4/28/2008
218PM
I recieved an email from a reader this morning. He had an inquiry about using the Interlux paint, Perfection we used on the Patricia Ann. I responded to him and then thought some of you might have similar questions regarding using a two part paint.
Hi Mike,
Enjoyed your site. I am in the process of restoring a 35' Contender that was damaged in Hurricane Jean. It sits behind my house in south Florida on a trailer so I have access to it everyday. Most of the work has been done but now I have been working on painting the topcoat.
I first tried to do the roll & tip of Interlux Perfection and was unhappy with the brush marks felt behind, then I borrowed a compressor and all the accessories and have been experimenting with hatches etc. in the garage. I don't like how it has come out as I am getting a dry look on the finish. Have changed flow rates, pressure etc. and I am very frustrated with the outcome and effort involved with spraying. So, now I am back to roll & tipping, would like to do this weekend.
I was originally doing in direct sunlight as I had no choice but this time I will construct a tarp over the boat to avoid the fast drying of the direct sunlight. I think this was my problem for the streaks. Did you get a nice gloss streak-free finish doing it outside? Did you cover the boat at all? Since you did it in Florida, did you use much thinner in the final mixture ratio?
I am doing the top deck, I guess I will start at the Port rear, go down the side, come around the front and down the starboard side to the rear. If I started in the front, I would have to stop on either the port or starboard side to finish the other side to avoid the drying at the wet edge. Any suggestions are appreciated, doing this by myself. I will send you pictures if you can receive attachments of sizable pdf's where you are.
Doug
Hi Doug,
Glad you like my websites and find them helpful. Now with regard to spaying, the biggest problem with that is typically over spray. The airborne paint dries and settles onto the work, giving a dull, grainy to the touch finish. You generally need good mechanical ventilation to be successful.
Now on to roll and tip. I have achieved very high gloss finishes almost every time I've painted. I've had problems which I'll speak of shortly. I've painted in direct sunlight here in Florida with very good results. Here is how I have done it.
Now before you decide to paint you want to check on the humidity. As I have found out the hard way, humidity is the biggest problem you will face. I alway check the humidity to make sure its 75% or less before I start. I have a weather instrument on my boat so I know what it is at boat.
In addition, you want to make sure you are done before about 1PM. I like to use a window of 10AM - 1PM to apply paint. Applying afterwards runs a risk of evening dew spoiling your work before the paint sufficiently hardens. If dew settles on the paint, it will dry flat, with no gloss at all.
Always mix only enough paint to use in 3 hours or less. I always mix 8 oz of paint which after adding catalyst and thinner, you have plenty to work with. Next, mix according to Perfection instructions except I thin with solvent 2333N up to 20% when its hot outside. Thinning more than the directions gives the paint a much better flow. You may have to add some more after an hour or so when it evaporates.
Be sure to apply with a good foam roller. I use the Lowes 4" type which does fine. Use a very good natural brush to tip with. Your paint should flow out easily being careful not to take on too big an area; I like a 24" x 24" area to work with.
In addition, be sure to keep a wet edge meaning do not drag brush back over applied paint, always working forward. When tipping, use care not to apply much pressure rather drag brush tip through paint to eliminate bubbles. Paint should immediately flow out with smooth level coat.
You'll need to apply two coats as one will not do the trick its so thin. The direct sun should not give you much of a problem. You should have about 4 hours until drying begins. I hope I've been some help to you. If you have more question, I'll be glad to answer more.
Mike
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
More Magma Grill Improvements
4/27/2008
12:48AM
Hi folks,
Summers upon us again...86 outside today.....air conditioning running inside. Mary's out getting a little sun.
We had to buy a new Magma Catalina recently...the old one had cooked all of the ribs it was going to I suppose. I got to have those ribs..:)
Well anyway, I declared that I was going to be better at cleaning the new one and so far, I have been.
