Some things to know

Boats- the type you choose is a big consideration.  Most of the Loopers (boats cruising the Great Loop or any part of it) we connected with had power boats a bit larger than ours.  Ours being 33 ft motor sailor with masts down, and 10ft 2 in width.  Some of the power boats, trawler style,  were from 36' to one we met from Marathon, Fl. a live aboard, at 58 ft, a bit larger than they had anticipated, to a 48 ft live aboard.  These couples no longer own land homes, their boats are their homes.  A little scary for me at present although, I would like to perhaps have a 36' ft trawler on the intercoastal down south.  And there were a few hard core sailing people making the Great Loop in their 40 some feet sailboats. One couple we met were from Finland and sailed to the US from there to travel the Great Loop.

Coming from South Coast Massachusetts down to NYC, there are many coves and tucked in harbors and marinas to spend the night, not much in anchorage or moorings. Many along the way to NYC charge from $2.50-3.50 a foot for dock space. We had to tuck into some of them as our weather beginning the trip was not ideal- much rain, wind, and high seas. We were able to get  free moorings with the town of Fort Washington in Manhasset Harbor but is was too windy and wavy for me that day so chose to go into a dock.  You can anchor behind the Statue of Liberty if the waters aren't too busy.
As you journey farther up the Hudson River you can find Anchorage and Moorings at least 50, 60 miles from the Statue. There are many areas to tie in the Canals or at a Lock with nice parks you can be on land for a while. 2017 is an Anniversary for New York so the NY State canal system is not charging for canal travel and tie up.

Marinas- Many of the larger and better equipped Marinas, especially on the Hudson River,  are very familiar with Loopers and welcome them. The boats traveling the Great Loop or any portion of it Triangle, Champlain Canal Loop, will spend $$$ for supplies, groceries, any boat repairs, restaurants, laundry, fuel, pump outs, at the Marinas with these conveniences. The dock fees range from$2.25/ft to less than $3.00/ft plus a few $$$ for electric. on Hudson River Marinas as you get up the river about 50 miles.  Sometimes the dock fee is worth it if you have been traveling 6-7 hours a day for a few days,  and need a shower and laundry, or a meal you did not prepare on a boat. Stay tuned for the Hudson River and the NYState Canals

East River around the Battery and up the Hudson

I know why it is called the Battery.  You get battered around by all sizes of boats, waves from the boats, tides, wind, and ebb and flood currents from the tides.  That is a mouthful and a boatload of obstacles to maneuver around. The weather was not the best, cloudy, though no rain, and some wind.
We started out from Port Washington, LI about 10:00 am so we could catch the currents at ebb on the East River from Hell's Gate- which is about the middle of a 14 mile run from Throg's Neck Bridge to Manhattan (the Battery). Eldridge's Tide and Current Book start at the Bridge 2 hours after low tide at the Battery. We had to calculate the low tide, 2 hours, and our speed getting to the bridge and Hell's Gate to figure how to travel with the ebb currents or fair current in East River the last 1/2 of the 14 miles. Ebb currents can work in your favor, carrying you 2-3 knots faster than your normal cruising speed. Catching the wrong current can put you up to that much slower than normal.  We tried to time our trip around Manhattan for flood currents in the Hudson River. That didn't quite work in our favor, but not too bad. To see Manhattan (NYC) from the water is something to behold!! The skyline mixing old architecture with new modernistic is incredible and a little weird.  There are many buildings higher than the Empire State Building especially the new 911 structure in downtown Manhattan. From the west end of the East River you can see the Statue of Liberty in all her magesty at the base of the city. Anchor behind it or moor in Liberty Park, on the New Jersey side.  We dodged tour boats, cruise boats, small and large, and many other boats, including Looper boats such as ourselves going up the Hudson to the Canals.  I am learning there are different routes(loops) to take on this journey.  Heading up the Hudson River was a challenge, with all the boats and the current not always with us. It wasn't against us that much, just chugging along.  We recognized other Loop boats we had seen or docked with earlier. Next blog-- journeying up the Hudson River with other Loopers and other routes to take.


From afar
 



New vs Old
 





Stuck with the Weather.

We thought April showers bring May flowers.  Apparently not true according to the weather guy upstairs.  Just a challenge to my (Suzan) seaworthiness.  Started out last Wednesday with reasonably good weather.    Except when we were out in more open seas, we were rocking and rolling, as I call it.  Only made it past Padanaram Harbor and turned back into that harbor as I was not doing well with the higher seas.  Moored at the NBYC, nice with launch service. Looked at the weather on NOAA charts-- not good for a few days-- we (Dean) and Woodstock (our cat) moored for 2 nights.

Thursday morning I returned home we were only 10 miles away by land, 1 1/2 hours by boat. Had to regroup for weather , and this will not be the only weather regrouping.  I, not being a bonified boat person, choose not to ride the 2 ft waves.  Friday Dean brought Puffin back to the dock we started from and was out again to Point Judith and New London, Ct. on Saturday.  I, and the cat, opted to take a train from Providence to New London on Sunday to meet him in New London. I arrived at 1:30 and Dean had just fueled up at Burr's Marina. We stayed 2 nights at Crocker's Boatyard, closer to downtown New London. Nice Marina, family owned since late 1800's. www.crockersboatyardinc.com.                      

