08/16 - 08/18 - Bellingham 2019

I know a guy with a multi passenger minivan that is quite reasonable in his prices (about like Uber) that we use often to make our Costco runs. I'm sure he would like to run a group of us over to NMI, and wherever else people want to go. PM me for his contact info.
 
Additional info on vendor advice and source for props:

While many 'on-line' and 'brick and mortar' marine supply sources sell props, I've found that a reliable and competitive source for excellent prop advice is:
Henry H. Smith and Co, 1880 Fruit Rd., Algonac, Michigan 48001, 1-800-338-8900. They are recommended by West Maine for prop reconditioning, repairs, prop advise, prop use guidelines, specs, etc. They have a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee, etc, and ship anywhere in the US. They have been in business for over 100yrs in the Great Lakes area.
I found myself getting easily confused as to props, reconditioning, replacement by the retailers and got quickly 'educated' by the folks at Smith's! Many factors involved as cited above and some good insight into "physics', functional and location uses, personal 'speed' habits too....

John Roark
CD-16C
 
Hey, Bellinghamsters.

I called today to confirm we have about 10 boats motoring on in on the 16th, and they'll have a designated space for us reserved on P-Dock. Let me add that there'll be room for more boats if some folks have a touch of FOMO or decide late that they too would like to be a part of this magnificent event. P-Dock is the same one we've used in past years, and rookies, it's easy and will be evident once you're a little bit inside the harbor. The office closes at 5 p.m., but that won't be an impediment to mobility or fee payment. They gave me the gate code but asked that I abstain from announcing it on the worldly web. PM me for that.

Melissa and Doug, good to know you'll be there.
Steve, you did say you work part time with Dan at his Orcas bike shop, yes? I biked there on 6/26 to say hi to him and we talked bikes for 45 minutes. Love that island time mentality...
Johnd, happy to hear you're going to drop by, too. No sign-up needed for the NMI shop tour. I spoke with Factory Mark today and he said they could transport some of us to the shop in Fairhaven if needed. Let's talk about transportation and I'll pass that along to Mark.
Lastly, Greg, have fun in Iceland! We'll miss you and you family this year.
 
Hello. I've got my fingers crossed that I'll be there in an as-yet-unnamed 1993 16' Cruiser. Not sure if I'll be keeping it at the marina those nights or in our driveway... I'm not even sure how to operate one of these things or what the true seaworthiness of this vessel is.

Should be a blast.

And thanks again for the info the past few weeks. My family thinks this is hilarious.

Also we'd be glad to help with transportation or whatever if anyone needs.
 
bmcminn, thanks for jumping on and offering to chauffer these fine attendees. We'll soon know more about transportation needs.
By the way, I've heard really good things about that 16' C-Dory, but gosh, that's a pretty small boat for such big water out there. Better be careful.

Speaking of turnout, did anyone happen to see the documentary about Woodstock last night on PBS? Safe to say hosting it was a little more involved than a Brat rendezvous. Frantic to locate a site after the initial one fell through, they had about three months to put that gig together. I hear people texted and word spread quickly.
 
I missed the Woodstock show - both the real one and the TV one last night. I turned on the TV just as it was ending. You are right about the texting but it was not quick at all. Those old rotary phones took some time to compose txt msgs.

I tried to make it all work for us to join you up there for B’ham but obviously I didn’t try hard enough because there is too much going on down here.

Too bad, I even have the boat on the trailer right now. Had to bring it home to clean it up for a boat parade next Saturday. The granddaughter of my late best friend for whom the boat is named is the county’s Outstanding Teen this year so I offered to take her on the boat for the boat parade and in the black convertible for the land parade. Still not for certain but will put up some pics if it all happens.

Have fun and a safe CBGT. I’ll be down here invaded by family for the next couple weeks.
 
I signed up for this event, but I am still not sure if I will be able to go - I know it is hard to plan when people say maybe, but that is all I know at the moment.

It sounds like it would be a lot of fun and I would be interested in going on the cruise afterward.
 
Mike, thanks for the trying to make the trek to Bellingham. There's always next year. But gosh, the reason you can't is a pretty special one. Tyler's granddaughter is your county's Outstanding Teen? What an honor. I'm guessing she was chosen over hundreds or thousands of other teens. That's just fantastic, and he would have been so proud. My parents would have fainted in disbelief.

Gypsy, with all the moving parts in our lives it's sure understandable if you can't make it. Keep in touch. I believe several of us are headed up your way Sunday the 18th.

Also, I wanted to gauge our inclination for a Saturday potluck. In past years at Bellingham we've done both the dock potluck or Anthony's, as well as festival eating--whatever folks desired. It depended on participation. It's evident I'm pretty lousy at food organization--single guy, what do you expect--but I can cheerlead the group's choice pretty good. I like the idea of an extended happy hour with nibble-ables and conversation.
 
