Slip Time

Last weekend we logged a lazy Sunday afternoon on our boat. We never left our slip but we had a great afternoon. It seems like just being aboard is a big component of the relaxation process. We cleaned, made some minor repairs / adjustments and had some snacks and beverages. There were a lot of boats out and since it was a designated "dry weekend", the DNR and other authorities were out in full force doing safety inspections and ticketing violators.

July 1st ushers in the change in the DUI law for boats. The legal limit drops from .1 to .08. I expect the July 4th Holiday will bring about another weekend of heavy patrols by the DNR and Coast Guard. Being on the river over the July 4th weekend has always reminded of going out on New Years Eve - lots of people who venture out once or twice a year.

We will undoubtedly be spending time on our boat over the weekend - will we leave the slip?...probably. Will we keep an extra sharp eye out for inexperienced folks on the water?...you bet!

Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th!

Boat Repairs

Since we've owned this boat I've suspected charging system problems of some sort. We finally got to the bottom of the problem. During an inspection of the alternator I noticed the wire from the alternator to the batteries was broken off at the alternator. Could it be as simple as a broken wire? Not hardly. I crimped on a new terminal and made the connection. Still not charging. Next step - remove the alternator and have it checked out repaired. Turns out the rotor was shorted, the windings were burnt up and the regulator was shot. Not much left to repair so a replacement was in order. Today the replacement was installed and now we are charging normally. Grand total for the repair - $179 including 2 new belts (not to mention a few small cuts and knuckle bruises).

After the repairs were finished we headed out for an afternoon cruise and spent a leisurely 2 hours on the great Mississippi enjoying the beautiful weather. We eased back into our slip and buttoned up the canvas and then headed home, having satisfied our boating cravings at least temporarily.

Next up - some courtesy light replacements...

The Bugs Are Out!

It's that time of the year again. The time when millions of bugs invade all places close to the water. With all the Spring rains there will undoubtedly be a bumper crop of the little critters this year. Hopefully they won't last long.

I'm writing this from the deck and the bugs aren't too bad... until the breeze stops and then their amazing ability to be a pest comes out. Officially know as the Caddisfly, they're basically harmless - that is until they appear in large numbers. They are a nuisance for sure and really make a mess of outdoor activities.

Nobody seems to know why there are so many this year The weather can't seem to make up its' mind which may be a part of the bug crop. Last week it was in the high 90s and this week in the 50s.

Whatever the cause, it's hard to spend too much time outside without flailing away at your face!