If you found value in our website or videos and wish to contribute. 
Latest Website Update
12/3/17
Saratoga Farms Food Storage
Loading

The Logbook

Spring 2019

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.

Add a Comment

(Enter the numbers shown in the above image)

"Jim's book is thoroughly, entertaining and honest and for us to be included is an honor. 

If you dream of sailing off into the sunset after you retire we suggest "Sailing into Retirement" is a must read."

Chuck and Laura

Fellow shipmate, Fran Taylor, writes about her many adventures as crew sailing aboard different tall ships and she mentions one voyage in particular  during her time aboard HMB Endeavour where she meets a couple on their honeymoon.  Read the humorous tale of the seasick groom and how a new "private signal" was born among the Endeavour crew.
The first book I read after moving aboard Lealea.  A wonderful journey that got me dreaming.
-Laura
Looking for a read that will make your stomach hurt from laughing?  This one did it for us!  A definite page turner.
-Chuck and Laura

"This Old Boat" If you can only have one book on sailboat maintenance aboard, this is the one.

-Chuck Rose

"This old boat" If you can only have one book on sailboat maintenance, this is the one.
Chuck and Laura

“The Ashley Book of Knots” by Clifford W. Ashley is, quite simply, the definitive work on knots.  We think if you have more than a passing interest in marlinspike seamanship or decorative knotting this book is pretty much a “Must Have” This book is a high mass volume. 
                       -Chuck and Laura
Fran Taylor was born and grew up in Scotland on the banks of the River Clyde.  She has sailed all over the world in a number of “Tall Ships” and has had a number of articles published. She is a regular on the guest  speaking circuit around Perth where she lives when not pursuing her dreams and answering the call of the sea. In 2012 she took part in the Titanic Memorial Cruise, a special event to commemorate the 100th
anniversary of the sinking. This book tells that story.
The story of Margo Wood and her husband Charles who began the "Charlie's Charts" cruising guide series. When her husband passed away she began to sail as a singlehander.   A wonderful story about a lady I admire a lot. - Laura  
An excellent read for anyone interested in single handed sailing. An inspiration for women. Anne had quite an adventure and this book is especially interesting to Albin Vega owners.- Chuck
Food Storage with The Ready Store
MREs from The Ready Store
MREs from The Ready Store