All,
As we have Bob at the top of the posting list and now I notice that here is a "Poll" which I did not even know existed as a site function (learn something everyday the old dog does); why not just pick a time/day for the first meeting, send out the invite a day or two early to short circuit the lurkers (do we have lurkers? I know some of us have caught lunkers!), use the Password Function, enter in thru the Waiting Room, and see what happens?
As we are C-BRATS and therefore will have lots of opinions, may I suggest a bold member send out the invites for this coming Wednesday at 7am PST? Earlier would work for many I am sure, but we have those who are not "Left Coast" on board and some may work (what is that - have I forgot?). The other end of the day works well also, 6pm is popular. Sunday is a busy day for many of us with lots of Zoom meetings already.
As you can upload not only your Background Screen but also you can use the Share Screen function to upload pictures, documents, drawings, and even video - we could have a good old time.
Having been through a few of these Zoom startups, I suggest the first meeting deal with a gentle tutorial on the Zoom functions. It really helps to have a list of functions and tools that will be discussed and even better yet, if someone uses a "loose cannon" - that is an aim able camera, the portion of the screen in question/discussion can be zoomed in on Zoom, not all the buttons are self-evident. The host has some unique screen tools and so this job is best left to an "Assistant" with a participant shared screen up and running.
How about having the meeting hosted from someone's C-DORY, better yet, one that is in the water and moving! Or host from your Man Cave and show us your toys.
Some topics that I suggest:
#1 I would really like to learn how to use a tablet and lesser cost navigation software. Guess I am slow and often do not get the drift of what I read, video is better for me.
#2 Engine choices, especially two vs four stroke are always interesting. I like Yamaha, own a small Mercury, have serviced a fleet of 9.9's by both Honda and Yamaha, been on many a panga running a baling wire motor, like the smaller Tohatsu motors , and am intrigued by the 300 hour service interval of the Evinrudes.
#3 Panbo articles on radios, cell boosters, and the like are sometimes over my head but I am interested.
#4 "Dinks, Drunks, and Dunks" as we called tenders in my sailing days is always a good topic. I would love to find a dink that is light, takes a 2.5hp motor or more, is easy to row (with oras that fit inside the boat), stable, unsinkable, able to be beached without damage to the bottom, ready to hoist aboard (and it would be great if it can be flipped upside down without losing a few digits), comes with lockable deck chocks, has a way to fit a tight storm proof but vented cover, has good permanent fender/side wale protection, has some truly watertight storage, can be sailed using a Sabot/El Toro/Opti/generic windsurfer rig that breaks down for in-board storage, seats two plus stuff/one dog or three in a pinch, and is low cost/low maintenance!!!
I must be bored, retired, or stir crazy in Nevada lock down, or all three!!! Thanks so much for letting a guy with no C-DORY be a C-Brat for so many years.
Bob Jarrard
bobjarrard@gmail.com
PS: I know Jim (former owner of Wild Blue) is always checking in here, he is
way tech smart and has a good grasp on so many topics, not the least of which is "Pets on a small boat - good idea or disaster about to happen?)! BJ
I'd certainly love to have a way to show my progress in real time and get advice on my repairs, but I, personally, might prefer one-on-one?