sailFar.net

 We met at the boat show in 1984. She was French and oh so totally different from the others.... Her lines were sporty, her interior totally unique from anything I had seen before in a boat of her size. She absolutely defied her short length.  Designed by Phillipe Briand, she promised to be very fast as well. The fact she could be had with a keel/centreboard and lifting rudder to give a very shoal 2ft 7in draft set the hook. I ordered her at the show.
We sailed together for 4 years and she was both fast and comfortable.
Sadly, with funds needed for my growing business, she was sold in 1988.
Her design, to my mind, was so well thought out, I have not seen a boat before or since in her size that came remotely close!
At ONLY 23ft 7in on deck, she totally embodied all that was needed in a great little cruiser.....good looking, very fast, extremely airy inside, useable  little galley, separate chart table, extremely functional head, very large aft cabin, spacious cockpit with great storage and the best designed combings of any boat I've owned (angled perfectly for sailing hiked out with tilller extension) proper bridgedeck with full traveller, tiller that was easily propped up, wide side decks to go forward, lifelines and a proper anchor locker.
The good folks that purchased her from me live and sail her about a 45 minute drive from my home. At times, while out for a Sunday drive, I'd swing by the marina and there she would be.....still looking good...
Once, when Ross was aboard, I walked over (this was about 18yrs after the sale) and after small talk, told him to please give me first chance should she come for sale. He professed love for the boat and no intentions to sell.
Twice after, when up that way for a drive, I would leave my card aboard with a simple note....."call when ready"  The last time I left one, Carol did call... but to say "we still love the boat!"
Years pass.....
Last Friday I got the call. Age and arthritis had caught up to them both. This will be their last season sailing and am I still interested ?
My heart fluttered... literally!
Timing totally sucks!
I had to go look....
Well.... her hull still shines 34yrs later! Apart from a few typical stress cracks, her deck is solid and in great shape. Inside both her plywood interior (no drop in mouldedd galley and bunks etc) and her cushions defied her age! Her glued on headliner however was pretty well toast and in need of attention.
I still love the ole gal....
She still has ALL the parts that attracted me in the first place.
She is SO rare....extreme few made their way to this side of the Atlantic.
Did I mention timing sucks...
Boats truly are somewhat like women....
Some are truly love affairs and this ole girl still has it.

I post some pictures...all are sister ships but are exactly like her.
Please remember.....
23ft 7in on deck
2ft 7 in board up!

Underway...

At dock and hauled "on the hard"
See "board down" in slings (5ft 11in board down)
Note the very shoal draft board and rudder up
Still a modern looking boat in my eyes at 34!

Interior layout....
Not shown is great aft cabin and stand up aft head
One pic is "table down" creating a king size forward bunk.
Other shows table up...both with starboard section swing down for ease to sit
Note big chart table!
Remember...23ft 7in !!
Cockpit has huge locker, aft 'life raft' storage, note angle on outside of combings...perfect when hiking out!

...she was 25, and her name was Eolia Jeanneau. :)

Amazing interior for length!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGVEzvvx0N0

That would be her!
Head has a cloths rod for wet gear
As you see, chart table is huge
You sleep athwart ship in the aft cabin....port right there for air
Sits 6 at table...4 really comfy!
And, as you see...floor space
All in a fast 23ft 7in hull
I'm still amazed 34 years later

PS...yes Capt K.....that WAS her name 😄😄

Got motivated and dug through the OLD pictures...
Came up with a few...
This was 85 or 86....  32 or 33yrs ago...
The boat has aged much better than I
Reef tucked in, hiked out, beating to weather.

Looks like sum pyrat with a full head of dark hair done stoled yer bote! :D

Like I mentioned....
She aged MUCH better than I did.... 😩

Cool design, Frank...

Has that certain Jeanneau sais quoi...  ;)

Quote from: Jim_ME on June 06, 2018, 07:56:35 PM
Has that certain Jeanneau sais quoi...  ;)

::) ::) ::)

.

.

;D ;D ;D

OK.... I truly AM certifiable!!

The last thing I need is another boat...especially a project boat.
But
Love is love...

I just made a deal and she will be in my shop the end of this, their last season.
Fix the headliner
A big water tank where the inboard would have been
New dodger material and a zip on sun shade
LEDs throughout
Engel fridge etc etc

Then...
My retirement Abacos shoal draft boat!

I kinda had a feelin' about that... :D

I wasn't sure.....
I hated the call.....
Wasn't ready
Today they called with a more than fair price and terms
I think they know I love the ole boat too and want a good home for her
Funny how life can go full circle....

Up again for a drive today.
Sitting on her yard trailer
Still shining after all those years

Update:
They're kids, now mid 40s, wanted to sail her again for the last time while visiting home last summer (2019) which was fine with me. I took back  possession of her at haul out last October.
Once I'm home late spring, I'll haul her down to my shop for a bit of a refit to transition her to a Bahamas cruiser.
Ad extra water tankage
2x6 volt golf cart batteries
165 watt solar
Engel style fridge/freezer
More ventilation
Sunshade
New outboard
Different head arrangement with overboard option
Furling (yes...sorry...I'm lazy in my older age)
LED lighting
Added cabinets
Etc etc

As she will be an inexpensive boat, once in the Abacos I'll pay the duty and register her 5here. No more cruising permit fees or worries about getting her out of the country.

Decided to name her "déjà vu"
I even found the bill of sail when I ordered her back in April 1985!

She aged a lot better than me!
Pic is last August
Not bad for 35!

Nice!

Nice!  I just checked the web for this model for sale.  Not one available.  I envy you.  I've been keeping an eye out for something like this myself, although I would prefer the fin keel version.  Phenomenal cabin layout.  I can see why you lover her.  I wonder how this model would do as a passagemaker.  Mexico to Marquesas anyone?

Edit: By the way does the main cabin have full standing headroom? (At least 5'10"?)

I love the shallow draft for the keys and Bahamas.
You'd have 5'10" under the hatch, about 5'7" or 8" in main cabin area.
Not an offshore design, but proper bridgedeck and good cockpit drainage.
It's been done in lessor boats,... I wouldn't do it.

Hey Frankie - how's 'the relationship' going, eh? ;D

It's still "love" 😄
She's still under tarp up at the boatyard. It's been a cold, damp spring here and the shop has been too cool to work in so I haven't brought her down yet.  Have about 2 weeks work on the mini trawler to do before hand as well.
That said, I have bought her a few diamonds and jewels.
She has a:
New 130
New CDI furling
New 8hp, LS, electric start 4stroke OB with remote shift
New VHF
New dingy
Once at the shop,
more water tankage with deck fill for rain water too
More cabinets
Sun shade
Dodger repairs
Etc etc
Will post pics once at the shop
She will be set up well as a Bahama cruiser as once there, she won't come back..

I have a jealous one in the yard pissed because I am spending so much time on this build.

Quote from: Tim on May 25, 2020, 04:28:44 PM
I have a jealous one in the yard pissed because I am spending so much time on this build.

🤣🤣

Well.... she's home!!

The refit begins


(PS... yes, it's a sickness)

Shoot, Frankeh, with that much of an interior already in place you'll be done sometime next week, probably... ;D

Put away today until next year.
She "just".... I mean "JUST" fits under roof for winter.
All of 1.5 inches to spare on her port side to the rafters!

Yikes that *is* tight! You have lots of great 'new' boating ahead of you next year.

Hauled the ole girl out a couple of weeks ago and started at it.
-Had 4 opening ports in the shop to cut them in
2 at the settee
Head and aft cabin
These should make a big difference in moving air and be really nice when seated at the settee to look out without having to stand up.
-Had to cut away part of a bulkhead to fitthe fridge-freezer in. This is a nice unit that has 2 separate compartments so it’s possible to freeze separately.
-added 2 additional water bladders to basically triple tankage
-will be adding 2 forward bulkheads to create more storage for cloths etc
-will tackle a new holding tank next with Y to gravity discharge or pump out
-will hit the wiring soon too...
Lots to do!

Water tanks and fridge-freezer are low and center... right where you’d want the added weight

I’m sure everyone else that tackled a major refit knows the feeling, typically well past the point of no return, where ya wonder WTF have I gotten into...
Then as things start coming together a bit it feels so rewarding.

So...
It’s been a 5 day run of very hot humid weather and it’s stifling working below.
I’m at that point where you’re connecting 1-1/2 hose to water fills and tanks as well as the head, through hull and holding tank.
I’ve had this white “head and drinking water” hose for several years.
Well...
In this heat and humidity below, hunched over in positions this arthritic body no longer can do without pain, I’ve come to realize either the hose shrunk OR the barbed fitting have expanded.
No problem I say...
I’ll boil water to soak the ends and soften them I say
Nope!
After a long soak, barely able to grab the hose, it only went 1/8th inch further.
Well...
Let me think...
Ah hah.... a hairdryer...
20,000 mega watts later, still a no go...
All this done in contorted positions..
Bottom line:
Between the water system and head overboard, pump out Y and thru hulls... I have 13 of these darn things to connect.
So, even tho it’s hot out, ends literally cooked in boiling water and hit with a hairdryer to boot...it’s not happening... does anyone have any magical ways of getting tight 1-1/2 hose over 1-1/2 barbed fittings?

Perhaps if you have had it for awhile, old age (like us) makes things less pliable.

Quote from: Jim_ME on June 06, 2018, 07:56:35 PM
Cool design, Frank...

Has that certain Jeanneau sais quoi...  ;)

Good one!

That’s possible Tim....
It’s probably 12-15 yrs old...
Think I’ll soak the hose in a hot tub, then try driving a tapered wooden plug in to expand the ends...
Such a simple job turning into a frustrating one..

Hope all is well in your world!

All is well here, but only have been able to get the Welsford's oar/sail build in the water once. Been making multiple trips to Colorado. Going to take the Cape Dory up to Washington to sail in September, waiting for you Canuks to let me come back into your country.

Quote from: Frank on June 08, 2021, 11:09:39 PM
That’s possible Tim....
It’s probably 12-15 yrs old...
Think I’ll soak the hose in a hot tub, then try driving a tapered wooden plug in to expand the ends...
Such a simple job turning into a frustrating one..

Hope all is well in your world!

Tapered plug might work. I've done that with engine exhaust host.

Dishsoap might help, too.

I'd say buy new; but that stuff is expensive.

Perhaps a judicious application of a coarse abrasive material to the barbs of said connectors in order to slightly lessen their diameter may help make things 'happen' easier...?  ;D

QuotePerhaps a judicious application of a coarse abrasive material to the barbs of said connectors in order to slightly lessen their diameter may help make things 'happen' easier...? /quote]

I would rather use KY Jelly myself 😈

After what was way too much grief and frustration, the plumbing is done!
Literally every different barbed fitting was a bit different and all were ground down on a bench sander. Then, I boiled water and soaked the end of the hose in the pot to make the hose flexible for each connection.
One of those jobs that took far longer than expected but heh... that’s boat work.
Thanks for your replies

Now we have good reason, to call you...

Hoser.

Eh?  ;D

Quote from: CapnK on June 26, 2021, 04:29:47 PM
Now we have good reason, to call you...

Hoser.

Eh?  ;D

🤣

Guilty!

A definite hoser! 🤣🤣

Flat floor made got cockpit locker
Shelf (fiddle not on yet or painted)
Plumbing done (not as complicated as it looks)
On to the next....

White on left is water fill for additional tank
Smaller hose is bilge pump
Smallest is vent

Aft cabin is done
2 new water bladders added under centreline
Bulkheads cut to fit cooler
2nd opening port cut into hull
Aft shelf added for storage

Nice to see one part looking done

Looking good Frank…
  Ur… uh… ‘hoser’?  ;D

Howdy Craig
Yep... a hoser 👍
Hope life is good!

Lots of frustrations but it’s coming together
Always loved this little boat

Settee is looking better.
Awaiting some wiring before installing ceiling panels.
Got the locker finished.
Floor fitting good and painted
Shelf glassed in, fiddle on and painted.
Will be nice to have that flat floor and additional easy access storage from the shelf.
Nice to see another thing “done”

Got the ceiling panels on yesterday.
Needed extra hands to bend the thin plywood into tracks at the hatch and companionway.
Will clean up wiring today and spray varnish cabinets in prep for floors to go back in.
Starting to feel a lot less overwhelming as the list gets smaller.