Out again on Tuesday after making a trip to Defender Marine in Waterford, next town from NL.

On our way, seeing how far Puffin motors in about 5 hours, quite a push for me, having been on the boat for only 2 hours traveling from home in over 2 ft seas.  We listened to the marine forecast and the seas were to be less than 1 ft and cloudy skies. We had a current with us for most of the 5 hours, pushing us at 8.5-9 knots so arrived at Branford, Ct . Our normal is 6-7 knots as we are a motor sailboat without masts and sails for this trip. we have a small inboard Diesel engine. Unfortunately we were at Branford for another 2 nights in a slip. We planned to leave around 10:30 am and the fog rolled in so we had to wait it out. Luckily it cleared by 12:30 and we were on our way to Stamford, a long hall, arrived about 5:30 -beautiful city, huge boats.


Off and boating the next day to Manhasset Harbor,  had a tough time with 3 ft waves coming into their harbor. We wanted a mooring, it was so windy and wavy that I opted for a dock. We are spending a lot of $$$ for docks/slips as moorings aren't readily available along the Connecticut and Long Island coasts.

Stay tuned for our journey down the East River, around Manhatten, and starting up the Hudson River.

Getting Down to the Wire- Journey to begin

All the wiring for the Mast is in place. What a job that is/was. Much more complicated than expected. Mostly done except for testing to make sure all components- Radar, Radio, Deck Lights, Mast head Light, and Loud Hailer work.


My seat- across from the Captain's seat so whomever is not piloting, can sit up and see the water ahead and around.
Dean is working on the part that fits into the VBerth to make a fuller bed for sleeping. I have the foam, waiting to be cut.
Inverter we will take with us and wire in while traveling.
We will also take the extra batteries to be swapped out or added, as and if needed.
We are down to the last amounts of supplies to be put on board and then we are ready----


Our cat, Woodstock, is joining us on the journey. He has not been on Puffin in the water. We don't know how he will do and are prepared. He has been wearing a harness instead of a collar, that you can hook a leash to so if he goes overboard we can reel him in. As mentioned before, he also has a pet life jacket.

Still some things to accomplish on land---mail, bills to be paid, cleaning our home as we have guests staying while we are away. We are plant people so all of our indoor plants (20-25) are outside for awhile and some Dean has put the potted plant in the ground for moisture. We have placed them so there is ample morning light and should get moisture when it rains. I hope it is not like last summer- in July, August, September--no rain at all, we were in a drought. We contracted for someone to mow the lawn and neighbors will keep an eye out for anything unfamiliar around our home. We have nice neighbors.
By next week we will be on our journey on the Triangle Loop of the Great Loop.

Launched-- We are in the Water!!!

Long cold winter leads to a warmish and rainy spring and finally-time to go in the water! This all has to be co-ordinated with high tide so when backed into the water the boat doesn't run aground.

7:30 am sunny day, thank goodness, the trailer backs into our yard to take our boat "Puffin" to the water. Yea!!! Brownell, www.brownellsystems.com can't say enough good about the company. Their trailer guys and inside ladies are great to work with. "Puffin" was loaded onto the trailer. As the boat stands were removed, Dean was applying some touchup paint to where the stands held the boat. I guess this is typical if you paint the bottom while it is on stands. We launched at Niemiec. www.niemiecmarine.com and were on our way to the temporary slip at Acushnet River Safe boating Club before we take off in 2 weeks.The Nanni diesel started instantly.

We have been scrambling the last 2 weeks trying to get as much done on land before the boat hits the water.
We spent a day sanding and painting the bottom of the boat and black stripe at the water line. Boy did our backs hurt the next few days.
Dean did as much as he could to get our makeshift mast ready to put up and secure. The antenna for the radio, radar, loud hailer, spotlight all have to be cabled through the mast and deck, and attached to switches and power before we depart for our journey.
A few things left to finish- my passenger seat attached to the port side, opposite the Captain's chair, V berth insert made and installed for a larger more comfortable sleeping arrangement. The inverter needs to be installed and connected to the house batteries.
Most of our food supplies, cooking pans, dishware, towels and bedding, and bathroom supplies are onboard.
On my end, last  food supplies and fresh items and our clothing.
And do not forget, our cat is traveling with us. He has not been on the boat in the water. The first time will certainly be interesting. He has a harness and 2 leashes plus his own life jacket, yes, they do make them for animals. Ours was purchased at Defender Marine www.defender.com in CT.



Mast still on the Deck







Almost Launched!!

Puffin hits the water on May 8th.
Steadily preparing for the journey- The Triangle Loop- a northern side trip of the Great Loop- around May 20th.
Scrambling to get electronic things done on land, much easier.
Almost finished sanding the bottom and hope to paint as soon as it stops raining. We have had so much rain in the last few weeks, our yard looks like a jungle. Where was this rain when we really needed it?
Our 8 ft mast is propped in place, waiting for the OK from marine electronics  people that we are wiring correctly and then finishing up and securing in place in front of the pilot house.
Dean is attaching a first mate chair on the opposite side from the captain's chair and wheel so I or whomever not steering can sit high enough to see what is going on in front and all around us. He is making a wooden insert for the front V-berth so we can have a larger and more comfortable sleeping area. I have ordered the foam  we need ( a 28"X 28") piece that we can cut to size.
We are anxiously anticipating the arrival of davit mounting brackets so when attached to the boat the davits can swivel together across the back of the boat at a dock or slip so we don't get charged for an extra 3 feet or get tangled with another boat in tight docking situations.

