedy averted!

Decided to save the engine until we needed her to dock and proceeded to sail up and down the coast for the next few hours until out tide window was better, and hoping to beat the sunset!  

Things went perfectly from there although the  water was shallower than when we went out. We held our breath a lot as the reading on the depth finder was less than our draft.  But, we made it through, We got her docked, tied up and were welcomed back by the Mosquitos and no-see-ins who must have been afraid that we would never return. 

Today, we begin to work on the issues that our shakedown cruise, shook out.  It was a chapter in our adventure that neither of us will ever forget.  Yet confidence is high that we will be under sail soon headed for home and the beach that we're missing.  

Never leave home without a spare radiator cap and spare coolant.  

Ramble on rose...

John has a MUCH greener thumb than I do.  That's a true fact. 

I'm kinda what they call the "plant hospice worker".  I buy plants and then ease them into their deaths. 

Today as we were wheeling into the Marathon Home Depot, he says to me "let's pick out a boat plant."  

So, in we go... I'm surveying the aisles for my next "victim" and he's happily chatting with the nursery guru about what would thrive on our boating environment.  

I have to say, this Home Depot had some really beautiful and tropical plants. 

I loved the sunflowers... But a 12' plant probably wouldn't survive rocking and rolling over the waves.

The succulents caught my eye too.  They can sometimes withstand my errant ways.  Little water, no attention.

John kept looking until he found just the perfect new addition to our boat. 

It's called a desert rose.  The nice lady at Home Depot went ahead and repotted her for us, so she is ready to go!

We named her "Ramble on Rose".  I think she'll do well... As long as John is at the helm!