Test Run

[Riley Smith]

I had worked all week on the boat and yesterday was the test run. The rigging had to be changed to make more clearance for the motor and changing rigging is going where angels fear to tread. What I did was move the boom sheet line forward 14" and move the sheet traveler eyes on the side deck forward too. They swapped places with the after cleat on the side decks. Moving the sheet forward would add more force to all the attachment points but I think Bolger, in his way, overbuilt this boat, and I wasn't too concerned with the change. This meant that I had to add backing plates under the deck. And big washers. I also had to add wood on the motor mount for bearing surfaces for the motor, and fabricate a goal post lighting arrangement on the trailer.(I am so OVER lighting problems). So, all-in-all, a busy week. (Not to mention the water leak in the bathroom that snuck into the middle of all this).
The test run didn't start good. I got a mile down the highway and noticed a light loose. So I stopped and checked and yes, I had actually brought the wrench just in case. So I got it out of the ammo box, and SMASHED the camera on the blacktop when removing it from the box. OH GREAT! I didn't even fuss, I just kept heading to the ramp. The camera is old and cranky, although it had a very powerful zoom. Recently it had made suggestions it was on its way out and thus was the designated boat camera. O well......no more moon shots.
The weather has been very nice for such activities, although very warm in the afternoon, and once I was rigged up, I cooled in the shade of a few oaks close by for a few minutes before launching. Pop used to take us swimming here when I was a kid and it is a favorite launch. I motored to Chemise, enjoying the changing scenery and the river traffic. There were other people enjoying the golden sunshine too. There was very little wind. It was finally cooling off from the high of 85F too. The motor made it all the way up against current and tide without a refill of the internal tank. About 45 minutes but a whole different pace of life.
There were a couple of boats and kids out playing on the jet skis there. Us slow sailors call them "water lice", especially if they are intrusive and come close with their wakes and path. I picked an empty spot and ran up on the sand until the centerboard said stop, and waded ashore. The water felt good and was clear and clean. I'd told Sonya I might go skinny-dipping lol. I made a seat with a crooked limb up against a big driftwood stump and sat and dug my bare feet into the sugar sand and drank a beer. (NEVER leave your folding chair). It was ice cold and mighty fine after the sweating at the ramp. The water flowing down the river made the view pretty nice too. Only a couple of gnats bit me, the other night we almost got carried away by mosquitoes in Gautier.
The sun angle was beginning to set off alarms when I pushed the boat back into the river. A breeze had developed and it would give me a reach almost all the way back, so I set about getting the sail in the air and the nice world that I had been living in became wonderful   S R Cat always has admirers when she goes out and this time wasn't an exception. Some fellows pulled up to my chilling with my arm looped over the tiller and letting the wind carry me home, and I could tell they liked the boat. And recognized what it took to get it. They commented I wasn't using ANY gas and pointed to the 150 on their transom with a wry smile. The reach was great. No wiggling this way and that, just point and let the boat do her thing. I did have to tack to make the bend at Rabbit Island and one other time to make the cut into Krebs Lake, where I'd launched.
The boat is fine. She's a good boat. Customized to me and pretty too. It was a lot of fun and payment for all the work. I was wiped out and it was dark when I pulled back home. The lights worked perfectly. YAY!!!!

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[Doug SC]

I understand and agree with those that admire SR Cat. Glad to read about you back on the water with the boat. I have been waiting to read you writing about that. A well-deserved sail. I know the feeling of getting out again after a long hiatus. It brings back memories and a smile.

[Riley Smith]

I was unsure about the neck thing and didn't help things by jumping off the boat to the ground. Won't do THAT again. But all other activities seem to be doable, although range of motion tends to make lookout duties more difficult. It was a very nice afternoon in the 'Sip. I had another foray planned for today but had to postpone. We're beginning to get desperate for a rain here. Dry as powder. Good time to touch up the paint w/ the last of the Hatteras White. Oh, and the rudder stripe I missed last time, too. I could use a crew though. I've had my eye on one and he's just now ready. Not so much the sailing as all the OTHER stuff it takes to get in the water. I KNOW his Mama would like it because I used to take HER back in the day 

[Doug SC]

Passing it on! Also, you might consider one of those clip on your hat mirrors bicyclist use. I have this one sewn to this ball cap for keeping track of kayakers behind me when leading a group. You cannot view this attachment.

[Riley Smith]

It's not terrible but just annoying after you're used to looking over your shoulder all your life. That little tool may just do the trick!

[Riley Smith]

PS...
I mention working on the boat all week as if it were a chore, but in reality it was very pleasant listening to 96.1 The Rocket  in the sunshine, and tinkering. I had the colors flying from the mast and me and the dog got her all put back together one more time. The acorns are falling like shrapnel from an air burst and sooner or later this fine weather is leaving. Maybe it might get cold by Christmas.

[Doug SC]

Those small mirrors take a little getting used to but do work as a rearview mirror.

I have been accused of spending more time working on my various boats than using them. However, there is a certain pleasure while working on the boats and daydreaming about plans for them in the future, and the satisfaction that follows at completion.