I, Suzan, am gathering items from my extensive list, and finding places to stow onboard.
Bed and bath linens, food and food containers- non perishable food in plastic bags or containers and other containers for leftovers. My list is very long. I am trying to take as much as we can for most of the trip in non perishables so we only have to purchase fresh along the way. See Joy Smith's www.joysmith.net books on "The Perfect First Mate", and "Kitchen Afloat". Joy has lots of great ideas for making your boat your home away from home.
Dean has secured a place to dock Puffin where we can work on her until we start our journey.

4 weeks out for the Trip

Hi,
Getting you up to date with preparing for the Trip. We plan to start mid May, journey from our home in South Coast Massachusetts down through Long Island Sound, East River to New York Harbor, to continue our river journey up the Hudson, into the Erie Canal, then Oswego Canal into Lake Ontario, cross that to Kingston Canada, up the Rideau Canal to Ottawa, then down to Montreal at the St. Lawrence River. From there we go seaward on the St. Lawrence to Sorel where we enter the Richelieu River taking us to the US border and Lake Champlain. At the lower end of Lake Champlain, is the Champlain Canal which takes us back to the Hudson River to retrace our way home. We decided against making the Great Loop to Florida as we still have many items to change or update on our boat for a longer trip. This journey will take us about 2 months with all we want to see.

We purchased our boat(Puffin) 2 years ago from the original owner (1982). At that time, 2015, we still owned and operated a small Inn north of Boston, so were unable to put much needed time and effort into the boat. Last summer, 2016, we enjoyed a little time getting used to and sailing  Puffin, and also waited for 3 new grandchildren arriving in the early fall.

To date, we have spend as much $$$ as finances allow to get ready for this trip.
Last weekend, we spent a day at Defender Discount Marine www.defender.com  in Waterford, CT, for their Blowout Spring Sale. This place is huge, with lots of parking and a lot of everything for boats and boating, and on a Friday there were cars parked out to and on the main road at 11:00 am.
We find Defender has the lowest pricing on most marine items. You can also visit West Marine stores or online- higher priced, mostly for the pleasure boating consumer, Jamestown Distributers in Bristol, RI, (mostly an online presence with a small retail store) and Hamilton Marine in Maine.
The mast is painted and Dean is putting the radar, radio antenna, masthead light,
loudhailer/PA horn and searchlight on our 8 ft wooden mast. This shorter mast enables our boat to go under bridges and easier time with locks and canals. But because the radar dome will be installed on a slanted mast instead of vertical I had to customize the brackets to make it fit on the horizontal plane.
The toilet has new gaskets, is cleaned, and now reinstalled on the boat. Thank goodness for that. We purchased the parts needed from a supplier in England which shipped to us at a reasonable price.
The boat is uncovered so now we can clean out the lockers, discard what is not needed, reorganize and add what we need for our trip.
I, Suzan, have my lists for kitchen, bed, and bathroom supplies.  Each time I go to the grocery store, I can check items off my list.
One of the color schemes  I wanted was to get pillows and coverings to go with the dark green cushions and window curtains. The great color out this season is pea green or seafoam green, neither goes with Puffin's British green. So- fabric store it is, to make covers that co ordinate. A feat in itself, yet accomplished, using red and red/white accents.

Next time-launching and do sea trials of all systems on Puffin before our journey. And-- the kitchen pantry will be stocked.

Checking off the List for the Trip

The list for getting ready. Our time is shorter to launch, we will be leaving first to mid May to traverse Long Island Sound to New York and the Hudson River..
We ordered and now have a new radio with a DSC button (all new marine radios do) for emergencies, GPS and AIS to assist in  collision avoidance.
Dean is working on fabricating an 8ft. wooden mast to hold the radar dome, mast head light, radio antenna and perhaps deck lights.
We have been reading about solar panels and it seems 2 -160 watt panels, will be adequate to charge a battery bank for powering a small refrigerator, lights, laptop computer and fans while at anchor if used moderately. An inverter will be necessary for the laptop and a few other tools we may use.
A wind generator is helpful on days when there is not sufficient sun, and at night if there is sufficient  wind, but is probably not in the budget
 Our chart plotter uses C-Map charts. Dean has also been talking with Jeppesen www.jeppesen.com for a C-MAP for Lakes and Rivers. That combined with our East Coast and Gulf C-MAP will cover our full trip.
To travel outside the US, including Canada we had to obtain an FCC ships station license (includes an MMSI number $220.00, and a restricted radio operators license ($70.00), not cheap but necessary. Many have suggested getting the license through BoatUS or SeaTow. They will get you the restricted radio operator license for free if you are a member, but their license is only good within the US, not good in Canada, Mexico or the Islands.
Ordered some items from Defender Discount Marine Supplies  www.defender.com 
Purchased 2 new House deep cycle batteries from KMart, which is going out of business in our town.

