Sorry folks, but the call Tom B. and I were supposed to have couldn't take place today, despite 3 attempts to keep moving the time up. Work started with a lot of drama and ended pretty much the same way. I hate when work gets in the way of the things I really want to do!
However, we did manage to discuss a few things in emails. Tom B. was able to clarify a question I had about chartplotter or radar/other display failure. I managed to grasp that the way Garmin has its system set up is that if there is a failure on one screen, a cable (it has a number and letter designation I can't recall) automatically swaps the signal to the working screen. If the other screen goes bad, well a prayer and a previously installed navigation iPad app to the rescue! That was actually the justification I made to myself for buying an iPad Air - and that was before the boat became reality.
We also firmed up my need for 1 vs. 2 satellite domes. Since I have no plans to be in an area so remote that a $25K satellite phone and its trappings is necessary, I am going with a single dome on the mast for the KVH satellite TV. Done deal. Next....
Lebroc came through with its quote for 2 helm chairs with stainless steel pedestals and accessories. We are planning to discuss that item tomorrow in greater detail. The color of the leather will match the pilothouse settee, which will also match the salon settee. I'm crazy for a light, neutral look that carries throughout the boat. I'll dress it up with boldly colored pillows and snazzy Persian rugs. If you remember the rugs on Serenity, they were really wonderful! A pair of leather club chairs similar to the ones on Serenity and we're in business. This time, the chairs will be opposite the TV so that anyone in the chairs can comfortably watch the tube.
Also firmed up are the anchors - as mentioned earlier, a Super Max and a Delta. They'll do the job just fine for the immediate and distant future. Both anchors will have all chain rode (get me, will ya) and wildcats (thanks Betty) on either side of the windlass. I even know to make sure the chain gets color coded for depth. Volunteers?
Poor Tom B. - I sent a rather long list of the items I hope to discuss tomorrow. Actually, not only hope, but plan to decide on and enter "completed" on the build sheet in that elusive extreme right hand column. It's becoming a contest with myself to see how many items can make it into that column within a short period of time.
I was excited when the secretary brought me a fed ex package today. She hung around while I opened it in hopes it was another "treat" from J. Crew. She was clearly amazed at the joy I expressed when I held up my new treasures! The package contained 2 lovely pieces of cherry wood. Oh, do I loooove that beautiful wood. So elegant and easy on the eyes! These prizes will be my companion as I roam tile stores this weekend. Right now on my not too spacious apartment kitchen counter, are the 2 wood pieces with 2 granite samples nuzzling up next to them. It doesn't take much to pique my enthusiasm when it's boat-related.
So, I apologize for a not too exciting post, but will send more details after the call tomorrow. Who knows, if I have time, I might post tomorrow at a more sane hour. There is a method to my madness: I'm going to a wine tasting, followed by dinner with 2 other friends tomorrow evening. It depends on how good the wine tasting is if I can post. Better to be on the safe side and try to get some words down in the afternoon. I don't dare start tomorrow's post with the words, "sorry folks....."
G'nite.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
My head is spinning...
How can my head be spinning without a conference call to blame? Email is a powerful tool, designed to evoke feelings of madness, loss of control and paranoia.
Such was the state of affairs today. It all began with an email sent by yours truly to Tom at Kadey Krogen, the ever-patient, long-suffering principal, builder of dreams at 11:27 pm on Tuesday night. This followed the call with Betty to discuss anchors. Exciting life I lead, right?
So we discussed the virtues of Rocna anchors, including the idea that the Rocna might be the anchor du jour and not necessarily what we all need. Since I really don't know what I might need at this juncture, I'm going with the Delta anchor we had on Serenity, which as I mentioned, did a great job for us. For some misguided reason, I thought we also had a Super Max anchor on that wonderful girl, but alas, my mind deceived me. So, since the 55' begs for 2 anchors, it'll be the Super Max and Delta. End of story and discussion. If the time comes that my travels require something different than what I have, I'll address that issue then. Right now, my main concern is leaving the dock without drama.