I came up with a better way to catch the excess grease that drips from those ribs. At the base of the grill there is a removable grease catch tray. If you just let the drippings fill up the tray, you'll have a mess on your hands I figured. So I placed a double square of aluminum foil in the tray and then the best part...cut a piece of oil absorbent cloth to fit. I used the same thing that you use in your engine room.
Yesterday, I cleaned the grill with an oven cleaner which works good, and disposed of the oil absorbent cloth. It was saturated with weeks of grilling. The good news, it worked; none of the grease dripped onto the Patricia Ann's swim platform or stern. The absorbent and aluminum foil is a quick and easy cleanup too.
Oh, and one more thing. When you get a new Catalina, there is a grease deflector that mounts over the burner. It's supposed to prevent flareups. Don't use it. I left mine off just to see what would happen, and yes, it works better. When you use the defector, grease actually collects on it causing flare ups. If you do not use it, the grease drips onto the burner and immediately burns away. I've grilled chickens, ribs, steaks and have yet to have the flare ups I did when I was using it.
I keep thinking..should I go into the grill buisness?
Fair winds,
Mike
12:48AM
Hi folks,
Summers upon us again...86 outside today.....air conditioning running inside. Mary's out getting a little sun.
We had to buy a new Magma Catalina recently...the old one had cooked all of the ribs it was going to I suppose. I got to have those ribs..:)
Well anyway, I declared that I was going to be better at cleaning the new one and so far, I have been.
I came up with a better way to catch the excess grease that drips from those ribs. At the base of the grill there is a removable grease catch tray. If you just let the drippings fill up the tray, you'll have a mess on your hands I figured. So I placed a double square of aluminum foil in the tray and then the best part...cut a piece of oil absorbent cloth to fit. I used the same thing that you use in your engine room.
Yesterday, I cleaned the grill with an oven cleaner which works good, and disposed of the oil absorbent cloth. It was saturated with weeks of grilling. The good news, it worked; none of the grease dripped onto the Patricia Ann's swim platform or stern. The absorbent and aluminum foil is a quick and easy cleanup too.
Oh, and one more thing. When you get a new Catalina, there is a grease deflector that mounts over the burner. It's supposed to prevent flareups. Don't use it. I left mine off just to see what would happen, and yes, it works better. When you use the defector, grease actually collects on it causing flare ups. If you do not use it, the grease drips onto the burner and immediately burns away. I've grilled chickens, ribs, steaks and have yet to have the flare ups I did when I was using it.
I keep thinking..should I go into the grill buisness?
Fair winds,
Mike
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Renaming Your New Boat
4/19,2008
7:43AM
Sometimes buyers of used boats never think about her new name until it was time to complete the documentation paperwork. I offer some guidance on how to avoid the curse of Neptune. After all, we can't take any chances.
I used the following article's guidance when I renamed the Patricia Ann and thought, if it worked for me, it will work for others.
I was very theatrical standing on her bow, having gathered a large crowd for the event. It was a hoot!
Superstition got you down? John Vigor offers tips for renaming your boat and keeping it lucky
By John Vigor
I once knew a man in Florida who told me he'd owned 24 different yachts and renamed every single one of them."Did it bring you bad luck?" I asked."Not that I'm aware of," he said. "You don't believe in those old superstitions, do you?"Well, yes. Matter of fact, I do. And I'm not alone.
Actually, it's not so much being superstitious as being v-e-r-y careful. It's an essential part of good seamanship.Some years ago, when I wanted to change the name of my newly purchased 31-foot sloop from Our Way to Freelance, I searched for a formal "denaming ceremony" to wipe the slate clean in preparation for the renaming. I read all the books, but I couldn't find one. What I did learn, though, was that such a ceremony should consist of five parts: an invocation, an expression of gratitude, a supplication, a re-dedication and a libation. So I wrote my own short ceremony: Vigor's inter-denominational denaming ceremony. It worked perfectly.