Next, to order our pilot chairs- 2, as one is needed on the passenger side so the commander can see out the pilot house windows on those long cruises up or down rivers and canals.
I would like to order new carpet, we will see as our list is getting expensive with some of the extras that are required.
To fabricate the dinghy davit mounting brackets is $500.
New dock lines- some of ours are original three strand rope from 1980's-old school.

Unless you have a boat already tailored for the Great Loop or cruising, to install what you want and need before your trips, outfitting with these items can get expensive.
In  the next 2 months, getting our cell phones, data, and internet set up for cruising outside US waters.
GPS and paper maps, mapping your trip including expenses- locks, canals, docking,fuel, pump outs.
Stay tuned

Working on the List for the Great Loop

So far we have a list.
Now we are doing the research for pricing and what else is needed for each project; starting to order a few things and starting work on a few projects. Some will be as simple as replacing old with new. Although, old may be 1980's, i.e. original, 2000- newer, but not used very much so perhaps dried and cracked due to non use as in rubber gaskets and some other parts.  Luckily we have a newer engine with not too many hours on it, so in good shape as the majority of the "Great Loop" will be motored.
Dean purchased wood to make the shorter mast to carry the radar, radio antenna and fore deck lights, since we will be leaving the main and mizzen at home.
Looks like we may either use our 1980's "antique" radar and monitor or purchase a newer unit.
Because our boat is a Coaster 33 English North Seas boat circa 1982, many of the electronics and other parts are original, most in good shape, but old. It is very hard to find replacement parts for older equipment.
The toilet is a Baby Blake from England and you can only buy parts from their supplier in England or one in Florida. A complete repair kit costs as much as many newer toilets.The toilet(head) works fine, a little hard to pump due to stiff gaskets and a build up of salts.
The carpet on the floors, yes, carpet,
plywood underneath, can be replaced by newer and lighter color, ours is dark brown.  The new carpet will come in 6' or 8 ' X 12ft piece. We then have to take the old out. Fortunately, it is not glued down, as there are compartments under that we need access to, to cut the new to fit. Not too bad a job.
I need to measure the porthole windows to make screens  so we don't get no-see-ums and mosquitoes inside. Why weren't these windows made with screens?  We also want to put a hatch in the back berth for ventilation. The existing vent there now does not facilitate much air movement so very warm and perhaps humid to sleep in.
I am looking at new foam 2-3 " thick for a cushion to put on top of what is there for more comfort. And nautical fabric, that will go with Hunter Green cushions and curtains. Any suggestions? Most of the greens are spring green or off green that does not go well with our green. Also new dishes, I had purchased some melamine dishes at a store and through research found there is dishware designed for marine craft with non slip bottoms and smaller mugs to fit in the attached racks.

Warm for the Winter, Readying for the Trip

Safe on land, Holidays are over, now to the feat of readying "Puffin" for our journey. So much to do, so little time (actually 4 months).
Our list-
Dean's List- New Captains Chairs- for Pilot House- two instead of one so navigator
                    sits high enough in cockpit/pilothouse to see forward without standing all
                    day
                    Batteries- 2 additional house batteries
                    C Card for Lakes and Rivers
                    Navionics for PC navigation-Backup to chart plotter
                    Solar panels-2  definitely and Wind Turbine/generator maybe
                    Shorter mast-8ft for radar- probably wooden; leaving the others behind as  
                    we can't sail for the majority of the trip.
                    Inverter
                    Auto Pilot- pretty expensive so maybe
                    Another Anchor  for different bottom type
                    Fuel filter vacuum gauge
                    Water filters each faucet and shore hose
                    AIS transponder
                    Screens all around
                    Mount the dinghy davits
                    Deck lights and spotlight
Suzan's List- Additional foam cushions and coverings.
                     Insert for front v-berth
                     New faucets and shower in Head
                     Carpet
                     Dishware
                     Pots and Pans
                     Microwave
I have conceded to the dark green cushion coverings, for now, as I don't want to either re-cover the cushions myself or spend the money for new before the trip. I can live with Dk Green. I will accent with a plaid, stripe, or nautical that blends. Do you know how hard it is to find canvas or heavy fabric with the color green we need? Apparently Forest (Dark) Green is not popular, so very hard to find. All the greens are that sickly green or grass green, UGH!!
We have found marine carpet in a beige that will go nicely with the interior wood. The carper now is brown  and with Dark Green cushions and curtains, the interior is very dark, especially if you have a cloudy day.
We also have to convert most of the outlets from UK to US. There are 2 US outlets currently and one is in the engine room. The boat was built in England and the original owner did not switch to US outlets. Hence, the Dark Green, which is typical UK Nautical, not US- Red, White, and Navy.
The list is fairly long but does not indicate the work necessary to fit these various items in the boat. Some require a certain amount of design and fabrication to fit the boat. The main stumbling block is cash to purchase the listed items.
We just purchased the wood to make up the temporary mast which needs to be short enough to fit under all fixed bridges en route. I would use one of the existing mast but for the height which will not come close to fitting.
More to talk about in early February.
                   
                    

Safely nestled in the yard, winterizing

Now that Puffin is resting in our yard, we have some winterizing to do.  Boats are used to living in the water, salt or fresh, in the warm weather. We could have left the boat in water until mid November. Unfortunately the Marina we were docked at for the season, pulls boats out the end of October, unless you want to pay on a weekly basis for off season dockage. In the future, we hope to moor in front of our home or dock at a Coast Guard affiliated Club Marina for smaller seasonal fees.

