Lake sailing

If you are going to live on a lake, you'd better play in the water from time to time. Otherwise, you are paying a lot of tax money for nothing.

My intent was to do some work on the boat. The depth gauge hadn't been working for some time. The exact same model was on sale at Amazon so replacement was easy. No need to drill any new holes. After changing the display, it still didn't work. The device lit up but wouldn't give a reading.

The transponder had been epoxied to the inside of the hull deep in the bilge. It looked fine, but once I got my hands on it, (working upside through a hatch) the unit was loose. I rebedded it to see if that was the problem. If that doesn't work, I'll install the new transponder.

That project really didn't take too long. What I really wanted to do is to go sailing. It feels good to be on a sailboat again, even on a small lake. Later my lovely wife and the dog joined me. Once she came aboard I gave up the tiller.

Here's a pro tip, if you sail, make sure your spouse knows how to operate the boat. Should you fall overboard, they'll be able to turn around and come back for you. Over the years a number of captains have been lost because their crew had no idea what to do. The problem is made worse if there's an auto helm or a wind vane. The boat will continue to sail away all on its own. Imagine falling overboard and watching your boat disappear over the horizon.

Giving up the tiller to your spouse so they can become experienced is a good safety procedure. Almost as important is the fact that your significant other will enjoy boating a lot more if they aren't just a passenger. They won't resent time on the boat and won't resent your hobby. Not only will they be able to come back and get you, they'll want you back.

-Sixbears