Seadee - Andy Allen's Cruising Blog

Seadee.com

2010-06-02T19:02:00.000-04:00

The new Seadee.com is online and will now be my current site. Please follow this link to Seadee.com for current updates.

Clewiston, Stuart and home

2010-03-24T17:21:00.000-04:00

The Tiki bar at Roland Martins Marina was our home for a night as we staged our crossing of Lake Okeechobee.

The 451,000 acre lake and 154 mile long Okeechobee waterway extends from the Atlantic Ocean at Stuart Florida, to the Gulf of Mexico at Ft. Myers, Florida. The Okeechobee waterway runs through Lake Okeechobee and is made up of two rivers theCaloosahatchee River to the west of the lake and the St. Lucie Canal east of the lake.

Manatee Pocket was our anchoring spot, completing our circumnavigation of Southern Florida. We made it back to Merritt Island in one day, 11 hours on the water to return home. Dinner at El Tucan and sleep. Many thanks to Jim Lucas for joining me on this adventure. Lets do it again some time.

Marco, Naples, Ft. Myers and the lake

2010-03-24T17:06:00.001-04:00

Marco Island signals the return to Florida as most see it. We took the inside route to Naples using the west coast ICW. It was a bit of a shock to see so much boat traffic after our days in the Everglades. We tied up at a marina right downtown. Walked to dinner with some of Jim's friends and ran into another Great Harbour owner at the bar. Small world. We are a month into the trip at this point.

The Caloosahatchee River and Basin, in southwest Florida, stretch 70 miles westward from the western edge of Lake Okeechobee to San Carlos Bay. The Caloosahatchee River was originally a shallow, meandering river with headwaters in the proximity of Lake Hicpochee. In 1882, Hamilton Disston dug a canal linking Lake Okeechobee through Lake Hicpochee to the Caloosahatchee River. To accommodate navigation, flood control, and land reclamation needs, several drainage districts channeled the river further between 1905 and 1927. Many canals were constructed along its banks in support of the agricultural communities along the river.

The West Coast - Everglades

2010-03-24T16:48:00.000-04:00

We decided to go back to Merritt Island via Florida's west coast. This route took us north into Gulf and our first landfall was the Little Shark River in the Everglades. This is really a beautiful place. Quiet, remote. More quiet than we liked, because the generator failed to start again. Two sailboats joined us at anchor in the river.

Key West - A Silly Place

2010-03-24T15:38:00.000-04:00

More generator problems kept us in Key West for several days. Not a bad place to be stuck. Bars, Bars, T-shirt shops, Bars. Did I miss anything? We got a chance to hook up with Roger and Jackie from Pelican (another N37) while in Key West. A nice dinner and an impromptu fishing trip.

We ate the snapper for dinner. Good stuff.

Rachel Key, World Wide Sportsman, Marathon Marina

2010-03-24T15:17:00.000-04:00

Cold temps continued thru our trip. Dead fish, caused by the extended cold temps, floated by as we made our way west into the middle keys. We stayed on the ICW route which takes us on the northern side of the keys. The water is shallow and we took care to stay in the well marked channel. This part of the keys is very similar to cruising in the Abacos. Shallow clear water, small mangrove islands and easy navigation.

World Wide Sportsman. Ok, I'm not a big fisherman. Jim had been in this place once on a previous trip. We anchored just off shore and put down the dingy for a tour and dinner. It's a Bass Pro shop on steroids. complete with a Hemingway replica boat.

After experiencing some generator problems, we found a slip in Marathon Marina. Marathon is a popular destination for cruisers, many picking up a mooring in the city marina. Not an option for us because of the gen problem. We found a mechanic to work on the gen and enjoyed some days on land. I found some softball players amongst the cruisers and we played several games in the city park. Lots of fun. Marathon is a great spot to provision and to hang. We stayed for a few days and moved on to Key West.

First stop, NO NAME PUB.

Pizza. The best in the Keys. Yep. We anchored the boat, put down the dingy and headed over for lunch. It was so good, we went back for dinner. Hard to find, and worth the trip.

South Florida

2010-01-25T11:41:00.000-05:00

South Florida, by boat is an impressive experience. The ICW is a narrow canal separating multi million boats and homes from more of the same on the other side. About every fifth boat/property is for sale. It could all be yours.

