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It seems like the work in the boatyard never ends...and I actually like it that way. A busy year has unfolded as I plan and prepare for retirement. Earlier this year, it occurred to me that a nice long vacation this fall would help me tide myself over until retirement arrives on January, 2013.
So in November, I’m off for a month-long trip down the gulf coast of Florida. Without spending too much money, and Lord knows it’s easy to blow a wad, I am getting Belle up to speed for the trip. Here’s a small accounting of the work and changes.
Karen has custom made sheets for the vee berth. They are shaped to cling nicely to its odd shape. The upper sheet has a foot that hooks over the end with enough overhead to accommodate the feet. They curved overlap takes care of the elevation of the bodies under the sheets. The same scheme will be applied for the blankets.
As you can see from the picture, I have indulged my ham radio desires by installing a station that will be capable of most all bands including VHF and UHF. I will be running HF APRS which will constantly update my position on the APRS maps. Check it out on http://aprs.fi Insert my callsign WB4FGF-5 The -5 identifies my unit in the boat. I have a #4 cable bringing power up to the mounting area so there will be no voltage drops in the line. Power is distributed by a RigRunner power pole connection block. In the same area I have installed a 7 outlet 12 volt powered usb connection so I can run my multiple usb connections from my net book. A ham stick mounts to the bow rail. I will carry 10-20-40-75 meter pre-tuned sticks so I am ready for anything. For internet presence I have a 9db antenna at the top of the mast with low loss LMr 240 cable running to a MiFi 4G LTE high speed router. A base 2M/440 antenna is adjacent with my signature candelabra mount. It to uses LMR 240 for low loss.
I finally got the water tanks to be leak free. The electric pump works nicely at providing running water from the combined 42 gallons in the two plastic tanks. The leak in the port locker was clearly coming from the tank and not from the outside or underside as I feared. I rebedded the stanchions to rule out any leaks from above. I put new lubricating shim material on the masts. I also developed a mast securement plan to use during mast raising where the halyard is cleated to hold the mast just short of vertical so I can tuck the cables down before closing the gap.
All in all, I think Belle is ready for the challenge. During this trip which will take me from either Suwanee or Tarpon Springs down the coast of Florida through the everglades and the Keys, and possible realize my dream of reaching the Tortugas (if the weather is right--and I have time). I will be posting to this website and to Facebook during this trip. Wish me luck.
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