about time to start getting ready

[kickingbug1]

     well its getting to be that time again for sailors who were locked in by winter to think about getting back in the groove. ive started checking out my 16 to make sure she is up to snuff. started the outboard (yeah mike it really started) and begun the spring spruce up. been checking the gear that has been stored aboard all winter to see what if anything needs replacing or upgrading. im luckier than most and have a garage so the ice and snow werent a factor. i might go ahead and replace the wheels and tires with twelves (although i havent checked to see if 12" radials are available). regreased the bearings and double checked trailer wiring. i guess like everyone else i find out what needs attention after the first sail. anyway whether its a lot of work or just a little it sure feels good to start thinking about sailing again-----what a winter

[Greene]

Couldn't agree more Kick.  This winter has feels like it has been going on forever.  I am impressed that little kicker motor of yours keeps on ticking.   Although it resembles "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"  it gets you where you need to go.  

I have started my spring list as well.  It is funny how a completely usable sailboat becomes such a basket case each spring.  I typed up my list recently and split it into Interior, Exterior and Trailer sections.  I ended up with 2 1/2 pages of items to work on or purchase.  I took Skip's advice (did I really say that?) and put together a Com-Pac 19 binder.  It is nice to have everything in one somewhat organized place.  Funny how the To-Do list section is quickly the biggest one.

I started building a simple galley for the starboard side of our 19.  It will be pretty basic, some counter top area, a couple drawers and 3 small doors.  Just enough area to put a little one-burner stove on and store a few cooking supplies.  The counter top surface will be nice for prepping snacks and of course mixing drinks.  I plan on just cutting a 6-8" round hole in the top and drop a pot in as a basic sink.  I don't see any need to go wild and install running water and a drain system.  We'll just use a water jug and simply lift out the pot and dump it when necessary.  

We are going to make up a cushion to cover some of the counter top at night to extend the V berth 26" for a little more leg room.  I'll take a couple photos soon and post what I've done so far.  

When do you normally get decent sailing weather in the spring?  We might have to take a long weekend and go on a road trip.

Mike and Admiral B

[kickingbug1]

   mike, i have sailed carlyle in march (cold water-gotta keep the feet dry when launching and retrieving). the main problem is if they put the docks in or not. seems like there is no set date. but i hope to do some sailing next month. the 52 should be at my brothers being painted by the end of the month anyway. ill keep you posted on the dock and weather situation

[JazzCat]

I know you guys are ready to get out there. I made it out yesterday for my second trip of the year. Here in central NC it was 80 degrees with a constant 10-12 mph wind, a perfect day for me. I saw 2 other CPs on the lake, another 16 and a 23. Here is some video of the days trip. I'm wearing the white shirt. The other guy is my brother. He was excited because this was his first real sail. He went with me once last year, but there was only a trace of wind that time and he wasn't real impressed. He really enjoyed this trip. I'm trying to talk him into getting us, I mean him, a 23...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpHhDdFXVks

[rsahlender]

Ya the gang farther south don't know what they are missing. ;-)

My 16 has been in the local boat yard for a slow winter makeover since purchased in October. I went to look at 'er this weekend and the 88 looks like brand new! I was so excited I went from there to Lake Nockamixon to check on things around the marina. While the lake is still frozen it is actually thinning enough that there is from 1 to 3 feet of water around the docks, slips, and ramps. Can't see that way down south!

After hiking the woods around the lake for a few hours I went home and fired up the 2hp honda, love that sta-bil... and next weekend I'll pamper it with a nice treating of sea-foam.

Being my first sailboat I really appreciate this "about time to start getting ready" period. I have PFDs and an air horn but need a fire extinguisher, flares, an anchor with chain and line, dock lines, fenders, one of those telescoping boat hook and paddle combo thingies, ropes and lines, more ropes and lines, and a few more ropes and lines.

And the best part is I get to live with the anxious feeling I have had since October while waiting for the ice to melt and the docks and slips and ramps are made ready for launch day in April. Yup, the gang down south has no idea what they are missing...

Rich

[brackish]

Rich said:

Yup, the gang down south has no idea what they are missing...

LOL, I can only relate to this thread by admitting that on several occasions in the past month I've taken my tool box up to the lake to do some boat projects and sailed instead because it was just too nice to pass up.  So now I'm probably further behind than the northern crowd who could not make that choice because their water was hard.  I did get about five miles in with the asymmetrical Saturday, some practice I've really needed.

[Salty19]

Kick, I put 12" radials, load E on last year (new tires and wheels).  You have to look hard to find them, but they are out there. Try to get load star tires if you can.

Rich- I'm looking forward to hearing of your adventures this year with the new boat.

[MHardy]

Jazzcat,
I had my CP16 on Jordan on Jan 29 for the first sail of 2011. Hope to see you out there this year.