Thursday, June 23, 2011

The plan came together - Days 260 to 265 - Annapolois to Chicago

I learned the phrase "I love it when a plan comes together" from Brian McEnroe (brother of "the" John McEnroe) when we collaborated in 1996 on a training program to help dealers maximize vehicle sales profits.  (Note: While the training program itself was a work of Guided Discovery art, I did not like the heavy handed sales tactics that it taught).

That said, Brian's "I love it when a plan comes together" almost perfectly describes the "moving off the 48" project that began on Saturday morning (6/18).

Here's the highlights:

On Wednesday, June 15, Diana contracted with YouCrate for the shipment of our personal property from Annapolis to Seattle.  She arranged to have a W49" x D49" x H80" inch crate dropped off at Petrini Shipyard before noon on Monday.  Total shipping cost: $1,170

On Friday, Outer Reef surveyed and sea-trialed the 48.  Nothing of consequence was found and, as a result, we now had a firm deal.

On Saturday morning, we went to Home Depot and bought 5 large, 10 medium and 10 small boxes, tape, and wrapping paper (along with bubble wrap and blankets that were not used).

Saturday was spent packing our stuff.  Unfortunately, it was hot and humid, which made it easy for Diana to stay below and pack.  I stayed above, endured the heat, and packed an amazing amount of stuff stored under the seats in the cockpit. We packed for a total of 6 hours on Saturday. 

Sunday and Monday were spent packing the remainder of the cabin.  As the process evolved, we discovered that our box selections were not perfect and we returned to Home Depot twice to get more small boxes and return stuff. Ultimately, we used a total of 34 boxes, 3 large, 4 medium and 27 small.

The 48 Sundancer held a lot of stuff.  We estimate slightly over 2,000 pounds.  By the time the process was complete, the port settee and cockpit were completely filled with boxes.

By Sunday evening, I was convinced that the 34 boxes and other stuff (dog crate, dog ramp, stern anchor rode, laundry and folding chair) would not fit in the single crate.  This turned out to be mostly incorrect.  In fact, everything did fit into the one crate (except for 3 PFDs - life jackets to ye landlubbers).  But that was not discovered until we loaded on Tuesday afternoon.

Anticipating that we had more than would fit in one crate, I called YouCrate and ordered a second unit (adding $645).  This delayed delivery until Tuesday, which was not a problem as we need Monday to complete packing.

Monday evening was our last night on the 48.

Tuesday, we finished packing and at noon, as promised, the crates (a total of three - the two scheduled for Tuesday and the cancelled one from Monday) arrived.  Actually, I though we would need the third crate although this would have increased the shipping by another $587 (for a total of $2,403).

Next challenge.  How do we get 34 boxes and the other stull to the crate?  To appreciate this problem, you need to have a mental picture of where the 48 was in relation to the crates.  "Over the river and through the woods" is a good descriptor.  We would have had to carry the boxes over 200 yards of dock then up a steep 150 foot ramp and then across 50 yards of Petrini's parking lot.

No problem.  John Petrini to the rescue.  First, we moved the boat into the Travel Lift bay.  Then Petrini's workers unloaded the stuff onto the dock, walked it 100 feet to a truck and then transported it to the crates (about an 1/8th of a mile due to the shipyard's configuration).  Two hours later (four man hours and $280) the stuff was loaded.  Surprise!  Surprise!  With the genius of DJ (John Petrini's #2) loading, it filled up one crate ($1,232 saved).  I called YouCrate with the news and they said fine, you will be charged for only one crate ($1,170).

Around 4:00 PM, as promised, YouCrate's tractor trailer arrived.  We provided the bill of lading to the driver and left it in his capable, at least we thought, hands. 

An hour later, the driver announced that the crate could not be loaded as it was top heavy (not true).  He the "ordered" me to divide the load into three crates.  FORTUNATELY, Joe, one of Petrini's workers who had participated in the move off the boat drove by and I contracted with him ($50) to redistribute the load.  With Diana supervising, I left for Enterprise (5:45 PM) to exchange our compact for a more comfortable full size Chevy Malibu that would be better for the 730 mile ride to Chicago.