With that in mind, we also discussed the communications dome(s). I clearly remember having this discussion with my Tom and think I remember it going like this: the satellite TV will be housed in a KVH dome. We were thinking of adding a 2nd dome for aesthetic purposes since we knew we wouldn't be needing a satellite phone. Heck, I'm just getting the hang of my iPhone 5S! After going through what I actually need - and with the realization that no matter how many domes are on the mast, they will all occasionally be challenged "seeing through" the mast - I decided on one dome well placed on the mast. Since no radar arch on this boat, no need for symmetrical domes. Easy. Done. Sounds like I just blasted through these decisions, right? Not right. I spent quite a bit of time at work this morning reading about anchors. Luckily, no one needed to come to me then 'cause it would have been hard to pretend the anchors on the screen somehow related to placing temporary nurses!
So at the mid-week mark, I've decided on most of the electronics, the anchors, the number of mast domes and various and other sundry items. Not bad for 3 days of conversation and ensuing decisions - all while at work.
I'm not sure if you remember, but prior to September 17th, Tom and I had already made decisions on the "guts" of the boat: bow thruster (yes), stern thruster (no), stabilizers (yes), generator, 1 vs 2, (1), Reverso oil change system (yes), engine room and back up cameras (yes), engine room freezer (no). There will be staples on the swim platform; right now I'm considering what to put on the swim platform to protect it from "mistakes". We had a thru-hull placed for a future water maker. Much more cost-effective to put the thru-hull in place now, rather than having to haul the boat to do it later. The water maker won't be added until I have a Bahamas trip planned to minimize maintenance chores.
It's amazing reading over what was decided today that it took many, many emails and a phone call to get through everything. I was reassured that even seasoned owners have extensive questions, especially about the electronics components. Last night I dreamed that I didn't have a standard Richie compass mounted on the helm, so that when the data feed failed, I had no idea where I was. You know that was my first question emailed to Tom B. while still in my pjs! And yes of course, I do have that compass mounted exactly where I thought it was. So much for visions of sugar plums!
I think next up are the helm chairs and maybe the salon table. I know the granite and back splash questions are on the horizon (no pun intended), so I need to get a tile store worked into my extensive weekend plans. I actually enjoy seeing the reactions of shop personnel when they hear what I'm planning to do with the granite and/or tile I'm considering. I live in a boating community, so I can't imagine how folks in the landlocked areas react.
At this point, I don't know what will be discussed, if anything, tomorrow. I have a 9:30 am conference call with my accountant to finalize my tax returns, so I may not be in the mood to discuss anything other than a move to outer space to avoid more taxes. If I do wind up making even one decision, I'll be sure to share with you, don't worry.
Thanks for your continued interest. Would love and appreciate more comments.
Such was the state of affairs today. It all began with an email sent by yours truly to Tom at Kadey Krogen, the ever-patient, long-suffering principal, builder of dreams at 11:27 pm on Tuesday night. This followed the call with Betty to discuss anchors. Exciting life I lead, right?
So we discussed the virtues of Rocna anchors, including the idea that the Rocna might be the anchor du jour and not necessarily what we all need. Since I really don't know what I might need at this juncture, I'm going with the Delta anchor we had on Serenity, which as I mentioned, did a great job for us. For some misguided reason, I thought we also had a Super Max anchor on that wonderful girl, but alas, my mind deceived me. So, since the 55' begs for 2 anchors, it'll be the Super Max and Delta. End of story and discussion. If the time comes that my travels require something different than what I have, I'll address that issue then. Right now, my main concern is leaving the dock without drama.
With that in mind, we also discussed the communications dome(s). I clearly remember having this discussion with my Tom and think I remember it going like this: the satellite TV will be housed in a KVH dome. We were thinking of adding a 2nd dome for aesthetic purposes since we knew we wouldn't be needing a satellite phone. Heck, I'm just getting the hang of my iPhone 5S! After going through what I actually need - and with the realization that no matter how many domes are on the mast, they will all occasionally be challenged "seeing through" the mast - I decided on one dome well placed on the mast. Since no radar arch on this boat, no need for symmetrical domes. Easy. Done. Sounds like I just blasted through these decisions, right? Not right. I spent quite a bit of time at work this morning reading about anchors. Luckily, no one needed to come to me then 'cause it would have been hard to pretend the anchors on the screen somehow related to placing temporary nurses!
