gearing up for loop april 2023

[piglet 2013]

I have a 2013 c 28. We spent last winter on her in SW Florida, and noted a few areas that need to be addressed before our big journey on the great loop next April.. First v berth, I ended up removing the entire dinette with cushions making a new platform in a more v berth shape allowing a little better access to getting in and out of the v berth. I am now looking to make a new mattress for the new platform. Have been looking at layers of latex in different densities and would like some feed back on anyone that has gone this route. Second a Comfortable place to sit! We like to sit with our feet up so I am working on a foot rest extension that will flip up on each end the dinette seats basically sitting sideways on the seats with back against the starboard window wall. working on foam backrests to lean against the wall. Anyone tried this? Over the winter I sewed up side curtains with screens and rollup U windows for the Bimini making an aft enclosure. The cockpit upholstery flip seat and side bolsters were showing wear and recovered them at the same time. Changed the colors to match the interior upholstery as I needed to match the interior upholstery for the footrest addition. I have decided to remove the wine chiller as we are not wine drinkers and could use the storage space. Made a teak door to match the other teak doors in the galley. We have the breakfast nook! in the front stateroom and decided to remove the microwave, sink and coffee make. In there place I made another teak cabinet to replace these items. Anyone tried to shower in the head?
Looks to be a challenge, we stayed in a marina and used the facilities there and did not try to shower on board. We plan to stay in marinas on the loop but will most likely need to anchor out now and then so I am going to make a rear canvass curtain to hang around the rear overhang on rear door to use as a shower area with the outside sink. Finally I know this post is getting long!!!!! I am looking at the purchase of a Takacat dingy anyone have one and can tell me pros cons thanks for any and all help. I am sur I will get requests for pictures but I am several ours away from the boat and will not be back for several weeks

 

[Gypsy]

I also have a C28 and will be starting the Loop this Spring from the James River in Virginia. I have made several modifications to my boat that you might be interested in - too many to list here. I have sent you a PM should you be interested in sharing ideas.

 

[EdHat]

That’s a trip I would like to take. I have a R23 and live in NY we have been to lake Champlain and in the Erie Canal through lock 22. We keep the boat in the Hudson River at Peekskill. If that is the route you will be taking I can recommend some places to stay or just drop anchor. Let me know if I can help you out or meet up along the way. Either way enjoy your trip

 

[piglet 2013]

Splashed Piglet yesterday. The loop journey is starting to feel real. I will be running around locally for a few weeks and if all systems are good we will begin the loop in . Last things we did we paint bottom extended trim tabs 3". installed rear facing camera. made an outside shower with canvass enclosure around rear overhang. Still have numerous things on my list that may or may not get completed before we leave. welded up a new outboard storage bracket for the stern as the old steel one was terribly rusty. now need to install the weaver davits to the new Takacat dinghy.