I located the exhaust gaskets for my universal 5416. It wasn't that hard ordering them through a marine supply store (Expensive though!!). I also grabbed this new bilge pump which will work great in the tight space above my keel. It senses the water level without the need for a separate float switch. We are experiencing record lows this weekend. The forecast is for the same into next week. Really looking forward to spring.
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The bottom step on my stairs down into the cabin gives me a lot of grief. First the welds broke on the tabs that support the teak step and now the wood step split. everyone stands on it while taking to people in the cockpit so it takes a beating. I made up an aluminum plate to mount on it. I plan to make a thicker step and rout out the bottom side. Lay the teak over the aluminum for a bullet proof step. Three weeks till daylight savings and 6 till spring.
Thought I'd check to see if the Marina was open. No it isn't. I got a few ideas at the Toronto boat show, I bought a 4 prong disconnect to mount aft in the cockpit. The plug will feed both cockpit speakers from one output, instead of one on each side. I can't order the gaskets to disassemble the exhaust. The supplier won't ship outside the US. I am seeing this more and more. It is just to much hassle with all the over the top border crap now.
Record snowfall today, UGH!
Spent the weekend at the Toronto boat show. It is a great show for equipment suppliers, not so much for the actual boats. I heard A few Other people said the same thing as Liz and I, the new boats feel cheap and the interiors look like particle board from IKEA! Not impressed. There was one shining light, a Polish Company called TES had a nice 28 footer. I hope they build some bigger models because the layout and workmanship is fantastic. I learned a few things about AIS, and had a great dinner at the Spaghetti Factory. Good times.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! A few shots from Sanibel Island where myself, Wife Liz and Dog Marley warmed up for 10 days over the holidays. I saw a few sailboats out in the Gulf...must be nice! Best of all, I correctly set the date on my camera, a Christmas miracle!
There are few things funnier than watching a dog who grew up on the great lakes, run to the ocean an lap up a quick drink. When her paws dried out, Marley realized they were salty and licked them all night. We have her on a low salt diet now. Going down to the yard to check on my poor frozen vessel today. Here comes that longggg four months.
I bought a pair of speakers for the cockpit but I don't want to cut circular holes in the fiberglass. The plastic grilles always get kicked in and it looks bad. I got the idea to install them under the Bimini top by fabricating brackets in order to attach them to the stainless steel tubes that support it. I will paint the aluminum brackets white and install them in the spring. I need the Bimini top up to determine the best position. The base of the brackets is offset to one side and they are symmetrical. That gives me more room to play with. I need to make sure that they don't get in the way. The next problem is to wire them up so I can put them away during the week. I want a way of plugging them in. Someone suggested using the connectors from automotive trailer hitches. They are made to take weather. Maybe...we will see.
Man it got cold fast. Glad I'm not in Buffalo! I pulled the batteries and measured up for a few winter project. I mentioned the exhaust but I have to source the gaskets. The place I get Universal parts from has changed their system. They don't ship to Canada. I will have to call them up. Not touching it until those gaskets are in my hand! Working on speaker brackets for the cockpit and I want to replace the bracket that holds the flotation ring on the stern rail.
Oil is changed and the motor is winterized.
Took the mutt out to Point Pelee for the remainder of the day. Here I explain hole digging while Marley gives me the "You're insane" look.
Well that's a wrap for 2014. I took this shot traveling
down the Detroit river toward my winter storage area. These ships, both Ocean going and Lakers were lined up to get road salt for the coming winter.
I winterized the engine and did an oil change. The tanks are flushed with pink antifreeze. Just have to pull the batteries and wrap things up. I'll get some projects done during the Hell that is winter.
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