Almost back in the water

[lustyslogger]

Well, I moved the Lusty Slogger from its berth in Tavares to currently in my garage where I intend to refurbish her. I paid very little attention to her this past year. I only sailed her once and she grew very tattered as a result. Now my intent is to spruce up the wood work, get her shipshape in Bristol Fashion and put her back in the water in Crystal River, about half the distance as Tavares from my home. Hopefully, I will use her more this year than last. I hope so!

[Michel]

I would love to go sailing but I would need an icebreaker!
IMG_20190217_123630650 by Michel Boulet, sur Flickr

IMG_20190217_123634597 by Michel Boulet, sur Flickr

[Art Haberland]

it's supposed to snow here tonight. The weather cannot make up it's mind. Last week the salt marsh and back bays were coated in ice, but I was wearing a light sweatshirt as the temps were quite warm.

I need to finish fairing in Spark as I refastened her, but cold weather coupled with the rapid temperature changes make it impossible at the moment

[lustyslogger]

It was so cold here in Ocala I almost had to wear a long sleeve shirt.

[lustyslogger]

I would love to go sailing but I would need an icebreaker!
IMG_20190217_123630650 by Michel Boulet, sur Flickr

IMG_20190217_123634597 by Michel Boulet, sur Flickr

Tell you the truth Michel, I don't miss the ice and snow one little bit. I do miss the mountains but you can keep the ice!!!!!!

[Art Haberland]

Wednesday. 1 to 3 inches of snow.. Thursday almost 60 degrees. I can't keep up!

[JacquesR]

1 to 3 inches I can deal with. Last Wednesday, we received 16 inches.

[Michel]

At least we don't see any mosquitoes!

[lustyslogger]

At least we don't see any mosquitoes!

Or cockroaches the size of Sunfish!!!!

[lustyslogger]

Well, tomorrow is scheduled for the big day!! I have painted those portions needing painting, varnished those portions that look best varnished, fabricated new spreaders, I'm getting good at that! I also added an automatic bilge pump to keep most of the rainwater out (I cover the boat but rain and roaches in Florida can get through everything!). I purchased a new compass, a "Knotstick", my fourth, one went with the boat it was mounted on, the second was eaten by a fish (at least the part that drags through the water and one was crushed by a never again crew member. I also mounted a Tiller Clutch that I bought from John Owens at JO Woodworks (sorry Josh). That is my second. The other was mounted on my Helsen and also went with the boat when I sold it. I will say this about the Tiller Clutch. They do work, albeit for a short period of time. In the Helsen, long enough to get inside of the cabin and grab a drink. I'm hoping for the same thing on The Lusty Slogger. They were also voted as Best on Test by the British Practical Boat Owner.

I will need to replace my anchor rode as the one I had broke in three places while I was coiling it. I haven't used it in over 10 years so it just dry rotted. Something to think about if you don't anchor out much. I'll let everyone know how it turned out when I get back from the launching!