Five Reasons for Taking the Boat Camping in the San Juan's

    I was ready to unleash a fiery rant about the absolute misery of car camping and the soulless monotony of tropical cruises—just to prove, once and for all, why boat camping is the superior way to vacation. But after letting the idea simmer for a bit, I had to admit the truth: I actually like car camping. And I won’t lie—lounging on a tropical cruise has its perks too. Maybe you feel the same way? There’s something undeniably appealing about a change of pace, a chance to hit the reset button, to escape from whatever it is we need escaping from. After all, isn’t that what life and adventure is really about?

         So rather than list potential horrible road trip issues, let's concentrate on what a boat camping trip promises.

       For starters, the cynic in me has already thought, "no promises."

         OK, enhanced expectations:  (satisfies me)

• relaxation  (doing nothing at all, nothing!) 
• change up in daily grind
• play with boat, meet and hang with other boat people
• be with friends and family
• do a little hiking-fishing-sailing-reading-writing

       We can make this list go on and on, but you get the gist.

      

       Relaxation, or being stress-free to me is key to a successful vacation, and worrying about where we will spend the night (on a road trip) is a major stress factor.  You can say get a reservation, but there are many times, when reservations are not in the cards or severely limit what you do.

     

      There is one major difference between car camping and boat camping

 that is lost to non-boaters, and that is the freedom to come and go, anywhere, anytime, and never having to worry about a "sorry no vacancy sign" or the all-too-common "campground full sign."

  When boat camping, there are no check-in check-out times, there are no camp hosts, no registration clerks. Docks at parks have some common-sense rules but are not reserved, and first come, gets it.  You will never, and I stress this, "EVER" be sent away.  Oh sure, it may be crowded somewhere from time to time, but there will always be room to anchor. (The dinghy rides just get a little longer) When boat camping, unlike a road trip,  you never need to stress out over getting a place to stay, just go, you will have a spot when you arrive, and you can count on it.  However, if you (not me) must ruin things, you can stress out over arriving in the dark, or other dumb self-inflicted pain, but that's another discussion.

So, what is the best reason for going boat camping?

 Easy, we go boat camping to relax and get away from 

it all!

Click below to see satellite view of Fossil Bay, Sucia

Orca Watching in the San Juan Islands

       One of the reasons we go to the San Juan's is to see the Killer Whales.

Except more often than not we are in the wrong spot and only get to see snooty seals.  Probably the same ones we see every year.

       Fear not! You can get in plenty of trouble interfering with any marine mammal you choose.

  So even if you miss out on the orca sighting of a lifetime, you still have a chance at getting a big fine levied on you for messing with their smaller cousins.

     With just a little online research, I came up with these rules for whale watching.

 Keep in mind that new regulations and changes to existing laws happen all the time, and my interpretation is likely flawed.

      You know of course that you are not allowed to bring your boat closer than 200 yards

(that's about the length of two football fields end to end)  of a southern resident whale. Which begs the question, how does one know if it's a resident, let alone from the south? What I knew once, but forgot, was that you are required to put your transmission in neutral if you find your self inside the 200 yd limit.

     You are not allowed to position your boat, (and this includes kayaks, rafts, dinghy's, etc.) so that you intersect with a whale coming towards you.  The rule is 400 yards  ( that's about a quarter mile )

      So if I understand  correctly, when whale watching, 

you can hang around as long as you're two football fields away, but if they come at you because you cleverly set it up by getting in their way,  you may get a $1,025 fine.  Plus you may unwittingly get yourself in trouble for not putting the motor in neutral when they approach closer than 200 yards. So all you kayakers, lift your paddles I guess.

      This means you are not supposed to turn tail and run away when you get too close, but stay put in neutral until the Orca has swam outside the 200 yard radius.  This sounds silly at first, but I think the logic is that others may be nearby that you can't see, and your spinning prop is a danger to them.

Now for seals or any cute marine mammals:

  It's not legal to feed, harass, handle, jeer, taunt, or make fun of them, and this includes lost or abandoned pups.  Fines may reach $11,000, jail time, and losing the boat. Ouch.

My last words of warning:

   Enforcement or compliance is a subjective thing, this means you might disagree with the grounds for your citation.

    To be safe, keep back a fair distance, and don't feed the non-human animals that hang around your boat.

  Happy whale watching! 

and for gosh sake, have some fun!

BTW.  We have seen large groups of Orcas in Rosario Strait off of James Island and in Haro Strait off of Lime Kiln, which tells me they circle the San Juan's.  

Click below to see a satellite view of Whale Watch Park  (Lime Kiln Park)

Is your boat legal in the San Juan's?

            The answer is yes - probably

If your yacht is legal at home it's legal in the San Juan's, but only for 60 days.  

