Getting settled in...Flats Boat launched, Marshall Sanderling next.

BACK IN THE KEYS

 ALL SETTLED IN FOR THE WINTER

 

 

I arrived back in the Keys last Wednesday and started preparing for the long winter stay. First on the list was to move in and get everything put in it's place, next go food shopping , then sit back and relax. The second day I went to my friend Roland's house to move my to boats to prepare them for launching. Roland is kind enough to allow me to store my boats on his property, he also provides me with a room for all the items I don't take back to NJ each year.

 

 

Preparing the Flats Boat is fairly easy, since there is no need to winterize the engine, it is simple enough to treat the gas so it does not go bad, disconnect the batteries, fog the engine and finally put on the summer cover. This year, I took the added precaution of staking the boats and trailers to the ground in case of high winds or a Hurricane.

 

Flats Boat in it's "winter position"
Trivia question, where have you see "winter position" before?
Counting on you Baydog! 

 

 

PUFFIN, my Marshall Sanderling takes a little more effort to get ready for launching and sailing. Not only does the hull get washed and waxed, the bottom painted and washed inside and out. Painting  the bottom involves sanding, washing then painting all while the boat is on the trailer. Quite the job in cramped quarters as you will see from the photos but worth it in the end.

 

Preparing the mast, new halyards and a good wash

Puffin, all washed and waxed, waiting for the bottom paint.

Two preparations for the hull, mild compound followed by a Carnuba wax application.

 

On a final great note, this is how my day ended.

 

 

After an exhausting day in the 88 degree heat, a great Sunset always helps to recharge my batteries.

A boat and it's crew enjoying the Sunset on the Bay.