The opening ports I cut into the hull will be a huge improvement both in ventilation and not getting up to look see outside.

As usual beautiful work.

Thanks Tim
Got the floor in today
Huge change!
Looking quite like the little yacht she is
Always loved this boat!
Amazing design really!
Only 23’ 7” on deck!
Aft cabin
Aft head
Only 2’ 7” draft board up
And she sails fast for her length

Stunning, Frank! Nice work... You have 2 'new' boats now, eh? :D

Thanks Capt K
After 11yrs I sold my Suncat.
I knew Id be using the little mini trawler more at home here.
Sold the west coast trawler too.
So, as of today:
36 year old Jenneau for Abacos
53 year old mini trawler (oday Mariner hull) for home
49 year old Albin 25 trawler (next project, possibly the loop)

25ft is my big boat 😳🤣

No matter how hard I try I will never keep up with you. I am grateful that it sounds like they are going to let me back into your country,....so....maybe this fall

Yep
I believe as of August 7th you can enter if you’re fully vaccinated.
Now, I’m very concerned about trailering Déjà Vu south as there is no set date for USA borders to open to us… even if fully vaccinated.
Have fun!!

QuoteNow, I’m very concerned about trailering Déjà Vu south as there is no set date for USA borders to open to us… even if fully vaccinated.
Have fun!!

Yep, the way things are going down here I wouldn't hold my breath. I am just glad they are letting me fly to Kauai in two weeks without a test, being fully vaccinated.

Almost ready to go and it was just announced USA border will open to double vax’d in early November!
Woop woop!

Boat update

Solar mount fabricated and panel up. Pipe wasn’t too bad but over $250 in fittings.

Auto pilot set up

Exterior wood refinished

Shined up the hull too.

Wet sanded with 3000
Buffed with cutting compound
Waxed

Not bad for over 36 yrs old

Falling into place, have fun

I'm just ' where you are gonna mount the radar and dual wind gens?

;D

Glad they're gonna let you through! If you need a free stayover place on the waytrip down, I've got you covered.  8)

Getting an arch built as we speak for radar, TV dome and cell tower.
Can’t leave home without it! (Not 🤣)
Will be blasting straight down 81, then 95.
Will be getting late and just wanna get launched and over there!
Thanks tho
Return trip will be more relaxed..

Getting close...
Dodger back today from canvas guy. I just have to ad fasteners...
Outboard ready with remote shift/throttle attached
New CDI furling on new fore stay.
Just need to put the mast up on cradles once dodger set and removed.
A final once through my parts bin for various ropes and spares...
November 8th I’ll be south bound.

I think you should go ahead and add an oculus on there before you take off...

Now... wouldn’t that be cool! 👍

Had an upholstery lad just around the corner do the dodger. He was nervous as he’d never made one before. It’s not “perfect” but turned out very good for a first attempt. Nice to support a neighbor as well.
The ole girl is looking pretty good for pushing 37.
I fell in love back then and still like her lines and interior layout.

Nice job it looks like to me, especially for a first try!

Did you ever sell that other dodger you had a while back?

AFA lines, that's how I am with the Ariel. :) Working on that interior layout now. Finished getting it roughed in/mocked up today so I can try it out for a few days and then pull measurements for the build. Aiming to get the aft bulkhead, watertanks, and main bunk in and glassed in place before it gets too cold for resin. Found a wee snake living under laz hatch this afternoon. Evicted him. Sorry pal, will share space with canines but not serpents! ;D

Frank, you must be getting very close to departure!

Smaller details finished up?

The reality of life is that all the details are never finished, you have to go when the more important ones are done, and in the islands, a Bimini is essential for the bad days (or nights).  Much more ventilation is possible with that additional shelter for the companionway.

Chill weather is beginning to arrive east of the Appalachians, and I am sure that your local temperatures are urging you south.

Honk your horn as you pass through Maryland on I 81!

Kurt, yep, it turned out pretty good. I was happy. He really tries.

That shark dodger was sold to a friend with an Alberg 22. Similar narrow beam and it worked out surprisingly well for him!

Norman, most things are done. Mast is up, boat strapped, bearings greased. A few things to do once in Florida, but not much. So look forward to being afloat and returning to the Abacos! So many fellow cruisers are returning this year. Will be awesome seeing them and locals too.
I’ll “beep” going by 👍🤣

Cute foot note.  I sold her in 89 to a couple up river here at home. Every time I was up there, I’d leave a note to let me know when they were ready to sell. She would always call and say “we still love her”. It was 30yrs later I got the call. Arthritis had caught up to them. A few days ago they called and asked to see the work I’d done restoring her and to say goodbye one last time. Yesterday they showed up. Was a sweet moment with them reminiscing about the original sale and the years since...

Awesome. Always good to hear a happy love story. :)

Kurt
Look forward to seeing progress on the Ariel
Start a thread and lotsa PICTURES! 😄
Git atter

I am also looking forward to seeing your progress on the Ariel. I Put my head forward also, but of course it is setup to be pumped out, and vented to the side. So forward hatch will be the venting for yours?

With US land borders finally opening Monday, I left at 10pm Sunday to be at the Prescott-Ogdensburg bridge to NY State early, figuring my arrival around 12:30am would be before any big line ups...
WRONG!
The line up was 3/4 way across the bridge on to the customs booths.
2-3/4 hours later I was handing my paperwork to an officer.
I paused for an hours nap shortly after and then carried on for 5 states and 1438 kilometres...about 892 miles, before getting a room in NC.
Geez I slept!
Easier day Tuesday... NC-SC-Georgia- Florida.
Grabbed a room on the south end of Jacksonville to avoid their busy morning traffic.
Lazier day today and made Port Salerno boatyard about 12:45.
Unhooking 6700lbs behind never felt more freeing!
Will start loading and prepping tomorrow
Mast hopefully up Friday
Tired and relieved to have made it.
Norman...did you hear me honk? 😄

“Geriatric hauling”:
a 64yr old towing a 36yr old boat behind his 14yr old truck 🤣

At home before leaving
Line up on the bridge
Hauled late..
Finally made the yard!

Big day!
Mast up
Boom on
Solar mount reinstalled and panel up
Dodger up

New jib sheets, Main sheet, boom vang line, back stay adjuster lines and rudder slide/lift line purchased

Tomorrow will be install the new running rigging and mount the outboard and controls.

Getting closer but crossing weather looks bad for a while..

I did not hear you honk, Frank, but it was a windy day here, so......

Just one big backup for a trip that long is a winner, and that one might have been worse later in the day.  A lot of pent-up Canadians wishing to reach freedom (from cold) and warmth on the Gulf coast!

How did traffic on the US Interstates compare to the last time you went south?  Around here, it continues to be lighter than in the past.

Those short naps make a tremendous difference in strength and alertness, and pay off without us knowing as we continue on our trips.  A minor lane change or early braking that goes without any special notice could put us in the ditch or worse if we had our eyes closed for one of those slow blinks that sneak up on us when tired.

The same is true sailing, of course.  Any projection of when a window might open for the crossing?

A full winter of sailing puts a lot of wear on running rigging, so nice to have new at the start, good plan there.  With the damage that storms have left in the infrastructure, will you be stocking up on a larger supply of staples before crossing?  Canned goods equals ballast for the crossing, too.

Your geriatric rig sure looks good, considering the age they have.


Norman

That's pretty funny.  Glad you made south!

"Geriatric hauling”:
a 64yr old towing a 36yr old boat behind his 14yr old truck 🤣

Well done Frank, giving me further inspiration for hauling "Mariah" up north this spring.

Norman, I did find traffic a bit less than on past trips south. Jacksonville was surprisingly busy!
I’ll be stocking up on items that are expensive there. Well... I guess they all are, so items a lot more expensive there. :)
Some nice “treat” foods and beer. Rum isn’t bad there but beer is expensive so a few cases will be aboard.
This is only a 24’ hull so storage is limited.
Hope to splash Tuesday and stick around a bit as at this time there is no window in sight.
Will hope some point next week. I love Manatee Pocket so it’s no burden being here while waiting.

After stepping the mast, rigging, problem solving and provisioning… déjà Vu was splashed yesterday.
Felt so good to be floating again and had a nice night at anchor.
Awaiting a crossing window… maybe next Thursday
All good

Aaaahhhhh.....

:)

Where do you stash truck n trailer while out aboatin?

Kurt...
One way trip (hopefully) for the trailer.
Truck n trailer will be stored at Indiantown marina.
Listed the trailer with the broker there...
I’ll be paying duty and importing déjà vu to Bahamas.
One way trip for her too.
Will be so nice to simply fly in next years, clean, provision and launch.

Dodger and sun (rain) shade up.
Wet n windy day here!
Looks like late next week for a window.
All good tho... I’m “floating “ and happy

She be lookin' good, matey! Yar!!!  ;D 8) ::)

Left Manatee Pocket Thursday
Staged at Lake Worth, Left at 5am on Friday to cross.
Made the West End at 4:30
Awesome lad at customs was so patient and helpful!
Made Great Sale Saturday
Made Green Turtle Sunday... just in time for sunset
Feel great to be back in these waters!

Well done sir! Thanks for the photos

For years I’d dreamt of a boat with shallow enough draft to anchor out of the way in town harbour here at Green Turtle.
Only about 3ft at low tide, déjà vu’s 2ft 7in board up draft allows it.
Always have liked shallow draft boats.

Loving this pic, the perspective, seen so may times but never enough. First on the horizon, a glow. A few hours later resolves to individual lights, and even later, the shapes of buildings and land. It's past time for me to see that again...

Thanks for the reminder. Keep living the dream and more importantly, reminding/sharing it with others! :)

Pics from last night....
“Why I love the Abacos”

Nice!

I've reread this entire thread to review how much you have done to get to this point. Quite a sustained effort, from reminding the former owners that you would be interested in having the boat back when they were done with her, to the improvements, to preparing for the trip... It is inspiring, as others have already written.

In what has been an uncertain time, there is something comforting and return-to-normalizing about knowing that you are back in the Bahamas. Congratulations on achieving this, and wish you an happy winter there. :)

Thanks Jim
It’s been a journey... frustrating at times and far more hours than expected but I’m here!
As I sit below sipping coffee and pecking this out, I think I kinda understand a little bit of what women mean when they say they forget about the months of discomfort and pain of delivery when they see the baby. Those hours and frustrations working on her and getting her down here make this relaxing moment all the sweeter.
I’ll be sailing up to MANJACK after breakfast. It will be a slow sail today and I’ll be savouring it.

Love being right in town.
Shallow draft rules! 😄

You have a real talent for working through the frustrations so that you can look back at them from the other side... Seems like a pretty good outcome when you can eventually send Frustration a postcard from a tropical paradise... ;) I'm sure that you've had lots of practice developing persistence with your building projects, and the importance of keeping momentum going...

I was looking for Manjack on the chart and couldn't find it. Then learned that it is also called Nunjack Cay, which leaves me pondering how "man" relates to "nun"... ???  Maybe I should just be content to think of this as another one of life's mysteries...?

For anyone who hasn't already found it and is interested, here's a chart...
https://www.charts.noaa.gov/PDFs/11013.pdf

Great photos! (throughout the thread.)

Thanks
It goes by;
Nunjack
Munjack
Manjack
Go figure?
First time ever spending the night in the creek here. Need less than 3ft draft to get in at high tide. Tons of turtles and a shark went by.
Yep...laundry day 😄

Great pictures, Frank, wish I were there too. :)

Swimming any as the sharks go by?  Turtles, that would be OK for me, and even grab a shell and trail for a while.  ;D

Saw an about 9 footer in less than 5 feet of water just north of Hatteras.  Flew perpendicular to him, measured his size from percentage of my wing span.  My two boys were very impressed, as they had been swimming in water about that deep, and distance from shore.  :o

 Norman, the shark was about 4-1/2 ft long. These aren’t aggressive.
I was snorkeling well away from where I sighted him.
Truly enjoying shallow draft here!
In the Florida Keys or Bahamas, shallow draft rules!
Good day today... beach walks and an easy sail back to Green Turtle

I caught a Lemon shark that size in the Keys, my fishing buddy refused to consider eating it, so I released it.

