The Captain's Log

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First CGAUX Meeting

Today I went to my very first Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting and it was extremely interesting on multiple levels.

First, I was the youngest person in the room and that is something that I have not experienced in quite some time! I always feel as if I am right on the brink of greatness when this phenomenon occurs, as I know that I am surrounded with the wisdom of age and experience and only good things can come from being exposed to such!

Second, I learned that the main focus of the CGAUX is training for missions, something I am keen to get started with. First things first, however, and I must get my enrollment paperwork squared away (which is no easy task either).

Third, I believe that I have found a pretty great flotilla to join with, one that is more operational than social, and this will put greater demands on me (a good thing, as I work best under pressure).

Finally, I learned that these men and women are extremely proud to be a part of the Coast Guard, as they well should be! I am glad to be a part of this team and will put forth my best efforts in order to make the most of this experience!

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Stalled Out

Like many other things going on right now, the boat project has stalled... I am still planning to go to the Auxiliary meeting this Saturday, though. Should be fun!

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Carpet Removal

Spent a few hours today working on removing the carpet remnants from under the side trim and gas tanks. Got the starboard side done, but found a few problems along the way. The wood floor around the gas tank area is not in the best shape. Not only is it dirty and grimy but it seems as if some sort of oil spilled back there (probably years ago) and soaked into the wood. Also, the wood seems to be rotting back at the very back of this area and I couldn't get 3 screws to take hold in the wood because of this. I'm sure that using larger screws will help, but it also tells me that this wood floor's days may be numbered. I'm not sure that the paint will stick back here, but I'm gonna try soon enough anyway. It can't get much worse than rotting and unpainted.

When I removed the starboard box that Harry built for storage, I got the first glimpse of the plywood floor in good condition where it had been out of the sun. It made me sad to think of the condition of the floor surrounding this spot. Hopefully, this issue will be resolved soon enough.

I also learned that there was some gas left in the starboard gas tank and this will need to be removed and emptied before attempting to start the motor. This is not as big of a project as I thought it may be, but it is still another project. As Harry told me (according to his uncle John), "Anybody who has a boat has a problem..."

I removed the NC stickers and put the plates on the trailer today, also. I found out by reading the TX sticker that, because my boat is an antique vessel, I can put the sticker on the windshield instead of the paint also, so some good news there.

I bought a bigger toolbox and transferred all of my tools into it, as well, today. I like the bigger box.

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Sun damage up close - Notice the cracks in the vinyl as well as the damage to the wood.  This is one of my next projects...

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Transom wood/motor cover

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This is the wood trim I've been talking about...

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First Mate's Birthday Weekend

The Captain got a lot done this weekend! First and foremost, a celebration of the First Mate's birthday! Happy Birthday Cassandra! You are 41% older now than you were when we met! You've made me the happiest __________ in the world and I love you very much!

Down to business. Saturday started off poorly. I got up early and dressed business casual (not appropriate for weekends, at all, I might add) in order to go to the Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting. The journey was preplanned the evening before taking into account travel time, distance, and detours so that I would arrive approximately 30-40 minutes ahead of scheduled meeting start time. After missing an exit ramp to detour around the freeway closure, I was well on my way when the low tire pressure light came on. This is a common occurrence in my truck, as I have a leaky tire, so, while wary, I was not alarmed. I continued to Ellington Air Field as planned and when I arrived at the military barricades, the sentry turned me away because he had not been delivered an approved persons list containing my name. He suggested that I call someone for an escort, which I promptly did. The contact number I had went straight to voice mail, so I left a message saying that I would hang out in the area until fifteen minutes after meeting start time, in case the required escort could be provided.

I proceeded to a nearby parking lot and commenced with what was supposed to be the inflation of the tire with low air pressure. I bought an emergency pump for just such occasions (as previously mentioned in an earlier post) and discovered that it was out of order. I will be exchanging this air pump for a new one in the near future. I was frustrated and drove around the area in search of a Air Valet air machine, to no avail. I had to settle for an Air Serv machine instead, but such is life.

The time came and went that I had set aside on the voice mail, so I returned to Humble after achieving nothing. I was disappointed to say the least, as I have been anxiously awaiting the meeting, but now I will have to wait until next month.

The rest of Saturday was great! I was able to sand and poly another layer on the forward woodwork as well as sand and varnish the trim on the transom. All that's left is the motor cover and the trim strip for the carpet, as far as wood refinishing goes (aside from the floor...). The poly looks great!

Sunday, I was able to remove the masking from the forward trim and see the end result! The refinishing looks great for 35 year old wood, in my opinion! The poly looks very deep and glossy and hopefully will help protect the wood from the harsh Texas sun! I was also able to apply the first coat of poly to the transom trim on Sunday. One more coat should suffice there.

Today was a success as well, as far as the boat goes! I was able to FINALLY get the trailer tags so she's 100% legal to pull around now! The hardest part today was standing in the line at the tax assessor's office for 1.5 hours. I thought about breaking my own leg to get in the handicap line...

