With spring in the air, we are working hard to prepare the Liberty Schooner for the coming season. The weather today was ideal for deck work and so Luke and I got after the rust. They say rust never sleeps, which means, no matter what condition a steel boat is in, it is a constant task to eliminate rust. The picture is a closeup of a deck cleat that had some surface rust around it. The rust was chipped away, and then brushed with a wire brush until the metal shone. Then wiped clean, with a rag before the addition of some Navel Jelly, which removes rust, followed by another good wipe down, followed by a good rust converting primer.

The result is a surface ready for painting.

Luke and I divided the work up, I took care of all the steps leading up to the primer, which Luke took care of in my wake.

On another note, we help the Sea Cadets of Jersey City. We have had them on board for knot tying practice, and look forward to them sailing with us in the summer. Tomorrow they are in the St. Patrick's Day parade in Jersey City. Please support them if you can. Also see their website at http://jerseycityseacadets.org