Next break through in "self- "

	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?
	Maybe the boat was sending us a sign that it is time to leave the docks.

Walking and shoes

You walk everywhere when you are on a boat vs driving when you are living on land.  To get groceries you walk, to get parts you walk, to do laundry you walk, most everyday you are walking somewhere to get something done.  Having good shoes that are able to be used for walking in sand, mud, gravel, or pavement is needed because you don't have space for option.  You probably have a good pair of flip flops or water shoes but for your heavy duty walking nothing beats a good pair of sneakers.

On land having several pairs of tennis shoes; old ones for working out side, ones that are good for walking, ones that are good for colder weather, ones for going to work in and basketball shoes isn't as big of a deal because you have the space.  As a side note if you want some really really good sandal go look at OOFOs, https://www.oofos.com.  I have a pair that I have worn for several years and have promoted them to friends and they have not been disappointed. Just recently I walked my good walking shoes out of their soles and it was time for a change.  The old ones went into the trash and the new ones are being broken in, lots of walking to do ahead.

Old ones on top, new on bottom

Brighten up the boat

At the time our boat was built, 15 years ago, the latest and best lighting was cold cathode fluorescent lights.  They had low power draw and gave off more light than any other at the time.  When you turn the lights on now they are somewhat dim but after a minute or two they warm up and put out decent light.  If you are just using the light for a few seconds then they really never give off enough light to make the area very bright.  

We have been looking for new lights that are brighter and use less power but finding ones that cover the old fixture marks has been daunting.  So we came up with the idea of gutting the old internal equipment and rewiring the fixtures with new LED light strips.  Wala you have fixtures that cover the old marks yet give a lot more light, right away.  Using a downloaded app for LUX measurements it showed the old lights at 0 when just turned on then after a minute had warmed up to 30.  The new LED lights turned on at 60.  The energy used by the LED is 1/2 the amps of the old lights as well.

Old dim light

Some projects you do because there is an issue that needs to be fixed, this time uncovered an issue prior to it being a major problem.

our boom vang

Boom vang

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A boom vang is a line or piston system on a sailboat used to exert downward force on the boom and thus control the shape of the sail. The vang typically runs from the base of the mast to a point about a third of the way out the boom. 

Merry windy/rainy/tornado Christmas

This is a first for me. In the past I have only worried about snow storms and slippery roads around the holidays. Today the weather forecast started out with high winds and heavy rain. The marine adversary shows gusts up to 55 mph and waves 15 to 20 feet, glad I am at a marina. The rain started out at 1.25 inches and now shows 2.86 inches, all in 24 hour period. Boise Idaho normally get 13 inches of rain a year, I am getting 22% of that now. When I just checked the weather we now have a tornado watch for the area. Not sure how many reindeer Santa will need to stay on course.

Happy Holidays :)

Caramel Corn

For Christmas and special times I will make up a batch of caramel corn.  When we cruised last time the caramel corn was a special treat, and  sometimes we even shared it with others.  The recipe is easy to follow and at home the proportions are good for the stove.  The first time on the boat I had to make smaller batches because the stove can only take a 11 x 14 pan.  So today it was try and figure out how much to make a smaller batch.  Started with popping the pop corn on the stove, no microwave here, how much oil to pop corn and how full do you fill the pot, trial and error.  When I made the caramel sauce I had too much heat so burnt the first batch.  Oh well start again and the 2nd batch went ok so now onto the 3rd.  Will have to package up the product and ship it back to Kris and to another boater who kind of likes it as well.

Popping the corn.

We are Officially Documented

Most long term cruisers, including us use U.S. documentation for the boat versus licensing in a state, as it doesn't make sense to license your boat in one state, since you don't live in just one state.  Our boat is documented, and we have official numbers.   

What Is The USCG Documentation Number?

The USCG documentation number is the official number (ON) of a documented vessel. It stays with the boat for its lifetime.

When we boat the boat, we register with the Coast Guard, and put our names with the official number.

How to place the USCG documentation number?

It must be permanently attached to your vessel. But, unlike state registration number, the ON of federal documentation is affixed to the interior part of the ship. But it has to be in a clearly visible area.  It has to be at least three inches in height.

Want to make sure these guys are happy