The countdown is on. Planning to launch C'est la Vie by Sept. 1, we pulled the cover off her on August 14 and the project list sprouted... repairing the dripless shaft seal, repainting from toe rail to cove strip on starboard side, rebuilding/strengthen the bow pulpit, service the engine, replace the gudgeon bushing, 2 fresh coats of bottom paint, etc., etc. etc. Things are moving along nicely and save for a sheared off screw in the impeller housing and a $125 price tag for a new gudgeon bushing surprises have been few.

In image Anne is completing the wet sanding in prep for spraying AwlGrip. Note that brace for pulpit hangs vertical and chainplate at bow is missing. I'll take a picture of the improved chainplate when it is installed.

We plan to play around the Beaufort area until late Sept. Barring any storms, I will sail south with a crew of two beginning Sept. 23. Anne is traveling and working the Annapolis Boat Show with NautiGear (check out NautiGear.net). We will meet up in FL.

What about the Puffer? She still sits in the yard waiting to be launched. I need to place her in the water to figure out where the waterline is located. Then I can bottom paint her.

Always a project...