So at the mid-week mark, I've decided on most of the electronics, the anchors, the number of mast domes and various and other sundry items. Not bad for 3 days of conversation and ensuing decisions - all while at work.
I'm not sure if you remember, but prior to September 17th, Tom and I had already made decisions on the "guts" of the boat: bow thruster (yes), stern thruster (no), stabilizers (yes), generator, 1 vs 2, (1), Reverso oil change system (yes), engine room and back up cameras (yes), engine room freezer (no). There will be staples on the swim platform; right now I'm considering what to put on the swim platform to protect it from "mistakes". We had a thru-hull placed for a future water maker. Much more cost-effective to put the thru-hull in place now, rather than having to haul the boat to do it later. The water maker won't be added until I have a Bahamas trip planned to minimize maintenance chores.
It's amazing reading over what was decided today that it took many, many emails and a phone call to get through everything. I was reassured that even seasoned owners have extensive questions, especially about the electronics components. Last night I dreamed that I didn't have a standard Richie compass mounted on the helm, so that when the data feed failed, I had no idea where I was. You know that was my first question emailed to Tom B. while still in my pjs! And yes of course, I do have that compass mounted exactly where I thought it was. So much for visions of sugar plums!
I think next up are the helm chairs and maybe the salon table. I know the granite and back splash questions are on the horizon (no pun intended), so I need to get a tile store worked into my extensive weekend plans. I actually enjoy seeing the reactions of shop personnel when they hear what I'm planning to do with the granite and/or tile I'm considering. I live in a boating community, so I can't imagine how folks in the landlocked areas react.
At this point, I don't know what will be discussed, if anything, tomorrow. I have a 9:30 am conference call with my accountant to finalize my tax returns, so I may not be in the mood to discuss anything other than a move to outer space to avoid more taxes. If I do wind up making even one decision, I'll be sure to share with you, don't worry.
Thanks for your continued interest. Would love and appreciate more comments.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Anchors away..
Today's conference call had to be accomplished in 30 minutes to accommodate our schedules. So we were done in 45 minutes, not bad for so many big topics.
I have to tell you that it is far easier to discuss granite and sinks than anchors and electronics. My head has been spinning since noon today. Thankfully, I have Serenity's commissioning in mind as I make decisions and discuss topics that were Tom's department in the old days.
Today's conversation centered around several items, one of which was anchors - which ones? We had a Super Max and Delta on Serenity. I don't think we ever got to use the Super Max, but we did use the Delta and were always pleased with its performance. That anchor did a yeoman's job on several weekends when we rafted up with 3 other boats, all in excess of 50 feet. All 4 boats were held by Serenity's Delta anchor. However, those in the know suggested I consider a Rocna anchor. I consulted my boating guru Betty, who said she'd have a Rocna if she were to get a new anchor. We giggled when we realized how our conversation was going. Most women having an evening chat might be discussing their new spring wardrobe and here we were discussing anchors! So guess what I'll be doing in whatever spare minutes I can eke out of my day tomorrow? This is a decision I need to make sooner rather than later since the Rocna style necessitates a particular pulpit design. But most of you already know that, right?
Once I had my assignment to research the properties of Delta and Rocna anchors, we tackled several electronics items. I am going with Garmin as mentioned earlier, probably 2 15" screens. I've abandoned Tom's glass bridge - way over the top for me at this point (in more ways than one). We discussed VHF radios - Garmin or iCom? We had iCom on Serenity, so I'm going to read up on both while I get a price quote for each. At least I know there will be 2 radios so I can keep one on Channel 16 and the other monitoring what is going on "outside".
We tossed around an intercom. No shouting on this boat. Besides, I was wondering what to do if I was in the pilot house and I needed someone in the aft cockpit. Well, that was put to bed in a hurry when I faced the reality that I will NOT be in the pilot house alone while "someone" is in the cockpit. That "someone" will be sitting right next to me at all times for the first 100 years I own this boat! All joking aside, the intercom is still an open issue. I hate open issues, but sometimes it has to be open while more research (calls to Betty) is being conducted.