After 60 days you will be expected to leave the state or become compliant.

The laws in Washington State are pretty much the same as where you are coming from.  

So you get a free pass for two months, but if your monster has expired tags, (vessel or rig) or you do not have a valid boaters card, you may be subject to re-training and fines.

And that's the way it is!
Let's go boating.

Click below to see a satellite view of  the inner harbor in Victoria

Good News & Bad News - boat camping fees in Washington's San Juan Islands

     Who can resist a headline stating "Good News" or is it the bad part that draws us in?
No matter. The good news is that anchoring is still free, the other news is that Washington State Park fees for boaters have gone up.

      The reported new fee for using park buoys is $15 per night.  Staying at the float has been increased to 70 cents per foot.  So your 30' mega yacht is now $21 per night.

      On this subject, you may remember an old post where I pondered float etiquette -  Case #1 - a 30' boat hogs the middle of a 50' float leaving no room for other boats, should he pay for 50' or 30'?  Case #2 - the same 30' boat scoots way down and hangs over the end leaving room for more boats, should he be rewarded and only pay for the 20' he uses?  Case #3 - and we all know the answer to this one - do you include the bowsprit, swim step, and dinghy davits or go with the much smaller boat length stated by the boat builder, come on be honest, no one is watching.

      Other thoughts on fees:  Park fees are a very small part of our overall boating experience, and yet provide us tremendous benefits. The Washington marine parks are top-notch, why wouldn't you want to support them?

Click below for a satellite view of  Blakely's and Peavine Pass

Winter Maintenance

       Now is a good time to take care of all those little things you noticed needed taking care of last summer.

I'll bet you see a list coming!

This list is for me, but I've added a few lines that may apply to you. I put this list together from memory in just a few minutes, writing notes would probably help.

whip or fuse unraveling lines

• I tie my dirty lines in a bundle, in a pillow case, and toss-em in the washer when Linda isn't looking, spin dry with no heat! (easy on the bleach)

make better dock lines

• you need at least four dock lines and in my opinion two should be 1 1/2 times the length of the boat. I carry many more lines and some are very long.
• While you are at it, teach your self to make spliced loops, it's fun
• Note on loops: Loops on lines are not always desirable--sometimes they snag and get caught causing problems.  Loops on cleats can jump off.  I properly cleat my loops regardless.
• learn to tie a bowline (loop) behind your back or your eyes shut, it impresses little kids, (then try it one handed)
• patch, scrub and pump up fenders

renew Rain-X coating on windows

improve the bilge pumps

• get a hand pump and/or a bucket with a stout handle

check for crevice corrosion telltale rust streaks, then actually test for weakness

• testing means to push, pull, sit, twist, and pound  while trying to break it
• change oils and antifreeze and filters at end of season
• use fuel stabilizer type products if needed
• run the kicker out of gas
• grease trailer bearings, get a spare tire and bottle jack, make sure lug nuts aren't rusted in place again
• make the trailer lights and brakes work, and for once do it before you need them

get new flares, if the date is expired the coasties will yell at you

• have you got the other required stuff? (whistle?)
• check pfd's, and inflation cartridges, clean off mildew

check the anchor tackle, and re-mark the rode at 50 foot and other lengths

• I never anchor for long in less than 15-20 feet so my first mark is at 50, 100 feet, then 150, 200
• get a second anchor set up if you don't already have three or four like me
• switch lines/halyards/rodes end for end if your able to

tighten screws and bolts, there are hundreds

• this is when you re-bed cleats, rails, stanchions,windows, etc.
• I use white or black polyurethane (rtv or silicones are not welcome on my boats)
• some people will let a thick bed set a day or two before final torquing. Note: this is not appropriate for all situations. Some things should not wiggle-period! (my opinion)
• clean the bilge use perfumed detergent and make it smell good
• don't let laundry detergent get in the water, it's illegal!
• check electrical connections for corrosion and remedy any issues
• get a new battery if its past it's prime or you have any worries at all
• make sure you have a trickle or smart charger maintaining battery

check your zincs

• be very, very suspicious of zincs not being eaten up
• A West Marine employee told me he didn't think his boat had any because it was fresh water cooled. You decide if he's right! (not)
• operate all your valves, make sure they still work
• I make a point of yanking on them every time I'm near one

hoses have a life span and will need to be replaced once in a while

• re-torque all your hose clamps, this will tell you which ones are garbage
• the screw is the culprit, many are rusted and break off when used
• simply being SS is not enough, they must be in good shape
• ignoring this may sink your ship!

