Tagged: spring commissioning

To Replace or Not To Replace

It’s spring commissioning time, full of activities from washing and waxing the hull and painting the bottom, to oiling the teak and a dozen other tasks. Now, while it appears that many of these annual rituals involve black and white decision making with little gray area, the reality is oftentimes just the opposite. Some are simple and relatively risk free - wax the hull once or twice, or prep and paint the entire bottom or just scuff up and paint the water line smile. Others are more complex and impactful –replace a critical engine hose or swap out a funky [...]

May 22nd, 2018|

Spring Commissioning Highs and Lows

Spring commissioning work has started. First, sanding and priming bottom paint rough spots, Second, washing and waxing the hull and topsides. Third, cleaning and spot painting the old Chevy V8 engine. And, the list goes on and on. Quite frankly, short of hiring yard hands to do the work, the chances of slimming it down are between slim and none. However, if you’re involved in the same experience, you’ve got to admit it’s a pseudo-rollercoaster ride. A high is seeing some sunshine peek through the clouds during a cold, drizzly, overcast day. The down is being on the front deck [...]

May 5th, 2017|

Trailer Gymnastics

It's that time of year again and springtime commissioning is in high gear. The checklist outlines a number of different activities from hull washing to zinc replacement. One of the more challenging and messier jobs is bottom painting. Now, a smooth-bottom boat on jack stands is one thing, however, a deep-V, with aggressive running strakes, on a roller trailer is a whole different deal. To paint a trailer-bound deep-V you have to painstakingly brush around each and every trailer roller, as you can’t get close enough with the paint roller; and, you have to do this either fully flat on [...]

May 1st, 2016|