I decided against a wi fi booster. Besides costing some change, I'm not the sort that lives or dies by signal strength. This is the whole purpose of adopting this new lifestyle. Unless it turns out to be otherwise, I can make other arrangements if I find that wi fi rules.
The electronics quote includes AIS -both transmit and receive. On Serenity, we could only receive which made for some frustrating moments. The radar will be mounted on the radar arch - how novel.
The autopilot will be state-of-the-art. Can't manage without one of those babies. Of course there will be satellite TV, weather and all the other essentials a well equipped boat contains.
I know I sound somewhat vague. Once the electronics are nailed down, I promise a listing of all the components - including the entertainment package. If it was up to me, I wouldn't have a TV, but I might find it impossible to have folks come aboard to help move the boat without one. So, don't worry, there will be a TV, probably a 42" Samsung on one of those Aritex lifts on the port side of the salon.
Now my head is spinning again - and right at bedtime. These are the times I resolve to post here during the day, but with the KKY calls taking up an hour each day, I can't very well do any posting - and hope to remain employed. No conference call tomorrow. I have anchor research to do while Tom B. dives further into the electronics and entertainment packages. We agreed to touch base again on Thursday.
So please don't be disappointed if I'm not here tomorrow night - unless I must share the exciting data I discover about anchor differences - pro and con. Who would have thought I'd be excited to read about anchors? In 2008, I barely knew what an anchor was! Shows what a difference a few years of boating can do to one's mind.
Amen.
I have to tell you that it is far easier to discuss granite and sinks than anchors and electronics. My head has been spinning since noon today. Thankfully, I have Serenity's commissioning in mind as I make decisions and discuss topics that were Tom's department in the old days.
Today's conversation centered around several items, one of which was anchors - which ones? We had a Super Max and Delta on Serenity. I don't think we ever got to use the Super Max, but we did use the Delta and were always pleased with its performance. That anchor did a yeoman's job on several weekends when we rafted up with 3 other boats, all in excess of 50 feet. All 4 boats were held by Serenity's Delta anchor. However, those in the know suggested I consider a Rocna anchor. I consulted my boating guru Betty, who said she'd have a Rocna if she were to get a new anchor. We giggled when we realized how our conversation was going. Most women having an evening chat might be discussing their new spring wardrobe and here we were discussing anchors! So guess what I'll be doing in whatever spare minutes I can eke out of my day tomorrow? This is a decision I need to make sooner rather than later since the Rocna style necessitates a particular pulpit design. But most of you already know that, right?
Once I had my assignment to research the properties of Delta and Rocna anchors, we tackled several electronics items. I am going with Garmin as mentioned earlier, probably 2 15" screens. I've abandoned Tom's glass bridge - way over the top for me at this point (in more ways than one). We discussed VHF radios - Garmin or iCom? We had iCom on Serenity, so I'm going to read up on both while I get a price quote for each. At least I know there will be 2 radios so I can keep one on Channel 16 and the other monitoring what is going on "outside".
We tossed around an intercom. No shouting on this boat. Besides, I was wondering what to do if I was in the pilot house and I needed someone in the aft cockpit. Well, that was put to bed in a hurry when I faced the reality that I will NOT be in the pilot house alone while "someone" is in the cockpit. That "someone" will be sitting right next to me at all times for the first 100 years I own this boat! All joking aside, the intercom is still an open issue. I hate open issues, but sometimes it has to be open while more research (calls to Betty) is being conducted.
I decided against a wi fi booster. Besides costing some change, I'm not the sort that lives or dies by signal strength. This is the whole purpose of adopting this new lifestyle. Unless it turns out to be otherwise, I can make other arrangements if I find that wi fi rules.
The electronics quote includes AIS -both transmit and receive. On Serenity, we could only receive which made for some frustrating moments. The radar will be mounted on the radar arch - how novel.
The autopilot will be state-of-the-art. Can't manage without one of those babies. Of course there will be satellite TV, weather and all the other essentials a well equipped boat contains.
I know I sound somewhat vague. Once the electronics are nailed down, I promise a listing of all the components - including the entertainment package. If it was up to me, I wouldn't have a TV, but I might find it impossible to have folks come aboard to help move the boat without one. So, don't worry, there will be a TV, probably a 42" Samsung on one of those Aritex lifts on the port side of the salon.