Touch up the varnish

• fix those little nicks and spots before they get worse and you will have less work in the long run (maybe!)
• I use this stuff (outside) and really like it  - Deks Olie D1 and D2 - made by Olwatrol, its a little hard to find, but Defender has it.
• re-sew stitched things, and patch vinyl stuff
• update ships log
• create inventory and location list for all my misplaced, lost gear

totally empty all damp under-deck compartments and store stuff indoors

• skipped this last year and regretted it

• More to come, check back later!

This is important:

 You must test your boat and equipment on a trial outing before you take off for the big trip.  If your like me and do all this stuff over several months, you are bound to overlook something, and you don't want to find out what it is ten miles from shore, or two hundred miles from home.

Click below for a satellite view of  Saddlebag Island State Park

Places to go and things to do in the San Juan's - I'm making a go to list!

My best places list is my - Go to List

If you have been following my rants, you know I realized long ago that our best times in the San Juans have been when I allowed things to just unfold from a very loose agenda.  That means, I set aside some time, go prepared for anything, and let it happen. But I do think about what I want to accomplish.  My partial list below, except for biking Shaw, is mostly made up of places and things we have done before.  If I remember, I will post a follow-up of what we really end up doing.  I already know one of my daughters may get involved and likes biking so we'll see what really happens!

My To-Go To List for 2015

and some notes

(not in order of importance)

Click below to read the rest of the post

OH GREAT, IT'S NEW YEARS DAY

That means my registration just expired!

HAPPY NEW YEARS AND GREAT BOATING IN 2015 EVERYONE.

Merry Christmas from Kraken

60 years of Portland Christmas Ships

I heard a pop and saw the fuel in the sight glass fall!

    The focus of this site is boating the San Juan's, but how can we cruise around without experiencing everyday boating issues, and here is another one that caught me by surprise.  Maybe someone will learn from my mistakes.

     About two years ago my Dickinson Bristol Stove diesel pump quit without warning leaving us cold.  I decided a five gallon day tank was in order so that we would not be at the mercy of electric pumps or need any electricity for a stove that may run nonstop for days.  

    So far so good, my new $150 aluminum tank is about four or five feet above the stove and works perfect. (gravity is pretty dependable) 

Pictures by Land and Sea Around Matia Island in the San Juan's

      A few years back, I  hiked the trail from Pelican Beach to the top of Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island, taking pictures every few minutes along the way. 

 The resulting pictorial is a pretty good synopsis for those who can't make the journey themselves. See the Eagle Bluff Pictorial hike here. 

 I decided to do the same thing on Matia, but with a little change-up.

 First, I hiked the trail snapping away with wild abandon, then I jumped in the dinghy and hugged the shore, continuing to take pictures while I circled the island. Then I deleted most of what I had. The results are below; you decide if it was worthwhile.

The blue marker on the far left marks Rolfe cove, and where we  begin our visit to Matia

First off, exit the dock!
The little four boat float, may be full, but there are two buoys and room for a few boats to anchor.  In a pinch you can anchor in the much larger cove at the other end of the island and do this hike/dinghy tour in reverse.

Boater park fees are  a great deal for what we get in return.

The trail starts at the top of ramp beyond the small picnic campground area.  Matia is unique in that fires are not allowed anywhere, and pets are restricted from trail system.

click where it says read more for the rest of the picture tour!

Swinomish Channel Nightmare in the Daytime

      We came across this boat during our 4th of July hike to Fort Whitman on Goat Island. 

They were barely stuck when we first saw them, but within a few minutes it was clear they weren't  getting off until the tide came back up.  I can't imagine the port prop and shaft survived,

If this is you, our hearts go out to you, it must have been a rotten day. (make a comment, tell us what happened below, if you want to)

One of four gun emplacements at  Fort Whitman on Goat Island.
Here is the link to the  Fort Whitman posting  > Fort Whitman - Goat Island

Click below to see a satellite view of Swinomish channel

At Last Pictures of Bimini in a Bag are posted

     Not all of us can just go out and order a $5000 bimini and have it magically appear installed on our boat. So the mother of invention leads us once again down the path of necessity 

and creates a "Bimini in a Bag"

"Bimini in two bags"
fits under the v-berth

Organized chaos
is the secret behind many good things.

Rainy day at Roche Harbor and the new bimini was priceless

Read the full description and many more pictures in the long posting titled  "Doing it yourself page" over on the right side menu bar or just click here  >>   doing it yourself ideas

Click below for satelitte view of Roche Harbor English Camp and Mosquito Pass

Boating Time and SEAL Pup Time Everywhere in the San Juan Islands

        You have probably noticed that new pups are out with their moms on all the rocks and reefs.

If you get too close they slip into the water so there is no doubt they prefer we keep our distance.

         Of note though, we have on two occasions this summer come across lost or abandoned pups.  At Inati Bay a pup spent much of the evening and next morning crying.  It swam to each arriving boat and then attempted to suckle the hull circling the boat all the while crying and trying to nurse.  Apparently from under water bottom paints may be confused for moms.