By 7:00 PM we were on the road.  280 miles later (at midnight) we got a room at the Quality Inn and a much needed shower.  After a leisurely morning (breakfast and dog walked), we drove the remaining 450 easy miles to Chicago.  Noteworthy is that we averaged 66 MPH to the end of the Skyway (5:00 PM).  Then we hit Chicago traffic.  The last 10 miles took forever (60 minutes).  We reach home at 6:00 PM.

Bottom line: Except for a few small hitches, the plan came together.  I love it!

Post Script: On Wednesday morning, I contacted YouCrate, told them my tale of woe, and they agreed that the driver was in error (i.e., the crate could be fully loaded).   Further, they did not charge us for the second or third crate and refunded the $50 I paid Joe for redistributing the load.  YouCrate proved to be a stand-up company.

I will be in Chicago until July 6, when I leave for Seattle for three days of training on the 63's operation and systems.

Written by Les.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Breaking News!!! - Day 260 - Annapolis, MD

We have a firm deal on the 63 Outer Reef and we are thrilled.

Our 63 Outer Reef in Seattle
Seattle here we come after a brief visit to Chicago (6/23 to 7/5).

Details to follow.

Friday, June 17, 2011

48 Survey and Sea Trial - Days 258 to 259 - Annapolis, MD

My 4.5 hour flight from Seattle to Annapolis was perfect.  It departed and landed on time.  I used the time to read a John Grisham novel and to work on the documentation for acceptance of the 63.

Unfortunately, Diana did not have a great experience driving to Dulles.  In fact you could say it was VERY difficult.  Heavy rain, heavy Washington rush hour traffic, a discussion with a State Trooper for driving in a HOV lane (fortunately no ticket), and a confused GPS resulted in a 4 hour trip that should have taken 70 minutes.

Things did not get any better after I joined her.  The heavy traffic and heavy rain caused us to detour to McLean Virginia for dinner at Whole Foods while we waited for the traffic to abate.  Bottom line: We finally got back to Annapolis at 10:30 PM.  One could say that the driving part of the journey was less than perfect.

Friday morning, promptly at 9:00 AM, John Pepe, the C&V surveyor and Chris Oliver, the engine surveyor, began the survey of the 48.  It went very quickly. 

At 11:00 PM, they lifted the boat.  The hull and running gear were perfect.  Then, at 11:40, we did the sea trial, which involved running at full throttle for 10 minutes at 34.5MPH.  By 2:00 PM, the process was complete.  Seven VERY MINOR deficiencies were found.

Late in the afternoon we signed and forwarded a Conditional Acceptance of the Vessel, which essentially states that we accepted the 63 if Outer Reef corrects the deficiencies identified in the survey.

Special thanks to my friends Ron Markovits and Darrel Peters for helping me with the purchase process.

Stay tuned to find out if we drink champagne or continue to live with the 48.

Written by Les.

63 Survey and Sea Trial - Days 256 to 257 - Seattle, WA

The survey of the Outer Reef 63 started promptly at 9:00 AM on Tuesday with the arrival of Matt Harris of Marine Consultants and continued until 5:00 PM.  While Matt did his thing, Darrel and I examined every nook and cranny.  We focused on systems access and the ability to determine what hoses go where.  We were impressed.  The 63 is set up to permit maintenance to be easily done.  Literally every system is accessible.  We also focused on livability and storage.  The 63 got high marks on every issue.

Darrel was particularly helpful as he and his wife, Sue, own an 50 Ocean Alexander trawler with similar system.  Darrel's engineering background came in handy as he helped me understand the boat's many systems.

During the process either we or the surveyor operated every system on the boat and in the process identified problems (deficiencies) that needed correction.  The most interesting discovery was that the Sirius Satellite Weather system listed on the boat's inventory was missing.  No problem.  Outer Reef will simply get it installed.

Tuesday night's dinner turned out to be quite unique.  Here's the story.  Mike Schlichtig, the broker, told us about his unique experience at an Italian restaurant called Pasta Freska just a few blocks from the boat.  So, we decided to try it. 

Mike Horri, who turned out to be the owner, seated us and then asked if we were allergic to anything.  There was no menu (and no prices).  Mike said he would bring us a series of dishes.  He also asked me what I'd like to drink and I replied that a Napa Valley Cabernet would be just fine.  He then brought a bottle of Sterling 2007 to the table, opened it and poured me a glass.

