Gust O'Wind gets a new look

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This is just a quick update to give you a look at our new and improved "Gust O"Wind" after a major overhaul completed before we left the storage yard at Fort Pierce last week.

Joe Gooch of Riverside Marina was the artisan who created the new arch (of marine grade aluminum) to replace our davits and solar panel mount which we had used for the last 5 years.

He did a great job and was able to customize a number of features that we wanted included (bbq mount, outboard motor lifter arm, large solar panel installation.)

We plan to hang out here in Stuart for another 5 weeks or so, whittle down our jobs list and enjoy the great winter weather - beautiful 25c most days so far, then we plan to cross to the Bahamas with friends Rick & Donna (Lorbas) at the end of February.

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Photos

the old set up
our old davits and solar panel were OK but in big seas when we started to roll the davits.\, dinghy and solar swayed enough to get our attention

welding the new arch
we had seen a similar set-up on a friend's boat and liked the look and practicality - so had Joe at Riverside construct it for us - here he is adding a pivoting arm which allows me to lift the outboard motor onto its mount on the stern of the boat

new solar panel
the previous panel was 85 watts - this new one is 230 watts and was 1/2 the price of the other one bought 5 years ago!

dinghy on the davits
the new davits allow us to get the dinghy up high and clear of trouble - Joe made a special mount for the bbq

new decals
along with a raised water line, new boot stripes and gel coat repairs, we had new decals made for "Gust O'Wind" registration numbers etc.

new fenders
we had the waterline raised about 6 inches and new stripes painted along the hull - first spruce up in 20 years

getting wet
in she goes after a long summer "on the hard"

behind the wheel again
it felt good to be back on the water agin after 9 months on the land - it was a pleasant and civilized 30 mile motor to our marina in Stuart

sails on
a calm morning at our slip in Loggerhead marina in Stuart gave us an opportunity to get the sails on

Comments

[Lorraine Runstedler]

GUST O' WIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thank you for sharing - what a beautiful Sail Boat(BIG!!!) You look so happy back behind the wheel - I can't imagine how much fun you two are having - You both deserve it - ENJOY From: Lorraine who is looking out the window at SNOW(Boo Hoo)!!!!!

[John Logan]

envious
Hi Ian and Marlene Sunny and 25 sounds pretty good from here. Today it's -12 with 10 cm of snow on the ground. Enjoy yourselves! Regards, John L

[Judi/John]

New look
Very smooth and efficient looking, just the thing for aging joints. What is the significance of raising the water line? Good for another 20 years, boat and sailors. Happy sailing wherever you may elect to travel

[Ruth & Jim Dunlop]

Very Cool!
It looks like new!...great to hear about your continued travels....and how much you are enjoying yourselves....No snow here yet to speak of....but cold today....We too are hoping to enjoy some of that sunshine at the end of the month!

[Peter]

Stuart
Moved my launch up to 1/28 ... will be underway early February and can schedule a stop maybe at the mooring field near the entrance to the Okeechobee waterway - should be close enough for us to get together. Alternative anchor Manatee Pocket if that's closer and there are still places to drop the hook there. Keep me posted - new upgrades look good. I just installed an underwater light which should be a hoot when I get to clean waters.

[Garry Rasmussen]

Back on the water :)
GOW certainly is looking good - though I always thought she did. Must be exciting now to have a countdown to the crossing - it's been a long time coming! Hope you have a great winter in Florida - keep up the Blogging - it's a great way to update everyone. Love from Jan & Garry

[Lin Mutiger]

hello from the Gulf
Hi There - Yes it has been lovely weather - although a cold front came in briefly reminding us of colder temps. The Gust of Wind looks great - all prizzied up ready for her voyage to the Bahamas. We wish you warm weather and safe seas. Maybe we will hook up before then. Keep the Blog coming.... LUV LIN & RICK

[Jim and Christine Lister]

Happy New Year
Belated Happy New Year. We wish you a great sailing year. Will email you soon. Cheers Jim and Christine

[yola and garry grant]

Your looking good!!
Have a great crossing. If you run into Sundance V say hi to owners Ross and Rosemary Newkirk for us. They are in the Bahamas and have been for the past 3winters. Enjoy your boating life. Y and G