WHAT I LEARNED THIS YEAR.

[Eagleye]

Gee Bob, I hope you've learned your lesson! You can add it to your list of "What I learned this year".
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Ain't this fun?!

Marty K.

Great Post, Bob.......but do you ever get the feeling that on some days everything you touch just turns to poop!   

-Allen

[Bob23]

I do indeed!!!!!
Bob23

[HeaveToo]

Oh.  Here is another tick I learned from another member!

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm199/HeaveToo/Compac23withdingy_zps02fad2d6.jpg

It is a great way to transport the dingy.  It seems to ride here okay.  I have some foam that I put on the dingy to pad it from the trailer a little too.

[sailen69]

Yes, I learned a few things this year...

1.  I have a pair of Top-Sider shoes and sandals that are both going on about 7 years old.  I only wear them when sailing so they don't get too much use.  After several seasons, the soft rubber grip on the bottom has turned hard and glazed over like a pencil eraser that does not get used (I don't make mistakes...  Ha..).  This year it was like walking on marbles just on the driveway.

2.  I learned that I scuffing the bottoms of the shoes and sandals with some medium grit sandpaper would take off the slick glaze, like rubbing that eraser on a peace of paper.

3.  I learned that I should have washed the soles off very good before sanding, or you will get to smell what the seagulls left on the docks.   

Rich

[atrometer]

Wag Bags or make your own with black trash bags and some "kitty litter" (clumps/non-smelling, etc.)

[SpeakEasy]

The whole idea of continuous learning is something that means a lot to me. I've been writing a blog about learning something new every day for over a year now. No, I don't write in it every day, because frankly, a lot of the stuff I'm learning would be of no interest to anyone else. But when I think I can make it interesting, I try writing about it. It's a really great exercise, and I think I may do it more seriously in a few years when I retire.

Meanwhile, I invite folks over to http://www.learnwithmenow.wordpress.com.

I know some of you read my post about a cruise on Cayuga Lake back in July: http://wp.me/p3PKIK-iE

[Tim Gardner]

Speak,

I made that trip from Union Springs to Ithaca a few times as a young man, on a Sunfish!  'Course the drinking age then was 18, and I knew where every Bar within walking distance from Cayuga Lake's shores was.   I always had a great time, and always found a nice beach to camp on when needed.

TG

PS. Love your blog!

[SpeakEasy]

I can't even imagine making that journey on a sunfish! You are one tough dude!

-Speak

[PalmettoSailor]

This was my first year back sailing my own boat. I learned that this is a fabulous sight for learning things. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all aboard.
Marc

[Shawn]

Bob,

"I'm looking into one that can be pumped out at a pumping station (we have several free ones around here) but they are larger and may need to be installed forward. I hope not."

I put a Sealand 975 (5 gallon) in Serenity that can also be plumbed for pump out. Never ended setting that up though. The height might be tight under the companionway. It fits the V berth area great. Sealand makes a 2.5 gallon model 974  with MSD fittings that I think is about 3"s shorter and should fit. If you are planning on plumbing it for MSD think carefully on how you will run the hoses. One of the things I learned this year is what a PITA MSD hoses are to work with. Not very flexible and just obnoxious to deal with. Think through how you would setup the hoses to allow you the fore aft movement needed.

Shawn

[Bob23]

Thanks, Shawn:
   I think the 975 is the one I was looking at. I toyed with altering the starboard side storage area and building a level platform to install the unit on. I just don't like the porta potti being the center of attention of the v berth.
Bob23

[Greene]

I just don't like the porta potti being the center of attention of the v berth.
Bob23

So what is the center of attention in your v berth Bob?

Mike

[Bob23]

Mike:
  Only you would and could ask that question. I'm gonna have to think on that one. I have the feeling I should choose my words carefully!
B23

[Tim Gardner]

Clearly  Bob is the center of attention, Duuh!

[Bob23]

Not me! That's the last place I'm comfortable. But to answer Capt. Greenes question- the center of attention could be the Gosslings rum bottle I have stashed in the port storage locker. Or the cooler full of PBR! Actually, not much interesting in the v-berth; being a mostly solo sailor, that's where I store most of my junk. But this is an interesting piece of equipment that you won't find on many boats:

Every one's got to have a favorite chair!
Bob23