We left our home in Rolling Meadows last Wednesday with only one trip back planned over the holidays. I will be stopping by when Mary has a hair appointment the day after Labor Day. We have been working on boat projects and are nearly ready for our departure. We have all our clothes stowed on board, we have been refining what will be stored where, (all we have to do is remember where we have put things), the topsides have been waxed, switches connected at each helm to control the auto pilot, lower aft deck speakers installed, flag pole varnished, etc.
The Cat service man was out on Friday and went through the engine, adjusted all the valves, and injectors, removed and cleaned the turbo and after cooler, inspected the zinc's they are in good shape so I have a spare set to change out along the way. He changed the raw water impeller, which I'm glad I had him do because you need a special bolt to removed the impeller, which I will be picking up today. We also changed the engine and transmission oil, I still need to change the generator oil, my last project.
The new top is nearly completed, it has taken a bit longer than anticipated but has not impacted our schedule. We opted for polycarbonate for the front and side windows and it is so clear that I would be on the bridge looking out and couldn't figure out why it was so hot and no wind. They are that clear. There are screens for all the polycarbonate windows as well as one for the strata glass door to the bridge. We also had screens made for the three cabin hatches as well as the side cabin door. We should be able to enjoy the fresh air without any bugs.
There have been quite few Looper's in the marina, our dock mates for the past few days are from Louisiana and are on the last leg of their Loop. We have enjoyed chatting with them about the Loop, and hope to meet up with them along the way. I found a bow flag pole that will fit our 1 1/4" rails. Mary won't let me put up the Loop flag until our actual day of departure, which weather permitting will be later this week.
John's cousins, Barb and Catherine are staying at the cottage next door, we had a nice dinner with them last night and they will be joining us at the boat for a little get together along with our cottage neighbors, Ivan and Henrietta tonight. Finally getting some time to relax a little now that most of the projects are done.
John & Mary
1 comment:
Sounds like you guys have done a great job getting yourselves all ready to GO... Nice to hear the autopilot, speakers and such got installed. It would be nice to see some pictures of the new top, even if we can't "see" all of it! Have fun hoisting the loop flag, I'm sure it will be a great feeling to see it up.
Don
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