We stopped in the Turnberry Isles Marina in Aventura to do some laundry, fix our dingy and get some exercise. While there, we were introduced to the 5 Guys burger. This is one of the best fast food burgers anywhere. Also had a wonderful meal at Paquitos, a nice Mexican joint. After a couple of laps around the golf course, we were off.

Here are some photos of the sites along the ICW as we made our way to Miami.

Cold temps kept the boat traffic to a minimum as we navigated all of the bridges.

After passing Miami, we entered Biscayne Bay. Open water for about 20 miles.

Jewfish Creek is a tiny cut through the mangroves. It feels like the gateway into the Keys. We anchored off of Key Largo behind a little private island called Pumpkin.

Palm Beach

2010-01-10T20:57:00.000-05:00

The trip from Stuart to Palm Beach on the ICW would makes one believe that the entire world is made of millionaires. Who lives in theses places? Like Beverly hills on the water. The boats? They just keep getting bigger and bigger.

The last time Seadee traveled this stretch, the boat traffic resembled I-95 at rush hour. This time, the cold temps reduced the traffic to almost nothing. We passed 3 sailboats heading south and saw 3 boats heading north, all day. Jim got a great shot of the Jupiter lighthouse and we passed the home of Cardinals Spring training baseball on the way to Palm Beach.

Still cold here. But, the forecast calls for better temps this week. Tonight - we'll crank up the heat one more time.

Can It get any Colder?

2010-01-10T20:21:00.000-05:00

We spent two nights at anchor in Manatee Pocket (Stuart) Fl. The generator ran non stop to provide heat for our crew. The crew now consisted of Annie and Troy joining Jim and Capt Andy. It's been hard to stay warm with outside temps in the 30s. Strong winds out of the North brought the wind chill temps down to the 20s. Hey, I know it's much colder elsewhere, but this is Florida.

Troy and Annie took the dingy out for a spin on Sat.

Football followed by Steaks on the grill followed by more football. The weather was just too nasty for anything else.

It was great having Annie and Troy on board. They had to return to Gainesville Sun morn and after delivering them to shore via frozen dingy, we prepared to move the boat down the ICW to Palm Beach.

Key West - We need some warmth

2010-01-07T23:14:00.001-05:00

After several trips interrupted by mechanical problems, we are moving the boat south on the ICW. As I write this, we are watching the BCS game at anchor south of Melbourne. It was beautiful, but cool on the water today. Jim Lucas is onboard with me and we are already having a ball.

On Xmas day, our trip was cut short after we lost an impeller on the starboard engine. We crawled back to the marina on one engine and enjoyed dinner aboard, but tied to the dock. It was great having my sons, Geoff and David on Merritt Island.

New Years eve was spoiled by a port engine that wouldn't start. Again, a nice dinner aboard but tied to the dock. Annie and I had a wonderful meal, yes the filet was over cooked but the wine was outstanding.

It's nice to be back on the water. We've anchored just behind a little island in light winds.

Our first night at anchor on this trip.

Seadee makeover

2009-12-02T10:31:00.000-05:00

Seadee has been in the water since May 2007. Time for a "makeover". New bottom paint, wax the hull, inspect the running gear and change the zincs on the prop shafts. I choose Scorpion Marine in Port Canaveral to do the work. They have a huge travel lift, required for a 16ft beam and 34 thousand pound boat. A diver cleans the boat bottom about every 6 weeks to keep the barnacles and marine growth to a minimum. That job will now be a little easier with fresh bottom paint.

Plans are in the works for some new cruising. Xmas with my sons and a trip to the Keys in Jan.

May 11 Shuttle launch

2009-05-11T15:02:00.006-04:00

Under a dry, hot, cloud-washed Florida sky, space shuttle Atlantis roars off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida with its crew of seven for a rendezvous with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The launch was on time at 2:01 p.m. EDT. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes the Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph.

I took these shots from the cruise ship terminal at Cape Canaveral. Only 8 more shuttle launches are scheduled.

Spring Training Cruise

2009-04-07T12:05:00.005-04:00

Using SeaDee as a base of operations, the Allen's enjoyed several Cardinal spring training games in Jupiter Fl.

