Donna
Guru
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2016
- Messages
- 1,231
- Location
- United States
- Vessel Name
- Southerly
- Vessel Make
- 1986 Marine Trader 36' Sundeck
I just returned from the Bahamas yesterday. I'm finding it hard to get back into the swing of things. After living on the boat for the better part of 3 weeks, my house is enormous and I wonder why I need it. A condo is looking better and better.
I traveled to Stuart from Palm Coast in 4 days. A couple of 10 hour days to make the push for the weather window for the crossing. The crossing was great until the other side off the Gulf Stream. his is where stabilizers would be nice. It was a 13 hour crossing traveling at 6.5 knots on average.
West End was beautiful as usual. Got hung up there for 2 days because of weather I was uncomfortable with. No one moved. Went on to Freeport the next day. I did not enjoy taking 4-5 foot waves starboard, but she handled it well. I planned my haul out two days later. Bottom Paint, some topside paint and a wax. If anyone needs a yard and work done, Charlton Knowles Marina is stellar. You can also do other work on your boat yourself at his yard.
The Bahamas were badly hit by hurricane Matthew. It was a shame to see all the devastation in Freeport and Port Lucaya. The people were not as friendly as I remember. Quite understandable given what they are living with. However, everyone at the yard were very nice.
Only 1 glitch on the return. Left West End in the wee hours of the morning while still dark. Just got out of the channel and began to over heat. Impeller. After a quick change, I was underway. Seas were flat and it was a glorious 10 hour crossing at 9.0 knots on average. Lesson here? Change my impeller every 50 hours whether it needs it or not. Love auto pilot. Set my course for Fort Pierce. Totally love Fort Pierce City Marina. Took my time on the way back. A total of 6 days with one on the outside. Made the mistake of coming into Sebastian Inlet. I won't do that again.
I found my driving sweet spot, 5-6 hours a day.
After cleaning her inside and out, I locked the door and she is resting waiting her 100 hour oil change which I plan to do this weekend. She served me well and I shall serve her well. I love Southerly more and more everyday!
I traveled to Stuart from Palm Coast in 4 days. A couple of 10 hour days to make the push for the weather window for the crossing. The crossing was great until the other side off the Gulf Stream. his is where stabilizers would be nice. It was a 13 hour crossing traveling at 6.5 knots on average.
West End was beautiful as usual. Got hung up there for 2 days because of weather I was uncomfortable with. No one moved. Went on to Freeport the next day. I did not enjoy taking 4-5 foot waves starboard, but she handled it well. I planned my haul out two days later. Bottom Paint, some topside paint and a wax. If anyone needs a yard and work done, Charlton Knowles Marina is stellar. You can also do other work on your boat yourself at his yard.
The Bahamas were badly hit by hurricane Matthew. It was a shame to see all the devastation in Freeport and Port Lucaya. The people were not as friendly as I remember. Quite understandable given what they are living with. However, everyone at the yard were very nice.
Only 1 glitch on the return. Left West End in the wee hours of the morning while still dark. Just got out of the channel and began to over heat. Impeller. After a quick change, I was underway. Seas were flat and it was a glorious 10 hour crossing at 9.0 knots on average. Lesson here? Change my impeller every 50 hours whether it needs it or not. Love auto pilot. Set my course for Fort Pierce. Totally love Fort Pierce City Marina. Took my time on the way back. A total of 6 days with one on the outside. Made the mistake of coming into Sebastian Inlet. I won't do that again.
I found my driving sweet spot, 5-6 hours a day.
After cleaning her inside and out, I locked the door and she is resting waiting her 100 hour oil change which I plan to do this weekend. She served me well and I shall serve her well. I love Southerly more and more everyday!