Now my head is spinning again - and right at bedtime. These are the times I resolve to post here during the day, but with the KKY calls taking up an hour each day, I can't very well do any posting - and hope to remain employed. No conference call tomorrow. I have anchor research to do while Tom B. dives further into the electronics and entertainment packages. We agreed to touch base again on Thursday.
So please don't be disappointed if I'm not here tomorrow night - unless I must share the exciting data I discover about anchor differences - pro and con. Who would have thought I'd be excited to read about anchors? In 2008, I barely knew what an anchor was! Shows what a difference a few years of boating can do to one's mind.
Amen.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Quiet Day
Today was quiet - regarding the boat that is. One of the reasons today was quiet is because it was not quiet at work. I have yet to master the art of really getting office work done while talking to the KKY build team about granite, spotlights, etc.
Several emails were exchanged today regarding the recently submitted electronics quote. As mentioned in an earlier post, my trusted advisers came through (as expected) with excellent questions and suggestions for the quote. I collected the comments and forwarded them to Tom B. Some of those issues will be the basis for our lunchtime conference call tomorrow.
The galley and head(s) granite are the next topic for discussion. To illustrate how far I'm into this build process, I mentioned my granite choices to my golf foursome at dinner tonight. When I mentioned the color I had in mind, one of the ladies said her mom's kitchen was cherry with that color granite. I asked her to call her mom on the spot and have her mom text me a picture of the kitchen. She did - 2 of them in fact! One picture showed the granite against the cabinets, the other was a close up of the granite. The next project for this lovely person was to find her kitchen fabricator and see if anyone can remember the name of the granite. I forwarded the granite pictures to Laura right from my restaurant chair. There was a bit of eye rolling going on when they thought I wasn't looking, but not too much. They don't want to forfeit future fun times aboard. Smart ladies.
Although it can be overwhelming to build a boat, especially as a novice, the build team is helping me with the visuals, endlessly explaining guess what - yup, the plan views and just helping me keep priorities in focus. Each day is more exciting than the previous one, so much so, that I find it hard to keep still when I look at the calendar. September will be a bittersweet month. The boat is scheduled for completion and it will be the first anniversary of Tom's passing. I am determined to make it a very special and noteworthy month.
I apologize for the lack of photos at this point. That's because other than the ones posted last September, there are none. Tom B. is heading to Taiwan mid-April, so I'm sure there will be many photos to send after that trip. Thank you for your patience.
Standby for the synopsis of our conference call tomorrow. Besides being fun, they are incredibly productive and exciting.
Several emails were exchanged today regarding the recently submitted electronics quote. As mentioned in an earlier post, my trusted advisers came through (as expected) with excellent questions and suggestions for the quote. I collected the comments and forwarded them to Tom B. Some of those issues will be the basis for our lunchtime conference call tomorrow.
The galley and head(s) granite are the next topic for discussion. To illustrate how far I'm into this build process, I mentioned my granite choices to my golf foursome at dinner tonight. When I mentioned the color I had in mind, one of the ladies said her mom's kitchen was cherry with that color granite. I asked her to call her mom on the spot and have her mom text me a picture of the kitchen. She did - 2 of them in fact! One picture showed the granite against the cabinets, the other was a close up of the granite. The next project for this lovely person was to find her kitchen fabricator and see if anyone can remember the name of the granite. I forwarded the granite pictures to Laura right from my restaurant chair. There was a bit of eye rolling going on when they thought I wasn't looking, but not too much. They don't want to forfeit future fun times aboard. Smart ladies.
Although it can be overwhelming to build a boat, especially as a novice, the build team is helping me with the visuals, endlessly explaining guess what - yup, the plan views and just helping me keep priorities in focus. Each day is more exciting than the previous one, so much so, that I find it hard to keep still when I look at the calendar. September will be a bittersweet month. The boat is scheduled for completion and it will be the first anniversary of Tom's passing. I am determined to make it a very special and noteworthy month.
