Thank you, captains. It has been over 16 years since she was last floating in water. And though it doesn't make any difference, it was fresh water back then. Some of the issues we have to work out yet include tracking down a leak in the main cabin on the port side. I think that one came about when I drilled the scupper drains for the seahood so some exploratory surgery will be in order. In "hind site" (former name of 113 before Dream Weaver) I should have added them during construction of the hood. Oh Well. The other major aggravation is our mast is canted forward probably 5+ degrees and that has put a lot of stress on the cabin top in the v-berth and some deflection became noticeable forward of the mast step. A longer toggle is in order for the lower forward stay and hopefully that issue will be put to rest. Another "hind site" is the lack of tolerance in the opening for the forward hatch. It appears the expansion coefficient of aluminum and wood are far from each other on a scale. The hatch fit "nice and snug" in the coaming, and once in the Florida sun it began to exert its force against the wood and glass and won the fight. Once we resolve the other issues, finish mounting all the other deck hardware, get the electrical installed, and finish off the starboard setee, I may peel the forward hatch off and route a larger opening to relieve the stress. I dunno.
We have spent the last three weeks in MN visiting our family and friends while we repainted our O'day 22 and her trailer to sell off for a little more cruising funds. Even though we have been in a heat advisory here, it is going to be hard to acclimate back to FL summer but we really want to get "out there" and start life away from the yard and dock.
We truly appreciate all of your support and comments, and, if you have any suggestions speak freely.
Just got settled back in the Riverside boat yard in a spot suitable for working on Scout. When Mathew came to town we came back down here to get hauled out onto the trailer so we could move to a more sheltered spot. Once on the trailer we thought, "well, may as well just finish up a couple of things while we're here." The plus is we actually have internet on board! Yay! The bad thing is we actually have internet on board... Productivity plummeted once we got on the water, and installed an A/C unit and I fear internet access may hinder progress as well if I don't resist.
I'll start being more diligent with the posts now that we've invited the web into our home