          At Matia, we noticed a pup doing the same thing.  As each new boat came to the dock or anchored out, the pup swam to it.  We dinghied around the island and saw hundreds of moms with pups in the water and hauled up on rocks.  When we returned  to Rolfe Cove the pup came to our dinghy and suckled the fiberglass hull, it was really sad looking up at us with big watery eyes while making sucking sounds on the boat and then on the wood oar.

         That evening as the sun went down we saw the pup work its way up onto the beach beneath the gangplank.  It was there in the morning, still by itself..  We called the marine mammal stranding hotline to report it, but who knows what happened.

        We talked to the volunteer on the phone and they said sometimes people getting too close will cause pups and moms to separate and then become lost.

We didn't attempt to touch this little guy, but it sure seemed like he
 wanted to be cuddled

The suckling sounds were unmistakable as he worked his way around the boats again and again.

Settling in for the night as the sun set.

Seven People - Seven Bicycles - One little boat for our 4th of July at Roche Harbor

Seven People - Seven Bicycles - Two Kayaks - One  Dinghy,
and it was raining lightly.
True our 26 foot trawler is bigger than a 16 foot ski boat but 7 bikes and riders filled us to the top.

       We just returned from a week long Canada cruise where we tied two bikes on the roof.  With only two of us on board, the bikes never got in the way.  Next we added two more bikes, two kayaks, and two more people for a Lopez and San Juan ride. We still managed to all find seats, but the bikes ended up on the front deck, and we looked through  handlebars and seats to steer. 

(the above pic is a coffee pit stop at Orcas Landing with everyone and everything and its raining)

         At Roche we add three more.  We have seven bikes now (four out front and three in the cockpit) For seating, we break out two folding chairs and fill the dinette.  Kraken seemed to list a little to starboard (the dinette side) but what the heck.  
This pic is at the end of the long dinghy dock at Roche Harbor.
Bicycling the San Juans by boat is alive and well.

• two crossed from  Spencer Spit to Lopez Village
• two pedaled from Roche Harbor to Lime Kiln and back
• three pedaled from Odlin Park, around Lopez and took a ferry ride back to Friday Harbor
• three pedaled from Smallpox Bay around San Juan Island
• thankfully, other than the skipper and mate, all slept on shore in campgrounds

Does anyone know an easy way to get off black tire marks?

Click below for a satellite view of Roche Harbor

Princess Louisa Inlet Cruise and Chatterbox Falls

          Our Princess Louisa Inlet Cruise was a great success.  Success to me means no breakdowns or major deviations from the plan.

          We cast off for this approximately 150-mile (one way) joy ride from our slip in La Conner at a little before noon on a sunny Saturday.  Our first stop was just a mile up Swinomish Channel, where we visited the fuel dock to top off our 70-gallon diesel tank. 

 Heading off with the tanks full, the fridge and cabinets crammed with ten to twelve days of very good eating, we headed north towards ominous-looking storm clouds and the forecast of gale-force winds.  

Yes, we are very apprehensive.  Many thoughts occupied our thinking, the first was, we were making a mistake heading into bad weather.  The second was, would we get stuck somewhere and not be able to get back in time for our breakfast date with Linda's mother a week from Tuesday.

Chatterbox Falls from park float

           Our first overnight stop is Patos Island.  Patos is as far north, not counting Point Roberts, as a boater can go before entering Canada. 

 We anchored with plenty of daylight left to walk out to the lighthouse and hike around.  The next morning, we got going early, before 7 am. With 40 miles to cover at 5-8 mph.

 False Creek in Vancouver may be an 8-hour run.  With no good options to duck and cover along the way, I was still a little apprehensive, to say the least.  The wind never really was a factor that day but about halfway to Vancouver, we were about 5 miles off shore from the  Tsawwassen ferry terminal when a following swell began to overtake us and toss Kraken around like the little 26 Nordic Tug she is.

 Steering the wallowing boat became full-time work, and I found myself driving a zigzag course. I was zigging to make ourselves more comfy and then zagging back onto a course that would eventually get us to False Creek, where we would check into Canada and spend the night. 

 Linda got out the Dramamine, and I took one also, something I almost never do. About every fourth zigzag an extra big quartering swell would turn us sideways, causing severe rolling and much crashing sounds coming from all of Kraken's many stores and equipment. 

 At this point, we are seriously discussing changing course for Bedwell Harbor on South Pender Island. Bedwell was about the same distance, the waves would be more on our nose, and we could continue northward on the inside of the Gulf Islands affording ourselves much better protection, but then we would be on the wrong side of the Strait of Georgia, and north of Nanaimo was where the real gale winds were churning up the strait. 

