Weather windows and boat plans

Here in New England we've had a lot of rain and thunderstorms. At least it's not like the Southwest, where it looks like someone left the door to hell open. Dang it's hot out there.

The rain has certainly slowed down my outdoor activities. Yesterday's weather break was just long enough to mow the lawn. It had gotten long enough to lose small children in the weeds. Today I fixed a rattling fender on the veggie van. Clouds moved in soon after.

My boat build is going slowly, but at least it's not stopped. The large tarp suspended over the boat saves my glass work from passing rain showers. Just put 9 oz, 3 inch tape on all the outside seams. It looks pretty good. One more thing to hold the boat together.

I scored some decent stainless steel hardware at Tractor Supply. Sure, it's not “marine” quality, but I can pick up a bag full of washers for the price of one washer at the marine store. Over the last couple of years, the stainless steel from Tractor Supply has held up well in the ocean and lakes.

My lovely wife and I went for a drive over to the other side of the mountains, where it wasn't raining as hard. While poking around in the different shops, I picked up a connector for an outboard gas tank. We are adding another 6 gallon tank, which we can get locally, but the connectors are not available. Marine supplies are pretty hit or miss up here in the mountains.

I've a funny relationship to outboard motors. I'd rather sail. However, when I do decided to use a motor, it'd better work. The boat currently has a 6 hp 2 stroke Evinrude from the 80s. It was extensively rebuilt three years ago. It runs fine, but it is old. Since we plan on a long trip this fall and winter, I wondered about the wisdom of maybe replacing it.

My lovely wife had a good point. We will be coastal sailing around Florida and up the ICW to Virgina. If the motor acts up, then we can buy a new one. It's not like we are going to be 1000 miles from the nearest place that sells outboards. If the motor keeps on ticking that's one less expense for this trip. Besides, who wants to steal an old outboard when there are plenty of new ones on nicer boats?

During the month of July, I'm going to have to make boat time whenever I can. August and September the push will really be on as we hope to leave for sailing in October.

-Sixbears