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.

The order arrived and I installed the circuit breaker and wiring from the batteries to the anchor locker. Final position of the windlass depends on the bow roller so we’re on hold again.

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.

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.

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.