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