 This is not how my Princess Louisa Trip was supposed to go.

Click below to read the rest of posting and see a few pictures along the way

Princess Louisa Inlet Cruise - Malibu Rapids - Skookumchuck Narrows - Nine Day Itinerary with layover at False Creek in Vancouver

        We just completed this trip, I mentioned in earlier posts it was in the works, and now it is history.

        We started as usual in La Conner and visited, Vancouver, Skookumchuck Narrows, Malibu Rapids, Princes Louisa Inlet, and Chatterbox Falls.

       This short accounting may help others plan out their trip.  The mileages are approximations.   We kept our speed in the 6 - 7 knt range, most of the time.

You may read a more detailed accounting over on the right side menu or just click here >>Princess Louisa Cruise - long story!

• Day 1,  Left La Conner with full tanks, destination Patos Island. - 32 miles - Very easy day.

• Day 2,  Patos to False creek in Vancouver - 40 miles - This was a rough water, rainy windy day that used buckets of fuel, dramamine and really made us think about changing destinations.

• Day 3, Weather layover -  This was a great day, bicycling Stanley Park, False Creek, and exploring the shops at Granville Island. (this is a must do place to visit again)

• Day 4,  Vancouver to Egmont  -  57 miles - On this leg I planned stays at Sechelt, Secret Cove or Pender Harbour if needed.  This day was a hard slog, but very doable.

• Day 5   Egmont to Princess Louisa Inlet - 32 miles - A somewhat boring, very easy day. Plenty of time to check out Park.

• Day 6   Princess Louisa to Pender Harbour - 38 miles Another bore, but we had planned Secret Cove, and rough water forced us into Pender

• Day 7   Pender to Point Roberts, then onto Patos - 70 miles - With the currents help, this day was an easy  run.  This could have been a miserable day, I think we got lucky!

• Day 8    Patos to Pelican Beach on Cypress with a stopover on Clark - 17 miles - We didn't leave Patos until well past 2 pm.

• Day 9  Cypress to La Conner with a stopover at Cone Islands and a figure eight hike on Saddlebag Island. - 17 miles -   Filled all tanks in preparation for Roche Harbor and the 4th of July.

Chatterbox Falls at the head of Princess Louisa Inlet

      In retrospect, if I could do it over, I would have planned a few days at Vancouver.  We were forced by bad weather to hang out in False Creek after customs but it was the best part of the trip.  We are planning a return trip with Vancouver as our primary destination.

      Secondly, I would have planned our Skookumchuck Narrows visit (Egmont) for when  big water rapids were forecast.  It was kind of a waste to go to all the effort and not see anything but a little tide rip.

You may read a more detailed accounting over on the right side menu or just click here >>Princess Louisa Cruise - long story!

Click below for a satellite view of Princes Louisa Inlet, Malibu Rapids and Chatterbox Falls

Twenty Five Boating Chores to do before next season arrives in the San Juan Islands

             Some chores are critical and some don't apply to all of us, but everyone has boating and sailing things to do before getting underway.     

         This website is supposed to be about  sailing and boating in the San Juans, so if I am stepping out of line here -- be sure to quit reading.

           For me and probably most of us, I pretty much quit boating during the winter months but I do go out a little and still must take care of routine chores.  I procrastinate more than I should and sometimes I win, but more often my procrastination causes me more problems and to spend more money.

         Recently I've done a few very important chores, and some busy work which is more fun, and I'll list off a few right now. Maybe a few readers will be reminded of something they forgot to take care of last season.

The numbers and order mean nothing but I think it looks cool to make lists.

