Clean Sea Sprite

She cleans up nicely.  Apologies for the poor photography.  Even though the high temp was only about 42 degrees the sun was blazing.

Aiming to Launch Week of 25 March….Much To Do!

Inspect & Service Seacocks & Through-Hulls including transducers
Polish Portlights
Repair Damaged Veneer
Clean Interior (Vacuum, Clean & Oil all wood)
Inventory spares
Inventory Safety Equipment & Replace as Required
Change Engine Oil
Change Primary & Secondary Filter
Change Raw Water Impeller
Pump Out/Clean Fuel Tank
Stock Engine Spares & Supplies (Oil, Fuel & Oil Filters, Impeller, Spare Belts)
Inspect Transmission Coupling
Inspect Stuffing Box (Replaced with new dripless shaft seal)

Re-bed Chainplates
Re-bed Starboard Eyebrow
Re-bed Mast & Install Mast Boot Cover 

Re-install Main & Genoa
Inspect Standing Rigging (Cotter Pins, Tape, Terminals, Chainplates)

Inspect Running Rigging (Whip Bitter Ends, Snap Shackles, Etc)

Tune Rig
Clean all blocks and lube w/Sailkote
Clean & Lubricate Winches
Clean Battery Terminals
Stock Electrical Spares & Tools (Fuses, bulbs, Crimpers, Cutters, Etc)
Clean Out Bilge
Check Through-Hull Emergency Kit (Wooden Plugs, Forespar TruPlugs, etc)
De-winterize Fresh Water System
Wash & Wax Hull & Deck
Bottom Paint
Replace Zincs
Polish Propeller
Check Emergency Sail Repair Kit
Change Name & Hailing Port on Transom
Refinish All Brightwork

Replace Old Plastic Dorades w/ Bronze
Upgrade Electronics (Wind, Depth, Speed, GPS, VHF, Stereo)

Through the Looking Glass

I had to travel from the OBX to Washington DC today and considering the lovely weather I figured it would be great to take US17 between Gloucester and Fredericksburg thus creating an opportunity stop by Regent Point Marina and have another look at "SeaSprite." Since late November I have been "chomping at the bit" to make some progress on the "To Do" list but both weather and work have conspired against me.   With the mercury pressing towards 70 degrees I was determined to get something done today! Specifically, I decided to work on cleaning/removing the oxidation from the portlight lenses.  I love the original Bomar ports which are very heavy duty bronze. Unfortunately,  the lenses are so oxidized as to be almost completely opaque.

After watching a few DIY videos on YouTube I decided to try the toothpaste remedy before escalating to a more robust approach which involves a power drill and sanding discs. After about an hour and a half of vigorous "wax on - wax off" maneuvering I had cleaned the four portlights on the starboard side of the salon. The result was reasonable improvement but not a complete success.  

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Clearly a more aggressive technique is required. Next visit I will be armed with a power drill and special sanding discs designed for just this sort of challenge.  

Leaky Little Sea Sprite

The winter of discontent continues with the latest nor'easter dumping 5-6 inches of snow on the Regent Point Marina Boatyard on Wednesday 12 Feb 2014.  Knowing that "SeaSprite" would have been covered by snow for a number of hours and that the slowly melting snow and ice would certainly reveal any lack of watertight integrity I decided to make another visit to see if any surprises awaited. So, the good news is there were no major issues. The cabin sole wasn't covered in several inches of water but I did find a number of leaks that must be addressed.  

These images show the wooden "boxes" that house the chainplates.  Not soaking wet but definitely damp and moldy.  

There was also a small leak emanating from the upper cabin wall just above the galley ice box.  An inspection of the deck suggests the eyebrow is the culprit.

Finally, there was small puddle on the cabin sole just to port of the mast step.  I suspect this came in from around the mast which definitely needs to be re-sealed and have a new mast boot installed.  (This photo was taken after I had wiped up the water with a paper towel.)

All in all,  I was pleased.  The fix for each of these leaks is easy and relatively inexpensive.  More importantly none of the portlights or hatches appear to be leaking.  

I am currently researching how to best stabilize and improve the appearance of the delaminated veneer around one of the salon portlights where there was previously a major leak.  Any suggestions would be welcomed!

Now, if the weather would just warm up I could get down to doing some work.

"SeaSprite" the Sea Sprite

The Sea Sprite shall be named "SeaSprite."  So let it be written.  So let it be done!

Decisions…. Decisions

The collective brain trust on CruisersForum have offered a number of interesting potential names for the Sea Sprite.  Most are related to water spirits, water fairies, winged mermaids, etc.

Nacken
Spritely Lass
Sprite On
Pixie
Gwendolyn

I have committed to making a decision by noon, Friday 14 Feb 2014. Watch this space!

A New Name?

The Sea Sprite is currently named "Wind Courser."  Not a bad name as typical boat names go. That said, it doesn't resonate with me. Setting aside all the superstitions regarding the renaming of a vessel I am keen to put my own imprimatur on her.  Conscious that I need to submit the USCG registration paperwork soon I have come up with a short-list of names.

Women's Names

• Caroline (my teenage daughter).  She would love it but suspect the wife would be jealous.
• Betty Boop (wife's nickname).  I find this one a bit too cheesy.

Sea Sprite Related

• Sea Sprite - perhaps a bit obvious but clever.
• SpriteFire - a play on Spitfire.
• Lightning Sprite - a play on Lightning Strike.
• Spritely

I have a few days left so please send ideas my way!

Lonesome Little Sea Sprite

The Sea Sprite was hauled out, winterized and placed on the hard back in the corner of the Regent Point Marina Boatyard in early November.  Since then I have visited only 3 times. Once to remove all the sails and canvas. Once to remove the old settee and v-berth cushions and finally one more time about 3 weeks ago to check on her following the brutal series of cold fronts that have rolled through Virginia this winter.  The good news is she has held up well against the extreme environment and with the exception of some minor condensation on the cabin headliner she is dry as a bone.

The sails have been inspected and repaired where necessary by Ullman Sails in Deltaville. Wendy @ Wendy's Canvas has recovered the tired, stained and ugly old upholstery with a beautiful Sunbrella fabric.   I think it will look amazing in the dark teak interior.

I was hoping to get a head start on a long list of cosmetic upgrades over the winter but the weather and work have simply not cooperated.  At this point I will be very happy to get the seacocks and thu-hulls serviced and complete some basic PMs on the engine and fuel system before the scheduled launch in late March. 

The current plan is to sail down the Bay and then take the ICW to Manteo, NC where we will take a slip at the Town Docks for the summer.  With better access to cheap labor (my two teenagers) and the natural business slow down of summer I plan to make a big dent in the "To Do" list.

1) Remove old non-skid and repaint with Kiwi

2) Replace old plastic dorades with bronze.

3) Install a new mast boot.

4) Refinish all brightwork.