Investing in paint for my ‘98X

[Be Free]

That is some fine work. When are you going to try it out?

[Herschel]

That is some fine work. When are you going to try it out?

Good question. Next stop is the tech at the marina to get a new 12-volt panel installed, then stepping the mast and getting it back on the water. After a nice day on the water (Lake Monroe), I'll reassemble the cockpit enclosure at my slip at the Downtown Sanford Marina, and invite nearby family and friends for an "open house." In March will pick a good weather forecast and either (1) head down river to the Hontoon Resort/State Park area for a night or two aboard, or, (2) give it a go right in the marina in Sanford. Thanks for asking and for the compliment on the work. The Admiral and I have had some soul searching talks as we dealt with the cost of this refurbishment. We will have given the boat a ballpark $7,500 "facelift." All total from topside and bottom paint, new Bimini/cockpit enclosure upgrade, and new power panel. We are hopeful we can enjoy it for at least 4-5 more years and then start thinking seriously of passing it on to a younger family (perhaps within our own family or selling it). Either way, I will have thoroughly enjoyed my dream boat by then for almost 28/29 years, and I can bask in the memories AND feel good about passing it on to another sailor.

[OverEasy]

Hi Herschel!

Nice! Really Very Nice!
Congratulations on the new enclosure!
Excellent!

Here’s to many happy enjoyable ‘dry’ and shaded sailings!
Kudos to you and your Admiral!
Enjoy!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Herschel]

Hi Herschel!

Nice! Really Very Nice!
Congratulations on the new enclosure!
Excellent!

Here’s to many happy enjoyable ‘dry’ and shaded sailings!
Kudos to you and your Admiral!
Enjoy!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

Thank you. I do appreciate the good thoughts. But, alas, life takes some interesting turns. I have been diligently pursuing non-invasive treatments for knee osteoarthritis for the last two years. And making some progress. Physical therapy, platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections, osteopathic adjustments, exercise, and massage. And the pain in my right knee has seen some real reduction along with improved functioning. Nevertheless, I appear to have developed a pretty sever meniscus tear in my left knee (previously the "good one"). And it hurts. A lot! Long story---short. I think a knee replacement may interrupt the planned scenario I painted a couple of posts previously. All this beautiful shiny new paint and clever canvas work may have to wait a few months before it can be truly enjoyed on the water. While I think I could handle the boat safely in reasonably calm sailing conditions, I would be hard pressed to deal with unexpected high winds or face an emergency confidently. I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon in a few days to discuss joint replacement options. Stay tuned; the drama continues.

[OverEasy]

Hi Herschel!

Really sorry to hear about your knee!
I’ve had my own issues with that in the past…not any fun at all!

Hope things go well for you!
Please keep us posted on what happens.
We’re pullin’ fer ya!

Best Regards
Over Easy

[Herschel]

Well, the appointment with the orthopedic surgeon arrived. After careful analysis of my MRI's and X-rays on both knees following two years of less invasive efforts to deal with osteoarthritis including platelet rich injections (PRP), three episodes of physical therapy, osteopathic manipulation, exercise under the supervision of a trainer at my gym, and regular bike riding on flat terrain was...(drum roll, please), his highly technical diagnosis was, "Your knees are shot!" Yes, there is mention of meniscus and ACL deterioration and tears. But it boiled down to "time to upgrade to Knee 2.0." Surgery on left knee to happen in June. Pain management in the meantime as I seek to keep strength in leg muscles strong with physical therapy. But lets talk boat. I have surrendered my marina slip. Will park American Spirit in the backyard for foreseeable future. Bought some tarps to keep that new paint job and the new Bimini in top form. My son, other family members, and good fiends available for support. That feels really good. New target for splashing the boat is this fall some time. I have a 60th college reunion in October. Perhaps after I return from that. I did get the new 12-volt circuit panel installed so she is in top condition. I'll run the engine frequently with the earmuffs so hopefully everything will remain pristine. And, yes, I am glad I did all that stuff (boat and knees stuff) anyway. It has strengthened my legs and especially my right knee. And I have the reward of a really nice boat to sail when I get better.

[NiceAft]

Herschel,

ריפוי שלם…complete healing.

[Russ]

Hopefully, Knees 2.0 will be better. As difficult as it is, everyone I know has found great results afterward from replacement.

Keep us posted

[OverEasy]

Hi Herschel!

Sorry about the confirmingly blunt diagnosis but as you mentioned earlier you sort thought this was coming down the pipe…

The good thing is you have that option!
Isn’t it great what they can do nowadays!
Yes, it’s never going to be a picnic but the destination should be worth the effort!
We’re Pullin’ fer ya! We’re all in this together!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[kmclemore]

Best of luck, Herschel! after two busted knees in 19 years, I've managed to avoid getting new ones... but I dread the day, and I know it will come. Having said that, the advancements in joint surgery and therapy are amazing, and I hope you're able to get the very best treatment. Cheers, mate!

[dlandersson]

Sci-Fi novel "Old Mens War" that postulates that when you hit 70, you're mental processes are transfered into a clone of yourself, age 20. Green tinge to skin.

Best of luck, Herschel! after two busted knees in 19 years, I've managed to avoid getting new ones... but I dread the day, and I know it will come. Having said that, the advancements in joint surgery and therapy are amazing, and I hope you're able to get the very best treatment. Cheers, mate!

[kmclemore]

Sci-Fi novel "Old Mens War" that postulates that when you hit 70, you're mental processes are transfered into a clone of yourself, age 20. Green tinge to skin.

Heck, I *still* think I’m 20, and I turn 70 in three weeks… my body is just trying to keep up! This is me 5 days ago… still clearing all that blasted snow by myself…



My wife says I looked like an advertisement for Craftsman Tools.

[Herschel]

Deeply appreciate the best wishes and reassuring comments. American Spirit parked in the backyard. I'll get tarps over her this weekend...with help. My physical therapist is very helpful keeping me working on strength as best I can. Boating goals: (1) get pain down to point I can climb boarding ladder, go into cabin, and set eyes on my new six circuit 12-volt panel, (2) hook up shore power to keep batteries topped off (3) get nephew to tackle some trailer wiring issues, (4) ask nephew to replace bearing buddy that fell off at some point in trip to painter or for the Bimini remake, (5) organize off boat storage for odds and ends. Maybe tackle changing out cabin lights with LED's at some point. Again, many thanks for support. I know you guys know best what "boating deprivation" feels like however temporary. Blessings. OBTW, before all this went south, I traded my Rubber Ducky (Achilles LT-4) for 35 hours of my nephew's time and expertise. He's a tech college graduate, welder, and all round handy guy. A very timely deal!

[Herschel]

Success. Found a way to get into boat despite gimpy leg. Got first of two tarps over boat. Checked out new power panel, got shore power plugged in. Old geezer stanchion extenders came in handy for creating greater height for tarp and less contact with sharp edges of mast and rigging. Not bad for a guy who had to use a walker to get from the church parking lot to the sanctuary hours before.

[NiceAft]

One has to admire your intrepidness Herschel.