My brother Tim and his family:

Geoff and Mimi:

and the delivery crew: Larry, Captn Andy, Annie and Jim.

Even David Allen dropped in for dinner one night. It was great fun getting everyone together. This trip is becoming an annual event. A year's worth of hot dogs consumed in 4 days. Big thanks to Annie for helping to get the boat down to Stuart and Jim and Larry, for crewing on the way back.

SeaDee to Stuart

2009-03-22T21:24:00.003-04:00

It's spring training time! seaDee has been moved to Stuart and will serve as our base of operations for Cardinals games. Annie took this shot of our breakfast at anchor: Bacon, Berries and Brut.

Very windy conditions, 15-25 kts out of the east, made anchoring a little difficult. It took us several tries to get the anchor set and the night was full of creaks and groans as the relentless winds put strain on the anchor chain.

NASA Rocket Launch

2009-03-07T11:26:00.008-05:00

Not much cruising news as SeaDee has largely been tied to the dock with the exception of some short weekend trips.

The Delta II rocket carrying the Kepler planet-hunting spacecraft lifted off on time at 10:49 p.m. EST March 6 2009, from Launch Complex 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The spectacular nighttime launch followed a smooth countdown free of technical issues or weather concerns. These rocket launches, as well as, the even more spectacular shuttle launches, are not to be missed if you are in the Merritt Island area. This rocket was visible for more than 7 minutes after liftoff.

Kepler's mission: to peer closely at a patch of space for at least three-and-a-half years, looking for rocky planets similar our own. The spacecraft will target an area rich with stars like our sun, watching for a slight dimming in the starlight as planets slip through the space between. More info at NASA.

Big Fun in Nantucket

2008-06-17T09:11:00.004-04:00

How big? 46 inches! Attending Espo's batch party, organized by John Madison, one day was devoted to a fishing excursion. Two boats, and boasting rights at stake, we set out into the cold misty morning in search of the big fish. The two boats caught a collective 122 fish, including 13 stripped bass (the rest Blue Fish). This fish fed 12 with plenty to spare.

Espo and Madison

Shuttle Launch

2008-06-01T22:33:00.004-04:00

One of the benefits of my new Merritt Island location is the proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. On May 31, at 5:02pm, NASA launched the shuttle Discovery. Viewing the launch from seaDee's dingy, I shot some video. The NASA web site has some great multimedia and you can follow this link for more info on this current mission.

Here's my video: Shuttle Launch

Mettitt Island FL

2008-05-22T14:33:00.003-04:00

Memorial weekend, Christina Sea (N47) and seaDee will cruise down the east coast of Florida. George and Christie will continue on to Marco, hopefully, through the canal, and seaDee will enter the Banana River and tie up at it's new home in Merritt Island FL. Our trip should take 3 days. Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Daytona, Titusville and across the Cape Canaveral Canal to the Banana River.

Marina Village will be seaDee's new home. Photos to follow.

Green Cove Springs

2008-03-30T15:03:00.004-04:00

The Bahamas loop is complete. seaDee is now at rest in Green Cove Springs. The cruising will pause now while I take care of some business back in NJ/NYC.

I hit a pocket of cool, windy weather on the way up the east coast of FL. Rain and winds from the north kept me in the cabin and off the flybridge until the last day. The sun returned on the cruise from St. Augustine to GCS and the water was beautiful.

Early morning mist:

West Palm Beach

2008-03-15T18:28:00.002-04:00

12 Hours of 3-5 waves from the NW early, 6-8 swells from the NE late. The prediction was 2-4 waves and 10-15kt winds...oh well - so much for forecasts. Now in WPB with Geoff. Hanging at the beach, hitting some golf balls and spring training baseball. All good.

Geoff

We spent one afternoon at the Breakers. Nice joint.

Goodbye Marsh Harbour

2008-03-10T20:19:00.003-04:00

I'm preparing to leave Marsh Harbour early on Wed morning. The route is Marsh Harbour to Great Sail Cay on Wed. Great Sail to West Palm Beach Thurs. Two 12 hour days. The weather looks good and you can't miss a good weather window when it comes along. The next post should come Thurs night/Fri morning from West Palm Beach.