Long fight to get it up to the boat, 12 pound line.  fishing from an aluminum 12 foot semi V from Sears.  The shark was tired enough that I succeeded in removing the hook from it's mouth, saving my plug.  9 inch long steel hook remover was needed.

Pretty sunset this evening here, but very chilly.  :D

darn-I'd love to spend another winter in the Bahamas- Probably not gonna ever happen- enjoy amigo

Thx CJ
I am.
Really missed it last year

Currently under way to Hopetown. Was thinking what a wonderful little boat this is and how simple you can actually cruise. We did the intercoastal waterway into West Palm Beach, the crossing to the west end, from there to Green turtle and now on to Hopetown, all on my cell phone. No need for thousands in electronics at all. A lightweight boat with shallow draft and the Florida Keys and Bahamas are yours.

Hopetown lighthouse looking very festive

Quote from: Frank on December 12, 2021, 12:03:20 PM
Was thinking what a wonderful little boat this is and how simple you can actually cruise.

Glad to know that you're happy with the boat and your cruising is going so well.  :)

Quote from: Frank on December 12, 2021, 12:03:20 PM
We did the intercoastal waterway into West Palm Beach, the crossing to the west end, from there to Green turtle and now on to Hopetown, all on my cell phone. No need for thousands in electronics at all.

Is there a special app that you're using for this?

Quote from: Frank on December 13, 2021, 09:36:39 AM
Hopetown lighthouse looking very festive

Yes, very festive! 
Looks like it's AKA Elbow Reef Lighthouse (https://www.elbowreeflighthousesociety.com)?

Yep....that’s the lighthouse
One of, if not “thee last” manned, kerosene fired lighthouses in the world!

I love “iSailor”.... although it changed its name now..
“Wartsila isailor”
Free app
$25 for charts of eastern Florida and all Bahamas
I have navionics as well but so used to iSailor

The lighthouse tonight from the dingy...

So good to see her lit and the Christmas lights up….  Thank you for sharing the view Frank.

Off to Marsh Harbour
A stiff breeze, broad reach over blue-green water...
Life doesn’t get much better

Quote from: Frank on December 16, 2021, 10:18:10 AM
Life doesn’t get much better

Sweet!  :)

Thanks for the details on the navigation app.

Here’s a screen shot from my iPad right now.
Many features...
Coarse, speed, heading etc
Anchor alarm an others
Extremely easy to plot and save a coarse
Very intuitive app... great for grey hairs 😄

Very cool!  :)

Great, now if I can just remember to stay on the blue areas and off the tan ones... ???

Our intrepid leader and guide has sailed right through the anchorage, and into the shoals before anchoring. 

Fortunately, he has not presented himself as a "Pilot" and led us astray, and previously advised that his current vessel requires minimal water depth, and going ashore is a wading event, no dinghy required unless to a formal affair.

That screen shot has all the information needed for most sailing. Good product.

Craig..
The sail far sticker finally is gone. Ole tractor is rusting away. Way worst shape than a couple years ago..

Grabbers is rebuilt
Nippers almost… will have a soft opening Dec 27

With all this covid talk, thought I’d lighten things up.

Merry Christmas to all

And yes, safety first!

Christmas sunrise from Manjack harbour...

"...All is calm, all is bright..."

I was listening to Christmas carols on public radio as I viewed your photo.

Thank you, Frank. Next best thing to being there. :)

Have a great day Jim
Hi to your dad

Quote from: Frank on December 23, 2021, 03:13:08 PM
With all this covid talk, thought I’d lighten things up.

I saw this and thought...ah...what a clever way to hide your masks, at least at Xmas time...

Then I started to wonder...masks...hmm...are they wearing these of their own free choice or is there some kind of Bahamian Manjack Mandate in effect...? ???

I could feel my hairs start to tingle like they were going to burst into flames!  ;)

Frank, I've been reading some of your thread "Allure to the Abacos/15". Can you believe that was nearly 7 years ago? Seems much more recent than that.

I'm reading your post on Feb 01, 2015 "Thoughts after a few weeks out:" about your then new previous boat. I'm wondering what your thoughts are now and how you would compare the two boats and the experience so far of going down in size?

Go back to 2007 and thoughts on the Flicka...
Yep, time marchs on...

It wasn’t downsizing as much as getting this ole boat back.
Always loved it. Found the interior amazing for its length.
It sails really well too.

My thoughts on a good cruising boat are general and many would qualify.

Shallow draft! I say this first as be it Bahamas or Florida Keys... sub 3ft opens up so many opportunities!
Comfortable double bunk that doesn’t need to be “set up”
The ability for 2 people to lay back and read comfortably on a rainy day
A private head. I may be modest but some things in life are best not shared
Dodger and sun shade
Fun to sail
Decent water tankage
Solar now makes a refrigerator so easy... cold beer IS nice

This little boat does the above well.
It was inexpensive and being older, a mark doesn’t drive you crazy

The 165 watt adjustment mount (simple to do) panel and 2 golf cart batteries runs the fridge 24-7

“In praise of shallow draft”

When at Green Turtle Cay I’ve typically rented a mooring ball in Black Sound if it was windy (bad holding) or anchored exposed out front if calm.
The town harbour is extremely shallow and the one little bay that the locals call “the creek”  had a small tri anchor there years ago but nothing since as it’s only 3ft at low tide.
I’ve always thought how nice it would be to anchor there and how easy it would be to row ashore.... not to mention no mooring ball fees!
A friend sent me this drone shot.
Nice to see déjà vu nestled in so close in town.
First time in many years for a boat to be there

Shallow draft rocks

I’m not a Marsh Harbour fan... too busy, not walking friendly and just generally hectic.
In the Abacos it is a go-to place for the best grocery selections at the lowest prices, the airport as well as hardware etc. Sort of a necessary evil.
Must say the sunsets have been awesome the last few days!
Will blow 22+ on the hook tonight! It has great holding as well!

We’ve had some incredible weather the last few weeks!
Minimal wind or rain and lots of sun.
I was in Marsh Harbour as Bev flew back Saturday.
Sailed to Guana yesterday and underway to Green Turtle today to hunker down for a week of front after front.
The old adages :
“red sky in morning... sailors warning”
and
“Calm before the storm”
hold true as the sky was red this morning and although I started the day ghosting along in very light air, even that breeze quit.
I’m motoring now...
Will be gusting over 30 tomorrow this time.

Envious- not jealous- wish I was there
;)

 







eidh

I feel blessed to be back CJ
Truly love it here….
Even on days like today…

I guess that means that Marsh Harbour has recovered from the hurricane damage?

Frank, is that a feed to a radio from your back stay?  With no metallic tackle, you do have the lower end insulated.  I just noticed what looks like small wire connected to the backstay, leading down somewhere.

The harbor sure seems peaceful!

Up north, in Maryland, we are waiting to see how much snow we get Sunday, I am hoping for a lot, that will mean we will NOT get the freezing rain, which I detest.  Snow is much easier to deal with, and never stops me if I wish to go someplace.

I do not plan to go out on the roads, though, just shovel the snow and relax at home.  I drove thousands of miles at work on snow covered roads, 130 in a single day, not a single piece of cleared pavement, and frame deep in places.  Those were the days to reminisce about, not wish to repeat!

The warm white sand is a fine substitute down there, wish I were there too.

Adam...
The last picture is Black Sound on Green Turtle Cay.
Green Turtle has come a long way! Still some clean up, still some construction but truly has recovered significantly.
Hopetown would be next...
Guana and Man of War still need a lot of rebuilding.
Marsh Harbour is getting cleaned up.... a monumental task really as there was so much debri! Still has lots of buildings to tear down. Still tons to rebuild! The waterfront was basically destroyed! Twisted dock piling, no docks and concrete slabs where building stood. A few marinas are rebuilding... no where near complete but rebuilding. Mangoes isn’t... too bad as many memories there. The harbour which often had over a hundred boats anchored years ago only had 4 to 7 the 6 days I spent there. Driving around Marsh Harbour still feels somewhat apocalyptic... Maxwells huge grocery store is fully rebuilt and extremely well stocked though.

Norman, that’s my back stay. It’s an adjustable split backstay and I have it fairly tight. That “wire” is simply excess.
Growing up in NE Ontario I understand your “driving in snow” comments. Enjoy the snow from your window!

 A week ago I was anchored in Fishers Bay, Guana Cay.
A rental cat pulled in and I went up to see what was happening when I heard anchor chain paying out so close.
He ended up literally right beside me about 20ft away...
I said nothing but I guess my “look” was enough to get him to move...
Chain up, move over slightly
Chain down...and down..and down.
Seemed like he put out 150ft of chain and was now well behind me.
I hollered over “you’re only in 5 ft of water”, knowing that he would take me out on a wind shift swing...
Chain up and up until he was right beside me, just like the first time only about 15ft further...
Frustrated, I did what and sensible man would...
I went below, brought up my Bose remote speaker, faced it towards the cat and put AC/DC “Thunderstruck” on at full.
Apparently they were not AC/DC fans as they pulled anchor and moved about 400ft behind me.
I turned down the tunes and enjoyed a glass of wine... mission accomplished.

I had seen this post and thought I had replied…. Guess getting old is affecting more then just the stickers!

Thank you Frank, I’ll have to get down there to replace it!

Quote from: Frank on December 18, 2021, 09:05:47 PM
Craig..
The sail far sticker finally is gone. Ole tractor is rusting away. Way worst shape than a couple years ago..

Grabbers is rebuilt
Nippers almost… will have a soft opening Dec 27

Craig...
Get ur butt down here!



Hope all is well my friend

That's frustrating. I have the same issue up in Maine. For whatever the reason people see a boat, guess they think that guy knows what he's doing.  Guess I'll anchor over by him. I usually fire up my Honda generator, problem gets solved pretty quick :)

I have a Bose Mini-Cube, nice speaker!

No need of encroaching if there’s lotsa room!
Always find it frustrating.....
Yep, the little Bose are kinda amazing for their size!

Have fun

PS
If they were AC/DC fans, I had opera ready next 😂😂

:) Brings to mind an old tale-

I was crewing on  a friends 50 foot ferro schooner-50,000 pounds. We were anchored  and a Catalina 30 came to anchor very close along side. The couples wife went on deck and informed the guy he was too  close. The guy hollered he was just fine and  mind your own business. She responded- "suit yoursef, but we weigh 50,000 pounds, are on a 100 pound anchor and 100 feet of chain, and there is 12 feet of tide  here, and she came below. Very soon we heard an ANGRY womans 'voice yelling. VERY soon after the guy began hauling his anchor and moved about 300 or so away feet away:)  Don't guess he wanted to argue :) :)

Quote from: CharlieJ on January 20, 2022, 02:51:29 PM
:) Brings to mind an old tale-

I was crewing on  a friends 50 foot ferro schooner-50,000 pounds. We were anchored  and a Catalina 30 came to anchor very close along side. The couples wife went on deck and informed the guy he was too  close. The guy hollered he was just fine and  mind your own business. She responded- "suit yoursef, but we weigh 50,000 pounds, are on a 100 pound anchor and 100 feet of chain, and there is 12 feet of tide  here, and she came below. Very soon we heard an ANGRY womans 'voice yelling. VERY soon after the guy began hauling his anchor and moved about 300 or so away feet away:)  Don't guess he wanted to argue :) :)

🤣😂😂
Good one 👍

Sailed up to Manjack for a solo sailor friends 65th to be celebrated on a Schucker.
Hurricane Helen gig folks over with her outfit on 🤣
2 guitar players, pot luck and punch...
Great evening

Sailed off anchor this morning and up to the N anchorage to visit friends. Nice jungle walk.
Did a beach walk after before enjoying a sundowner later with a view.

Lots of fun on an old 24ft boat!

That looks like the mother Schucker!  Please do convey my best, I had such a wonderful night aboard (albeit even if I was slightly over served).

You are correct, although the mother schucker fleet has grown to 3 now!