We (Dean) have power washed and scraped barnacles and slime off the bottom of the boat. I supervised, not really, I didn't even watch. Meanwhile I am taking stored food off so it can be used in the house before we go. No sense leaving food onboard that has the chance to spoil. I also removed the bed pillows and quilts so they would not get moldy.

Winterizing---
The water tanks, lines and faucets, head (toilet) and holding tank get drained and antifreeze added to prevent freezing, just like a mobile home stored for the winter. Oil, oil filter and fuel filters get changed. Fuel- top off and stabilize. Charge the batteries. Ensure the antifreeze in engine is adequate for the winter. Install frame and cover the boat to protect from damage of freezing rain, snow and sun.

I will have to figure a way to easily access through the cover to work on the various projects needed to be done this winter in preparation for the coming spring trip.
Some of the projects I want to work on through the winter are: 1) new faucets 2) water filters for faucets and on hose used to fill tanks. We will be filling our water tanks many times and places throughout our voyage. No telling the condition of water supply along the way 3) vacuum gauge for fuel filter, so I know in advance when it is getting clogged 4)temporary mast for radar and radio antenna and deck light mounting (the regular masts are too tall for bridges along the route until I hit the Gulf of Mexico.), 5) solar panels, controller and inverter, to keep the batteries charged while on anchor or moored 6)mount dinghy davits, and the list goes on.

At some point, after the Holidays, we will open up all the storage spaces and decide what to keep.  The previous owners left everything onboard the boat when sold to us. Some of the tools are doubled and tripled- probably 5-6 storage areas with tools and parts in different areas on the boat. There are 2 storage spaces with plastic containers for food items. Lots to go through, lots to decide on. As this is my first boating adventure, I'm not quite sure about all kitchen stuff to be equipped with. I will learn.
I have my books- 2 by Joy Smith, www.joysmith.net "The Perfect First Mate" and "Kitchen Afloat".
We have introduced our cat "Woodstock" to the boat as he will be taking our Great Loop trip with us.

On land, nice and cozy for the winter, easy to work on.

Puffin is wintering in our yard. How awesome is that? Why, might you ask, do we want our boat so readily accessible?  We can winterize and do the myriad thing necessary to prepare Puffin for our trip in 2017, right here at home instead of carrying tools and supplies back and forth to a boatyard. Additionally, it is less expensive than boatyard storage.

Dean piloted Puffin around the corner to the Niemiec Marine boat ramp and hauled by Brownell Services, Mattapoisett, Ma. Specialized boat movers and sailboat transport services, South Coast Massachusetts. The Brownell people were awesome, Jonathan the hauler, knew and handled everything to do with getting an 18,000 lb. sailboat's masts unstepped and the boat safely to it's destination. We would highly recommend their services including their stands - they manufacture boat stands for all sizes of boats-"Best Boat Stands Ever Made" many distributers worldwide.

Now to our coming out of the  water experience.
As we came around the corner to the boat ramp, Jonathan was there with trailer backed into the water waiting. He had told Brownell he'd like to haul our boat as it was an older boat from England with classic design. The boat is a North Seas trawler style sailboat, very sturdy and rugged, with nice lines. Dean motored the boat onto the trailer with the hauler's direction, and was pulled up the ramp to a resting place at Niemiec for unstepping (taking down) the masts.  When that was finished, the masts were strapped to each side of the trailer ready for the short journey to place Puffin in our yard.

The driveway was empty, the fence was taken out, and low branches were cut from the trees. Jonathan backed the trailer with boat diagonally into position as close to the side fence as possible while being able to drive the empty trailer straight out of the yard without touching the boat. For us it was a feat, for the hauler, all in an afternoon's work.,

The boat was backed into the yard diagonally, not as close to the side fence as I would have originally liked and actually where it ended is a better position, nestled among the trees before the back deck with masts laid along side on stands.
Now we can get electric to the boat and ladder to reach the side deck to organize during the winter.
Now comes winterizing water tanks, lines, engine, and whatever else is needed.

Comfort and Convenience while living aboard

We spoke with a friend who lived on a 42"sailboat with his wife and 2 children-this is what he had to say.
Outfit your boat as if it were your home. Comfort is key and convenience for cooking, communicating.
Make your berth like your bedroom using comfort items that are easy to maintain. Flannel sheets are good for all seasons and easy to wash and dry without a dryer. Remember quilts, comforters for those chilly days and nights. A net hammock is good for towels, sheets, and extra blankets, also clothing up off the bunks and out of the way. Many pillow cases can be stuffed with extras and used in the main cabin or outside for lounging.  In the galley and dining area use another hammock for crackers, pastas, snacks and other items that don't have to be kept cool, cold,  and hanging tiered baskets for fruits and vegetables.
Dean is listing mechanical and technical items to be done before our trip in May 2017.
Solar panels, outline for the chart plotter (I-Pad or other small laptop), LED lighting where possible, wind turbine, any advantage to use more natural resources for traveling.  He also wants to get another anchor for areas that may have different bottoms to anchor in. We will be in fresh waters for the majority of our trip and anchoring circumstances may be different than ocean waters.
Many of our friends and neighbors are excited for our adventure and may be meeting us along our way. We hope to have some companion boats to travel parts of the trip with. Some 100 boats a year make this trip, all sizes from small sailboats to large power cruisers.
Next- Hauling our boat out for the winter, to our yard, and getting ready for the Great Loop Trip.