Then the fun began.  We had an eight course dinner (nine if you count the wine) that was absolutely spectacular.  Courses: Eggplant parmesan; Ceaser salad, king prawns, warm cheese bread, pasta and meat sauce, two types of chicken, Marsala and Picatta, two types of fish, salmon and mahi mahi and finally desert; chocolate cake, lemon cake and spumoni.  The courses were essentially tapas size.  The entire meal took over two hours.  The bill: $84.00. 

Wednesday again started at 9:00 AM as Matt continued his inspections.  Then, at 10:30, we departed Outer Reef's docks and proceeded across Lake Union to Yachtfish Marina where the boat would be hauled.  It was just under 60 degrees as we proceeded 1/2 mile across the lake.  The weather person was calling for a 60% chance of rain, which never came.

Darrel Peters and Mike Schlichtig
The first challenge was getting the boat into the travel lift bay.  As you can see it was a VERY close fit.  Dick Sproul handled the controls and did a masterful job of pulling the boat in with literally three feet of clearance on the starboard side.  Good thing that there was barely any wind.

Approaching the lift bay

It was VERY close

Another view of VERY tight
At 11:00 AM, they lifted the boat.  It barely fit on the travel lift.  Then they proceed to power wash the hull.  In 20 minutes it looked brand new.

The 63 comes out of the water
Matt proceeded with his out-of-the-water inspection.  The boat's running gear and hull was in perfect condition.

Shiny (well sort of) new props
At 1:30 PM we were joined by the Caterpillar tech, "Bear," who would perform the engine survey and after carefully backing the boat out of the slip proceed to Lake Washington for the sea trial.  The trial involved operating a various speeds, operating the navigation equipment (all of which required calibration) and testing the boats stability by turning into the boat's rather large full speed wake.  The boat handles beautifully.  She's smooth as silk even with big waves coming at us on the beam.



At 4:00 PM we returned to the Outer Reef's dock where we reviewed the finding of the two surveyors.  The boat and its engines turned out to be in exceptionally good condition.  A total of 27 deficiencies were identified, which according to Matt was a low number for a boat of this size.

After dinner , Darrel and I returned to the boat to check the lighting system as dark fell.  We spent another hour operating the different lighting systems.  Again, the 63 exceeded expectations with it ability to tailor lighting to the mood desired.

All in all, a very productive two days.  The 63 clearly exceeded my expectations.



63 Outer Reef
Tomorrow its back to Annapolis for Friday's survey and sea trial of the 48.

Written by Les.

Monday, June 13, 2011

First Impressions - Day 255 - Seattle, WA

On Monday, I flew from Dulles International to Seattle, a distance of 2269 statute miles.  This was the first that I have flown from sea to shining sea.  The weather was perfect and the five hour nonstop flight was ontime.

Upon arrival, I drove down to Outer Reef's office on Lake Union to see the 63.  I was not disappointed.

First view of "our" 63





After boarding the boat and walking around the decks (as the boat was locked), I went to their office and introduced myself to Dick Sproul, the on site manager.  We chatted for a few minutes and then I left to pick up my friend, Darrel Peters, at the Seattle Airport.

Model of the 63 in Outer Reef's Seattle office
Darrel and I then proceeded back to the boat for a quick outside tour and then on to McCormick and Schmick's restaurant on Lake Union for a great dinner.

Tomorrow the survey process begins.

Written by Les.

Friday, June 10, 2011

A fitting end for the 48 - Day 252 - Solomons to Annapolis, MD

The weather was perfect for our final cruise on the 48 Sundancer, clear skies, 80 degrees on the water, light winds and a calm sea.  We covered the last 53 miles at 28 MPH literally skimming across the water.  It was a magnificent end to our cruising on the 48.

The trip from Solomons Island to Annapolis took just two and a half hours.  We arrived at the Petrini Shipyard just before noon and berthed the 48 on a "T" with a nice view of the harbor.