Sunsets never get old...
Always different
Beautiful lately

Big blow started yesterday.
Rather than moving into Black Sound to a mooring, shallow draft paid off and I moved close in and tied to a Dorian damaged dock piling.
Built up to 34 gusting 45 from late morning and all afternoon. Still howling out there. Amazing how snug a cabin can be...

Every once in a while ya get lucky with a picture...

Sunset at anchor, Manjack Cay

Quote from: Frank on January 18, 2022, 07:15:03 PM
No need of encroaching if there’s lotsa room!
Always find it frustrating.....

I wonder whether inexperienced cruisers may think that anchoring close by is the friendly/social thing to do? I've been wondering what I might say if it happened to me. If there is a real risk of collision when a boat swings, you have to say something. There's a chance you may get the same response as the guy in CJ's story. When there isn't a collision risk, but someone is encroaching on your space or privacy, when it is an etiquette matter, for me it's more difficult to express that, tactfully. You hope that they will already know. Hope that they have the experience that they apparently do not already have. Maybe some will read about it on threads like this? 

I think it’s more often simply inexperience...
Some folks just don’t care, but it’s typically charter boats so .....

Speaking of anchoring...
Before the $$ crash of 08, Marsh Harbour would have over 100 boats
At times, way over
Was often hard to find a spot to swing.
Things slowed after the financial crisis to moderate numbers
Now, with Covid after Dorian... there were only 3 of us anchored today!
I’ve been here a few nights now as I booked my booster jab for this morning.
Most since I’ve been here is 8... crazy

The place is getting rebuilt... clean up was massive!

Last night at Hopetown

I anchored out front tucked around the little island at the entrance.
Anchor light on the right in the picture with chairs
No mooring ball fees ...
Love shallow draft!

Enjoying your photos Frank, as usual.  :)

Awhile back, someone asked for advice about the type of boat for cruising Florida and the Bahamas, and I gave my typical advice of a heavy full-keel boat like an Ariel or CJ's Rhodes Meridian. Reading about his cruise there and the strong fronts passing through so often, it seemed like a good motion at anchor when you are trying to live and sleep, was important, even if you sacrifice space/layout.

Yet, seeing you find places to anchor close in with your shallow draft during the fronts, and enjoying your boat so much, has me appreciating more fully the benefits of optimizing the boat type choice for the kind of cruising you will actually be doing.

I can imagine that if you were making a passage to weather or a long beat into a chop, you still might miss your old Ariel? But the kind of cruising--island hopping--you're doing allows you to pick conditions that suit the boat you have.

I can definitely see how the shallow draft and lighter displacement made trailering the boat such a long distance easier.

     

I can honestly say that the sweetest sailing boat I have owned was the Ariel.
Excellent set of compromises.
Faster than expected, comfortable at sea.
It was a wet boat with low freeboard and certainly hunted at anchor (as they all seem to do) but the only real complaint would be hobby horsing in waves at anchor. All short waterline boats do..
Even déjà vu with a 3ft longer waterline will hobby horse excessively at times.
Déjà Vu is a much dryer boat underway. The accommodations far exceed an Ariel. And while the ariels 3ft 8in draft was quite shallow really, déjà vu takes shallow draft to a different level.
I have been busy with multiple friends the last few weeks and had a great day yesterday for the beginning of songwriters week here at Hopetown. Lunch with one group, music watching with another.
I woke up this morning tired and quite honest… “peopled out”
In need of some time away alone, I searched the chart for a quiet little bay to hide out in. Black Point Cay is quite small with an abundance of back waters to get lost on your dingy touring. Only a 10 mile sail, I told friends I was headed there for some RnR. Never having been there, I asked about anchoring and was advised to anchor out front as I’d never get inside.
Here I am… just now.
Déjà Vu is a quick sailing little boat that points quite high when trimmed properly and has great accommodations. With a decent forecast I would take her to the Berry’s and Exumas. She performed well in the Golf Stream when things got up beyond the forecast getting her here.
I certainly would prefer the Ariel for longer offshore passages.
Your point of getting a boat for how you use it is so accurate.
A 6ft draft passage maker here would be burdensome!

Looks like a nice place to drop the hook!

On another site I've noticed quite a few folks complaining about all the fronts moving through and creating rolly anchorages down there this year. I've wondered if those folks come from the protected slip mindset & aren't accustomed to anchoring out.
Based upon your past experience what do you think about the weather this year?

Ditto for me on my Meridian :) I didn't find the drsft a problem

Yep CJ, your Meridian got you into the shallows too!

Weather?
December and early January were amazing!
Last 4-5 weeks has been a blow-nice-blow-nice.....
Typical winter weather.
Next week here will blow pretty good again.
It’s been a couple of weeks since the last strong blow.
Here, sailing and anchoring in 20 knots seems kinda normal.
Like getting 8 inches of snow at once back home.. it happens often in winter and you’re set up for it.
There have been better years...
And worst

Took me a while but I think I found your hideyhole.

26.40126434238966, -77.0305852699613

PS what is your board up draft?
Found it - 2' 7" ...

Here ya go

Back at Green Turtle Cay
Anchored in the shallow town harbour.
Friend had his drone out...
Sent me these

Up at Manjack for a wonderful pizza and music night last night.
Good friends and a couple of talented musicians too.

George was having fun and spoofing the multi engine go fast boats

Sunset from déjà vu

Sailed to Guana yesterday
Fun night of snacks and guitar music on a friends boat.
Beautiful sunset across the Sea of Abaco
Sailed to Hopetown this morning.
Friends playing a benefit concert tomorrow
Will be fun.

Sure is nice to be distant from the news...
Crazy times!

Feeling blessed

How fast did the triple-2hp dinghy go? lol I bet geting them synced was a chore. ;D

Yes, right now - "away" = good.

There’s a center console cat, about 32ft long at the boatyard.
It has 4-450hp mercury race engines out back... 4!
That’s 1800hp!
WTF?




I still think George’s dingy will take him! 😂

Quote from: Frank on February 26, 2022, 01:26:19 PM
Sure is nice to be distant from the news...
Crazy times!

It must be nice to be distant in such a place.  :)
Will have to make do with your photos and videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kFu8uzu-fs) on the subject from less serious times...
[now eerily ironic] ???

Although I am aware of what is happening, I have no TV or radio so there’s no constant exposure to not just the news, but the sensationalized, opinionated BS that has become the delivery of news...
it’s wonderful to be disconnected..

Today I’m off to Manjack.
It will be strong winds from late Friday through Sunday
Enough food for several days? Water? Where to securely anchor in the blow?
Cruising keeps life, and issues...simple
I love it

You nailed it Frank. With TV and Radio one can't help but be affected by the constant barrage of opinions. My rural life with neither allows me limited but sufficient access to source news without the BS. I have not had a TV for 35 years. Now if I could just have the same simple issues as you I would be really happy ;)

Blow forecast so tucked into Cresent Bay at Manjack
It’s howling but so close to shore it’s nearly flat calm
Nice tour earlier

Blowing 20, gusting 30 but nice being shallow in the Lee.
Beautiful water colour!
Nice sunset

Back anchored at Green Turtle Cay, right in the settlement harbour.
Gotta love shallow draft.
A 5ft black tip was in looking for dinner

More great photos of a beautiful place, Frank. :)

I was wondering what a typical day and week is for you? Do you have a routine that you have settled into? How much time do you usually spend on land?

Interesting question…
Days and travels are pretty well determined by weather and events.
Green Turtle Cay is “home base” and I feel like a local here.
I enjoy breakfast with the lads at a small cafe, then often at 5-6 social time with happy hour at Sundowners bar.
Beyond that it’s visiting other boats, helping with repairs or other projects.
I can’t sit too long so depending on weather, will head nw to Manjack, Powel or Allan’s-Pensacola. Sometimes all the way up to Grand.
Then, if passable, se to Treasure, Marsh Harbour, Guana, Elbow Cay (Hopetown) on down to Little Harbour.
It is upcoming events and weather that dictate most days..
Blowing and overcast today so a lazy down day…

Jim, I should mention that boat repairs typically become male social events. If you or they need a hand, often there will be 5-6 lads involved as well as a bit of rum. The old saying that cruising is “doing boat repairs in exotic locations” is actually pretty accurate.

Quote from: Frank on March 15, 2022, 07:00:34 AM
The old saying that cruising is “doing boat repairs in exotic locations” is actually pretty accurate.

Ha. Seems like a good time.  :)

Always ends up fun, and it seems that no matter what is needed, some one some where has that part.

Being somewhat layed up with a recent knee replacement, this thread has been most enjoyable.  Thank you Frank for sharing your adventure with us!

Thanks.
Bev flys in next Monday to Marsh Harbour.
Windy weather…
I’m headed out tomorrow towards Guana Cay.
To get there, you must either go around Whale Cay in the ocean with no barrier reef or across the bank at “Don’t rock pass”
Being shallow draft, it’s easier at Dont Rock.
It will be wind on the nose and blowing 12-14 for the first 6 miles.
Not looking forward to it… outboards into a chop and 14 knots simply aren’t fun…
Once through, I’ll tuck into Fisher Bay at Guana until Friday when the wind shifts and I’ll have a fast sail into Marsh Harbour.
Looking forward to taking her to Hopetown. Plan on renting bicycles for a day and touring.
After that we will go to ??
It’s all about weather when you’re out…

Friends Tartan 31
Check Rogers home port

Someone posted this picture of the historic New Plymouth Inn getting restored. If you look beyond it into the little bay, there’s Deja Vu tucked in

Plans change with the weather…
New forecast this morning and looks like Friday I could sail all the way, so I’m off to Manjack Cay until then.
Love “no schedule”

Quote from: Frank on March 22, 2022, 10:50:13 PMSomeone posted this picture of the historic New Plymouth Inn getting restored. If you look beyond it into the little bay, there’s Deja Vu tucked in

What's the depth there at that spot?
Could an Ariel fit with 3' 6"?
Or is it a "Centerboarders Only - No Keels Allowed" kind of place?
Are you worried about becoming a shallow draft snob?
;D ;D ;D

Locals say 3ft at low tide but…..
It’s getting into it that’s worst then being in there.
Quite a dog leg to avoid shoals.

Had a wonderful downwind sail to Manjack (2 sailboats passed me under power, sails furled… WTF?)
Grabbed a friends mooring in Cresent Bay, 3 ft at low.
I always know that mooring is 5here for me…

Shallow draft does have advantages!

That said, 3ft 8in isn’t very limiting at all Kurt…
Katie would go “almost” as many places and much better in a seaway

Pictures are “just now”

No sooner secure and a voice from shore yelling “Frank, come for turkey dinner”
Ya gotta love small communities! All sailors
This is a beautiful, classic, hand built (no plans) Abaco dingy made by Winer Malone
Stunning lines and they sail great too!
Dinner n dessert
No schedule is the the best schedule  😁

Food looks *great* but, the lines on that boat? Even better. Would love to feel what it is like to get a handful of tiller with her sails bellied out...

And a nice butt, ah… stern too 😂

Notch for skulling

Love it when you talk dirty to us Frank ;)

Quite the day…
Gusting over 30 in wee hours
Got up and took the sunshade down..
Driving rain by 10
Predicted wind shift made the mooring rock n roll
Continued shift led to a beautiful broad reach back to Green Turtle Cay
Grabbed my in town anchorage and treated to 2 dolphins fishing around me
Clouds opened to a beautiful sunset!
Awesome day!
Blessed!

Blessed for sure. :)

Bev flys into Marsh Harbour Monday so I took the opportunity to go through “don’t rock pass” with a SW wind, albeit 15+
Was a fast, rolling sleigh ride down with the genny poled out.
Another “feeling blessed” day!

Doing some anchor chores today and it got me to thinking (yes, ouch), wondering if you've run into much thick grassy bottom down there? I've read that grass won't grow well in less than 6' of clear water (or in over ~20'), which would mean you probably haven't seen much... What hook(s) are you using?

Capt K
Thee number one item cruising is anchor choice!
Do you “really” want to go there?
Kinda like politics n religion….
It’s dark
Yep, grassy bottom occasionally
Yep, some grass often
Yep sand
Yep mud
Yep coral
Yep…. Ya NEED a good anchor..

