My lovely wife and I gave up on trying to get the boat clean before launch. We weren't making a lot of progress. The boat was parked in a cramped area under trees. Every time it rained the boat got dirty all over again. Since the mast was down we had a lot of standing rigging laying around in the cockpit. That was a pain to work around.
A few days ago we discovered a problem that needed fixing before launch. The scupper drain was dumping right in the bilge instead of out of the boat. My 10 year old granddaughter was able to reach the offending part with her tiny hands. Then it was a simple matter of putting everything back in place.
Even though the boat was pretty dirty, it felt good to get out on the water. The sailor dog really enjoyed it too.
Most of the crud from trees washed off with water and rags. A little bleach should take care of the trouble spots. Fortunately, the cabin was in good shape. A simple wipe down should be all it needs.
Both my wife and I are still recovering from leg injuries so launching took longer than normal. The rigging needed to be untangled, and hardware had gone walkabout. It was pretty annoying to be unable to find the original parts. I rigged a substitute from the spares, only to discover the original bits once out on the water.
It feels good to have the boat on the lake and in working order. We did a lot more sailing around than cleaning, so it was a fine day.
-Sixbears
In a sense and to a point, I would look at that issue the same way I have looked at having a nice paint job on my cars.
ReplyDeleteIt looks nice, sure, but it doesn't do a damn thing about making it run or drive any better.
I think out of the fifty odd vehicles I've owned over the years, maybe five or six actually had decent paint.
The boat has to be clean enough that we don't get dirty just being on it. It doesn't have to shine.
DeleteYou know how some people wash and polish their cars? Yeah, I'm not one of those people.
I'd rather use my vehicles than make them pretty.
Same with my house. My door mat says it all. "The house was clean last week. Sorry you missed it." My house has that "lived in" look. My vehicles are certainly clean on the inside but the outside? Not so much.
ReplyDeleteThere are only so many hours in the day and I don't have time for vanity.
DeleteGlad you had an outing!
ReplyDeleteIt was long overdue.
DeleteMomlady - I am going to have to find a doormat like yours. LOL
ReplyDeleteSixbears - having a little fun while doing the work that needs to be done is the way to go.
All work and no play makes Sixbears a dull boy.
DeleteLike the picture of your pup lying there and giving you telepathic instructions. She or he is watching to make sure you do it right.
ReplyDeleteIndeed she is. She's got a nice warm blanket in the cabin when she takes a break from giving instructions.
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