1.  I just pulled completely apart my  trailers four wheels and bearings. Oh gawd what a greasy mess. I went through one and a half  rolls of paper towels.  One wheel had runny grease, so runny it ran out like heavy oil and it was lighter colored than the grease in the other wheels.  But it was full and showed no signs of not doing its job. I figure water must have gotten in and mixed with the grease, but I have seen frothy water contaminated grease and this didn't look like what I've seen. I cleaned it all up inspected the seal lip and repacked everything. All the brakes were totally covered and saturated with grease and brake lining debris making a black mess, which explains why the brakes never work as good as my other trailers. I have made a mental note to replace all backing plates and brake components next time. (more procrastination) Honestly now, they still work good enough, I hope. I ended up repacking two wheels completely, one I looked at and put back together and one just got some grease added . I feel confident about my bearings now and don't have any worries for upcoming road travel.
2. I cut off the dinghy line that was too long and got caught in the prop last summer.
3. My last window leak has succumbed to Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure because I got smart enough to apply it to both the inside and outside surfaces.
4. I have refilled about a dozen non refillable propane tanks. (fyi - my cost is about $1 per canister and I do not in any way suggest that anyone refill non refillable bottles)
5. I built a kicker motor adapter bracket so my 5hp Honda sits sideways and now clears the water as well as the dinghy's gelcoat while being carried on the mother ship.
6. I have added rigid SS standoffs after dropping the dinghy and rope burning my hands.
7. I have built two kerosene lamp holders so I can hang my lamps from the ceiling hooks.
8. A few months ago I touched up the bottom paint.
9. I added a vinyl drip rail gutter to the cabin roofs, a project that I worried about being able to apply straight but it turned out to be really easy and looks great.
10. I added a site tube to my water tank, so I can see the water level without putting a flashlight behind the tank and then guessing.
11. I haven't yet, but I do have the yellow pad I'm going to use to create a ships manifest list of everything stored on board including where each item is stored. Then I plan to transcribe the list and print out a good looking copy to be kept in my ship's log book.  Yes it is true, I can't remember where I put things.
12. I built a new front hatch using half inch Lexan and something that looks a lot like oak.
13. I have taken satellite screenshots and loaded my laptop with all the likely ports of call for my up coming Sunshine Coast cruise to Princess Louisa Inlet in the middle of June.
14. I bought two used Canadian charts, since my chart plotter doesn't have anything north of Vancouver.
15. I changed my motor oil last fall so it would sit with mostly fresh oil through the winter.
16. I have upgraded my bicycle to  tires full of that anti puncture anti leak glop stuff.
17. I already wrote about fixing the stoves oil drip valve adjustment so it actually is adjustable.  I was forced to do that from prior procrastination caused problems, but I still want credit.
18. I got on my stomach in a half open hatch, and with a mirror and flashlight checked the water level in my batteries.
19. I traced my windlass wiring and discovered an off/on switch I had forgot about. Now my windlass works again after hand hauling chain last year.
20. I added a mid-ship cleat on the starboard side, the PO must have always tied to port or didn't see the need for proper spring lines.
21. I installed some good looking golden maple click-lock flooring that closely matches the old teak, at least in color.
22. I accidentally broke off my am/fm radio antenna, but it still works pretty good so I just cleaned up the fiberglass shreds and pushed a rubber cap over the jagged end.  
23. I replaced all the uv damaged tie cords on my cabin top kayak rack.
24. I have built and installed all the components to convert my Livingston dinghy to sail, some fine tuning is still needed but I have had several successful (and fun) sea trials. I may just procrastinate and go with it as is, I can finish up the little stuff later.
25. I just started what was to be a simple port side light relighting. It seems banging on the light wouldn't cause it to work anymore. When I turned the brass screw heads, both stripped so I drilled them out. After pulling off the lens I grabbed the drilled studs with vise grips and broke them off.  Now there is no way to reattach the lens and I have not even gotten to why the light doesn't light up. More on this later, I'm on way to Ace to find 2.5" x #6 brass screws, I know, "fat chance."

Still to come this year I hope:

1. Fix the bimini tie downs, not done yet
2. Drill or make a drain hole for the front hatch (limber holes were forgot, don't ask)
3. Fill flat fenders with more air and look for leaks.
4. Find plates that fit in sink or cut a quarter inch off the pretty fishy painted ones my wife likes.
5. ???

I hope your commissioning chores are as fulfilling as mine are. Lets see wax or polish, what's the difference again?

Saddlebag Island beach fire

Click below to see a satellite view of Saddlebag Island

What Is The Perfect San Juan Islands Boat - What Equipment is Mandatory

    I  was talking to someone the other day that was earnestly looking for a boat for a passage to Hawaii. He remarked that the vessel he was considering did not have an anchor windlass and he sure would like one.  That comment got me thinking about how often one needs to anchor on the way to Hawaii, and then I thought what else do we think we need but really don’t need at all. 

                In the San Juans we anchor all the time, plus an anchor can be a last chance emergency brake when the motor conks out.  On the way to Hawaii I just don’t see any use for an anchor or windlass,

 and I doubt motoring very far is in the cards either, so a dependable motor ranks somewhere behind standing rigging because if the mast folds up and goes over the side in the San Juans it’s a big deal and probably will require motoring  back to home base.  If the same thing happens a thousand miles from shore its more than a big deal, it could mean a rescue, so having stout rigging is a must going to Hawaii, but not in the San Juans. How about tanks, do we need a holding tank in the San Juan’s, the answer is no, but they are very handy if you do not want to be tied to resorts and shore side facilities.

 On the way to Hawaii, I think a holding tank won’t be missed.  Fresh water tank, yes. I think you need one going to Hawaii, but in the San Juans, no, you can make it from place to place with a sports bottle in your pocket. 