Unfortunately, Petrini's is a working yard so the overall ambiance is not on a par with most of the places we've stayed.  That said, if all goes well, we will leave for Chicago the Tuesday after next and the 48 will stay here pending the 63 closing and, most probably, will remain here until it is sold by Outer Reef.

Annapolis is a fitting place for our cruising on the 48 to end.  11 years ago, we decided to purchase a trawler (specifically, a new Nordhavn 50) while attending the Trawler Fest at the Annapolis Boat Show. So, in many ways, our cruising journey has come full circle.  We're finally trading our express cruiser for a trawler.

Speaking of "circles," today's cruise officially puts the Great Loop journey into what loopers call a "side trip."  This one just happens to involve crossing the country to cruise on the west coast before shipping the 63 to Fort Lauderdale in November and resuming our Great Loop journey on the east coast in 2012.

Meanwhile, Annapolis is a spectacular bustling city with lots to see and do.

Here's some final statistics for the "48" phase:

Total miles:                                    3,622 miles
Total fuel:                                       3,580 gallons
Number of locks:                            27
Days without rain:                          240 out of 252
Total dockage expense:                  $19,712
Total fuel expense:                         $11,561
Average fuel cost:                          $3.51
Total repairs & maintenance:         $12,578
Average cost per day:                    $200.71

Stay tuned for Annapolis adventures.

Written by Les.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Solomons Island Charm - Days 250 to 251 - Deltaville, VA to Solmons, MD

After a leisurely Wednesday morning, we departed Deltaville and headed north to Solomons Island, Maryland. 

Again, we experienced unseasonable 90+ temperatures but, as usual, it was 10 degrees cooler on the water.  We covered most of the 67 miles at an average speed of 27 MPH (2,300 RPM) on calm waters.  As we entered Black Creek we discovered on of the most charming harbors that we have ever seen.  The creek is lined with not less than 15 marinas.  Most have wooden fixed docks and several have restaurants.  The scenery was just amazing.


Boardwalk leading to a nice restaurant
At 3:05 PM we docked at Zahniser's Marina and discovered a really first class facility.  Kodi and I explored took an afternoon walk and explored the community.


Dinner was at their on premises three star restaurant, The Dry Dock.  This was followed by a dingy cruise of Black Creek, which started at nautical twilight and ended very quickly as the gnats came out as night fell.

Thursday, we awoke to a 93 temperature that, according to http://www.weatherunderground.com/), felt like 105, and it really did. The east coast was suffering from a heat wave.  The heat was so oppressive that we chose to stay in doors, which proved to be very productive.

After dinner we took another dingy cruise.  Here are a few photos:





Tomorrow take our final cruise on the 48.  Final stop, Annapolis, Maryland.

Written by Les.

Now the Chesapeake - Day 249 - Norfolk, VA to Deltaville, VA

Our agreement to purchase the 63 Outer Reef requires us to move the Sea Ray to Annapolis where it will be surveyed, sea trialed and, if the deals go through, offered for sale.  Note: If you know anyone interested in a 48, our's may by the best equipped in the country and a great deal as Outer Reef will wish to convert it to cash.

So, on Tuesday, after taking a late morning historical walking tour, we departed Norfolk (1:00PM).  Our route took us past ICW Mile Marker Zero one tenth a mile east of Waterside Marina.  That milestone marked the end of a 1,322 mile four and a half month trek that began we left Key West on January 24.

Plaque denoting Mile Marker Zero along the Norfolk waterfront
Then we proceeded down the Elizabeth River, passed the Norfolk Naval Base, entered the Hampton Roads Channel and proceeded east to the Chesapeake Bay.  Along the way, we passed Fort Wool (on the south shore), which along with Fort Monroe on the north shore protected Hampton Roads and access to Norfolk harbor.

Fort Wool
At Thimble Shoal Light we turned and headed north up the Chesapeake.  With light winds out of the south the Chesapeake had waves less than a foot as we cruised north at 26 MPH (2200 RPM).

Sirus Satellite Weather view of the Chesapeake
Note: The regional view (screen on the left) shows the Gulf Stream (red) flowing out to the north east as we cruise into slightly cooler 79 degree waters.    The screen on the right shows our position.  Meanwhile, the temperature on shore was in the 90s while we enjoyed the cooler temperature on the water and the nice breeze created by our speed.

