2015-05 Let the Cruising Begin!

May 29, 2015

We are finally out of maintenance mode and ready to begin our cruising season! Despite a couple delays – Tropical Storm Ana and a malfunctioning lift at Jarrett Bay – we finally got back into the water. As soon as the boat was back in the water, Keith from Western Branch Diesel came aboard to assist with the initial start-up of the engines. We breathed a huge sigh of relief when both engines started with no problem. So we decided to depart right away for some sea trials. There was quite a bit to test – most notably the new exhaust system on the engines and all the work to replace watermaker hoses. Fortunately the only problems we discovered were very minor and easily resolved. We docked at Portside Marina in Morehead City where we finished up a few minor details, then returned to Jarrett Bay to take on 3300 gallons of diesel fuel, then headed out to Cape Lookout to spend a night at anchor be sure everything was working.

Ready to go back in the water - note narrow clearance for the lift!

Ready to go back in the water – note narrow clearance for the lift!

It was with mixed feelings that we said farewell to North Carolina. Moore’s Marine and Jarrett Bay have become our primary maintenance base and we now have so many good friends here that’s it’s hard to say goodbye! We are especially indebted to Pam and Lenny, who we met on our first visit here in 2011 and who have become like family to us. This year when we were delayed by Tropical Storm Ana and had to move out or our rental house, Pam and Lenny offered their guest suite. Not only did it make our lives much easier, but it gave us time to spend with Pam and Lenny and really get to know them. We had several great dinners, including one of Bradley and Pam’s favorites, soft shell crabs which we got from a seafood market at Harker’s Island.

Kathy with Lenny and Pam at Jarrett Bay Fuel dock

Kathy with Lenny and Pam at Jarrett Bay Fuel dock

We will also miss all our friends at Offshore Marine Electronics (the Gilpin family), Crystal Coast Interiors, Moore’s Marine, Western Branch Diesel, Mayda Marine, and all the wonderful people in the community of Sea Gate. Until next time!

Our next update will return to detailing cruising adventures.

For those of you seriously interested in gory details of maintenance, here are two new videos. A few more photos are below the videos.

This one is 13 minutes long and details replacing the exhaust risers:

This one is 7 minutes long and shows work on the Interior, Electrical, and Deck.

  1. #1 by Nora Whynacht on June 3, 2015 - 8:49 am

    Looks spotless and more than inviting!!

    Very late spring here, leaves almost out!

    The Scout is in the water so there is hope and the first Sonar regatta was held last weekend.

    Lots to do in the garden which looks lush and green after 3 days of rain.

    Regards from Prince’s Inlet! Coming North?

    Nora

    Like

  2. #2 by Bob Danelz, Nordhavn Dreamer on June 2, 2015 - 11:42 am

    Another great maintenance video. It raises some questions. I understand the corrosive nature of exhaust gas mixed with sea water. But, were the risers in that bad of shape or are you guys on a very strict preventative maintenance schedule to keep everything in top shape? Ten years and a few thousand hours (?) Also, Bradley works along side your paid techs. The boat yard/vendor permits hands on participation of the owner? I’ve seen it the other way. Your starboard engine started hard. Is that typical or from maintenance done while sitting? Your engines sure sound pretty – purring away. Look forward to your upcoming cruising – and more blogs.
    Bob Danelz
    Sacramento, CA

    Like

  3. #3 by Cyndy Morreale on June 1, 2015 - 11:11 pm

    Glad you’re finally on your way !! I am so looking forward to meeting up with you this summer or fall !!! Cyndy

    Like

  4. #4 by edward stancil on June 1, 2015 - 1:56 pm

    DEAR JR. AMIGA:

    IT LOOKS FANTASTIC; YOU AND YOUR HELP DID A GREAT JOB. SAY HELLO TO BRADLEY FOR US. WE MISS YOU GUYS. WE LOVE YOU MUCH, TAKE CARE, LAS VEGAS AMIGA

    _____

    Like

  5. #5 by Larry on June 1, 2015 - 8:36 am

    Kathy, love the posts and updates. Keep’m coming. Miss ya out at Avenel. Course tougher than ever though.

    Like

  6. #6 by Renate Pol-Omi on May 31, 2015 - 5:13 pm

    The interior looks so comfortable! Love Renate and Allan – Sydney xoxoxo

    Like

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