Work Work Play Play

Vergennes, Vermont Public Library

No LL

The North wind came up yesterday. It started blowing 25-30 knots and the lake got really rough. Since we are not on any schedule, our policy is to go where the wind takes us. Therefore, instead of fighting the wind, we sailed South once again. Our reward was a super fast passage from North Burlington to Porter Bay, averaging almost 7 knots using just the jib. Thus, up to lunch time we played.

After lunch it was time to get to work. We are repainting and revarnishing almost all of Tarwathie's interior and above deck exterior this summer. That's really hard when one is living on the boat. Try to imagine reuhpolstering the seats in your car while driving with two people inside.

Yesterday we repainted the ceiling in the main salon. We could do that without moving too many things around and while occupying said room. One thing which made it much easier was the excellent quality paint. We had the super premium Valspar paing from Lowes. I must say, we never before saw paint that covered so easily and resisted dripping so well. I guess that even paint technology has avanced.

We also have a color that is an exact with the old paint. We got that via a laser scanner at the store. Cool.

Today Libby is repainting the V berth while I'm beginning on exterior varnish. We're taking advantage of a temporary respite from rain. We emptied the V berth and put all the stuff on deck. Until we put it all back, the boat looks like a junk yard.

Hardest to accomplish will be the interior cabin sole (floor). I want three coats of bowling alley varnish for that. To do that, I have to paint the varnish from forward to aft, ending by painting myself into a corner with the exit door at my back. Then we have to leave the boat long enough for it to dry. For that operation, being here in Vergennes where they have free docks is perfect.

Use of the dock will also be handy when we repaint the decks. We have to clear all objects from deck, including the dinghy, then mask, then paint. The painting has to end with an exit down inside the boat. Then wait 3 hours, then go back for a second coat.

We also need to repaint the exterior of the dinghy. Last month we put on a new surface of epoxy resin. That needs UV protection. I'm unsure of what kind of paint to use. The smallest can of the cheapest bottom paint West Marine has costs $45 per quart, but I only need about 1 cup. I'm not going to pay $45 for that.

The weather too is a factor. The forecast says Tuesday and Wednesday dry, but after that 5 consecutive days of rain. Ugh.