Almost September and here it is

It has been a busy summer with family and friends, not much time for getting the boat ready for adventures and ventures. Not boating much this summer. It seems to have passed too quickly. Most of the boat is ready for travel. We ordered a replacement battery holder for the stove igniter, ready to install. Put off working on the antenna for the top of the mast and installing a new mast head light until the mast is on the ground end of season.

Just recently we had the remnants of Hurricane Hermine. It was not too bad on our South Coast, the winds were from the N NE.15-25 mph.  We secured Puffin from the winds by adding additional bow, stern and spring lines. Dean went to the boat at our slip many times to make sure we and others were secured for no damage to the boats.
We have made a new list of boat items we want to accomplish this winter while out of water to make the boat comfortable and tech savvy for our Great Loop trip next spring.
We need to have a chart for our expenses while traveling and those at home still being paid. Someone on Sailblogs.com just posted their boat travel expenses for 2016 so far.
These expense charts give a wealth of information generalized for the Great Loop trip.
You can find these charts on various sites including AGLCA site.
Back to the List:
1) Puffin is a ketch sailboat, thus we have 2 masts- you can not have your masts up while traveling on the rivers and canals due to low bridges to pass under. Maximum height for the trip is either 15ft. 6 inches or  19ft depending on your route. We have to decide whether to take the main mast onboard, put up a small back mast for radar, radio, and mast light which can act as one crutch plus an additional crutch forward, or just leave the mast at home and motor the whole trip. I believe carrying both masts and booms, the majority of the trip in crutches above the pilot house will be too much gear overhead, and too much hassle and cost to take down, store on board then put up again in the Great Lakes and then again in the Gulf. Having the masts trucked to the Gulf to await our arrival is another option, but I think,an expensive one.
2) We would like to install 2 solar panels and a wind generator for energy independence on mooring or at anchor and change the lighting to LED.
3) Screens for ventilation in cabin windows and hatches are a must as we will be traveling where there are many insects I don't care to have inside the cabin and a ventilation system for the aft cabin.
4) Mount the dinghy davits so we don't have to drag the dinghy behind-especially handy in locks.
5) To ease the strain of many hours of piloting -an Auto Pilot
6) Inverter to change 12 V to 110, and
7) I-Pad for backup technology for the chart plotter and trip planning.
There are a few more items, but you get the idea- we have from now to spring to prep and be ready to roll - sail/motor to and up the Hudson River in May, 2017. Our boat will be stored in our yard so easy access for repairs and completing our list.

August 2016

Enjoying what little time we have for the Boat. As stated, life gets in the way. Working some and with 2 children pregnant and helping them care for their little ones, sometimes doesn't leave time for our time.
Dean- still working on the mast issues. Have mizzen and main sail in place, jib is not roller furling, so hank it on for each use. And still looking into electrical/technical issues or add-ons that would make our boat more energy efficient and independent for mooring and anchoring, such as LED lights, solar panels, and wind turbine among the options. The new masthead light is LED.
We have been out a few times so far this month, same areas, a little further reach.
Suzan's sister was in town so we motored around the area one day. We were going to take the boat to the Newport Jazz Festival and moor or anchor off around Fort Adams. There are some mooring/anchorage areas around Newport Harbor run by Old Port Marine Services that also offer launch services to and from the moorings. You can reach them on Radio VHF channel 68. Good to know. During the Festival it was "first come" so we opted for land parking. Next time we will take the boat over early for the weekend.
As mentioned in July's post, our first overnight was just off West Island to our north. Suzan is learning anchoring strategies to make overnights on anchor comfortable and worry free.

Ty at the helm

The 2nd overnight was Dean and his son in the same cove. That was quite an experience. We anchored off like last time. Grilled some burgers. Chatted over a beer, and I hit the sack around 11pm. Tyler (son) still up on deck enjoying the night air and peaceful setting. Wind about 7 knots out of the west. Suddenly about midnight I hear a disturbing sound-significantly more wind 25 to 30 knots whistling thru the rigging. As I came up on deck to get Tyler's stuff-cushions etc. under cover, the wind shifts quickly around to the north, giving the water a lot more fetch to build up seas and pointing the aft end of the boat at a spit of land not more than 400 to 500 feet  away and shallow water a lot closer than that, leaving  very little maneuvering room if the anchor were to let go or drag! Quite scary I must say. As expected, the waves built up very quickly, putting more strain on the anchor and rode. We both put on life jackets and waited it out in the cockpit, me at the helm, ready to start the engine to prevent us from grounding. Then the rain came, knocking down the waves and calming things a bit. Not long after, the wind died off and things eased back to normal. Thank God we set the anchor well and gave plenty of scope so Puffin held her own. So glad Suzan wasn't there to suffer through that!