Freelance carried me and my family many thousands of deep-sea miles both north and south of the equator, and we enjoyed good luck all the way. I used the same ceremony after that to change the name of my Santana 22 from Zephyr to Tagati, a Zulu word that means "magic" or "bewitched."I'll give you the exact wording of Vigor's denaming ceremony, but first you must remove all physical traces of the boat's old name. Take the old log book ashore, along with any other papers that bear the old name. Check for offending books and charts with the name inscribed. Be ruthless. Sand away the old name from the lifebuoys, transom, topsides, dinghy, and oars. Yes, sand it away. Painting over is not good enough. You're dealing with gods here, you understand, not mere dumb mortals. If the old name is carved or etched, try to remove it or, at the very minimum, fill it with putty and then paint it over.
And don't place the new name anywhere on the boat before the denaming ceremony is carried out. That's just tempting fate.
How you conduct the ceremony depends entirely on you. If you're the theatrical type, and enjoy appearing in public in your yacht club blazer and skipper's cap, you can read it with flair on the foredeck before a gathering of distinguished guests. But if you find this whole business faintly silly and embarrassing, and only go along with it because you're scared to death of what might happen if you don't, you can skulk down below and mumble it on your own. That's perfectly OK. The main thing is that you carry it out. The words must be spoken.
I compromised by sitting in Tagati's cockpit with the written-out ceremony folded into a newspaper, so that any passerby would think I was just reading the news to my wife, sitting opposite. Enough people think I'm nuts already. Even my wife has doubts. The last part of the ceremony, the libation, must be performed at the bow, just as it is in a naming ceremony.
There are two things to watch out for here. Don't use cheap-cheap champagne, and don't try to keep any for yourself. Buy a second bottle if you want some. Use a brew that's reasonably expensive, based on your ability to pay, and pour the whole lot on the boat. One of the things the gods of the sea despise most is meanness, so don't try to do this bit on the cheap.What sort of time period should elapse between this denaming ceremony and a new naming ceremony? There's no fixed time. You can do the renaming right after the denaming, if you want, but I personally would prefer to wait at least 24 hours to give any lingering demons a chance to clear out. Afterwards you can pop the cork, shake the bottle and spray the whole of the contents on the bow.
When that's done, you can quietly go below and enjoy the other bottle yourself. Incidentally, I had word from a friend that the Florida yachtsman I mentioned earlier had lost his latest boat, a 22-foot trailer-sailer. Sailed her into an overhead power line. Fried her. She burned to the waterline. Bad luck? Not exactly.He and his crew escaped unhurt. He was just very careless. He renamed her, as usual, without bothering to perform Vigor's famous interdenominational denaming ceremony. And this time, at long last, he got what he deserved.
Vigor's Denaming Ceremony "
In the name of all who have sailed aboard this ship in the past, and in the name of all who may sail aboard her in the future, we invoke the ancient gods of the wind and the sea to favor us with their blessing today."Mighty Neptune, king of all that moves in or on the waves; and mighty Aeolus (pronounced EE-oh-lus), guardian of the winds and all that blows before them:"We offer you our thanks for the protection you have afforded this vessel in the past. We voice our gratitude that she has always found shelter from tempest and storm and enjoyed safe passage to port."Now, wherefore, we submit this supplication, that the name whereby this vessel has hitherto been known _____, be struck and removed from your records."Further, we ask that when she is again presented for blessing with another name, she shall be recognized and shall be accorded once again the selfsame privileges she previously enjoyed."In return for which, we rededicate this vessel to your domain in full knowledge that she shall be subject as always to the immutable laws of the gods of the wind and the sea."In consequence whereof, and in good faith, we seal this pact with a libation offered according to the hallowed ritual of the sea."
Christening Ceremony
After a boat is denamed, you simply need to rename it using the traditional christening ceremony, preferably with Queen Elizabeth breaking a bottle of champagne on the bow, and saying the words:
"I name this ship ___________, and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail on her."
This article was taken from Good Old Boat Magazine, Volume 2, Number 4, July/August 1999 and BOATUS.com
7:43AM
Sometimes buyers of used boats never think about her new name until it was time to complete the documentation paperwork. I offer some guidance on how to avoid the curse of Neptune. After all, we can't take any chances.
