I ordered a Lewmar windlass and the wire needed to install it. While waiting for windlass, I continued to work on the roller prototype. The more I worked on it, the more frustrated I became. Seeking help, I talked with Cary (local boat service) and showed him the prototype. He immediately produced a picture of his previous Columbia 34 and a nice looking custom bow roller which had been made by Howdy. With picture and prototype in hand I went back to see Howdy. Work is finishing on the big project and hopefully he can work on the roller next week. September 2009
I ordered a Lewmar windlass and the wire needed to install it. While waiting for windlass, I continued to work on the roller prototype. The more I worked on it, the more frustrated I became. Seeking help, I talked with Cary (local boat service) and showed him the prototype. He immediately produced a picture of his previous Columbia 34 and a nice looking custom bow roller which had been made by Howdy. With picture and prototype in hand I went back to see Howdy. Work is finishing on the big project and hopefully he can work on the roller next week. 
August 2009
The next project is a biggy. I want a bow roller and windlass on board before we head south again. Ninkasi was never designed to have either according to the Hunter folks. I find pictures of homemade attempts at these installations, but I an not impressed with any of the bow rollers. I decide to install a horizontal windlass in the anchor well and turn the bow roller over to professionals. I contact Howdy Bailey (famous local yacht builder) who though semi-retired is still doing marine work. He’s backed up with lots of work but I manage to get into his work queue.
We took Ninkasi on the club cruise to York River and two weeks later to Cape Charles. Unfortunately, while we were gone Howdy came to look at our boat. Before I found out, he was already involved in a big job over in Norfolk. Out of frustration I started prototyping roller platform ideas.
We took Ninkasi on the club cruise to York River and two weeks later to Cape Charles. Unfortunately, while we were gone Howdy came to look at our boat. Before I found out, he was already involved in a big job over in Norfolk. Out of frustration I started prototyping roller platform ideas.
July 2009
I finally begin working on the Ninkasi To-Do list. First up is repair the separation in the hull to deck join on the portside stern. I took pictures of the problem and emailed them to Hunter. A technician called and we discussed what they call a “shoebox fit” and how to repair the separation. After fabricating a fixture I was able to pull the joint closed and lay in new fiberglass tabbing on the interior of the hull. The original tabbing was poorly installed and fiberglass and resin never bonded to the join. The weight of the dinghy on the davits caused the original tabbing to pull free.
June 2009
Ninkasi is showing the lack of exterior care, the club activities are starting and my Boat To-Do list is at thirty-something and climbing. We take the boat out, but I do race on Tom Cat (father-in-law’s boat) in the Hometowne Regatta, the club Barnacle Races and the Cock Island Race.
I purchased a Raymarine X-5 wheelpilot and installed it. I always wanted an autopilot, but just couldn’t justify the cost until I spent hour after hour motoring the ICW. We finally get Ninkasi out of the slip and sail up the James River to the Warwick Yacht Club. We used the autopilot for the first time and both Donna and I fell in love with it. It’ was great to be back on OUR boat and out on the water.
I purchased a Raymarine X-5 wheelpilot and installed it. I always wanted an autopilot, but just couldn’t justify the cost until I spent hour after hour motoring the ICW. We finally get Ninkasi out of the slip and sail up the James River to the Warwick Yacht Club. We used the autopilot for the first time and both Donna and I fell in love with it. It’ was great to be back on OUR boat and out on the water.
May 2009
I finally get back on the tile work and the shower is finished except for the glass wall and door. It’s contractor time. Donna picks out the enclosure glass and fixtures and the order is placed. A week later the glass wall is finally installed and I turn my attention to Ninkasi once again. Rosemary comes through and the new cushions are installed. The interior is looking much better.
March & April 2009
Therapy, therapy and more therapy. Ninkasi sits alone and almost forgotten. We contract with Rosemary at Cover-Ups for new interior cushions and a new v-berth mattress.
