Boat show is BITCHIN!!!

 

As I am a guy who has been sailin' boats AND ridin' Harleys most of my life, it was fun to meet a fellow "biker pirate" at the Southwest International Boat Show this past weekend... 

 

..just a couple of Pirates talkin' Harleys, or was it Bikers talkin' boats!

 

 

I've been readin' Bob Bitchin's work since the days of BIKER magazine in the '70s through his transformation (and mine) into the world of sailing, and now, his latest endeavors with Cruising Outpost magazine. Kathy and I had the opportunity to meet Bob and his better half Jody, and also  attend their seminar at the show. Very Kewl!!! 

 

We also had a great time at the bash that Cruising Outpost hosted at the show!

 

..a "rockin' sunset" for sure!

 

Boat shows always provide great ideas and inspiration, so the day after the show, it was back to the boat and time to start the brightwork...

 

Main hatch

Hatch boards..

...and a closeup!

 

Following our inspection last Friday, the state of Texas has now assigned us our HIN and registration numbers, and we continue to push for our May 17th party deadline for our inaugural cruise. Things are lookin' up!

 

Sail On...

 

Pirate

 

 

 



Talk about a Split Personality!

 

Kathy and I were applying the first coat of paint to our girl yesterday and I just had to stop and take a picture halfway through the days project. I've often wondered about the reason behind most boats having a "split personality", and now I know the answer...

 

 

..and compared to sandpaper, progress seems so swift with a just a paint roller and brush...

 

 

It's only the first coat, but WOW!! Nice!

 

Pirate

 



..As Simple as Black n White???

 

I really don't know how many times I've complained about how "fun" any kind of sanding is, but I know I've said it alot!

 

 The truth is, there is a whole lot of sanding involved in building a boat. I haven't had any new pictures to share lately as I've just been depleting my sandpaper allotment without much significant "noticeable" progress. (to me anyway..!)

 

And then we got to break out the paint...!!!

 

The first coat of primer applied to the hull!

 

The hull will be black, so we started tonight with the transom...Nice Shine!

 

 

We are using Pettit Easypoxy and using the roll and tip method of application. The whole process is new to me, but so far, so good on the outcome. In fact, It's as simple as black and white!

 

More pix soon as we are progressing quickly...which is good. I've mentioned before that our goal is to be on the water for the "Spring Fling" boat party on May 17th. Registration opened for the event this week and we have signed up and paid for our slip! (how's that for confidence!)

 

Film at 11, but we feel pretty good about our chances at this time. Ask me again in a month...!

 

Sail On...

 

Pirate

 

 

 

 

 

Boys will be Boys....

 

I painted myself into a bit of a corner this week by making an appointment with the state of Texas to have the boat inspected so they can assign a Vehicle Identification Number to the hull. I've got TWO weeks! They won't be looking at required equipment or even if it floats! They simply need to establish true ownership before assigning a VIN.

 

They say bring receipts for materials, etc. Oh, I have plenty of those.....!! 

 

So even with the latest deadline approaching, I couldn't resist having a little fun and trying the mast "on for size!" We won't need the rigging measurements for the upcoming inspection, but I just had to use a little of our precious time to play sailor.....

 

 

Very Kewl stuff!!!!!! Every sailboat needs rigging! :)

 

One of the projects I DID work on this week was the hatch.

 

 

I really like the way it's turning out. Remember, I don't have any real building experience, so putting stuff like this together is taking me a LONG time, and lots of thought. It's all mahogany and is lookin' good!

 

Have a great week!!!

 

Sail On...

 

da Pirate

 

 

 



...And She has A Name!!!!

 

The weather has been quite good here in Texas lately (sorry to those of you living up north!) which allows me to keep plugging away at the boat outside. As the work progresses, I have had many new faces appear in the driveway to ask questions about our boat, the building process, and "what's her name?"

 

This week, I finally told Kathy of my idea, she liked it, and the name has been set in stone. (so to speak!) Without getting into the personal reasons for our choice here, I present...

 

 

It's been a "spirited" week of progress on the build as well. Work has continued on the companionway hatch and the cockpit coaming. With the completion deadline (May 17th) fast approaching, it is comforting to see something in the driveway on the trailer that resembles a boat!!

 

 

....just a tired, happy Captain!

 

Time to get back to it! Have a great weekend!

 

Sail On...

 

Pirate