Dakota Crew
02/07/2011, Maple Bay

Wow, what a day. After a couple months of Dave rebuilding and fine tuning the steering, then fixing the engine (one system at a time)...we have RPM's...a full 52 horse power and steerage.
Of course we picked the day that had wind warnings out- gusting up to 25 kn/hr, to take the boat off the dock and into the bay to do the shake down tour. We got off the dock, with 4 inches to spare from scraping the boat beside us...way to close for comfort but the wind was horrible.
Dakota motored well, and responded to steering well. The reverse was a typical Bayfield response...not so much, thank you very much!
We got cold and sprayed by the white caps a few times but had fun and, wow, does she handle the waves well.
Docking her was another problem but we got her back in her slip and after securing her, we all headed down to the warm cabin for a well deserved pot of tea (on our stove that 1 or the 3 burners work properly...one thing at a time!)
Now that we know she can motor around with no problems, the next big project is to get her masts down, cleaned up and the new wind generator installed.
Now to find out what that slow dripping is into the bilge....hot water heater? coolant?....as everyone knows- 'if it ain't broke...it will be at some time!'
The picture is of Dave and I sailing around Maple Bay.

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01/13/2011

Dave attempting to decipher all the wires and tubes.

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Dakota Crew
01/13/2011, Maple Bay

Today we went down to the boat, to replace the old water pump- when turned on it made such a racket and all the lights dimmed. We bought a new jabsco 3 outlet pump with all its workings encased...not like the old one with a wheel and belt system on the outside. I got the old one pulled out and pointed out a extra water hose under the counter that didn't connect to anything...a lot of that going on in this boat! Which side tracked us to pulling out the home made box around the bottom of the mast and pulling up the floor to see what we had under there....Arrrggggg! What a dogs breakfast!
There were wires and hoses ducked taped together and things not attached to anything......why is it one project always leads to another then to another then to another....so on and so forth.
The masts are coming down next month so this will make it a bit easier on that day. But the water pump is still not attached!
ps from dave One obvious hassle is having the mast step removed and rebuilt with new material. Our new friend the welder is going to get some more work from us.

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Crew
01/05/2011, Maple Bay

We have been having trouble starting the engine lately....three guesses why! Dave finally was able to get the ground wire off the back of the engine where it had been attached and what did he find?....a very corroded wire that he was able to pull apart with no effort. Well, once he replaces that wire, the 2 brand new batteries will probable work alot better. Next project will be finding out what that loose black wire is hanging off the back of alternator.....that will be for another blog!

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Dave
01/04/2011, maple bay

Today finds me smiling because I have had several days of varnishing and I am finally finished the bathroom on Dakota, new hinges on every door, gleaming wood.
Also new under the cabinet, LED lights in the galley. Fridge top repaired, with duct tape removed and new foam strips fitted, sanded and varnished, so many projects, Karens plan on starting in the bow and working our way to the stern was a good one. How can you manage something so daunting.

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Crew
01/01/2011, Maple Bay

The first day of a new year...a new slate...the beginning...starting a-new...there are many different ways of describing the New Year. Dave is welcoming in the new year doing boat projects in the garage and I'm preparing to meet a bunch of crazy runners at the Running Room in Victoria for the Resolution Run.
It's -2 oC outside, which is freezing for Victoria and it is hard to dream of sailing when so many projects are needed to be done before we can think of heading out and the weather is so cold outside.
We've been reading the Sailblogs everyday keeping up with other sailors out there enjoying the warm weather down south....well, maybe not Florida, but more south than that!
I'm wishing everyone a Happy New Year and may everyone enjoy the sailing in the year to come, even if it is from admidst the chaos of boat projects!

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