Mr. Ed
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2019
- Messages
- 144
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-302 C
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT3102E920
- Vessel Name
- Barbara Ann
- MMSI Number
- 338351528
Barbara Ann had the honor of being the display R31S at the most recent show, and she is still glowing from all the compliments. Although I've been going to these shows for 4 decades, this is the first one that hosted one of my boats. It was an entirely new experience, and a good one! Many thanks to Mark and his crew at Pocket Yachts for keeping a close eye on the boat and preventing any mischief or skulduggery from happening.
Some observations, in no particular order:
I wonder if I looked as dazed, confused and overwhelmed as I looked at other people's boats in years past as some of the folks looked at mine.
The show dockhands worked as a very well oiled team getting the docks torn down and moved out of the way. I wish that they had gotten us out earlier, but it was neat watching multi-million dollar yachts wiggle and squiggle their way out of the very narrow fairway next to Pussers.
When it was our turn, Capt. Bill Boyer (many thanks for the help!) piloted my boat away from the floating dock as I tried to untangle and organize the fenders and dock lines in the cockpit for trip home.
The wind had been blowing all day from the south, so the usual rollers were out in full force in the Severn River and the bay. Although they seemed bigger at the time (to me, anyway) I'd guess that they topped out at 3-5', with a few compound waves a bit bigger. Not a drop of water made its way into the cabin! We took dozens of waves (seemed like hundreds at the time) over the bow until we turned west to enter the South River, and it was a welcome relief when things calmed down a bit. Slowing the boat down to 6 knots helped get our timing adjusted to reduce the pounding.
The windshield wipers provided occasional rhythmic entertainment, but were often overwhelmed by the deluge.
I was glad that I had added a FLIR thermal camera, which really lit up the buoys and markers at close range. It was especially helpful in my home creek as one of the marinas had the brightest dock lights I've ever seen glaring right into our eyes as we entered the creek. Brighter than two oncoming cars with high beams on. Gotta talk to them about that.
I would not have deliberately chosen to move the boat a night in those conditions, but I'm glad for the experience. The boat did exceptional well and inspired a lot of confidence. As expected, anything not properly stowed or tied down came loose and launched itself. Something big crashed, but I still can't figure out what it was.
Overall this was a terrific experience, and I really appreciate the support from the good folks at Pocket Yachts for letting me participate. I'm glad I did it, and also glad to be back home. :mrgreen:
Some observations, in no particular order:
I wonder if I looked as dazed, confused and overwhelmed as I looked at other people's boats in years past as some of the folks looked at mine.
The show dockhands worked as a very well oiled team getting the docks torn down and moved out of the way. I wish that they had gotten us out earlier, but it was neat watching multi-million dollar yachts wiggle and squiggle their way out of the very narrow fairway next to Pussers.
When it was our turn, Capt. Bill Boyer (many thanks for the help!) piloted my boat away from the floating dock as I tried to untangle and organize the fenders and dock lines in the cockpit for trip home.
The wind had been blowing all day from the south, so the usual rollers were out in full force in the Severn River and the bay. Although they seemed bigger at the time (to me, anyway) I'd guess that they topped out at 3-5', with a few compound waves a bit bigger. Not a drop of water made its way into the cabin! We took dozens of waves (seemed like hundreds at the time) over the bow until we turned west to enter the South River, and it was a welcome relief when things calmed down a bit. Slowing the boat down to 6 knots helped get our timing adjusted to reduce the pounding.
The windshield wipers provided occasional rhythmic entertainment, but were often overwhelmed by the deluge.
I was glad that I had added a FLIR thermal camera, which really lit up the buoys and markers at close range. It was especially helpful in my home creek as one of the marinas had the brightest dock lights I've ever seen glaring right into our eyes as we entered the creek. Brighter than two oncoming cars with high beams on. Gotta talk to them about that.
I would not have deliberately chosen to move the boat a night in those conditions, but I'm glad for the experience. The boat did exceptional well and inspired a lot of confidence. As expected, anything not properly stowed or tied down came loose and launched itself. Something big crashed, but I still can't figure out what it was.
Overall this was a terrific experience, and I really appreciate the support from the good folks at Pocket Yachts for letting me participate. I'm glad I did it, and also glad to be back home. :mrgreen: