Heading South

Heading South! 

I think Radars' face speaks for both Carter and myself.  We love this time of year when we head south for the boat.  Radar has his favorite blanket and pillow and he's a happy boy for the 11 hour drive to Florida.  Yes....I've spoiled him rotten.

We've only been here a couple days and have already accomplished a "boat load" of chores. 

Carter has been busy getting his projects started.  He decided to upgrade the sprocket and chain for the electric drive system from a number 40 chain to a number 50 chain, it just wasn't quite heavy enough and the sprocket in the driveline was already showing signs of wear so before it became a big problem on our upcoming passage, he wanted to fix it.  The center hole in the sprocket in the driveline needed to be turned on a lathe to be installed which a local machine shop is completing today. He also is changing the gear ratio hopefully improve the performance of the motor. 

Carter moved the whaler here during the summer from Brevard County and has put a fresh coat of bottom paint on it today after scrubbing an inch of barnacles off . This will be our tender again and we'll just take the hit in speed because it has to be towed behind the Arc.  

We have found the Avon is not quite up to the task and with so many oyster beds in these waters it just didn't work out.  Other projects that Carter will be working on during the next couple weeks are the central AC system and install rub rails/life lines. 

I have completely cleaned the living quarters and will wash the top deck today.  My next projects will be to complete the salon with new settee cushion covers and to create storage solutions with my sewing machines.

We will be leaving for Panama City tomorrow where Carter will be attending Sea School to get his Captains license!