Mae-C: Storm Dog's adventure

gulfcoast john · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2020 8:44 am Post subject:

Sherman Cove marina, tiny entrance through a demolished bridge at R8. Slow to idle and hug the red bouys on entering the narrow cut. No speed limit in the cut, crazy.
John

hardee · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2020 2:27 pm Post subject:

gulfcoast john · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2020 9:34 pm Post subject: Storm Dog is Home

Storm Dog posted in a PM that he arrived at his Biloxi goal safe and sound around 3PM yesterday, a bit tired but happy.

He is a very modest and mellow fellow (unlike me), so he will fit right in the C-Brats community (unlike me).

He is looking for a used trailer for his CD25, so PM him if you have any leads.

He wants one so he can trailer back up to the Hudson River and DO IT AGAIN, only FASTER!

Just Kidding!

We hope he posts his Best and Worst experiences, and what worked and did not for his impressive journey.

And a hat tip to his wife, who allowed him to do this without Her. It all worked out.

Best boating wishes for them both! Congratulations are in order for this skipper who did half the loop in a CD25 without it being a Looper Dream Boat for a 1% couple with a 45 ft boat who planned it for 3 years before actually starting it!

Hats off to ... Glenn and spouse!

John and Eileen

hardee · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2020 3:04 am Post subject:

First off -- John, what makes you think you don't fit in here Shocked

From this side it sounds/looks like you fit like a glove. (Always enjoy your posts.)

And glad to hear Glenn made it in OK. WOW, what a quick trip, and accomplished it in a new to him boat. Hope we get to hear some expansion on his trip.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

thataway · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2020 5:51 pm Post subject:

Quick trip? He did almost half the "Great Loop" in about 6 weeks! ! ! I hope that when all settles down, he will put together the "story" and photos. I talked or texted with him almost every night--and there are a lot of fun details.

Hats off to Glenn.

hardee · Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 6:48 pm Post subject:

Seems, like it was about 6 weeks and near 2500 miles, so close to 60 miles a day, average. Seemed quick to me. That many miles everyday could wear on you and then there are some layover days so miles to make up.

I had one day, from Sequim to Brownsbay, BC, just north of Campbell River, 17 hours and slightly over 225 statute miles. Had perfect weather and hit the tide gates in usable times, (Dodd and Seymour), but I would not want to run like that multiple days in a row.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

thataway · Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 10:34 pm Post subject:

Harvey, I was affirming that this was a very quick trip! Most people take a year, some as much as 3 years to do the "loop".

Try keeping up with Jim Gibson. As I recollect we did about 800 miles in 14 days of travel...on the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. Glen was making this amount for 2400 miles. I thought Jim's "Cruise" was fast...

Storm Dog · Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2020 3:41 pm Post subject:

Happy Independence Day everyone!

I completed my journey 4 days ago. Since that day I've been re-adapting to my life ashore in Biloxi. General maintenance, and various other sundry tasks as auto repair, grounds upkeep, electrical, plumbing, and the nightly task of checking my eyelids for holes.

My total mileage: 2487 miles
Duration of voyage: 40 days

I haven't tabulated the financial costs yet. All in all the trip was a positive experience. It showed me I mostly have the wherewithal to thrive under different environmental conditions previously not experienced. I also realized the C-Brats group is one of the most friendly and helpful organizations to help me accomplish my voyage. On my journey I've also had mostly helpful people in most locations to make the passage a bit easier.

I've gone from a rookie boater to to someone that knows how to get from point a to point b on the water, over hundreds of miles.

I still have a lot to learn about the various nav and weather apps to become proficient in the marine environment.

Some of my likes / dislikes:

Dislikes

Head shower drain, I haven't completely disassembled the pluming yet, but it doesn't drain

C-Dory handling in chop. Many sledgehammer blows to the hull and my spine in the learning curve to avoid this rough part of seamenship

Sticky throttle; won't allow me to make smooth speed changes, like not being able to smoothly go from 17 to 20 mph, but sticks to the point of going from 17 to 23 unintentionally, etc

Shoaling

Footing on the helm storage cover, if barefoot and wet, feet can slide and jam toes painfully into bulkhead

Height of helm and dinette positions, maybe bring along a one-step footstool to aid transition

Likes

Suzuki 150 outboard motor. smooth, reliable, powerful

Vulcan anchor- slipped only once in many nights of anchoring out

Windlass-essential to efficient and solo anchoring

Radar-operate in zero visibility in conjunction with the chart recorder, can help spot nav markers miles away, not to mention other craft

My green sunbrella window covers provide privacy and blocking of intense glare and sunlight

Vacuum oil extractor allows diy oil change on the high seas

Black Napkins-music and entertainment available with cell signals with smartphone wifi hotspot

Sirius XM

Other thoughts--

I felt the cockpit use limited due to no cover from the elements and flying insects

Should have a small microwave

Last but not least-Air Conditioning essential to comfort, cleanliness, sanity, health in the American Deep south.

All I have at this time. Thaks again everyone for your support, comments, and interest.

Storm Dog

thataway · Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2020 11:29 pm Post subject:

Molly Brown · Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2020 11:36 am Post subject:

Glenn....
You'll be on a learning curve for some time, maybe forever like me.
Congrats on arriving safe with the boat intact. The adventure continues.....

James