Here ya go Capt K
The dreaded anchor talk 😄

I launched November 17th, over 4 months ago.
Total of 4 nights at a dock (1 checking in, 3 at a friends)
12 nights on a mooring
The remainder, basically 3-1/2 months, have been on the hook

I believe your ground tackle is THEE most important item on board.

Primary anchor- 27lb rocna Vulcan. Overkill on a 4000lb boat. Excellent in grass, sand and mud. 65ft of 1/4 chain, 150ft rode, 5/16th shackles

Secondary anchor- 10lb aluminium spade. Easy could be primary as it’s huge for 10lbs. Excellent in all the above, 15ft 1/4 chain, 100ft rode, 5/16 shackles

As I’m typically anchored in 6-7ft of water or less so rarely into rode out.
I feel you should carry as much chain as possible. Truly helps in the big gusts.

Your milage may very 🤣

Thx. I'm with you on anchor philosophy. I'm toting:

Manson Boss 25#
Original Bruce 33#
Fortress FX-11 7# (IIRC)
Northill 6-R 12#(folding, steel)
200' chain, in 3 sections (a 100', and 2x 50')

I also have available a Delta 22#, CQR 25#, and another Delta 45#, my "Oh poop" anchor. :)

Spent a few days visiting friends on Manjack. Nice to walk the beach’s as there’s rarely anyone on them.
Sailed down to the other end with plans to anchor and snorkel the old sunken barge. The wind came up and a quick look at the tide showed we could sneak in up the back “creek”.  Only sub 3ft boats can go in there..
We were no sooner anchored and a front with driving rain blew through. Hardly a wave nestled in there.
Came out the next day and snorkelled the barge. Always an assortment of fish to see.
Back at Green turtle now. Bev flys out tomorrow, Deja Vu gets hauled Monday.
It’s been 5 months aboard.
My cabin back home is calling…

A look at the water under the boat in the bottom picture shows how shallow it is.

5 months?  You're a lucky guy.  I was out 7 weeks once and the wife said never again.

Yep…I was waiting at the border when it opened November 8th to haul Deja Vu to Florida. 9 days later, November 17th she was rigged and launched at Manatee Pocket, Stuart Florida. She crossed to Bahamas a few days later.
Monday is April 16th, a day short of 5 months.
Surprisingly, the fresh water antifouling I used held up pretty well until a few weeks ago.

Another season comes to an end.
Hauled out yesterday.
Cleaning and all canvas off today.
Will strip the outside down for hurricanes…
Gotta love shallow draft. Waxing is easy :)

Quote from: Frank on April 12, 2022, 10:59:18 AM
Another season comes to an end.

Congrats on such a good winter. Have very much enjoyed your posts and photos through the winter here. Grog to ya!  :)

So you'll be driving back up quite a bit lighter than the trip down?

Yep… a lot lighter but still hauling the trailer home.
Will try to enjoy the drive..
Look forward to cabin life again.

Sure looks bare stripped down.
Even the panel came off today.
Less up the better if a hurricane blows through..

Well done sir, always enjoy your adventures. Another grog!

Was gonna ask abooot the canvas and such... :)

Lemme know if you need a stopover rest spot on the drive N, I still have spare berths. :)

Thanks Kurt, but didn’t go off the shortest path home as I was hauling back that trailer c/w with the cradle on it. About 12-13mpg at these prices 😳

It was quite the adventure getting home!

The trip back from Marsh Harbour to Indiantown was brutal. At 65 with arthritis, cold nights on 2 chairs pulled together are painful. It was a sh#t show!

Then, once underway I encountered the driving rain and wind of a a week ago.

All that said, home, happy to be here, fire on, birds at the feeder and life’s good.

They say what doesn’t kill ya makes ya stronger…
Tell my knees and hips that…

Below is an email I’d send to Caroline (and Brian) my friends that drove me to Marsh harbour airport.

“ Hi Caroline.
It’s been an adventure.
After you and Brian got me to the airport, I boarded the plane 45 minutes late. Once on and settled the pilot announced we had to go back to the airport as a fuel light was on. I had booked a lady from Indiantown to come to West Palm Beach and pick me up and take me to my truck in storage there. As I had no idea how long we would be, I texted her to return to Indiantown. They flew a mechanic up from Nassau. Three+ hours later we were underway. I texted the lady to return to get me. Made it to West Palm and while in line to clear customs, the power went out. Seriously? When the generators kicked in their computers would not boot up. After about another hour they simply wrote down our names. The poor lady that I had hired to pick me up had now been waiting for hours. I had emailed Indiantown Marina three times last week to leave my vehicle keys aside. When I finally got there late, the office was closed and no keys. I slept on two chairs put together in the lunchroom. Cool, no blanket or pillow and folks walking by late at night. I finally managed to get a hold of the office staff and she came down. On arrival, she told me she didn’t get the emails (bs), then that I didn’t give her the key(more bs) I reminded her that I did in fact give it to her personally. She had no idea where it was so I asked to look in their key storage. Found one that looked like it may be it. It worked! By this time it was noon Sunday. I had originally hoped to get 3-4 hours driving in Saturday after landing before all this began. Oh well. It’s been memorable. ”

Wow Frank, what an adventure.  Sounds like it didn't end when you covered your boat.   

All is well that ends well…
Home, birds at the feeder, wood stove on… all good 🤣

^^^...and what a great new Profile picture!!!

Lucky shot…
Yep, pretty

Another nice sunset shot

Sitting at the 49th Parallel cafe in Ladysmith today, reading about your latest Bahamas season. Thanks for sharing and helping us all keep the dream alive.

Thanks
Where is Ladysmith?
I’ve sailed into ladysmith on Vancouver Island but doubt its the same.

Frank, I know you are  better geographer than that, I am pretty sure the 49th parallel goes right through Ladysmith BC

My bad 🤣
I for some reason thought Woody was east coast..
You’re right

I've been living in Sequim, WA for about a year now. Last month I went to look at a boat for sale in Ladysmith harbor. Just a short trip, took the ferry from Pt. Angeles then a series of local commuter buses up. Unfortunately, due to some difficulties with the public transit system I ended up having to hitchhike most of the way each direction, which I hadn't done in a long time, but I was picked up by some very nice people and had good conversations with. I didn't end up buying the boat (that's a whole story) but it was a fun (short) trip.

Here's a link to photos I took of the boat, very unique!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/behRmUjWzvrnDZe86

My girlfriend and I would love to head back up there when we get the chance, but this is a busy season of work for us so we're stuck down in the states, for now. We did end up buying another new boat, which I will make a separate post on.

Currently anchored at Manjack Cay
Nice Christmas dinner with friends here.
Sail back in 20 knots to Green Turtle tomorrow… love furling 😄

Anchored out with a beautiful Morgan 41 last night (early, not out island)

A few rain days so got motivated , fixed a port leak and painted the head floor.

Beautiful sunset in Marsh Harbour a week or so ago

Home for a quick visit to sort out a health insurance issue.
Manage a friends and family visit before flying back.
Will appreciate the Sandy beaches even more now!

After a whirlwind trip home, I’m back settled into the simple life aboard.
Was quite calm the other day so perfect for exploring up “mangrove creeks” to turtle watch in clear water. Trip back was into the light wind so motored home. Gotta love sunny, calm days to explore.

Had an amazing sail from Green Turtle up to Allan’s Pensacola. Was blowing mid to high teens with gusts so tucked a reef in the main and set off on a broad reach. The ole girl was smoking at times! Averaged 5.6 knots for the 24 mile run with many times in high 6s and low 7s. She still brings a smile to my face..
Once here I tucked into the hurricane hole. It was close to low tide so I was thankful for the shallow draft after cranking up the board.
Good friends Steve on Skylark (PSC 27) and John / Lise on Polynya (North sea 27) were already tucked in there awaiting my arrival.
Awesome beach walks yesterday and today with good meals and laughs.
This is what cruising is about!
We all chuckled tonight as we are all on small, older boats. Mine at 38yrs old was the newest.
Fun cruising need not be complicated…

Simply lovely. Holy Cow that turtle picture - what great camo they have. :) Nice shot there, Frank!!!

The NorthSea 27 and Pacific Seacraft 27 I’m cruising with. Both awesome vessels.
Just for you captain…. More turtle pics 😄
Was a calm day, barely a ripple.

A better picture of the PSC 27
Beautiful little shop!

The PC27 (Orion) is my dream boat.  Someday, maybe.

Any project while out cruising typically becomes a male bonding event. In the Hurricane hol, were you tie your dinghy to the mangroves to get onto the walking trail is an extremely muddy bottom and hard to tie up. Steve spotted a piece of floating dock about a mile and a quarter up on the ocean side washed up on shore. Yesterdays adventure with to go down and float it then tow it back and tie it. A nice way to spend a couple of hours and the end result was relative luxury for a dinghy dock. Fun times.

Winds have settled
Nice 14 kn NE tomorrow so 3 of us are sailing north to Allan’s-Pensacola for a couple of days and then I’m carrying on to Double Breasted, then Grand Cay.
Not sure who will tag along for that leg.
Once there, await a NW to sail back.
Hate scheduling… go with the wind.
For those who’ve been to Grand before, the matriarch there… “Rosie” (male) just passed on a few days ago. In many ways, he was Grand Cay.
Should be some really nice sailing.

Beautiful down wind 5 hr sail to Allan’s-Pensacola.
5 boats now in the hurricane hole, all friends for years.
This is what it’s all about.

Water under the vanity..
Traced to leaking foot pump
Took out, tightened up but still leaked.
Had a spare so swapped out.
Will take old one home to see if a rebuild kit is available.
As I was doing it I was thinking how nice it is to have a simple boat.
I have a spare galley pump too, spare head parts, LED bulbs etc. even some glass cloth and resin.
It’s so easy and inexpensive on a small boat.
Some have 2 fresh water pumps, electric heads with their pumps, macerator pumps for the tanks, bilge pumps etc..
Ya’d have a small fortune in spares!
Small n simple is inexpensive and stress free

Nice routine here…
3 mile beach walk at low tide. Never see another sole..
Boat repairs or project on whoever needs it boat. Male social event.
Nap if possible
Get together on ?s boat for sundowners and snacks
Repeat
Last night we met in the Center of the hurricane hole and tied our dingys together and threw out an anchor. It was fun
We all are 65+ and commented on how much we were enjoying our 2nd childhood here.
Also commented on the age of our boats… 2-1978s, 2-1980s and mine being a 1984.  Cute when the newest is 38yrs old. Tells you that it can be done on classic plastic

You have all heard the definition of cruising. Suffice to say we having a very good time and boat projects become a male bonding event. Beautiful day here, nice ocean walk.

Quote from: Frank on February 18, 2023, 07:26:11 AM
Nice routine here…

Seems like a great time, Frank.  :)

Appreciate your post s and photos!

Headed back to Green Turtle for a couple of social commitments.
Exiting the hurricane hole ya feel like you’re boating down a narrow creek.
Once out, had a nice beam reach and later switched to a beat.
I do enjoy sailing this ole girl. Still brings a smile to my face.

Commitments behind, sailed up to Manjack yesterday. A friend on a very sweet sailing Tartan 34 caught fresh fish and invited me for an awesome fish stew dinner. Nice evening with good friends, cheap wine and great food!
Awoke at 2:30 for a wizz, beautiful star filled night so I decided to pull anchor and idle out of the anchorage to sail the 22nm back up to Allan’s-Pensacola.
Great beach walks once here and a magical potluck get together for dinner. The host invited a younger to us couple off of a nearby boat. Turns out they have been together since teenagers, have 31 and 32 year old children, are only 52, have just recently retired and sold everything to buy a sailboat! They are both loving it and it was inspiring to be in their company. Just a great evening all around. Awesome to see people making life choices for enjoyment rather than income.
First is sunrise under sail, last is sunset tonight

When your anchored at a remote island, even bottom cleaning becomes a social event.
It is a crazy world today on countless levels which makes being this detached even sweeter! Truly a sanctuary….

As always great pictures
Thanks for posting your trip/story Frank.
It brought me joy catching up on your fun this snowy winter morning.  Also gives me hope that maybe this will be the year my boat doesn't get pulled at the end of the "season"

It’s easier than you think! I brought this one over two years ago on my cell phone. Life need not be complicated. You would love it!