Hammock with a view

The following morning was fogged in but cleared off early and presented another fine day.
Our zinc on the propeller shaft is being eaten quickly and fell off in my hand on an inspection dive, due to the salt water and stray electrical currents in New Bedford harbor. A day later, with a friend on board to keep an eye out, I installed a new zinc. We are learning.
August is almost gone and we haven't spent nearly the time we want with and on the boat. Still, September and October here in Southern New England offer nice boating time.

New Bedford Hurricane Barrier

Tidbit of Information for those who don't know the Hurricane Barrier History

Largest Hurricane Barrier in the World

Started Planning in 1957, Construction in 1962 and Completion in 1966, creating one of the safest harbors for commercial and recreational boats on the East Coast.

High and Wide as the Great Wall of China

The New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier lies across New Bedford and Fairhaven Harbor. It is approximately 50 miles south of Boston. The project protects about 1,400 acres in New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Acushnet from tidal flooding associated with hurricanes and coastal storms. This acreage is thickly settled with industrial and commercial properties, particularly along the waterfront and the shores of the Acushnet River. The area represents about 80 percent of land flooded in the September 1938 and August 1954 hurricanes, the latter storm causing $8.3 million in flood damages.

Construction of the New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier began in October 1962 and was completed in January 1966, costing $18.6 million. The project required the relocation of power cables, modification of sewerage and drainage facilities, and acquisition of a small boat yard, several buildings, and about 36 acres of land. The city maintains the project, with the exception of the navigation gates and the barrier extending across New Bedford and Fairhaven Harbor which are operated and maintained by the Corps. The project is divided into three principal features: a barrier extending across New Bedford and Fairhaven Harbor with an extension dike on the mainland; Clarks Cove Dike in New Bedford; and Fairhaven Dike. The project has prevented $24.1 million in flood damages and coastal tidal surge since it was built (as of September 2011).

The barrier extending across the harbor consists of a 4,500-foot-long earthfill dike with stone slope protection. The barrier has a maximum elevation of 20 feet and a 150-foot-wide gated opening to accommodate commercial and recreational navigation. It also has two gated conduits that are each nine feet high and six feet wide. The extension dike starts at the western end of the main dike and stretches for 4,600 feet along Rodney French Boulevard East. It has a maximum elevation of 22 feet. The extension dike has three circular gated conduits with diameters of two, three, and four feet, and a street gate on Rodney French Boulevard East. 

Clarks Cove Dike consists of earthfill with stone slope protection. It is 5,800 feet long and extends around the north and east sides of the cove, tying to high ground at both ends. On the north side the dike has a maximum elevation of 22 feet, and on the east side the maximum elevation is 23 feet. The dike also has street gates at Rodney French Boulevard West and Cove Road, and a pumping station.

Fairhaven Dike consists of earthfill with stone slope protection. It starts at high ground near the foot of Lawton Street and runs easterly about 3,100 feet, with a maximum elevation of 20 feet. The dike also has a four-foot-diameter gated conduit.

Courtesy of US Army Corp of Engineers/New England District website

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July 2016 Summer Fun and---

We really haven't had the time we want to spend on our boat this summer, so far. Seems like life gets in the way. In July we have gone outside the hurricane barrier a few times to visit Padanaram Harbor in Dartmouth. Also ventured to Mattapoiset waters, both along south coast Massachusetts Buzzard's Bay area offering some interesting cruising grounds, both busy and secluded. You can see the spires and steeples on some of the structures that Henry H. Rogers (Standard Oil in 1800's) had built while he was on the South Coast. You also see the wind turbines along the shore and estates of the rich and famous? don't know about that.
One of our girls came down with her children and husband to spend some time on the boat and go fishing. Her son, Toby, age 5, is really into fishing, mostly in fresh water. We took them out past the hurricane barrier and tried to catch a few- to no avail. None the less, it was a fun day just to be on the boat with family.
Dean-  A day later, I climbed the mast for our radio antenna issue and mast head light. I used a mast climber and ladder to reach the top, once there, I used a bosun's,
chair while working. Unfortunately the mast climber was for a smaller mast, thus too short by about 12 feet so I had to stand a 12 foot ladder on the cabin top, against the mast to reach it- very amateur, but it worked. the radio antenna had a badly corroded connector, so that has to be replaced and reconnected. The mast head light base, made of plastic, which sits atop the masthead was broken and corroded-  so we are taking the opportunity to get and install a new LED light. The one removed , probably original to the boat, is tri-color/ anchor with strobe.  The newer LED lights have deleted the strobe. We are moving toward having as much of the boat electrical power source done with energy efficient lighting (LED), solar panels, and perhaps some wind power.

So far our boat under motor seems to run quite smoothly and Suzan is getting used to the boats response to wave actions with our normal breezes of 10-15 mph. the sails are not yet attached as I wanted to finish the project at the top of the mast before attaching the sails for use.
 She is getting the galley, berths, and head organized with what we need to be comfortable for an extended stint aboard. Each time we venture out, we make a list of items that would work for us.

We've gone out again a few times down to a small harbor - Padanaram (South Dartmouth). It is a picturesque little harbor with many sailboats moored. Also ventured out of the hurricane barrier east toward Cape Cod. Stayed overnight in a little cove off West Island, dropped anchor and enjoyed the peace and quiet of a secluded anchorage and  beautiful sunset, sunrise and more stars than I have seen in a long time.
There are many islands and harbors to explore close to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. We can moor or anchor in at Cuttyhunk, the south western most island of the Elizabeth Island chain off Woods Hole in Falmouth, just 15 miles away from Fairhaven/New Bedford.
 Loving life on Buzzards Bay.

