NorthernFocus
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2014
- Messages
- 1,376
- Location
- Alaska
- Website
- www.northernfocusphotography.com
- Fluid Motion Model
- R-25 Classic
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT25910808
- Vessel Name
- Divine Focus
Since she's not a new boat, maiden voyage just doesn't sound right. But at any rate, after weeks of work in the yard, Monday we finally launched for the first time. We spent a couple of nights and hauled back out this morning. Delivery of our AirHead was delayed so we were without necessary facilities this first trip. But the first mate bore it well.
Other than missing that one key creature comfort, all went well. The weather cooperated with two out of three days being crystal clear and warm. Not the norm for Prince William Sound. Ironically I spent more time installing the heater than any other single thing to-date. We ran it for a couple of hours just on principle.
We did have one "mishap". While backing down during anchoring on the first day, there was a rather loud metallic sounding clunk that could also be felt. We were towing an inflatable at the time and my first panicked thought was that somehow it got bound up under the swim step and we backed over it. But not so. I was unable to locate anything that might have been the source of the event. I continued to ponder/worry over it the rest of the trip. Because I had just shifted into reverse when it occurred and because I felt it in my feet, I feared an issue with the gear was developing. But nothing else happened. The mystery wasn't solved until we hauled the boat and voila, the zinc was missing from the propeller nut. I had noticed that the zinc still had the price tag on it. But it never occurred to me to check and make sure it had been properly installed. It was a relief to find out for sure what it was. And that it was a simple one.
All around it was a pleasant first trip. We've got a few stowage improvements to work on. And the head. But we may actually spend some time on the water over the course of what season remains.
Here she is at anchor and bathed in some lovely evening light.
And another in the same location.
Other than missing that one key creature comfort, all went well. The weather cooperated with two out of three days being crystal clear and warm. Not the norm for Prince William Sound. Ironically I spent more time installing the heater than any other single thing to-date. We ran it for a couple of hours just on principle.
We did have one "mishap". While backing down during anchoring on the first day, there was a rather loud metallic sounding clunk that could also be felt. We were towing an inflatable at the time and my first panicked thought was that somehow it got bound up under the swim step and we backed over it. But not so. I was unable to locate anything that might have been the source of the event. I continued to ponder/worry over it the rest of the trip. Because I had just shifted into reverse when it occurred and because I felt it in my feet, I feared an issue with the gear was developing. But nothing else happened. The mystery wasn't solved until we hauled the boat and voila, the zinc was missing from the propeller nut. I had noticed that the zinc still had the price tag on it. But it never occurred to me to check and make sure it had been properly installed. It was a relief to find out for sure what it was. And that it was a simple one.
All around it was a pleasant first trip. We've got a few stowage improvements to work on. And the head. But we may actually spend some time on the water over the course of what season remains.
Here she is at anchor and bathed in some lovely evening light.
And another in the same location.