I used the following article's guidance when I renamed the Patricia Ann and thought, if it worked for me, it will work for others.
I was very theatrical standing on her bow, having gathered a large crowd for the event. It was a hoot!
Superstition got you down? John Vigor offers tips for renaming your boat and keeping it lucky
By John Vigor
I once knew a man in Florida who told me he'd owned 24 different yachts and renamed every single one of them."Did it bring you bad luck?" I asked."Not that I'm aware of," he said. "You don't believe in those old superstitions, do you?"Well, yes. Matter of fact, I do. And I'm not alone.
Actually, it's not so much being superstitious as being v-e-r-y careful. It's an essential part of good seamanship.Some years ago, when I wanted to change the name of my newly purchased 31-foot sloop from Our Way to Freelance, I searched for a formal "denaming ceremony" to wipe the slate clean in preparation for the renaming. I read all the books, but I couldn't find one. What I did learn, though, was that such a ceremony should consist of five parts: an invocation, an expression of gratitude, a supplication, a re-dedication and a libation. So I wrote my own short ceremony: Vigor's inter-denominational denaming ceremony. It worked perfectly.
Freelance carried me and my family many thousands of deep-sea miles both north and south of the equator, and we enjoyed good luck all the way. I used the same ceremony after that to change the name of my Santana 22 from Zephyr to Tagati, a Zulu word that means "magic" or "bewitched."I'll give you the exact wording of Vigor's denaming ceremony, but first you must remove all physical traces of the boat's old name. Take the old log book ashore, along with any other papers that bear the old name. Check for offending books and charts with the name inscribed. Be ruthless. Sand away the old name from the lifebuoys, transom, topsides, dinghy, and oars. Yes, sand it away. Painting over is not good enough. You're dealing with gods here, you understand, not mere dumb mortals. If the old name is carved or etched, try to remove it or, at the very minimum, fill it with putty and then paint it over.
And don't place the new name anywhere on the boat before the denaming ceremony is carried out. That's just tempting fate.
How you conduct the ceremony depends entirely on you. If you're the theatrical type, and enjoy appearing in public in your yacht club blazer and skipper's cap, you can read it with flair on the foredeck before a gathering of distinguished guests. But if you find this whole business faintly silly and embarrassing, and only go along with it because you're scared to death of what might happen if you don't, you can skulk down below and mumble it on your own. That's perfectly OK. The main thing is that you carry it out. The words must be spoken.
I compromised by sitting in Tagati's cockpit with the written-out ceremony folded into a newspaper, so that any passerby would think I was just reading the news to my wife, sitting opposite. Enough people think I'm nuts already. Even my wife has doubts. The last part of the ceremony, the libation, must be performed at the bow, just as it is in a naming ceremony.
There are two things to watch out for here. Don't use cheap-cheap champagne, and don't try to keep any for yourself. Buy a second bottle if you want some. Use a brew that's reasonably expensive, based on your ability to pay, and pour the whole lot on the boat. One of the things the gods of the sea despise most is meanness, so don't try to do this bit on the cheap.What sort of time period should elapse between this denaming ceremony and a new naming ceremony? There's no fixed time. You can do the renaming right after the denaming, if you want, but I personally would prefer to wait at least 24 hours to give any lingering demons a chance to clear out. Afterwards you can pop the cork, shake the bottle and spray the whole of the contents on the bow.
When that's done, you can quietly go below and enjoy the other bottle yourself. Incidentally, I had word from a friend that the Florida yachtsman I mentioned earlier had lost his latest boat, a 22-foot trailer-sailer. Sailed her into an overhead power line. Fried her. She burned to the waterline. Bad luck? Not exactly.He and his crew escaped unhurt. He was just very careless. He renamed her, as usual, without bothering to perform Vigor's famous interdenominational denaming ceremony. And this time, at long last, he got what he deserved.