 How about a compass, I think yes in both scenario’s.   Radar is a resounding not needed in either case but a gps and radio I think you need, and since they are relatively cheap and portable there is no real good reason not to have them with you. A chart plotter is not needed but a paper chart is needed whether going to Hawaii or hanging around the San Juans.

How about a refrigerator, nope you can get by without one and save a lot of juice at the same time. 

Did I leave out anything big?  Yes! No!  Of course you need basics like a bilge pump or a bucket, but let’s face it a dinghy is handy but not required, so is a new suit of sails.

  I think a good argument can be made for having an emergency life raft out in the middle of the ocean, but not so good an argument in the San Juans.

The purpose for this line of thought as I said in the beginning was to think some about
what gear is really needed on my boat, or on the boat  being considered.

Click below to read more

Practicing What I Preach

          One way to plan a cruise to the San Juan's!

     Many times on this site I have suggested that the most important planning thing to do is set a date, and the rest of the cruise will come together, that philosophy has not changed.  But that doesn't mean you can ignore important details expecting them to magically fall in place.  Someone still has to grease the wheel bearings, apply for passports, order techie toys, mow the lawn.
     
     Just put a big X on the calendar and then sit back and let your cruise plan unfold (bad word choice, sounds too much like unravel) just sit back and let your plan develop.  In our case, with some prodding (one poke) from my oldest daughter, I agreed to go to Roche Harbor for the 4th of July.  No big X date on exact arrival but the 4th is the 4th, so I figured  we would arrive in the general area a few days earlier.

     Now, some months later,  the plan is starting to come together.  I have a day planned for bike riding on San Juan.  I have a  campfire night planned on shore at Jones for hot dogs.  I have a toss up day to get Ice Cream at Blakelys or Friday Harbor, and it looks like if I can make my Livingston Dinghy sail properly, I will have the day of the 4th to sail around Roche Harbor dodging anchor lines and other dinghies.  Yesterday another daughter announced she and her friends had camping reservations on San Juan Island, also over the 4th of July, and that I could give her, her friends and their bicycles a ride over to Lopez on the 2nd, and then they would ride the ferry back that evening.  The plan for Saturday after the 4th is still open, but I know it will fall in place just like always.

       So, we put the big X on the calendar, and the plan is evolving, I can't believe I used to actually stress over vacation details.  I wonder if I should enter the blind dinghy race the day of the 4th.  hmmm!



Just in case someone needs an exhausting check list to stress out over when making plans, take a look here.
     
     Just put a big X on the calendar and then sit back and let your cruise plan unfold (bad word choice, sounds too much like unravel) just sit back and let your plan develop.  In our case, with some prodding (one poke) from my oldest daughter, I agreed to go to Roche Harbor for the 4th of July.  No big X date on exact arrival but the 4th is the 4th, so I figured  we would arrive in the general area a few days earlier.
     Now, some months later,  the plan is starting to come together.  I have a day planned for bike riding on San Juan.  I have a  campfire night planned on shore at Jones for hot dogs.  I have a toss up day to get Ice Cream at Blakelys or Friday Harbor, and it looks like if I can make my Livingston Dinghy sail properly, I will have the day of the 4th to sail around Roche Harbor dodging anchor lines and other dinghies.  Yesterday another daughter announced she and her friends had camping reservations on San Juan Island, also over the 4th of July, and that I could give her, her friends and their bicycles a ride over to Lopez on the 2nd, and then they would ride the ferry back that evening.  The plan for Saturday after the 4th is still open, but I know it will fall in place just like always.
       So, we put the big X on the calendar, and the plan is evolving, I can't believe I used to actually stress over vacation details.  I wonder if I should enter the blind dinghy race the day of the 4th.  hmmm!


Just in case someone needs an exhausting check list to stress out over when making plans, take a look here.

Cruisers - Mother of all Packing lists!   <<< click there

       
   

A reminder for me again! Murphy's Law!

        My dinghy, just like many others is mounted on snap davits across the transom and stood on edge for travel. 

 This has been my preferred system for many boats and even more dinghies. To tilt and raise the dinghy up and out of the water I have two nylon lines attached to cleats on the far side.  I wrap one line around each wrist and then with a heave, I lean back and pull the dinghy up onto its side. Next with the dinghy balanced in a somewhat neutral position I carefully tie off both lines by wrapping around the stern rail and back to the dinghy cleat.  For lowering the dinghy I wrap the lines several times around the rail creating a friction brake, then effortlessly let out enough line to set her back in the water.

   So far so good, but here's the reminder part. Last week while lowering the dinghy, my cleated lines somehow became loose, I didn't see it in time and the dinghy fell without any braking wraps. I had one hand on a line but was unable to hold it, so it whistled through my grasp taking with it a bunch of my flesh leaving me with a painful rope burn.  To  add insult, after the dinghy fell I discovered my oars were about to slide out of their poorly knotted  lines as well. Some regulars may remember these are the same lines I managed to wrap around the prop at Jones Island last year.  I'll save the procrastination post for later.