February 2009
I’m not known for my speedy projects and this remodel will be a record maker for time involved. After surgery, I really find out how long the recovery will be. Turns out the rotor cuff was torn pretty bad and I had tendons that had pulled loose from the bone. Two screws were used to reattach the tendons. No use of the arm for 6 weeks and then the physical therapy starts.
January 2009
We enjoy the New Years Day festivities at the Portsmouth Yacht Club, but we did not take Ninkasi out for the traditional sail. It was a mental bummer not sailing.
Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, January 21st. The foyer and bedroom are done except for painting. Donna is the painter and I’ll leave that job to her. The bath is functional except for the shower. I won’t be able to finish the tile work in the shower.
Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, January 21st. The foyer and bedroom are done except for painting. Donna is the painter and I’ll leave that job to her. The bath is functional except for the shower. I won’t be able to finish the tile work in the shower.
December 2008
The shoulder pain is really slowing the project down. Add the usual holiday events and not much is accomplished. I manage to start winterizing Ninkasi but hold off winterizing the engine in hopes of doing the annual New Years Day sail.
November 2008
Our friend Larry heads south for the winter. This time he's going without us. Sure wish we were going too. Ninkasi is really feeling neglected.
The shoulder is getting worse so I stop therapy and it’s back to the doctor. After an MRI, the doc says I need surgery on the rotor cuff. I put the operation off until January in hopes that I can finish the projects.
The shoulder is getting worse so I stop therapy and it’s back to the doctor. After an MRI, the doc says I need surgery on the rotor cuff. I put the operation off until January in hopes that I can finish the projects.
October 2008
Finally got to see the orthopedic folks. Cortisone and therapy enable me to restart work on the projects, but something is still wrong with the shoulder. Except for painting, the foyer is almost done. Donna finally made a decision on cabinets, countertop, sink and fixtures for the bath and we got them on order.
September 2008
By mid September, it’s obvious the projects won’t be done in time to go south this winter. It may be for the best as my arm/shoulder is giving me a fit. Deploying and retrieving the anchor was always bothering my shoulder on the trip and now the pain was almost constant. It’s time to see the doctor.
August 2008
We took Ninkasi on a few weekend cruises with the Portsmouth Boat Club, but other than that, we’re still land bound. We did start the bath remodel, mostly planning. The problem with the plan was it kept getting bigger and more involved. First the project grew from just replacing the shower to add a new vanity, sink, countertop, tile floor , wainscot, and lighting.
Starting the work only increased the work involved. Undetected leaks behind the shower had rotted out studs and created additional work. Removing the existing linoleum floor exposed a rather large crack in the slab floor that required repair. In the meantime, the project acquired more territory and included the master bedroom and entry foyer.
Starting the work only increased the work involved. Undetected leaks behind the shower had rotted out studs and created additional work. Removing the existing linoleum floor exposed a rather large crack in the slab floor that required repair. In the meantime, the project acquired more territory and included the master bedroom and entry foyer.
June 2008
Living at Home and Fulfilling a Promise. After living for 8 months on Ninkasi, returning to our condo was like entering a palatial mansion. The ole place seemed so large. The one thing that did not change was Buddy wanting to be feed the minute we walked in.
Sleeping in our bed was very comfortable, but sleep did not come easy at first. The ceiling fan provided the gentle air flow we had become accustomed to, however the sound of water lapping against the hull was missing.
One unwelcome reminder that we were home was the trek to the 3rd floor bathrooms. The shower in the first floor master bath had been broken for almost 2 years. We had planned to replace the broken fiberglass corner unit with a nice full tiled shower. In fact, I had promised Donna I would remodel the bath prior to making another “snowbird” trip. Big Mistake!
Sleeping in our bed was very comfortable, but sleep did not come easy at first. The ceiling fan provided the gentle air flow we had become accustomed to, however the sound of water lapping against the hull was missing.
One unwelcome reminder that we were home was the trek to the 3rd floor bathrooms. The shower in the first floor master bath had been broken for almost 2 years. We had planned to replace the broken fiberglass corner unit with a nice full tiled shower. In fact, I had promised Donna I would remodel the bath prior to making another “snowbird” trip. Big Mistake!
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