Vigor's Denaming Ceremony "
In the name of all who have sailed aboard this ship in the past, and in the name of all who may sail aboard her in the future, we invoke the ancient gods of the wind and the sea to favor us with their blessing today."Mighty Neptune, king of all that moves in or on the waves; and mighty Aeolus (pronounced EE-oh-lus), guardian of the winds and all that blows before them:"We offer you our thanks for the protection you have afforded this vessel in the past. We voice our gratitude that she has always found shelter from tempest and storm and enjoyed safe passage to port."Now, wherefore, we submit this supplication, that the name whereby this vessel has hitherto been known _____, be struck and removed from your records."Further, we ask that when she is again presented for blessing with another name, she shall be recognized and shall be accorded once again the selfsame privileges she previously enjoyed."In return for which, we rededicate this vessel to your domain in full knowledge that she shall be subject as always to the immutable laws of the gods of the wind and the sea."In consequence whereof, and in good faith, we seal this pact with a libation offered according to the hallowed ritual of the sea."
Christening Ceremony
After a boat is denamed, you simply need to rename it using the traditional christening ceremony, preferably with Queen Elizabeth breaking a bottle of champagne on the bow, and saying the words:
"I name this ship ___________, and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail on her."
This article was taken from Good Old Boat Magazine, Volume 2, Number 4, July/August 1999 and BOATUS.com
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Long Distance Boat Buying - Part 7
4/17/2008
12:10PM
Well we are now in Ft. Lauderdale at the Harbor Towne Marina. This morning the weather forecast was not good so we took the Intracoastal Waterway route. Loading is not until Sunday so Mary's on the way down to make a long weekend out of it. The temperature is nice out side; must be in mid 80s.
View of Miami
Many drawbridges along the way.
The marina is just across the way from Broward Yachts. There are just a few of those baby's there.
12:10PM
Well we are now in Ft. Lauderdale at the Harbor Towne Marina. This morning the weather forecast was not good so we took the Intracoastal Waterway route. Loading is not until Sunday so Mary's on the way down to make a long weekend out of it. The temperature is nice out side; must be in mid 80s.
View of Miami
Many drawbridges along the way.
The passage through Miami and into Ft. Lauderdale is interesting actually; reminds me of Venice with homes right up to the waters edge.
The marina is just across the way from Broward Yachts. There are just a few of those baby's there.I'm going to get to cleaning the Meridian before Mary gets here.
So basically the trips over. I doubt I'll get any photos of loading her as I hand over the boat to the shipping company along side the ship. I board the ship by ladder. May be difficult with a camera in hand but we'll see.
Till next time.
Mike
Long Distance Boat Buying - Part 6
4/17/2008
5:30AM
Yesterday was a long day.
We left Marco Island, FL at daylight, a little after 7:00 AM. I have a photo here of the Snook Inn that I spoke about in the last posting. Great place.
The seas were still rough with 4-6 footers coming out of the NE. The wind still was 20-25 knots. We had to venture further out into the Gulf so we didn't have the luxury of calm seas. The good thing was that we had a following sea. The boat performed quite well but could only muster about 16 knots. I made us a pot of coffee earlier and placed it into a thermos as going down below was miserable.
We passed Cape Sable, Florida's southern most tip around 10:30 AM. This marks the entrance into the Keys. The water flattened out to a light chop making 20 knots possible. We cleared Channel 5 about 11:30 AM and turned to the North in Hawks Channel.
We decided to top off the fuel tanks one last time to make a our final run into Miami. We stopped at the famed Holiday Isle Marina. And NO, for those of you that know this place, there were NO naked people on the sand bar.
We topped off the tanks and left the marina in record time. I prepared some lunch to eat while underway.You have to love those green and blue waters of the Florida Keys, they are almost breathtaking. You can see the bottom in the lighter green areas. The first time you see this from a boat, it makes you a bit nervous; but it was still 15-30 foot deep..