     There are lessons and reminders here.

   

• Even though I think I tie great knots and cleat well, I failed.
• I should have a redundant tie off system.

     This experience got me thinking, what else is about to trip me up?

• loose bolt/nuts
• cotter pins not spread enough
• zincs, corroded fasteners
• belts, hoses, clamps, 
• electrical connections, battery condition/quality
• are my flares expired, where is my whistle?
• anchor shackle pin seizing wire
• fuel system, (this is a big potential problem area) fuel stabilizer 
• waste system (that reminds me, I think the vent is plugged)
• fresh water chlorination, (oh yeah, forgot that too)
• diesel exhaust smell in the clothes closet, still not addressed!
• hatch seal
• dock lines are still a mish mash of old ropes and  one fender is flat
• telescoping boat pole is jammed at five feet

I put this list together in a few minutes, so there is plenty I missed.
No preaching this time,  but I hope I got some of you thinking.

Understanding the Rule of Twelfths Formula for Tide Predictions in the San Juan Islands

Disclaimer #1 

"The Rule of Twelfths"

I have read this little tool rule many times by different authors and each time have come away confused and surprised at how such a simple idea can come out so convoluted and nonsensical.

 I wrote my clearly understandable version below and tried it on Linda who knows and understands the rule only to hear  "Your writing is  confusing, why did you say tidal range?"

phooey

"The Rule of Twelfths"

      

 First, lets think in terms of where we will apply this tool.  For me it is when I need to anchor and I don’t know how far the tide is going to drop or rise.

  Will my keel touch bottom in two hours, will the anchor drag while we sleep?  These important questions need answering before setting the hook.

       To employ the rule you must know some approximate facts first. 

#1, what is the tidal range in the area, ie. if the tide book states high tide is 8.5 feet and low tide is 1.5 feet, the total range the water rises or falls is 7 feet. As you know every day is different and varies by area so our first fact is just an approximation.  #2, we need to know what time high or low tide is forecast.  These two facts are all we need to know and we can arrive at the anchorage and make a good estimate of what to expect.

       Most areas have a six-hour duration from low tide to high tide so we need to think in terms of six one-hour segments.

 During the first hour, the water rises or falls slowly. During the second hour, the rise or fall picks up speed.  During the third and fourth hours, the water is moving at its fastest rate, and the fifth and sixth hours are slower and mirror hours one and two.  That’s the cycle that is repeated regardless of area or total range.  Slow at first, picking up speed, very fast, then slow down, and come to a stop, in six hours and then repeat.

       So now we have a six hour period broken into one-hour segments,

 it’s time to assign a value to each hour and the following is the backbone of the Rule of Twelfths  123321, (each number represents one hour) yes they do add up to twelve. In the first hour after slack water, the water will move 1/12 of the range, in the second hour the water will move 2/12 of the range, or double the first. In the third hour the water moves 3/12 of the entire range. So this means that three hours after slack, or three hours  before the next slack, the water has moved a total of 6/12 or halfway through its range.  We already know that at the halfway point the tide is moving at its fastest and is halfway in or out, so no surprise there.

  When we arrive at an anchorage exactly halfway between high and low tide, all we need to know is the total range and we can easily determine how much more or less to expect. 

 Where this tool helps most is during the second hour or fifth hour, referring back to our rule of 123321 we see the fifth-hour totals 10/12, and the second hour total 3/12 of the range. By reducing fractions we easily understand that in the fifth hour, the tide has moved 5/6 of the range and only has about 1-2 feet still to go. In the second hour the tide has only moved  1/4 the range and so still has about 4-5 feet to move.

       Armed with this knowledge you can easily determine how much the water will rise or fall and anchor where the depth is best for your boat. 

 So remember 123321 

 and know the tidal range in your area, and what time high or low tide is forecast. The rest is just fractions.

Disclaimer #2
       As a practical matter, I don't park the boat with just a foot of clearance under my goodies unless I have a good reason, such as I'm at a dock at low tide and I know what's coming.

  Swinging at anchor with only a foot to spare is asking for it in some locations. 

 For you naysayers consider what happens to your boat when a big swell comes your way, that's right it is followed by a trough.  Well not only does a one foot trough take away your clearance, but it slams you violently on the bottom to tell you so.

       So, even though the Rule of Twelfths is a fun exercise, and I recommend everyone understand the ups and downs of tides, (ha) I still look for lots of depth at low tide, set my anchors very well, and sleep even better.
Here is a link to the NOAA tide tables  > NOAA tide tables

Click below for a satellite view of American Camp