Hi Folks... my wife and I attended this gathering a few years ago and really enjoyed it. We had planned to make it again this year but our grandparent responsibilities have acted to preclude it. However, I’m now pleased to say we’ll still get up there for some extended cruising so maybe we will still see some of you on the water. Looks like we should arrive in Bellingham several days after the gathering has ended and then launch, provision, and organize, and then start cruising! We plan to play in both the San Juan and Gulf Islands, and hopefully spend a few days in Victoria as well. We’ll be in a maroon trimmed Venture model with an inflatable Sea Eagle kayak on top (if underway) - and proudly flying a C-Brats burgee! Hope to see - or at least wave at - some of you!

Rob (& Mary)
 
C-Gypsy, there are no group plans as yet--and may not be--but on this vacation I'd like to scoot up to Newcastle Isl. pretty quickly. If it's not too crazy-crowded, I want to see Desolation Sound, and have dinner at Blind Channel. Problem is, there's just too many cool places along the way, and it would be fun to poke around with others into Genoa, Montague, Ladysmith, Wallace, et al. So like catnip, I can get distracted. But if the wind is favorable or variable, that's the time to put some miles under the hull. I haven't been north of Powell River since our '05 Brat Cruise.

Rob and Mary, you very likely will see some of us out and about on your trip. By the way, I remember talking with you in Bellingham and hoping to one day get a Cape Cruiser like yours. Good to hear you'll once again be cruising the Salish Sea. I'd also like to get down to Victoria one of these days.
 
CAT CLAW will launch Wed. in Blaine for the opening of crab season and motor to Bellingham Fr. if sea conditions are fair. If not the vehicle will get there. Lew
 
Daydream's crew will supply sweet rolls, orange juice, and bananas for a Saturday morning breakfast. Also we would encourage anyone with a long table to bring it if you have room.
 
johnd":q6svpbco said:
"NMI Factory Tour confirmed for Saturday (8/17) at 10AM."

My wife and I will be able to make it up for the factory tour. I have been a lurking and asking seemingly random questions for the past 2 years so it will be a pleasure to get a chance to meet some you. We have just finished our first year with our starter boat and are excited to take our next step. Beyond the factory tour I am not sure if there are any scheduled activities. After our C-Brats visits are done we are going back to school shopping at the outlet malls on the way home.

If possible we would love to visit with some of you and perhaps step aboard to get a better feeling and see what is possible. Time and weather permitting a ride on a 25 would be amazing, I don't want to inconvenience anyone so I am willing to bribe (food offerings, gas, wine or beer).


I have been in contact with the fine folks at Master Marine for the better part of year now also asking them seemingly random (but helpful to me) questions. I believe we are also going to get a chance to visit their showroom.

Originally we were going to bring the kids, but Grandma has requested them for the day so it is a win-win-win-win (us, kids, grandma, you not having to listen to them) :wink

As always, thank you for your time. I hope to meet as many of you as possible Saturday.

-Troy
 
Lew, glad you can make it this year. I recall you in past years, and I couldn't miss your boat with eight inch tall "CAT CLAW" on your cabin.
Pat, thanks for including Saturday morning comestibles. That's really nice of you. I'll add some fruit, maybe cantaloupe, because people like that lots more than bacon and sausage.
Troy, after the Saturday morning tour I think most of us return to our boats at Squalicum. But some may tour and shop along the way. Regardless, after noon is a good time to talk to attendees about their particular boat.
 
Really looking forward to this one, thanks Will and Brock for putting this together! If all goes well, I plan to hit the water Thurs night after work, not sure if I'll stay on the boat in Anacortes or make the run to B'ham if there's enough daylight. If Sunday is slightly calmer than 2016 (below), hope to depart early Sunday and see how far north I can make it into Canada and then spend the week coming back.

SundayStorm7.sized.jpg
 
Hey all...two things.

First, due to circumstances beyond my control - I don't have a boat available - I can't make it. :cry:

Please be nice to Brock. He's running this gig solo now. Buy him a pizza, tell him you like his haircut, anything really - it doesn't take much with him.

Second, and the more important update: We've just heard from the factory, and they need to move up the factory tour to 9:30AM.. Also, they need to know if anyone needs a lift - so please respond here ASAP if you need a ride over so they can help out.

Have fun, C-Brat pals.
 
Thanks, Will. Yeah, pizza's good, not much hair to cut or style, and it's the nose ring that I hope they'll like.

Now this: Ladies and gentlemen, the potluck is back by popular demand. Actually, it never left, and the plan is to get together on the dock Saturday at 5 p.m. Don't stress over what to bring, just something you think people will like. Cheetos count, and hot dogs are fun and easy when boating. We can use my butane stove. A very good grocery store is less than two miles from the marina. And desserts, they're always a hit. In fact, since life is short, some might even have dessert first. Hey, that would make a good boat name.

And just like a Carnival cruise, after dinner we have entertainment for your pleasure and amusement. Suffice to say, we're all the entertainers. A trivia game is planned, so practice up, and then--get this--a sing-along! I know what you're thinking, but after a few more sips of your favorite libation, we'll evolve from ravens to robins. Visualize Peter, Paul and Mary.
:cocktail
 
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