I knew this was you, Bob, without even looking at the name. We will definitely have a float plan. Was just wondering if you and Vic are playing mom 1 and 2 again? You will be the first to receive the '''""FLOAT PLAN""""
Admiral Cindy
I knew this was you, Bob, without even looking at the name. We will definitely have a float plan. Was just wondering if you and Vic are playing mom 1 and 2 again? You will be the first to receive the '''""FLOAT PLAN""""
Admiral Cindy
This was submitted by admiral Cindy Just for Vic and Bob. Cpt. Ron wants to stay out of the crossfire.
Admiral and I look forward to doing this trip once we get some experience. Can't wait to see the pics and hear the reports!
Speaking of fuel, fuel bladders are apparently getting popular in the cruising sailboat arena in lieu of jerry cans on the deck, have read of some 100 gal bladders strapped to the deck of larger cruisers...maybe they have a smaller one that could be strapped to the deck of a Mac X/M?
vizwhiz wrote:Speaking of fuel, fuel bladders are apparently getting popular in the cruising sailboat arena in lieu of jerry cans on the deck, have read of some 100 gal bladders strapped to the deck of larger cruisers...maybe they have a smaller one that could be strapped to the deck of a Mac X/M?
I could invent a bladder that goes in the mast and then if its not needed I could light it up and look like a 20 knot candle. or a lopsided cake if sailing.
Just to update everyone the trip is 4 weeks away and the trailer is back and the new LED lights are awsome. We are waiting for the stern rail seats to get here from BWYauchts so we can take the boat to a metal fabricator in order to get a solar panel mount put on and he said that he would install the seats as well. Definately do a better job than me and then I know its done right. Doesn't look like I will get the cracks fixed in the rudders before this trip I have since found that the brackets have bowed out at the top and bottom making the steering even more sloppy so will have to fix that first. Those are the last of the major things to get accomplished. I also have to do a million other smaller things to get ready like install the quick disconnect for the enging, new Anderson winches, ditch bag and EPIRB.
With any luck we should get most of the work done and if we forget anything then we can add it to the list for next years vacation.
I just wish this weather would finally break so I can waste some valuable time out on the water sailing instead of getting ready for our trip.
cptron wrote:. . . he said that he would install the seats as well. Definately do a better job than me and then I know its done right.
Just be sure he knows what he's getting into as far as access to the underside of the cockpit coaming, and the need for backing plates up in there. I don't know if there's foam in there, but I suspect there is. It's not a knock on your fabricator - it's just that these boats are unique in some construction details, and they're boats, meaning marine grade hardware and the need to bed rail/seat stanchions and use backing plates (thin fender washers just don't cut it, IMO).
cptron wrote:... I also have to do a million other smaller things to get ready like ..... EPIRB...
Do you have a good radio with a mast mounted antenna and DSC? I feel pretty good down here (FL) having the DSC vs. the EPIRB. The Endeavour came with an EPIRB, but we haven't changed it over to our names. We need to do that, but I'm not to concerned with doing that since the new radio has DSC although the EPIRB could go in the dinghy with us if needed. I hope that never happens. If we were going off-shore (out of the country) I for sure would want the EPIRB.
The new Standard Horizon radio we bought for under $250 also has the AIS and uses the VHF antenna for it. I think we will like it and targets will show up on the radio and also on OpenCPN,
I was lucky enough to be able to go out to Fort Jefferson last November. What a beautiful area! I would love to go again, want to camp on the beach next time. We took the ferry out and back, great time. It is about 70 miles out from Key West. In a 26M you should be able to motor there in a day. Yes be sure you have enough gas for both ways, you should plan to sail some of it. There seems to be a limit on the island, check with powers to be to make sure you can stay. Snorkling is great! On the way out, watch out for all those crab / shrimp pots. The ferry was swerving constantly! Also watch your charts, it can be very shallow in some places. Have fun and take pictures for us stuck here!
Craig? If you are waiting for your stern rail seats from BWYachts please give Gail a call. The seats are ready to go, she is needing more info from you before this can ship!!! Call as soon as you can!! She left you a message too. Cheryl
bwygirl wrote:Craig? If you are waiting for your stern rail seats from BWYachts please give Gail a call. The seats are ready to go, she is needing more info from you before this can ship!!! Call as soon as you can!! She left you a message too. Cheryl
Thanks bwygirl, I called and they should be here by Wed. of next week.
tkanzler wrote:Just be sure he knows what he's getting into as far as access to the underside of the cockpit coaming, and the need for backing plates up in there. I don't know if there's foam in there, but I suspect there is. It's not a knock on your fabricator - it's just that these boats are unique in some construction details, and they're boats, meaning marine grade hardware and the need to bed rail/seat stanchions and use backing plates (thin fender washers just don't cut it, IMO).
tkanzler, He comes highly recommended by the community and he fabricates and installs Stainless T-tops in powerboats used for offshore fishing. However I will keep an eye out
Sumner wrote:Do you have a good radio with a mast mounted antenna and DSC? I feel pretty good down here (FL) having the DSC vs. the EPIRB. The Endeavour came with an EPIRB, but we haven't changed it over to our names. We need to do that, but I'm not to concerned with doing that since the new radio has DSC although the EPIRB could go in the dinghy with us if needed. I hope that never happens. If we were going off-shore (out of the country) I for sure would want the EPIRB.
The new Standard Horizon radio we bought for under $250 also has the AIS and uses the VHF antenna for it. I think we will like it and targets will show up on the radio and also on OpenCPN,
Hey sumner, we do have a VHF radio with DSC but the DSC is not connected at this time and the antennae is not mounted on the mast but on the rear port gunnel. We are planning on going to the Bahamas for next years vacation so thought the EPIRB was a good idea.
cptron wrote:....Hey sumner, we do have a VHF radio with DSC but the DSC is not connected at this time and the antennae is not mounted on the mast but on the rear port gunnel. We are planning on going to the Bahamas for next years vacation so thought the EPIRB was a good idea.
Going over there the EPIRB is probably a good idea. I'd get the antenna to the top of the mast and get the DSC working. Besides the Coast Guard seeing it so will other boats in the area and they could possibly help or forward your location to someone who could. Also you should be able to get NOAA weather out there and over to Bimini with an antenna at the top of the mast.. We could usually get NOAA from about 3 different stations at a time down there and Key West over 50 miles from them with the antenna at the top of the mast. Weather is very important and I would for sure want it going out to the Dry Tortugas.
Last 4 days you could have left Cape Coral on the 138 mile leg with winds aft and return next 6-7 days from now with a following SE/SW wind.
Always catch the winds, tides and return. Makes for fair sailing.
My rules are Sail were the winds are at a steady helm.
Sail as far as the winds take you and hope you don't have to go back to work.
Dave
cptron wrote:Well we are getting ready for the big trip. Trailer is at the shop right now getting new bearings and brakes repaired, lights working again, and new winch installed. I still have to install the new 100 watt solar panel, new battery the quick disconnect and a few million other minor details before we will be ready to take off. It seems that I have lists for lists for lists all for the main list just in preperation. I recieved my paper charts a couple of weeks ago and have been drooling ever since. This weekend will be spent fixing cracks in the rudders and working on possibly tightning up the steering linkage and putting the auto pilot back in.
Wish us luck and we will keep you posted.
Hopefuly I can get the admiral to take over on the updates as she does a better job of keeping it interesting.
Cpt. Ron wants to stay out of the crossfire. 
without fessing up! 