I apologize for the lack of photos at this point. That's because other than the ones posted last September, there are none. Tom B. is heading to Taiwan mid-April, so I'm sure there will be many photos to send after that trip. Thank you for your patience.
Standby for the synopsis of our conference call tomorrow. Besides being fun, they are incredibly productive and exciting.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Still doing "boat things" over the weekend
Just a quick note to let you know that there is really no rest for the weary. Since I'm not weary, I'm not resting!
I took a little jaunt to a local granite quarry to take a peek at some huge slabs of granite. Infinitely easier than trying to imagine how an entire galley and 2 heads will look from a small square of granite! Needless to say, the choices are beyond endless, but at least this time, I wasn't being threatened with an overnight stay. I think I may be narrowing down my choices though. Since we had a very dark grey granite counter top in our home, I'm steering far away from that color. It showed every drop of water and dust mite that had the nerve to settle there. Tom and I always loved deep, rich shades of green. I especially love the way dark green looks against ivory and cherry. There are 3 different green granites that have caught my eye. One was actually from the Krogen samples I was sent; the other 2 are from the local quarry. This quarry actually has a branch in Fort Lauderdale. Since it's not time for that decision, I'll keep driving myself crazy with granite choices. Wait, I haven't even gotten to the tile selection yet! Oh boy!
Those of you who either own or are crazy about Kadey Krogen boats, can imagine the look on the quarry worker's faces when I showed them where the granite would be going. Like me in the days before owning a boat, I couldn't even begin to fathom what an interior of a vessel capable of living aboard could offer. Well apparently, neither could they!
I spent a very productive half hour with my trusted friend Betty this evening discussing the electronics quote. It's a very scary looking document to the uninitiated, so off I ran to the one person who uses her boat the way I hope to. I have another crackerjack to consult before even beginning to talk turkey. How lucky am I to have such knowledgeable and wonderful friends to bounce ideas off of? Not many owners-to-be have this opportunity to consult with the very owners of the same type of boat.
Tomorrow is the beginning of a new week and a new round of conference calls to discuss the items of the day. I look forward to every call and every decision to be made. Each decision brings the boat one more step closer to completion. Each decision brings Tom to the call. Eventually all these decisions will lead to the boat being loaded on to a freighter and home to me!
I took a little jaunt to a local granite quarry to take a peek at some huge slabs of granite. Infinitely easier than trying to imagine how an entire galley and 2 heads will look from a small square of granite! Needless to say, the choices are beyond endless, but at least this time, I wasn't being threatened with an overnight stay. I think I may be narrowing down my choices though. Since we had a very dark grey granite counter top in our home, I'm steering far away from that color. It showed every drop of water and dust mite that had the nerve to settle there. Tom and I always loved deep, rich shades of green. I especially love the way dark green looks against ivory and cherry. There are 3 different green granites that have caught my eye. One was actually from the Krogen samples I was sent; the other 2 are from the local quarry. This quarry actually has a branch in Fort Lauderdale. Since it's not time for that decision, I'll keep driving myself crazy with granite choices. Wait, I haven't even gotten to the tile selection yet! Oh boy!
Those of you who either own or are crazy about Kadey Krogen boats, can imagine the look on the quarry worker's faces when I showed them where the granite would be going. Like me in the days before owning a boat, I couldn't even begin to fathom what an interior of a vessel capable of living aboard could offer. Well apparently, neither could they!
I spent a very productive half hour with my trusted friend Betty this evening discussing the electronics quote. It's a very scary looking document to the uninitiated, so off I ran to the one person who uses her boat the way I hope to. I have another crackerjack to consult before even beginning to talk turkey. How lucky am I to have such knowledgeable and wonderful friends to bounce ideas off of? Not many owners-to-be have this opportunity to consult with the very owners of the same type of boat.
Tomorrow is the beginning of a new week and a new round of conference calls to discuss the items of the day. I look forward to every call and every decision to be made. Each decision brings the boat one more step closer to completion. Each decision brings Tom to the call. Eventually all these decisions will lead to the boat being loaded on to a freighter and home to me!