PS
Currently on a nice broad reach sailing south back towards the green turtle. Life is good!

My:
Navigation, plotter
Weather (windy)
Tides and currents
Phone
Email
Facebook
Camera… photos and movies
Banking
Bill paying
Documents
Reminders
And more…
KISS to extreme

Quote from: Frank on February 26, 2023, 12:48:20 PM
KISS to extreme

That's great!
Often, I think of high tech as adding complexity and expensive, but in this instance it's the opposite.
Appreciate you sharing this, Frank, and especially the high rez photo.
Grog!  :)

Besides “iSailor” for charts (last post)
These are my most used apps

AyeTides…
excellent, any location and scroll ahead to whatever date you want

Windy
Wind and weather for a specific area or scroll out for the big picture

Just when you think the romance is gone.
I had the pleasure of meeting a couple at a potluck dinner aboard a friends board at a remote anchorage a few days ago. They had within the last year retired, sold their home, purchased an immaculate 50 year old 48 foot ketch, and although never having sailed before and against the advice of others, left from the great lakes and are now in the Bahamas.
At only 51, met young, started young and retired young. They have 2 children at 30, 31. The most beautiful thing is they’re still very much in love. It is so sweet to see them walking hand-in-hand down the street. I love to hear them talk about their adventures to date as their excitement is obvious.
I wish the many safe and wonderful adventures.

I'm trying to be swept away with thoughts of romance...which I'm sure is wonderful...

But, my initial reaction is... Wow, that's a BIG first sailboat!  :o

I was thinking the same thing.  I've met several couples that buy the largest boat they can afford believing it's safer.  After the bottom job most trade down for something more manageable and affordable.

It is beautiful and has a ton of wood that’s varnished….
Yep… lotsa work!

They're off anchor and now in on a dock so I grabbed a photo.
A stunningly beautiful boat!
Yes, lotsa work
For me¦ obviously too much...way too much.
But seriously , who are we to judge?
They love the boat and more importantly are out using it!
Their story warms my heart.
They can anchor that pretty boat near me anytime!

She's a beaut!  Working on a boat is fun if you are not trying to squeeze it into another life. If it is your home and your life, taking care of something like that is a joy.

So true Tim.
Even more so when it’s all “new to you” and part of the big adventure!
They slipped dock lines this morning and I watched them sail southbound.
Hope they have a hoot!

Took a walk to Gilliam Bay beach…
Hadn’t been there is quite a while and Dorian altered things…
Loved the signs along the way to help get ya there..

A bunch of us piled onto 2 shuckers yesterday for a lunch raft up on the next island.
These motorsailors sure swallow up people!
Fun times

While it looks like a good time, I may have once been significantly “overserved” aboard the “mother shucker” once….  I am afraid my memory of it is not entirely clear…

Too funny!
Yes… several years ago there was an evening aboard a mother shucker where shot glasses were none existent 😄
Drinks were made on a “glug glug” sound basis…
Hope all is well in your world Craig!

Has been a very good winter. Nowhere near as many fronts moving through as normal and the weather has been quite pleasant. I’ve managed several incredible sails that were memorable!
I will turn 66 tomorrow.
Tonight we were talking about ageing and how time passes. I first met Capt K and other original members here back in 2003 or 2004 on the Pearson Ariel site. I had purchased hull #50, a 1960 boat and was modifying it for cruising. After tackling multiple tasks, I launched her and sailed to Bahamas in 2006. 
I was still in my 40s then….
Point being, time passes…
And
It passes quickly!
I moved from a small town to London Ontario back in the mid 70s to find employment. As destiny would have it, I ran into a man that would first employ me, then later become my first business partner and life long mentor.
He and his wife would end up being like parents to me on top of the folks that taught me how to sail! They were in their late 30s then… approaching 90 now!
Still alive and very dear to me…
Tonight several of us talked about the cruisers who are no longer coming back. Some simply swallowed the anchor. Others were forced to stop because of health issues. Several have passed away. It was both a wonderful and poignant conversation as we reflected on those no longer here.
Why am I sharing this?
To those of you who want to head off cruising and haven’t, I say go!
To those who have made excuses why they can’t, I say life is about choices.
There is an extremely young couple here tonight that I met seven years ago and they only work long enough to get funds ahead to leave. No home, no car, just their boat and wanderlust!
The boat I am on as I write this was ordered 38 years ago.
My friend Roger and I sailed it through parts of Florida, across the Gulf Stream, and sailed throughout the Abacos on my iPhone and not even a depth sounder. Seriously!
I guess what I am trying to say is do not make excuses to yourself. If you want to take a winter off to explore the Florida Keys or cross into the Abacos or the Exuma‘s, do it!
In the end the choices you make will dictate your memories!

Well said Frank, it never gets easier.

As you know Tim… time goes by way too quickly!
My old mentor and the gentleman who taught me how to sail has a lovely wife. She told me recently that her uncle expressed time going by like the speedometer of a car. When you are 20, time goes by at 20 miles an hour. When you are 40, it goes by at 40 miles an hour. She is now 90 and said “my God time goes by fast!”
The point being as we age we can no longer put things off. It’s far too easy to make excuses or to spend money on other things.
Anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

“ happy are they that dream dreams, and are willing to make conscious choices to achieve them “

Always a sad day….
Has been a very good winter so no complaints.
Would stay longer but too many boat projects back home.
Getting the bottom power washed so dropped the board down.
Hopefully make it back next year.

Frank are you sure about this, have you been paying any attention to the weather up here. You are making a BIG mistake  :D

I hear ya…
I’d stay longer if I could…
Had some truly enjoyable sails this year!
My Compac 27 was a great cruiser but sailed like a station wagon.
This boat is more like a sports car…
Hopefully get some boating in with the trailer sailors at home this summer and back to the PNW in fall.
Hope you’re getting out a bit.
Have fun

I intentionally hauled out with a few extra days as I had some projects I wanted to complete. On hot nights it is nicer to sleep in the forward cabin which meant dropping the table down to put in the filler cushion. It makes for a nice double berth right under the forehatch so any breeze comes directly on you. The only problem, is raising the table the next morning to put things back in place. It slides up and down the mast support and is an SOB to bring back up as it’s a very tight fit. I cut a filler plywood so now we can simply swing the table to the side and make up the bunk. Too easy to put back to dinette mode in the morning. It’s funny how simple little things make a big difference on enjoyment when you’re out.

Edit to ad that I just emailed a picture to Bev and she called to say “what a game changer” …
Gotta love how simple things are out cruising…

Back home just a few hours…
Still snow on the ground…
Deja vu is pretty well stripped for hurricane season.
I know the blue tarp on the dingy won’t last, but if it stays for 4-5 mths, it’s that much less sun damage.
Hopefully all are well when we return.

Made it home to cold nights and lots if snow last Thursday.
Beautiful weekend and much warmer temps this week!
Snow is taking a hit!
Picture from last Friday

Quote from: Frank on March 16, 2023, 09:39:42 PM
Has been a very good winter. Nowhere near as many fronts moving through as normal and the weather has been quite pleasant. I’ve managed several incredible sails that were memorable!
I will turn 66 tomorrow.
...

A belated Happy Birthday to ya, Frank!

Congratulations on another good winter in such a wonderful place.

Appreciate your posts and photos...encouragement and advice.

Grog. :)

Thanks!
Back home at the cabin…
Very warm day today! Got up to 78!
Snow took a hit!
Nice to be back in the woods for a while…
Hope you and your dad are doing well.
Take care

You're welcome, Frank.
That's a handsome cabin you have there.
Like a Typhoon...small but mighty! :)
Both you and Charlie have small easy-to-maintain homes.
Both have gotten away for extended periods to do a lot of cruising.
Perhaps not a coincidence...

Dad is well, thanks.
Though a bit melancholy
Recently lost his cousin and friend Doug in St. John, New Brunswick
whom he shared many adventures with many years ago.
on trips made with his father back to his original home in Nova Scotia.
Now Dad only has one relative of his generation remaining in Canada
a cousin in Halifax.

Frank, you're living my dream.  My plan since high school was to retire on a boat in the Caribbean during winter, and have a cabin in the north woods of Wisconsin for the summer.  After the wife had a major stroke when she was 29, everything changed.  I still sail, but she stays at home.  She has promised once we're settled in our new house, I can sail off for a couple months.  Maybe I'll get a chance to taste your life one of these winters.  Until then, I'll live through your posts.

I hope it works out for you. I truly believe that once you do it, you won’t believe how easy it is…  The Abacos are so easily attainable.

Jim, love cabin life. My yearly Mallard couple returned. The wild turkeys are eating more deer feed than the deer. Birds at the feeder and chipmunks picking up the spillage…. Life’s good.
Hope your dad gets feeling better. I can imagine he’d feel a bit down….
Hopefully spring weather and blossoms will brighten his mood.
Take care.

I've been frustrated for oh these many years now that due to my cell phone carrier policy I have not been able to make calls to Canada, whether in order to give Frank a hard time now and then, or catch up, or just leave a weird message. All that changed today - I got sick of the carrier and switched to a new one, one which has as part of their plan - calls and texts to Mexico and Canada!

Woo hoo!

So I call Franks number just now, and it starts ringing...

and ringing...

and ringing...

and then, AN ANSWER!!!

Some lady telling me that "This number is unable to take incoming calls."

OK, Frank, I can take a hint, eh.

:D

Maybe I can leave a text...

8)

Too funny 😄
What number are ya calling?

When in Abacos, I get 300 minutes free to Canada or USA
When in Canada, incoming from USA is 50 cents/ minute
When in USA, calls are free
I’m currently in Canada

Messenger is free

What’s app is free

Capt K and I finally got chatting… Skype is a wonderful thing between country’s.
Talks of boats to Florida, Bahamas and possibly further…
I’m sure CJ will confirm it’s far easier than most think to cruise Florida and Bahamas.
Heck I sailed over last time with my iPhone to navigate and no depth sounder.
I think we all “over think” and “over plan” at times…
Life need no be complicated.
Hope to see several of the sailfar crew over there this winter.

Love my little boat…..
All 24ft!

Totally unrelated…
After 12-13yrs my cabin was due to get stained.
Put plastic over the 10 windows (yet..10) and the door, then used a little Wagner sprayer.. Was as much work stapling plastic and taking it off as it was spraying the cabin. 3 mornings saw it stained and fascia boards painted too. Too much ladder work for a lad with bone on bond knees but I survived and really happy how it turned out.
Looks better with the lighter colour.
Scroll down, reply 243, Looks different with foliage too

Every year before haul out I make a “return list” of whats needed for maintenance and upgrades. Once home, I set a cardboard box aside in the shop where I put items in from the list so there’s no “where is that” come time to pack up.
Like many of us on small boats, I have a stove but no oven. While anchored in the hurricane hole at Allen’s-Pensacola last winter with 2 other boats, Steve off of Skylark showed up with warm, fresh buns! Such decadence!
Later while getting I tour of his boat I noted there was no oven? After quizzing him, I was introduced to his “omnia” donut oven. European, they are designed to work on a small burner stove. Heat comes up through the Center and circulates. Apparently you can do roasts etc as well.
Once home I shopped them and wow… expensive for something so simple! Further shopping showed an Italian version called “Tredoni” for less than half the price. Included is a wonderful tiny cook book, yes, all in Italian.
I surprised myself at first attempts. Not to Steve’s quality, but promising.

Steve, from Skylark holding his “omnia”, hamming it up with Lise off Polynya.
His bread is much better..

The Omnia Ovens are pretty good.
This is a baked mac & cheese I made on the boat last week.

Funny, I’d not run into them until last year. Impressed!
Dinner looks good 👍

I wonder if one could be made from a bundt cake pan.

Funny, my daughter refers to it as the bundt oven.
I need to work on a decent bread recipe. I haven't made a homemade bread the old fashion way for probably close to 30 years. Having a bread machine at home, you set it & forget it.

It’s a process, lots of working the dough but ya typically have lots if time at anchor.
I’m still learning but getting better each try. Even the not so good ones smell SO good

Looking at pictures from last winter and these screen shots were there.
The little boat loves a close reach in 18+ knot winds. If the wind is right and waves moderate, she continues to surprise me.

