Another chore

The to-do list is getting smaller!

The slip-resistant area at the boarding ladder was worn out....luckily we already had the solution from the previous catamaran.  So, for once, a chore that didn't require a trip to the hardware store!  Just taped off the shape.

Painted a couple of coats of the rubberized "Skid-No-More" paint with "sand".

Eight hours later - cured and ready for traffic!!

Another chore

The previous owner was from San Antonio....per US Coast Guard regulations, the "home port" must be displayed on the vessel.

Of course, we'll be changing this to Oriental, NC....so San Antonio must go!

We lowered the dinghy and prepared to remove the emblem.

Using a heat gun and a bit of finesse, the letters started disappearing.

All gone!  You can still see the "shadow" of the letters - hopefully time and some rubbing compound will make it completely disappear.

Maintenance

Lot's of little things that need taking care of....one was the galley sink.  The faucet was leaking a little.  Duane tried to disassemble it, but it was corroded and refused to come apart.

So, we ordered a new one.  And a soap dispenser too since I've decided I can't live without that!

Unfortunately, the leak had gotten the countertop a bit wet...so the sink had to come out and repairs made.  (Nothing is EVER easy).  We applied some "rotten wood hardener" and some Bondo to fill some voids.  Many trips to the hardware store for supplies.....

The countertop is now dry and firm, good as new!

The new faucet.  Very nice with the pullout spray spigot.

Left to right - new faucet, filtered drinking water, and soap dispenser.

One project down, several more to go!

Just more organizing

We're busy, busy....but nothing much worth photographing.

Washed the entire boat and the dinghy.  They had not had much attention over the last 6 months!

You can see a little more of the boat now! 

 Lots more to do - getting some spare parts rounded up.....important to have them for repairs at sea!  (Hope not to use them, of course!)

Getting organized

So we're just a few days into making this boat our temporary home....and it's a bit overwhelming.!  Lots going on.  We've got a couple of contractors doing some repairs, plus we're getting everything organized in all the different lockers. 

One of the activities today was to sort out all the forward lockers.  There is an amazing number of dock lines stored....

But we'll get thru it...enjoying the 80 degrees and sunshine!!

To the boat!

We spent a few days getting everything organized for our trip back to Galveston in the rental car.... it's just amazing how much "stuff" you need on the boat.

We started piling everything we thought we would need in the basement.

And we started whittling it down to just the items that were absolutely necessary.  Amazing how quickly a Ford Edge fills up!

I won't bore you with the details.  We drove 18 hours straight thru from Pittsboro to Kemah, TX!  That included 2 significant traffic jams and 4 gas stops.  Arrived at the boat at 3AM.  We were pooped!!

Spent today just unloading the rental car - and loading up the boat!  There are several maintenance items to be taken care of.  First one was to haul Duane up the mast to remove the inoperative  steaming light.  Then, of course, a trip to West Marine for the replacement.   

Really, really love the electric winch that lets me pull Duane up the mast at the touch of a button!

Looks like we will be boat owners again

The long-awaited survey day was finally here!

Once we had the surveyor and the owner on board, we headed straightaway to Seabrook Marina for our haulout timeslot of 10AM.

Approaching the travel lift.  Our beam is 21' - the slip is just 21'6" wide - so will be a tight fit!

No problem - the folks at the marina are pros at this.

Into the straps and up she goes.

The "driver" moves the boat onto the lot for the inspection.

 Duane and the current owner discussing the boat.

The surveyor (Drake Epple) taking soundings on the hull with a hammer to verify it's integrity.

The bottom is actually pretty clean - we opted not to have it washed since power washing removes some of the protective bottom paint.

The marina workers replaced the sacrificial zincs  and we were soon moved back into position to go back in the water.

Going down....

Down.....

And back in the water!

Next we motored out for the sea trial.

Past the Kemah Boardwalk

Once we were out in Galvetson Bay, we raised the sails.  (Note the cute manta ray emblem on the sail).

We had a nice sail while the surveyor was below thoroughly inspecting the engines, etc.

Duane at the helm!

Inspection mostly complete, we head back towards the marina.

Since everything checked out well, we'll be boat owners again as soon as the paperwork is all done!

Survey tomorrow

Nothing new to report....we've spent the day getting to know the complex systems on the boat.

The view tonight from the back of the boat - we're in Waterford Marina - it's huge by our standards!

Wish us luck tomorrow morning for the survey!

The Manta

I know you have been thinking that we were just joking about buying a catamaran....but we're in Kemah, Texas now aboard a Manta 40.   We've met with the current owner during the day today and are getting acquainted with the boat.

So far, it's very nice.  The repairs that we were waiting on all this time were done very nicely.

Here it is - the soon-to-be renamed Manta 40.   Nothing exciting on this post - just lots of boat photos!

The cockpit fiberglass/gelcoat repair is amazingly well done!

We will be very comfy cruising around in this boat!

The galley - lots of storage!

The saloon area is very roomy.

Love the cavernous chest refrigerator and freezer!

Digital controls - we just turned them on so they're not quite cooled down yet.

Walking towards the starboard (right) side.

The "guest" hull - forward is the head (bathroom) and shower .  In the most forward area is a berth with a single bunk - and mostly storage for  spare parts!

Also in this forward area is the washer/dryer.  I know this doesn't sound exciting, but it's pretty uncommon to have one on a sailboat!  It washes the clothes and then dries them in the same tub.

The boat has practically new engines (30 horsepower Volvo diesels).   Due to a manufacturer's recall, we'll be getting brand new engines at some point in the next year or so!

There's also a water-maker - so we'll be able to make fresh water from sea water!

The aft area on the guest hull has a very nice double berth.

And very nice storage!

The electronics and electrical panel are very nicely done.

Going over to the "owners hull"....again, great storage areas.

Here is our berth.

And very nice storage on this side also.

And the entire forward area is the owner's head and separate shower.

That's all for now - going sailing with the owner tomorrow!