At 3:50 PM we arrived at our Deltaville destination, the first of two enroute stops on our way to Annapolis some 161 miles to the North.

Guided Discovery tied up on the "T"


Deltaville turned out to be a full service marina almost entirely focused on sail.  While there, we met an Australian couple and there son who were five days away from crossing the "pond" ( i.e.,the North Atlantic Ocean to the Azores).  They too have a blog: www.windjammer3@gmail.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Norfolk Adventures - Days 245 to 248 - Norfolk, VA

Norfolk (population 243,000) was terrific.  We arrived on Friday (6/3) and berthed at the Waterside (their municipal) Marina.  It sits right on the city's waterfront with a spectacular view of the Elizabeth River and Portsmouth which is just across the river.

Right next door is the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center and the Nauticus complex which houses the Hampton Roads Museum and the Battleship Wisconsin.

Carnival Glory berthed at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center
Nauticus Center - It's big
Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin from water
Norfolk is a lovely walking city.  We spent hours exploring.  Here are a few photos:

Granby Street, Norfolk's historic business district

Bow of the Battleship Wisconsin

American Rover berthed at Waterside Marina.  Portsmouth in the background
General Douglas MacArthur Memorial
During our visit we visited the MacArthur Memorial, Took a Naval Base Cruise, visited St Paul's church and took a historical walking tour.

General Douglas MacArthur chose Norfolk for his memorial.  The complex consists of four buildings and houses the tombs of the General and his wife (Jean Faircloth MacArthur).   The memorial building houses nine galleries that take you through the General's life.  The theatre features an excellent 25 minute film that overview's the General's life and career.


Statue of General Douglas MacArthur

MacArthur's "resume"
Gallery 5 contains a replica of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender and film of the surrender ceremony that MacArthur chaired.


Gallery 7 deals with the Korean War and MacArthur's firing by President Truman. The photo below contrasts MacArthur's viewpoint of Congress' support of the war and Truman's viewpoint of why MacArthur needed to be relieved.  Note: I read David Halberstam's "The Coldest Winter" which chronicles the Korean War.  MacArthur comes off very poorly in Halberstam's account.

Note the images of MacArthur and Truman in the background
On Sunday, I took a two hour cruise on the Victory Rover to the Norfolk Naval Base that sits at the mouth of the Elizabeth River.  The cruise included the ports of Norfolk and Portsmouth.   The Naval Base was spectacular.  Photos below of three significant ships.

USS New York containing steel from the World Trade Center
USS Cole damaged by a terrorist attack in Yemen that killed 17 and injured 39
USS Kearsarge Wasp Class Amphibious Assault Craft
Norfolk has the one of the largest container ports in the US.  Actually, there are four separate container ports each with at least eight cranes.  Very impressive.

Container port
Another interesting sight.  The photos below are of a large dredge.  Nothing unusual about a dredge as we saw quite a few of the rivers.  What's unique about this situation is the pipes in the second photo.  These pipes lead north, go under the river, and travel for 4 miles where they rise again to create a man made island that is itself one mile long.

Dredge
Pipes leading away from dredge to man made island (4 miles north)
On January 1, 1776 (7 months before the Declaration of Independence), Colonial Governor, Lord Dunmore's ships shelled Norfolk and ultimately destroyed the town.  The shell embedded in the walls of St Paul's Church was fired by Lord Dunmore. 




St Paul's graveyard with graves dating back to before the Revolutionary War 
On Monday, we took a 90 minute guided walking tour through the historical district. Despite walking these streets several times and paying attention to the historical markers we discovered a bunch a new stuff.  Here are a few highlights.

The Norfolk war memorial is unique.  Essentially a small park with bronzed soldier's letters scattered as if by the winds from every war under an American Flag.  Very moving.

Bronzed letter from a soldier seemingly lying on the ground

Memorial to seaman killed in Naval disasters

One of Norfolk's mermaids (equivalent of Chicago's cows)

10,000 Sq ft antebellum home used as Union HQ during the Civil war
Regrettably, due to purchase of the new boat, we had to leave after four days.  We WILL return in 2012 on our way to New England!

Written by Les.