Friday, March 21, 2014
Decided on a lot today (yesterday)
Sorry for the delayed post. My days are so jam packed, that I seem to just run out of hours. At 11:40 pm, I was still scurrying around and didn't want to rush my post. I actually look forward to the time of night I can sit down and go over all the boat discussions of the day. It's like having a dream with the ability to re-live it over and over with great clarity. I'm closest to Tom when involved with the boat, so that makes the time especially precious.
Yesterday's updated build sheet introduced a whole set of questions and clarifications. You notice I'm big on clarifications. Don't forget I'm a girl from Brooklyn and when all is said and done, us girls know not too much about big boats. It's a learning process - great fun, but still a learning process.
Yesterday I decided on using Prop Protector cutters on the props. Not only is this product more cost effective initially, but will continue to be that way over time. After extensive research and reading owner reviews, it came to light that a product with no moving parts to maintain and replace would serve my needs best in the long run. Since this big girl has twin engines, every type of engine cost is doubled. So Prop Protector it is.
Moving along, I confirmed with Tom B. that the entire cap strip forward of the aft cockpit (listen to me spout these nautical terms) will be painted with Snow White Awlgrip. The cockpit cap strip will be left with traditional varnish. Again, I love the look of an all teak cap strip, but on this boat, it would be difficult to maintain owing to the inaccessibility of the port and starboard sides. I think just painting the sides would look ridiculous, hence the decision to include the bow. Decided, finished, move on.
While on the subject of maintaining varnish, I'm eliminating the name boards and mounting the navigation lights above each pilothouse door as required. Her name will be proudly displayed on the Portuguese bridge. Oh, oh, I think I remember saying this before. Oh well....
Big decision was made to extend the boat deck rails all around the tender. I may have mentioned this, so bear with me. To keep my blogs informative, I usually refer to my notes from that day's call, but in my usual fashion, I tend to jump around with excitement. Anyway, though this set up will necessitate a smaller tender than what would fit, safety is more important to me. We had a Boston Whaler 110 Sport on Serenity and it was just fine for our needs. Will probably do the same when the time comes. Just looking at that exposed area in drawings gives me goosebumps. The extended railing also provides a perfect spot (center line) to place the oversize flag Tom wanted. No flapping in one's face in the cockpit and no leaning precariously over the boat deck to furl and unfurl the flag. Amen.
For now, I decided against adding a rub rail to the swim platform. Stainless would be hard to keep looking pristine and a black rail would look plain ugly. Not having that rub rail might help my docking lessons move along more quickly. Lots of fenders......
To maximize the imposing bow on this beautiful boat, Tom and I decided to add a sheer stripe as a finishing touch. I'm moving ahead with painting the sheer Forest Green (Tom's favorite color) with a small accent stripe directly below the sheer. The picture I have is a PDF file, so once I figure out how to convert it to an image (if that can even be done), I'll send it along. No promises here, you may just have to wait until the boat is here. LOL
I just received the electronics estimate from the vendor and need to spend (lots of) time digesting the information. Though I was part of this discussion way back when, I'll need to have my hand held as we go through each component (what else is new? you ask). At first glance, it's a fair and oh so functional package, even includes the Bose sound system Tom was so keen on having. After all, during my many parties aboard, we need to be able to dance to great music!
Once I've reached a decision, I'll share that package with you. I'm bouncing it off some trusted and loved KKY folks, so don't expect an update tomorrow. If anyone would like to share ideas that have worked for them, I'm all ears.
Okay folks, gotta go. I'm at work after all and can't possibly pretend to be doing something else while this blog is up on the screen. Shhh.
Yesterday's updated build sheet introduced a whole set of questions and clarifications. You notice I'm big on clarifications. Don't forget I'm a girl from Brooklyn and when all is said and done, us girls know not too much about big boats. It's a learning process - great fun, but still a learning process.
Yesterday I decided on using Prop Protector cutters on the props. Not only is this product more cost effective initially, but will continue to be that way over time. After extensive research and reading owner reviews, it came to light that a product with no moving parts to maintain and replace would serve my needs best in the long run. Since this big girl has twin engines, every type of engine cost is doubled. So Prop Protector it is.