Once we passed Key Largo things changed dramatically. The NE seas again built to 4-6 footers, maybe even larger. This time were were heading directly into those seas.
Life aboard turned somewhat difficult trying to stand up or just hold on. We had about 3 hours of this to endure before landfall.
The wind was blowing at least 25 knots. Occasionally the boat would dip between waves throwing green water over the top of the fly bridge, creating a momentary white-out.
Thank goodness for the isinglass windscreen. It kept us dry.
We could manage only about 15 knots as that's all we would push the boat so not to harm her in those heavy seas.
But she performed like a champ, never hesitating the first time.
Captain Todd did most of the operating of the Meridian. He's got over 25 years operating large boats, now his job is a full-time delivery skipper. He moves boats for owners, dealers and manufactures. He also has a radio show in St. Petersburg; catch him at http://www.thefishindudes.com/
Welcome to Miami Beach.We rolled into Miami Beach at 5:30 PM, tired, covered with salt and weary after a full day on the water.
After a nice dinner of Mahi at a local watering hole, it was time for some shut eye.I didn't even check my email. My was it good to sleep.
Today, NOAA is predicting 6-8 footers building to 7-9 this afternoon. We've got one more leg to Ft. Lauderdale to go.Stay tuned.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Long Distance Boat Buying - Part 5
4/15/20089:15PM
Well, last night's sleeping was miserable. I tossed and turned all night as the boat pitched and weaved in her slip. The wind was howling and I felt it. The waves slapped on her stern all night long. I guess I finally went to sleep some time.
Captain Todd Wood arrived at about 5:45 AM to assist me in moving her. We got away from the docks at about 6:45 AM and proceeded to the inlet.
Problem!
After multiple attempts to get her on plane, she just would not do it; about 10 knots is all she would do. We quickly decided it had to be the bottom. When a boat gets barnacles or other growth on her bottom, it impedes her ability to move; the Southern Serenity had been almost 4 weeks with out a diver on her. We had two choices, fine a diver or a yard to haul her.
Captain Todd, being local , knew a yard manger and made a call. Come on in and they would haul us immediately they said. When she was hauled, yes, the problem was obvious. For you new boat buyers, always remember that a boat in salt water will required diving on the bottom every 1-2 months to remove growth from the bottom and/or running gear. Barnacles love to make boat bottoms their homes.
2-1/2 hours later we were back in the water. It was now 9:30 AM. Back in the water she planned up to speed at 22 knots...perfect. But the water was really sloppy with the winds coming out of the North.
The winds had shifted,however slightly to the NE last night so we took advantage of that and kept close to the beach as we ran south in the Gulf. The forecast was for 5-7 foot seas, but we had 3-4 at the worst when we kept in our trough.
We made a quick stop in Venice, Florida for some fuel ( the NASCAR boys would be proud), and left immediately . If time would allow, we would run all the way to the Keys so we had to be topped off.
At 5:30 we pulled into Marco Island for the night. After taking on more fuel, we decided that we had 2-1/2 hours of daylight left at best. We could not make the Keys before dark. The boat ran perfect all day long.
Since it was a long time since lunch, Todd recommended a waterfront restaurant not far away, the Snook Inn. A sort cab ride took us their. I got a call on my cell from a buddy in Virginia, Dave Becker. He visits Marco Island every year and could not actually believe I was there. To prove I was I went up to the entertainer on stage and asked him to speak to Dave on the cell as well as pose with me for the Snook Inn web cam. Dave loved seeing me and Todd there. You can view the webcams at http://www.snookinn.com/. Get there early and you may see me pass by on camera 2.
Oh, and the food was spectacular too.
It's 6AM and the coffees on. We'll be underway in about 45 minutes.
PS - I slept like a baby last night.
Later,
Mike
Monday, April 14, 2008
Long Distance Boat Buying - Part 4
4/14/2008
4:00PM
Well, I made St. Petersburg on Monday without trouble. The wind was howling at about 25 knots out of the north. Sea are forecast for tomorrow at 5-7 feet. Ouch, not good. I'll check them again in the morning.