The leaves are starting to change up here at home so thoughts start to go towards winter and the “back to the boat” list.
When I had the roll up sunshade made, I had zippers put on the sides and aft end as well for future use. Measured up for the sides and end before leaving last April and just got them made.
These will zip onto the sunbrella sunshade and hang down to be tied to the lifelines. There will be one per side and 2 aft.
Theyll offer sun protection and although see through, a bit of privacy as well. Small-simple thing but will make a big difference with day to day life aboard.

That sunshade material is really good stuff. It not only blocks a lot of UV, but also is less "flappy" and more (or less?) wind resistant than a solid material. I think you will love them. :)

This is what I saw the first time I boarded an Eolia at the 1985 Toronto boat show and looked below....
I was smitten then and still am almost 40yrs later
Ad the aft cabin to port and aft head to starboard... what the designer has done with a 23ft 7in hull is truly amazing.
Still a love story....

I was just telling someone about her the other day - couldn't remember Brand/Make... And now I gotta remember who it was I was telling, so that I can! lol

Happens to you too eh :)

Back to Déjà Vu noon Monday.
Painted boot stripe, dodger on, boom and main on, solar panel up, bottom paint, dingy cleaned and in, dingy outboard started, Deja Vu's outboard started, fuel run, water filled, house cleaned and splashed 48 hours later!
Tired but happy to be afloat.
The repainted boot stripe really freshened the ole gal up!
It will be 39yrs ago next month I ordered her!

Christmas on da island.....

Cruisers pot luck was great!

3 things cruisers fuss about

-wind direction-strength
-tide
-how are my batteries doing?

I've had decent luck with 6 volt golf cart batteries with my solar panel and an MPPT controller. Still, by year 3 the batteries typically have a hard time lasting through the night after the sun goes down. Hard to keep them happy with an 8 month absence.
An extremely intelligent tech guy on a beautiful late 70s pacific seacraft 27 convinced me of the benefits of converting to lithium batteries.
In my case, with minimal power draw, only a single 200amp hour battery was needed.
It just arrived here today.
Here's what I can tell you so far.
-one large 200amp hour lithium weighs slightly less than one golf cart battery.
-unlike lead-acid, they are ok to run past 50%
-I lucked out as my MPPT controller, without planning, is lithium friendly
-the cost was about 30% more but I should get minimum 100% (double) the longevity if not more!
Will keep you posted as it happens...

Will be following this because I would love to set the Ariel up somewhere but it does mean she would be on her own a lot of the time. Thanks Frank

This afternoon was in many ways a normal day.....
Dull, windy with a bit of rain off and on.....
A fiends boat was having charging issues so as typically happens, it turns into a major male social event as 3 of us climbed aboard to see what we could do.
2 armed with testers and gauges, I with moral support and the ability to hand tools. (I hate wiring issues)
Lots of jokes, teasing, stories and laughter.
Living aboard certainly allows the "little boy" to come alive...
Hopefully something needs fixing somewhere tomorrow....

-battery seems amazing as it kept fridge and freezer side going well through a few overcast days
-sailed to Manjack today for a big dinner with old sailing friends. Too much food! Nice catch up.
-auto helm didn't work... "guys beer afternoon" project someday soon. Hopefully repairable. Solo is a PITA without...
-boat looked awesome in the setting suns light tonight upon return. Still makes me smile 39yrs later

It's been a cool and very windy winter here so far.
I sailed down to Green Turtle yesterday morning in 20ish gusting higher on a broad reach. At one point I chuckled yo myself as there I was, totally content going between 3.5 and 5 with only about 60% of my 130 unfurled. In early days I would had full canvass up and pushing her (and I) to the max to see what she could do. Now I'm happy to put far less stress on the boat, the rigging, myself and simply enjoy the moments..... such is aging.

Wolverine.....
Both in the Keys and Bahamas shallow draft rules!
When I made Green Turtle yesterday, rather than get a mooring ball in the protection of Black Sound for $20 per night, I tucked into the shallows of town harbour where sailboats fear to tread. Only about 3ft at low, no other boats anchor here. The bottom is quite grassy but my rocna Vulcan set well and has held since yesterday morning in 20-27 knots.
Here's to shallow draft!

Picture was this morning

Finally prepped for island hopping.
New lithium battery is amazing! Fridge-freezer on 24-7 and lowest it gets is 88% ...
That's my only real draw other than charging the phone and all my lights are LED. Galley and head are manual water pumps.
Provisioned up with both frozen meat and canned goods.
Water topped up.
New tiller pilot arrived..... after many years my old one bit the dust and solo really sucks without one.
Look forward to a few new places island hopping for a week or so..
On a light note.... A new to there area cruiser came on VHF calling for the "little Canadian sailboat that's dragging in town harbour" I was aboard without the VHF on and friends phoned to tell me to rush back to my boat. They laughed when I said I was relaxed aboard and all was well. Guess the sailor didn't think anyone would intentionally be in here where no sailboats go....
Tide is low in the pictures and about 3ft of water where I am.
Love shallow draft!

Love your updates Frank.  Shallow draft boats go where others fear to. 

Lithium update...
- I chose the 200amp hour below.
- It weighs about as much as one 235amp hour golf cart battery (2 of those needed to make 235 amp hours at 12V) so reduces weight
- can run way past 50% without effecting longevity.... Unlike conventional. This makes it far more "usable" on multiple overcast days.
- at $590... costs about the same as 2-6V golf cart batteries
- I've only been getting 2 years out of my 6V as they sit for 8 months a year unattended. Lithium stores best at 50-60% and is fine sitting...
- if things go "as advertised"... I should get minimum 5 years if not more use from it making it a relative bargain.
- I did luck out as my solar controller was programmable for lithium.
- Might be worth noting that my panel is relatively small at 165 watts

Below are pictures of the battery
Waking up after a day with some sun but mostly cloud.
Temperature of fridge-freezer
Waking up today after a mostly sunny day yesterday
 

So nice to be out cruising!
Anchored near the new bridge on the mainland in behind Angel Fish Point and took our dingys to explore around the little islands. We are all 66 and felt like 16 year olds...
With a forecast blow coming we sailed to Allans-Pensacola and slid through the narrows into the hurricane hole. Nice walk on the beach yesterday followed by dinner aboard déjà vu. Seems we have the island to ourselves! Awesome day.
It's certainly blowing out there right now. Gusts into the 30s but apart from swinging at anchor, we are protected in here... not a wave to speak of.
Lotsa fun on 24ft

It's really nice when you find like minded folks to cruise with.....
John and Lise on Polynya, a NorSea 27 are extremely experienced cruisers and a joy to be around. Steve on Skylark, a Pacific Seacraft 27 has lots of offshore miles and can bake about anything in his 2 burner galley. Both are extremely handy and combined... can fix nearly anything.
It's interesting to note that besides all of us being 66, we all sail older smaller boats and spend many months at a time away..

Polynya, the NorSea is a 1978
Skylark, the Pacific SeaCraft is 1982
déjà vu, my Jenneau is the newest at 1985

All basically 40+ yrs old..

Anchored back in town harbour to restock...
Food, booz and water we're getting low.
Sailed out this morning wing on wing in a light breeze..
Thought a swarm of bees was headed my way...
Was a friend taking pictures with his drone.

Beautiful pictures.  Nice to have a friend with drone.

Yep...
Cray how far the good ones fly!
It started out as a slow sail... 2.2-2.5 knots...
The predicted winds built and I did an 19 mile straight run wing on wing before having to jibe over to reach up the last couple of miles to where I'm anchored.
Was a very fast sail at the end!

Pic is me letting the main out further at the start and a couple of screen shots with the ole girl surfing along near the end

Going to be a long night....
Good anchor and lots of scope...
Still always apprehensive when the gusts lay yo over

Pretty well at the worst of the blow now.(2:45am) Gusts are over 40...
Just in from securing the anchor locker lid, it was banging. Did a chaf check.
Funny how sounds etc effect you on these nights.
The anchor locker lid banging was unsettling...
The howling gusts, whistling rigging, halyards slapping and hull squeaks and groans ad to the chaotic feeling.
One sound I find comforting is the rode groaning on the cleat in the gusts.
That groan, along with the tug that comes with it means the anchor is holding.
I'll try sleep again.....

"Happiness is waking up and being in the same place you fell asleep"

It held :-)

😅👍  That is a great quote Frank. I may have to engrave it somewhere in the boat.

Great pics, Frank! Keep them coming... Thank you!

Hi Craig!
Great to see you're still around. Hope life is good and you're enjoying yourself!

I've often mentioned the benefits of shallow draft, particularly if sailing in the Florida Keys or Bahamas. It sure opens up areas and takes the stress out of multiple situations.
While several chapters could be written, this picture from today, anchored in town harbour at low low tide, where sailboats fear to tread, tells 1000 words.
I could walk out to my boat if needed....
Sub 3ft is wonderful!

Lithium update:

It's been a month now and I honestly couldn't be happier!
The lowest I've seen after 2 very dull days of minimal solar gain was 83% in the morning.
I don't stress about having the lights on at night, turning the little freezer cooler or charging my phone after the sun goes down as I did before.
Couple that with half the weight, easy-no worry storage and the promise of many extra years of service (yet to be proven) makes it a no brainer.
While it cost about 25% more here due to shipping in, back in the USA this 200amp hour was $590 delivered.... About the same price as the 2-6 volt golf cart batteries it replaced

Pictures are from this morning
Battery level and fridge-freezer temps
Thought I'd throw last nights sunset in too as it was beautiful!

Great info Frank, thanks and of course for the beautiful photos.

Yes, great info.  I put lithium batteries on the wish list.

Extremely nice broad reach for over 20 miles yesterday.
I played "frieght boat" after picking up booze and grocery orders for the 3 boats at Allan's Pensacola.
Green Turtle friends figured I'd stay for the Super Bowl party at sundowners, but when you have hearing loss, are in a room with the game turned up very loud and everyone talking extremely loud to be heard... it's all just jumble and actually hurts at times....
The sail up here and quiet gathering after arriving was much more enjoyable

Sail up yesterday
Sunrise today

I'd like to say "just do it".....
But I guess I have to say "make life choices to just do it"

It struck me today as 6 of us, off 5 different boats, all 40ish year old vessels, walked a beautiful remote beach and chatted about past anchorages, boat design, future destinations and all things nautical..... that we were nothing special.

It then struck me that our "hero's"... our "mentors" ... who's books and articles we all had read and inspired us, were really nothing special...

They were literally just like us in so many ways....

We all had made life choices to get out and enjoy our boats....

The couple pictured on the NorSea 27 aft cabin are wonderful... but nothing special.
They purchased their boat years ago on the west coast and trailered it home.
They live in a very modest home, lead a modest lifestyle, don't spend much on restaurants-bars-entertainment or frivolous items, BUT..... they have trailered their 27 up to the PNW (camping on it enroute) and explored Desolation Sound on up to Queen Charlotte. They have spent months aboard in the beautiful North Channel (Lake Huron), they have cruised the Bradore Lakes, much of the east coast, Florida and the Abacos. Their boat is well set up for extended periods aboard and they are away from town for up to a month between supply runs.
They make life choices to do it.
That IS what's special!

I thought as we walked, how truly... anyone can..... even on an extremely modest budjet, do what we are doing.

SailBoats of 25-27ft with roller furling, dodgers and sunshades etc can be purchased in the $4-7000 range easily

You can obviously spend far more.....

I've stated before it all comes down to "choice"....

Spend money on Restaurants, bar tabs, new gadgets or whatever.... Or, live well below your means and save some to get away.....

Choice...

In the end, our choices certainly co creat our lives!

Here's to folks... good folks... that are nothing special.... That make good choices, not excuses.....


Polynya today after our beach walk

Winds subsided so we left the security of the hurricane hole and sailed out to a more exposed anchorage.
Did a "dingy bottom cleaning" day yesterday with 4 dingys overturned on the beach. I made rum punch and we had tunes as well to make the job an event.
I played "Uber" with my dingy getting folks to/from their boats.

