The cruising
lifestyle sounds so appealing when you hear people talk. Warm weather, sandy beaches, no work. There is the other side as well though,
and some things you don’t really think about. Of course
there is the boat work, constant maintenance living in a salt water
environment, but there are a couple of things you forget to mention when
talking about cruising – Like how to get on and off the boat !!! |
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On our boat,
currently tied up to the dock there is a 42” long step, which is a 12” step
or step down depending if getting on or off.
(Hint: stepping down is easier)
Every morning we head off to the showers on land. We wear flip flops as we shower in them to
prevent any stray foot diseases. Try it out,
can you put on flip flops, and make a 42” “jump” up 12”? Sure, you can, now do it over water that is
cold and salty while fully dressed. |
Knock on wood, so far, no mishaps. |
Sunday, February 28, 2021
Things about cruising that you tend to forget
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
New Faucet
Kris's coworkers at Vanmark Equipment were very kind, and gave her a Lowes gift card upon her retirement. We knew we wanted a new kitchen sink faucet, and with the gift card we were able to get not only one for the kitchen, but also for the bath.
Sunday, February 21, 2021
2-20-2021 A walk through Morehead City, North Carolina
It finally stopped raining. We had 5" of rain in three days. Nice for getting all the items unpacked and organized on the boat, but we had enough rain, and when it turned sunny, even though it was cold, it was time to get off the boat, and go for a stroll.
Here is a bit of what we saw.
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Kris's farewell tour
Kris is officially retired. WooHoo.
Dean made the long drive from North Carolina to Boise to pick her up, and do a farewell tour. Left Boise on 2/6/2021 to visit family in Bend, Oregon and then to Seeley Lake, Montana to see friends. Enjoyed the 3 feet of snow and lovely -15 degree weather.
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Next break through in "self- "
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Cars have been testing "self-driving"
and it seems to be getting closer a reality. So, what can
we do in the boating industry to match that? Well last night it came to
me as I was sleeping. Around 3:30 am I heard a noise of a boat starting
their engine. Other than the time it really didn't make an impact until
I realized it was my boat that was trying to start it's own engine. By
the time I got over to the starboard side the diesel engine had finally
started and was running, a little rough but running. I adjusted the
throttle some and it just purred. So, if cars can "self-drive" let’s go for boats "self-start". |
Doing some research, it seems like this "self-starting" has occurred to other diesel engines when the starting solenoid or starting switch are just right and the weather is just right. There are several fixes that I will be working on with Kris to make sure it doesn't happen again. Or maybe we should leave it alone and start to market it? |
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Maybe the boat was sending us a sign that it is time to leave the docks.
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