I provisioned at the grocery store for cold cuts and things to take us to Ft. Lauderdale. You have to eat of course. The turn-nofthe rental took a bit too long buat at least they gave me a ride back to the boat.
I came back to the boat and got her all stowed away, filled up with water and made sure all the engine oil levels were OK. I rechecked the instruments and electronics to be sure all was well.
Mike
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Long Distance Boat Buying - Part 3
4/12/2008
9:50 AM
Good morning all,
I've finally resolved the movement of the Meridian Motor yacht to Ft. Lauderdale for shipment to Singapore. The trip will be fast so Mary has decided not to participate. I've hired a Captain to assist me and we'll do the trip in just under three days.
As you may not know, Lake Okeechobee is still closed to to low water. We will be departing St. Petersburg FL on Monday taking the Gulf route through the Florida Straits to the Keys and proceeding up Hawks Channel.
I'll be taking my camera to document the trip for the boat's owner in Singapore so he can "follow" us along the way. I'll post some here as well so stay tuned.
Mike
9:50 AM
Good morning all,
I've finally resolved the movement of the Meridian Motor yacht to Ft. Lauderdale for shipment to Singapore. The trip will be fast so Mary has decided not to participate. I've hired a Captain to assist me and we'll do the trip in just under three days.
As you may not know, Lake Okeechobee is still closed to to low water. We will be departing St. Petersburg FL on Monday taking the Gulf route through the Florida Straits to the Keys and proceeding up Hawks Channel.
I'll be taking my camera to document the trip for the boat's owner in Singapore so he can "follow" us along the way. I'll post some here as well so stay tuned.
Mike
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Boats and the Economy
4/8/2008
6:45PM
Hello folks,
I've been away for several weeks without writing, please excuse me. A trip to Ruskin FL, Cape Coral FL, two to St. Petersburg FL and two to Hilton Head SC, all in the past 10 days. Used boats are showing fast and furious, with buyers still out there. I've got a sea trial tomorrow and will make an offer on another boat tomorrow. Sellers are also coming forth with some pretty good merchandise.
Now for you boat shoppers out there, I've yet to come across a bargain basement blowout deal....sellers ain't giving away their boats. If you want a good boat, you gotta pay for it.
The recent poll was completed this week with 55% of you saying the economy isn't affecting your boating dreams. That comes as no surprise to me. Real boaters do what they love and find a way regardless of what NBC or CBS says about the economy. You know, I heard a man on the radio ask " the economy is only as bad as you make it. How is your personal economy?" I thought about that and had to say, the Dickens boat is doing pretty good. Good food and drink, want for nothing...not too bad!
We just found a problem with the starboard shaft log but that's to be a story in it self later. We've got to pull her out to get some repairs and I'll keep you posted on that too.
I'll be back soon,
Mike
6:45PM
Hello folks,
I've been away for several weeks without writing, please excuse me. A trip to Ruskin FL, Cape Coral FL, two to St. Petersburg FL and two to Hilton Head SC, all in the past 10 days. Used boats are showing fast and furious, with buyers still out there. I've got a sea trial tomorrow and will make an offer on another boat tomorrow. Sellers are also coming forth with some pretty good merchandise.
Now for you boat shoppers out there, I've yet to come across a bargain basement blowout deal....sellers ain't giving away their boats. If you want a good boat, you gotta pay for it.
The recent poll was completed this week with 55% of you saying the economy isn't affecting your boating dreams. That comes as no surprise to me. Real boaters do what they love and find a way regardless of what NBC or CBS says about the economy. You know, I heard a man on the radio ask " the economy is only as bad as you make it. How is your personal economy?" I thought about that and had to say, the Dickens boat is doing pretty good. Good food and drink, want for nothing...not too bad!
We just found a problem with the starboard shaft log but that's to be a story in it self later. We've got to pull her out to get some repairs and I'll keep you posted on that too.
I'll be back soon,
Mike
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