Three Sons went back on the hard for some needed maintenance. Our stabilizer fins got a real work out in the Bahamas and started leaking water into the boat. Definitely not a desired thing on a boat, but it was a small trickle, and we decided it was worth waiting to get to a qualified yard to do the work as these seem to be pretty complicated designs and not many yards work on them. Atlantic Yacht Basin was certainly up for the challenge and was able to remove the fins, isolate the problem and order new parts within a few days. Thankfully all the parts for the 30 year old system were in stock and arrived the next day. We took advantage of the down time to do some maintenance (oil changes, new packing glands, etc) and got the bottom paint freshened up as well as updated the sacrificial anodes to Aluminum from Zinc as Aluminum is a better conductor in the fresh water we will soon encounter in the Great Lakes and inland rivers. ‘Luckily’ AYB allowed us to stay on the boat while it was on the hard. Not all yards allow it, but it saved us some $$ from needing to stay in a hotel and compound the cost of the repair. It also allowed us to take a much needed quick trip home to reconnect with our family and friends (see other blog post). Tracy took advantage of the down time to do a galley upgrade. The update has inspired us to do more throughout the boat as it made such a big difference. Tracy also painted the outside window frames that were also well overdue for a clean up. Overall, a very productive stop. We had braced ourselves for a very expensive repair bill and thankfully it was below our expectations. AYB was very fair, did quality work, and this stop allowed us to check off many of the ‘to dos’ especially getting home.
Hauled out and we were quite happy with the condition of the bottom paint and props. Even the ICW mustache is not that bad.Our parking space, aka home on the hard.YES, need to climb that ladder to get inside!The galley was peeling and looking quite dingy. So, we took advantage of the time and gave our little efficient cook and prep area a face lift. The pictures do not due diligence to how much better it looks. All spanking new with paint, updated prints, sanded, sealed and glossed teak, along with contact paper wall paperWe had some time for exploring the area and hit quite a few breweries. This was our second time at Big Ugly but this time we enjoyed the outdoor venue. We do have some standards and usually rule out strip mall breweries. However, Studly Brewing broke that preconceived notion of strip mall breweries. The owner of the baseball theme brewery previously worked as a sports marketer and not one detail was not a nod to baseball. It was fun to look around and laugh or ooh-ah at all the details. Delicious beer, pizza and salad with great service and a super cute venue was a home run!A garage theme brewery with a large selection of great beers. No kitchen but a food truck outside. Probably our favorite, a German beer dog themed brewery! While she was dry, Three Sons got a little fresh bottom paint.Happy Giraffe was also having work done so plenty of time for drinks!Since we were out of town when Three Sons was launched, they parked us in the back of the lot. A little of a Walking Dead feel but at least no one witnessed the drying of laundry. However, off the bow view was just beautiful, incredible peaceful, quiet. The front outside seat was perfect for morning coffee and reading.and we are off —- stabilizers fixes, diesel topped off and a pump out; Ready to get back on the Great Loop!Finally, our first sticker! We have about 150 more to decorate our path.
