Laura and I haven't accomplished much on the boat in the past six months. I put that down, in equal parts, to weather, financial stresses, health and procrastination. But we got a lot done last Summer and, as always, we have big plans for this year.

We have been thinking of applying  an epoxy/copper bottom coating on Lealea for several years now. I called Wrangell Boat Shop in Wrangell, AK where we had the boat hauled out last year and asked them to work up an estimate. The cost turns out to be far beyond our means. Even though in the long run it would be cost effective, the short term expense is just too much. Fortunately the bottom should be good with it's Pettit Trinidad bottom paint for a couple of years.

I'm going to continue to learn more about the copper/epoxy bottom coating idea. We first heard of it in in Hawaii at the Nawiliwili Yacht Club. A fellow member shared the recipe with us for their hom-brew copper/epoxy/teflon/chili pepper concoction and we were intrigued. Now, you can buy a copper/epoxy bottom coating kit from Coppercoat USA, LLC. We think it is a great idea. We think it's great if the cost is not prohibitive. So far, for us, the cost/benefit ratio is upside down. The estimate we got was nearly two thirds of the market value of the boat. Now, bear in mind: If we were twenty years younger, we would not be concerned so much with the cost of labor for this job. We would do most of it ourselves. We can still do a lot of it, but the reality is we need to hire yard crew to do most of the work.

Another thing we are looking at is a larger prop. Lealea's Yanmar 2gm20f engine could stand a larger wheel. Since we find ourselves motoring more than sailing and less concerned about prop drag in the narrow channels between the islands of Southeast Alaska. The change should result in more efficient engine operation and better fuel economy. I'll need to get advice from those more experienced with prop design on choosing the right one.

Meanwhile, Spring arrived on March 18th. Just like that. One day the snow and ice melted and the sun came out. It was 60 degrees and townsfolk were out in shorts and t-shirts busy, busy, busy. I took Hagar to the dog park.

We are preparing to move back aboard Lealea in a few weeks. Laura is busy at the veterinary clinic. Doctor Hill is making plans to take the veterinary service vessel M/V Hallie around the islands this summer with Laura as crew. Lealea plans to head back to Wrangell for more work. Both boats expect to be meeting up from time to time until we both return to Petersburg in the fall.