Moving along, I confirmed with Tom B. that the entire cap strip forward of the aft cockpit (listen to me spout these nautical terms) will be painted with Snow White Awlgrip. The cockpit cap strip will be left with traditional varnish. Again, I love the look of an all teak cap strip, but on this boat, it would be difficult to maintain owing to the inaccessibility of the port and starboard sides. I think just painting the sides would look ridiculous, hence the decision to include the bow. Decided, finished, move on.
While on the subject of maintaining varnish, I'm eliminating the name boards and mounting the navigation lights above each pilothouse door as required. Her name will be proudly displayed on the Portuguese bridge. Oh, oh, I think I remember saying this before. Oh well....
Big decision was made to extend the boat deck rails all around the tender. I may have mentioned this, so bear with me. To keep my blogs informative, I usually refer to my notes from that day's call, but in my usual fashion, I tend to jump around with excitement. Anyway, though this set up will necessitate a smaller tender than what would fit, safety is more important to me. We had a Boston Whaler 110 Sport on Serenity and it was just fine for our needs. Will probably do the same when the time comes. Just looking at that exposed area in drawings gives me goosebumps. The extended railing also provides a perfect spot (center line) to place the oversize flag Tom wanted. No flapping in one's face in the cockpit and no leaning precariously over the boat deck to furl and unfurl the flag. Amen.
For now, I decided against adding a rub rail to the swim platform. Stainless would be hard to keep looking pristine and a black rail would look plain ugly. Not having that rub rail might help my docking lessons move along more quickly. Lots of fenders......
To maximize the imposing bow on this beautiful boat, Tom and I decided to add a sheer stripe as a finishing touch. I'm moving ahead with painting the sheer Forest Green (Tom's favorite color) with a small accent stripe directly below the sheer. The picture I have is a PDF file, so once I figure out how to convert it to an image (if that can even be done), I'll send it along. No promises here, you may just have to wait until the boat is here. LOL
I just received the electronics estimate from the vendor and need to spend (lots of) time digesting the information. Though I was part of this discussion way back when, I'll need to have my hand held as we go through each component (what else is new? you ask). At first glance, it's a fair and oh so functional package, even includes the Bose sound system Tom was so keen on having. After all, during my many parties aboard, we need to be able to dance to great music!
Once I've reached a decision, I'll share that package with you. I'm bouncing it off some trusted and loved KKY folks, so don't expect an update tomorrow. If anyone would like to share ideas that have worked for them, I'm all ears.
Okay folks, gotta go. I'm at work after all and can't possibly pretend to be doing something else while this blog is up on the screen. Shhh.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Day Off Today
My decision-making activities got the day off today. Well deserved, I might add.
Since there really is always something to think about where boat building is concerned, I did visit the Lebroc website and read up on all the styles of helm chairs offered. I continue to like the Tradewinds model, which is listed as a series 2 chair. I have no idea what that means, but it's a good-looking and functional chair, so that's all that matters. Two of the many neutral colors caught my eye - silk and almond. They're not white, but don't have the yellowish cast some neutrals have. Amazing how many shades of white and beige exist with all sorts of exotic names!
Tom B. is waiting for manufacturer information on salon table struts. I've recently discovered that cars are not the only things with struts. There are gas struts in many places on the boat - master berth, lazarette door - and in the hi-lo tables under consideration - and probably other places yet to be identified. So while he looks into struts, I'll amuse myself with the infinitely more exciting table designs.
I've pored through the 55' brochure so many times, the pages are starting to fray. I'd better hurry up with these decisions before the booklet falls apart and - there goes my security blanket. I've taken to actually carrying a manila folder with my latest notes (and plan views) in my purse. Of course that necessitated upgrading to a larger purse, but it's always wonderful to upgrade one's purse.
I'm sorry this blog isn't more newsworthy and exciting, but I didn't want to go silent just as you were starting to make this blog part of your nightly read (judging from the huge increase in page views since last Tuesday, there is quite a bit of reading going on). Thank you for that.
I promise to report back on the next round of decisions. New drawings are in the works, so I'll try to get some snapshots of anything I think might be of interest to you. If you need to know about something specific or want to see something special, just let me know and I'll try to oblige. I love to read your comments, so please keep them coming.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)