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Published: February 16th 2006
Kona on the Sushi Boat
The Salty Dog, cruising the intercoastal waterway on the Sushi Boat.Preparations for the journey ahead are going well and we are making progress on the Rum Runner. The name of the boat was painted on last Thursday, and we had a small christening party (although we decided against the traditional champagne bottle breaking on the bow of the boat, and decided to go with pouring rum drinks on the stern instead- we figured it was more appropriate). So she is now officially the Rum Runner and no longer referred to as Beneteau 473 hull #197.
We have also commissioned the sushi boat, our dinghy. We bought the sushi boat and motor on Super Bowl Sunday. While everyone else was watching the football game, we spent 6 hours in West Marine negotiating the purchase of the sushi boat. Since then, we have been busy inflating it, getting the motor to work, and finding a way to store it on the boat. Luckily we have a radar arch on the Rum Runner and we just had to figure out the block and tackle necessary to raise it out of the water for short passages.
So we finished getting the Sushi Boat ready today and took her out on the maiden voyage
Sushi Boat
Jay and the Sushi Boat, hanging on the block and tackle. this morning. This was a family outing across the harbor and down the intercostal waterway for a couple of miles. We actually had a lot of fun exploring the intercoastal waterway from our sushi boat. Not only did we see lots of wildlife (hawks in their nest and pelicans swooping down across the water searching for breakfast) but of course we saw a couple of dolphins swimming besides us. We also passed thru a manatee habitat, but unfortunately did not see a manatee today (although I would love to see one). The intercoastal waterway is very beautiful, narrow but beautiful. On either side of the banks of the waterway are picturesque old homes and scenic grasslands with weeping willow trees. We went under a couple of bridges with ease (and realized that when we travel thru the waterway with the Rum Runner how many bridges we will have to call so that they can open in order for us to pass- a tricky situation I am sure). We made it all the way to a waterfront restaurant that we heard about, you can tie your boat up at their dock and have lunch or dinner- very cool. After that we
Rum Runner
And it was crisened the Rum Runner. turned around and headed back home.
It was very neat to see the marina and all the boats from our small dinghy (they all looked so big from that vantage point). And it was very very cool to see the Rum Runner from the water, she is georgous. I must say, we still really love our boat.
So a lot of work has been done on the Rum Runner in the last week, the final preparations before we take off. The solar panels were installed and are currently putting in about 100 amps a day, which will help give us the energy needed for refrigeration, lights, and navigational instruments (GPS, Radar, Depth Meter, etc.). And the bimini was installed today, giving us much needed protection from the sun and rain. And now we are down to the final touches- like the gas grill we just installed on our back railing and maybe ocean kayaks (our favorite beach toy). We are hoping that soon, all the work will be done and we can set sail to warmer waters.
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MOM
non-member comment
WAY COOL!!!!!
Wow! Looks like you are getting really close to taking off - couldn't be more excited for you. Glad to see Kona happy again though I know he misses Ridgway, especially those long walks with Nana. Rum Runner is, indeed, gorgeous. Love you, MOM