The future is looking bright and sunny!

[themidnightwatch-blog]

Sick Day

Well, the Captain had to take a sick day today. Sinus infection in addition to the forecast for rain tonight and tomorrow caused a delay in the second and subsequent coats of poly that were planned for today. I should be able to work on this project through the week, though, as Daylight Savings Time came about today along with spring break from school. Maybe I can get a coat or two on through the week and devote next weekend to a different project.

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The Rules

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Polyurethane

Today was a day of taping, sanding, and applying polyurethane to the wood trim on the cabin. Took me about 3 hours to complete the work. Beautiful weather for working on The Mabel, although a little less wind would have been fitting. Tomorrow, I will go apply a second coat of poly to help keep this beautiful Texas sun from eating away her wood.

I think the next project I will undertake will be the painting of the deck. I must remove some major components of the boat in order to complete this work, yet I believe I can get the components removed, and get her sanded down in one day. The cabin will be FULL of things when I undertake this challenge, so it's important that I'm able to do it all in one shot. A helper would be great, but I'm afraid that mutiny would be the end result, so I will go this one alone.

The trim strip to cover the carpet seam was stained today, yet I think I will sand and stain again. The stain did not properly soak into the wood. It's a beautiful design of leaves and I will take a picture and post when completed and installed.

The bill of sale should be forthcoming this week so that I can get her trailer tags. I think I may wash her before I paint the floor, but I can't decide. Also, I think I may need to consult with the local marine store for advice. Should I use some kind of leveling compound for the flooring or will the paint suffice? What kind of primer should I use? The floor paint will have to go on thick with a primer and many layers. The old Navy saying goes, "If it moves, salute it. If it stands still, paint it."

Tomorrow should be an easier day, as all of the taping is done for the trim.

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The Past Week

Well, The Mabel has her title and registration taken care of. Unfortunately, her trailer has had no such luck. After sending Cassandra (the first mate) to the DMV to take care of this, she was told that I need a bill of sale from Harry (the retired skipper and my mentor). I spoke with Harry and he said that it would be no problem. I sent him the BOS today for him to have signed and notarized. Maybe this week we can get this taken care of.

This week was very busy with school, so I wasn't able to work on The Mabel at all. The immediate plans for her are:

Wash all exterior surfaces

Remove all carpet from the deck

Install trim strip abaft the cabin door

Coat the deck flooring in epoxy

Paint deck with abrasive additive to ensure grip

Replace seats

Build tank covers sturdy to stand on

Replace top panel of engine cover (possibly with vinyl wrap)

Repair icebox door

Repaint topside

Replace wheel

Replace compass

I will continue to work on her as the summer wears on, which here in Houston, means year round.

[themidnightwatch-blog]

Title, Registration, Frustration!

Spent a good portion of the evening working on paperwork for the boat trailer and for The Mabel herself. Bureaucratic process is not my thing.

I have decided to join the Coast Guard Auxiliary and do what I can to support the Coast Guard in their cause. This decision was made mainly based on my love for the Coast Guard but I found out that there are many benefits aside from being on the water. After I join, I can shop at the Coast Guard Exchange, attend formal functions, log time towards my Captain's license, and network and fellowship with other like minded individuals. I may allow The Mabel to be used for patrol, depending on her condition and the stipulations surrounding her use. Let's not put the cart before the horse, though.

Overall, a productive day.

As a side note - RODEO STARTS TODAY! US Mounted Cavalry took their horses down 290 into town today... Wish I could've seen it...

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'nother view...

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The Captain's Log Begins - Day 1

Today is the first time for me to log my adventures with my girl The Mabel. She is a 1976 Starcraft Chieftain V with  a GM 165 in-line engine  and Mercruiser stern drive. She has dual 12 gallon gas tanks, a 7 gal fresh water tank with sink, porta potty, bed accommodations for two, a table, ice box, and bimini top. I think she’s a beautiful boat that will give years of fun and relaxation!

Last night, I moved her from her temporary (2 years) storage spot at the apartment complex to one more accessible for trailering in and out. I had to move her whilst I could, as if someone parks too close, I cannot get her out around their car. She is on a 24 foot trailer, after all.

Today was fun! After securing all loose trinkets (fire extinguisher, in particular) inside the cabin so they wouldn’t break the cabin windows out when trailering, I checked the tire pressures to the trailer. 24 lb on average, which is way down from the 60 lb required! So, off to the auto parts store to buy an air pump that works from the truck. After this short setback, I was able to successfully inflate the tires, remove the old NC tag (although, this was the most aggravating part of the whole experience), and haul her over to Jiffy Lube for a trailer inspection. Had to puff out my chest a little as we rolled down through town with a beautiful girl like The Mabel! The Jiffy Lube tech, Rick, was impressed, as well!  After inspection, I took her back home and had to go to another Jiffy Lube to pick up a required form for the Tax Assessor’s office to get tags for the trailer. She should be in the water soon!

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The Mabel... She should be recommissioned soon!