I sailed back to Manjack for a singalong at a friends last Saturday.
Fun evening, simple times....
Sailed back to Black Sound at Green Turtle, trying to outrun the rain and picked up a mooring last Sunday as winds are all over the place and gusting high 30s...
A friends son gets married this Sunday after which I can head out again.
There is social life in the sound but I prefer getting away from town....

Well... the wedding was certainly an event! Geez, they go all out!

No wind so I motored the 5 miles to Manjack this morning. Flat calm and sunny.
Was a rare time I didn't sail and relied on the mighty 8hp. Wasn't in a hurry and made 4+ knots at about half throttle. Nice and quiet.....
Awesome beach walk with my friends and an incredible sunset later.
Good day
Feeling blessed

Yep, my toes with the big stingray 😳

We have a new lad join us for a bit. Josh on a Cape Dory 28.
He's a live aboard and brings the boat down from NY for the winter.
He's now the biggest in our little fleet
I'm the lightweight amongst these fine offshore boats.
Cape Dory 28
Pacific Seacraft 27
NorSea 27
Jenneau 24

Proof fun can be had under 30ft

Rant warning:

How can folks afford such large vessels yet have no clue how to safely and professionally operate them?

Just today I'm sailing SE on the sea of Abaco and an extremely large cruiser, 70+ ft, Euro styling, pulls out from Spanish Cay about 2 miles behind and swings towards me.
When his coarse stabilized... it was literally running dead into my stern.
It is a sunny day and I'm highly visible on the turquoise water with my full genny unfurled.
When I witnessed no further coarse changes, I got on the VHF "south bound cruiser off Spanish Cay, please confirm you see the sailboat in front of you"
About 15 seconds went by and then about a 45 degree coarse change on his part. Once a good distance away, he corrected back to his original heading.
I can't help but think he originally put it on coarse, hit "auto pilot" and went about other business...
It's  F n scary seeing a huge motor yacht bearing directly down on you about a quarter mile off!

Next, a few miles further along, a similar event as a large sport fisherman was bearing down on me....
Slightly frustrated from the previous encounter, I got on the VHF " southbound sport fisherman..... surely there's lots of room in the sea of Abaco to go around me"
He made a minor coarse change and passed close, about 150 ft off my starboard side trimmed at "maximum wake"
To say his wake was crazy would be an understatement.
To say he was oblivious would also be an understatement. He gave an innocent wave as he went by.
I got back on the VHF and said "thanks for the wide pass captain, mighty professional of ya"...
Then realized my sarcasm was most likely lost on him....

This seldom happens here during winter as it's mostly cruisers but I'm told there's lots of big, fast Florida boats during summer months.
Thankfully I'm not here then!

It's beyond me how unprofessional and down right dangerous some boat owners are!

Below is the Spirt Fish at max wake. Remember.... There's an entire sea to pass me...

Unfortunately this all too common.  Years back while fishing a tournament, our boat was struck by another boat.  The offending operator tried to say it was our fault for sitting idle on a busy lake, on a Sunday,  during boating season.
We were also in a no wake zone and 30' feet from shore.

The joy of shallow draft...
5 boats clustered on one side of the bay
Deja vu alone on this side in 3-1/2 ft

Just back to Green Turtle Cay from another island hopping tour.
Hard to believe there are still places like this where long, beautiful beachs have no foot prints.
A "sock" makes the cruising chute manageable For an old lad

Beautiful!

I love anchoring in the town harbour.
Where I anchor is a shallow area with a shoal, then road to one side, multiple docks on another and a shoal behind me.
I enjoy it here as extremely few other boats are capable of it with about 3ft at low tide so I have it to myself.
So easy to simply row the short distance to a dock and walk in to the stores, my favourite breakfast place or Sundowners etc.
The down side is there is minimal swing room and no room to drag anchor without getting in trouble.
Dragging anchor is a SOB with crew but chaotic when solo.
Simply can't be trying to pull in the anchor and motoring towards it at the same time to keep the boat off of whatever it's dragging towards.
With no drag room here I find windy nights far more stressful than in a large anchorage.
Last nights forecast was strong winds and stronger gusts.
One site said up to 40mph....
I woke up at 1am with driving rain and wind howling. My protected little spot had white caps! Multiple outside checks and plotter views later I relaxed enough to fall back to sleep.
I write this to share my thoughts on ground tackle...
Your "floating house" is at stake..... get the biggest anchor you can comfortably haul and on nights like last night you will be glad you did!
Use whatever type you have faith in but size up!
I'm using a 27 lb rocna Vulcan as a primary for my 4000lb boat.
Then a 22lb delta as a second.
Both excessive, but....
I managed to sleep last night.


 

After a beautiful day for hosting a fund raiser for Every Child Count's school, the weather turned nasty!
Headed up to Manjack and tucked in close here.
After 2 wet-windy-miserable days, it cleared enough last night for this amazing sunset!
Back to sunny and more moderate winds today.

Picture was late yesterday as things settled.. of note, the beautiful boat anchored beside me is a old Morgan 41, awesome lines! A poor man's Hinkley

Spending a few days in town as multiple friends are hauling out and flying or sailing off. It's the tail end of the season and the exodus has begun.
I haul out April 16th and hope for a mini cruise before thst.
In town harbour and Deja Vu looks framed at the end of the street.
Nice dinner get together on a Shucker

With 25 gusting 35 and a 180 wind shift with literally no drag and reset room, I was about to head out when a friend said "I'll be off the dock until Sunday, I think your boat is shallow enough draft to tie up.
Gotta say, no one has ever saw a sailboat at this dock.
Really love shallow draft!

This makes for some high quality lurking.  Thanks Frank.

The exodus has begun.....
The winter season is winding down.
Several local cruisers have hauled out to storage or are sailing west back home.
Many boats that winter in Exumas or Eleuthera pass through this time of year on their way back as well.
I'll be hauling out the 16th and am taking a mini cruise first. Sailing with Polynya and Skylark, we did a light wind day yesterday up to Manjack. There was no rush so was happpy to drift along at either side of 2 knots on a beautiful day.
Treated to an awesome sunset with dinner on Polynya.
Beach walks today and a fast sail tomorrow up to Allan's Pensacola to tuck into the snug hurricane hole for a Wednesday-Thursday blow.
From there Polynya will continue west to haul out in Florida and trailer home to Nova Scotia Canada. Skylark and I will sail back to green Turtle to prep for haulout there and fly home.
I must say it's so very nice when you find "your tribe".... Like minded folks that you just seem to blend with...
Hopefully we all make it back next fall.

My blue cruising chute, Skylarks code zero. Sunset sky last night

Awesome sail from Manjack to Allan's-Pensacola! High 4s, 5s, touched 6s the odd time. Loved it!
Tucked into the hurricane hole as higher winds with strong gusts were forecast.
Nice night last night and awesome beach walk today as ocean side was in the Lee.
Making the best of winding down.....

Tucked nicely in the hurricane hole for a blow.
Then the last Allan's Pensacola beach walk this season.....
Always sad when it winds down..
More so when you've found "your tribe".....
Polynya and Skylark are fellow small boat folks. We get along extremely well.
Between walks, meals, happy hours, repairs and projects... just a fine bunch!
Skylark sailed off this morning.
Polynya will sail east to Florida soon to haul and trailer home.
I'll island hop back to Green Turtle and haul the 16th....

"The hole".... much like a small lake

Beach walk

Season final Dingy huddle happy hour last night
We seperate today..

Back at Green Turtle.
Grabbed a mooring for my final week here.
Passed by a Shucker that just did laundry...
Such a common sight when out

..ahh. Thx for the 'fix'. :)

As a secondary to the 25# Manson Boss, I have the choice of a 22# Delta like yours, or a 33#/15KG Original Bruce.

I have not used a Delta other than my "donated" salvage 45#'er, which I call the "Oh Sh*t!" anchor and only deploy for named storms. How have you found yours to work, in general, and especially on hard or grassy bottoms?

Ohhh ohhh
The dreaded anchor talk..... 🤣

The Bruce is good on muddy bottoms.

Down here with sand and grass, the joke is if you see a boat dragging in a blow:
"The Bruce..... is loose" ....

The Delta was/is my go to anchor.
Very good in sand, mud and moderate light grass.
Don't drop and back in.... Let it sit a while first...

In thicker grass it's hard to beat the newer style anchors.

Just my 1-1/2 cents

PS.. if you scroll back a few pictures, that was my first time on a dock since we crossed from Florida and spend the night at Old Bahama Bay marina, (West End,)  3 seasons before
déjà vu is at anchor a lot

Quote from: Frank on April 06, 2024, 09:11:07 AMAlways sad when it winds down..
More so when you've found "your tribe"...

Same here (and I expect for many of us readers and viewers of your great photos, too.)
Glad that you've found your tribe.
Thank you, Frank.

I saw a phrase similar to the Bruce one, saying something to the effect of "Dragging on our Delta anchor around the world..." lol

Interestingly, with the Delta at 22# and the Bruce at ~35#, both are rated roughly for the same size boats (IOW a 'standard' anchor size recommendation) for my I-36. The Delta just makes it at that size o' boat, and the Bruce allows for a few more feet. Makes one think the Delta will hold better. The Delta is physically smaller and so easier to stow, an important consideration on wee vessels like an Ariel...

I've also got a 25# Manson Boss (hoopless, new gen), the scoop on that sucker is *'UGE* - 19" wide and 20" long, mas o menos. Manson rec's it for a 25'-35' boat, so it's borderline a storm anchor for Katie.

Besides those, I've got a Fortress FX11, and a regular steel Northhill folding anchor (IIRC 6 kilos, & not the airplane type). Those two both can stow flat, so they'll live belowdecks as backups/storm extras/mo' insurance. I have a nice spot below to fit either the giant Manson or the Delta, the other being the bower.

So yes - 4 anchors, 25' boat. Don't know if you ever heard Connie's story about when she and Croc got caught by  a 'cane in the southern Bahamas. Their boat was IIRC 40-50', and they put out 7 anchors for the storm.
Six of their rodes parted during the storm; they just made it through hanging on the last one.
She said that it was one of the most terrifying things she'd ever been through.
Thankfully they were able to recover all or all but one of the anchors post-storm.

PS - Those Shuckers look like an "Ultimate Bahamas boat". :)

Yep... the Shuckers are an awesome shallow draft floating cottage and they actually sail better than you'd think. Awesome motor sailors for sure. I have 3 friends on Shuckers here. One was always a Shucker, the other 2 switched over from pure sail. They are a great seniors boat!

I went through several anchors before gaining confidence in the delta.
Drop, pay out chain and rode, let the wind and weight of the boat set it at first. Back in if desired later. Only drug about 3 times over the years and held in some crazy wind/waves...
I find that too often folks dump out chain and rode then back down right away without the chain even tightening first. When it does, that "snap" often starts the anchor dragging before it had a chance to even get the point started in.....

Now my primary is an oversized Rocna Vulcan. There are several other new style anchors that set quickly and are better in grass as well as the Vulcan.

Out west I use a Delta but a Bruce style would do well as it's often a mud bottom.

Again... my 1-1/2 cents
Your milage may vary

Spent the last couple of days on the mooring prepping to haul out.
So much nicer stripping the boat facing into the wind rather than roasting up on the hard in the lot.
Inside is washed,
Dodger, sunshade, life ring, side curtains, bbq, boat hook and whisker pole stored.
Entire boom with sail still attached removed and stored inside.
Genny taken off the furler and tied on deck. Will fold neatly once hauled.
Solar panel comes off and stores below easily later.
Will be minimal things to do once blocked.
Boat sure looks "naked"

Hauled
Bottom cleaned
Totally stripped for potential hurricanes
Geez she looks small in the yard!
The classic sloop beside has a waterline above my deck level.
Gotta love shallow draft. I don't even need a yard ladder, simply use my boarding ladder.
To make it look even smaller, they dropped a Morgan out island 41 right behind me.
Good wind protection I guess :)

Looking at a few pictures I took and thought I'd mention the bridge deck.
It is huge and works great when underway in the rain. I sit there, feet on inside steps and fully under the dodger with the autohelm steering. The cabin tops make great arm rests too. Relative luxury on a rain day.