June 2016 Boat in the Water, in a slip, By the Bridge

Dean -
    Finally in the water and at a home for the season. Now we can start to get some items replaced, repaired, organized, and whatever else to do on a boat that is now your own and are getting ready for our boating venture May 2017. We purchased a mast stepper so I can climb the mast to finish my electrical wiring and attach the wind indicator, radio antenna, and mast head light. I have installed a new wind indicator guage in the pilot house and as in replacing most old with new, it doesn't fit with the other older gauges. I had to create a new casing out of some scrap mahogany I had on hand so it would match with the speed and depth finder already in place. Also had to clean and re-attach the depth finder transducer under the forward v-berth cabinets. The masts are up and booms in place.

Suzan-
    Meanwhile I am trying to organize the inside- galley, sleeping, and head items for our small trips this season to Martha's Vineyard, Block Island, Cuttyhunk, and Nantucket. It is much like camping supplies and food staples. I am reading some books by Joy Smith- "The Perfect First Mate" and "Kitchen Afloat". Very informative!!
We washed all the cushion covers and cleaned the galley, bathroom, and whatever else could be wiped down. Joy suggests dish detergent w/ non-chlorine bleach in a bucket of water.
We have an ugly brown carpet over plywood in the main cabin which I would like to replace with something more Nautical. Not to be found online, only the dull colors of grey and brown. Let's brighten it up a bit.
We decided to keep the cushion covers for now- Forest Green and accent with lighter colored pillows. Again, Do you think I can find canvas fabric that is a bit in the Nautical colors- something that has the green, blue, and red.Why is this so hard? Were all these designed  by men for men, who care more about the technical aspects than comfort and style? Boring!!
So much for now. This brings us to July.
Oh yes, friends from North of Boston came to visit and we motored outside our Hurricane Barrier for a cruise to Padanarum. Beautiful Harbor!! Very Yachty!

May 2016

     Since we had decided to postpone dropping a mooring until we return from our trip, we chose a Marina to dock Puffin for the summer. Now to get the masts back up and our boat launched. We are not docking at the same marina where it is stored, so need to put in water to motor to a new home.
     Dean has pulled some new cable but not connected the wind indicator, radio antenna or masthead light, all at the top of the mast. We get a call from the company that steps the masts and launches the boat.  They are ready to launch tomorrow, Thursday, May 12, 12-1:30. We are there. The truck arrives and launches 2 other boats and then sends a truck to step our masts. We are not finished with our mast work yet, but if they can put the boat in the water, we can finish the rest on the water. So- the masts are put up and-- it is now after 3:00, the tide is too low to launch.

We are told we will be put in shortly- within a few days. We wait and call and wait and call. One week goes by. 2 weeks and finally on Thursday, May 26,  the marina owner calls and says "be there at 12:00 noon". The launch truck does not arrive until after 1:30 and by then , the tide is going down. Now we are frustrated, we can't finish the mast work without the equipment to climb the mast ourselves, the professionals are all too busy at this time, yet it seems we can't get the boat in the water, either.  The Marina owner is on the phone with the launch company to see how quickly they have a slot for us. It is now 2 tries. Perhaps third time will bring good luck, if it doesn't take 2 weeks again. He gets a definite date and time for Tuesday at 11:00. We will be there. It is almost June and we have paid for a new Marina for the season. Before I leave this Marina, the owner tells me they called back and can launch the next day, Friday at 12:00.  Seems to me a magic time for launch companies. Apparently high tide is around 1-1:30 so noon is good.
By 1:30 I am in the water and Suzan is at the new Marina, less than 1/4 mile away. Third time is the charm!!
Both Marinas are north of the New Bedford swing bridge so we have to call ahead for the bridge to open for us to go to open sea. It opens every hour at quarter after if you call or radio ahead.
We are now secured at our slip, Puffin's new home for the season.
Much to be checked, replaced, cleaned, and trial run and familiarize ourselves with before our Great Loop trip this time next year-2017.

On the Hard 2015/2016

     Our boat, Puffin, is finally at our new home South Coast of Massachusetts. We scheduled to have Puffin put on the hard (on land) 2 days later not knowing we would have good weather for the month of November. We also had the masts un-stepped and laid on sawhorses next to the boat.  I (Dean), had some work I wanted to do with replacing cables inside the main mast and thought it easier to work on land than  on the boat. I needed to reattach the radio antenna cable, at the top of the mast, and pull new cables for the wind indicator and the masthead light.
     Winter season passed and a cold early spring.  In April we started thinking about doing the cable work so the masts could be put up and our boat launched to a mooring or dock slip. We investigated a mooring in front of our home in New Bedford Harbor area. I went out with the Harbor Master and Mooring person to figure the best place we could drop a mooring.  The estimate from the mooring person was between $2500-$3000 to place the mooring.
     At the same time Suzan was suggesting that: 1) As we are not going to be in the area summer 2017, to wait until returning to drop a mooring and 2) Would like to be on a dock so we can meet other area boaters and it's easier to do some inside and outside work on the boat requiring electric and/or water.