Haul Out
On monday the Ann & Maeve came out of the water, officially marking the end of the boating season and the start of winter. Doug Marsden and I hauled all our gear, what was left of it, and 16 lobsters. We brought the boat over to the landing on front street where she was hauled out, washed down and trucked to my house. It was a sad day but at least we had one last reward of lobsters. It was also a tough season on gear, lost two trawls and 4 singles.
Dormant season.
You are hauled out, there is snow on the cover and a fire in the wood stove back at the house.
No worries.
But in a scant few months there will be work to do. Sure you could pay someone else to scrape your toe rails and paint the bottom. You could, but should you trust them? Will they notice that the stem is spongy or the sternpost needs re-alignment?
No! You will do it yourself, it’s the only way to be sure.
Prepare your family now! Spend quality time with them during these cold months for the hours you’ll need this Spring re-caulking seams and cleaning out bilges. Prepare them for missed soccer games and for you coming home stinking of pine tar and covered in bottom paint.
Will it be worth it? Will you be able to spend more time cruising cocktail cove or Baker’s Island than you will West Marine?
It will, because you’re a wooden boat owner.
I know your pain,
Little Rusty
Actually it’s a Holland 32 and its all glass so there is not that much pain in getting it ready for the season.
Greetings, John:
Now I know who owns one of – if not THE – prettiest lobster boat in the harbor. I have seen her out of the water and I am so smitten.
I own an old wooden International One Design that I saved from a viking funeral a few years back – so i totally and incurably have the bug.
Would love to say hello in person sometime.
Peace
timmyd