Walking the Eastern Shore

2008-02-29T10:41:00.004-05:00

Our little group of walkers will pick a course every morning for a 3-4mile hike. One of the routes takes us to the end of the Eastern Shore. Beautiful homes and vistas line both sides of the dirt road.

Pete's Pub - Little Harbour

2008-02-21T12:26:00.007-05:00

15 miles or so to the South of Boat Harbor, a 2hr cruise on seaDee, is a beautiful, small, fully protected anchorage called Little Harbour. Founded by Randolph Johnston in the 1950s as a art colony, as well as, his home. His son Pete now runs the place, and next to the foundry where artists still work in bronze, is Pete's Pub. It's an open air bar, the main road runs right thru it, that serves a fine grouper sandwich and cold beer.

A path leads you over the hill behind the bar and out to the Atlantic.

My buddy Jim tries his hand at the ring game. Notice the bra hanging on the wooden support on the left. I've been to bars that will cut off your tie if wear one. Pete's, apparently has different rules.

The beach on the other side is a mix of sand and rock carved over time by the Atlantic.

Superbowl in the Bahamas

2008-02-05T23:06:00.000-05:00

What a great game. Even more fun to have the Becces onboard for the game. A 3 mile walk in the morning, an afternoon at the pool, followed by burgers on the grill.

Rosalie and Denise (a guest on Wink and Wilma's boat) admire the sites along our walking route

Dressed in full battle gear, Mike watches the game from the lower helm.

Rosalie kept us in the game with pasta in clam sauce. A day in Hopetown was another highlight of their visit.

The weather this week has been outstanding. The day after the superbowl, Wink and Wilma had me out on the reef snorkeling. Crystal clear water and warm sunny days with light winds. Now, if we could just pull a lobster out of a hole.

A day at Great Guana Cay

2008-01-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

The settlement at Great Guana Cay is one of the smallest in the central part of Abaco, but is growing. Approx 200 people call this Cay home. The Great Guana reef protects a 5 mile beach. Nippers Bar and Grill overlooks the beach from high atop a dune. These photos are from Nippers. When visiting, be careful of "the Nipper". 4 or more may cause your eyes to permanently cross.

Marsh Harbour, Bahamas

2008-01-18T09:49:00.000-05:00

We left Lake Worth, (West Palm Beach) at 5am Sunday Jan 13. Two hours before sunrise. Gentle swells greeted us at the inlet. Winds from the South were forecast, - good for a crossing of the Gulf Stream which is a strong current to the North East at about 3kts. We arrived at the Bahamas Bank about 12:30pm. Beautiful Blue/Green water, 12-15 ft deep signaled the arrival.

We pressed on to Mangrove Cay and anchored for the night. Spanish Cay was our next destination. Only two other boats were in the marina when we docked. Encountered my first problem. When I engauged the bow thruster, nothing happened. Thankfully, I tried it while Wink and Wilma were docking and I was standing off in open water. Even though the winds had picked up, docking was no problem. A night of fishing and drinking followed. We ate our catch and required another night in the marina to recover from the drinking, or, at least I did, and set off for Marsh Harbour.

At Marsh Harbour, we had plenty of help on the dock. Several Great Harbour boaters already here, were waiting for us to help with lines. seaDee and John Henry are secure, and it's nice to be in one place for a couple of days.

From the Bahamas Guide:

Abaco Island has naturally protected waters and dozens of offshore cays covering over 130 square miles of aquamarine water. The Abacos are a pleasure to yachtsmen and fishing enthusiasts. It is referred to as the sailing capital of the world. Here you will find excellent marinas, guides and boats for hire as well as a championship golf course, one of seven in The Bahamas, the others being in Nassau, Freeport, Abaco and Eleuthera.

Abaco is the third most populous island in The Bahamas and bears a resemblance to New England from which it attracts so many of its visitors and winter residents. Marsh Harbour is the commercial centre located on Great Abaco.

Home to the famous red and white striped lighthouse, Abaco with its numerous offshore cays and reef protected waters, once served as a safe harbor for British loyalists during the American Revolution. The first settlement on Abaco Was Carleton Point, located at the northern end of Treasure Cay a luxury resort development. Carleton was settled in 1783 by 600 Loyalists refugees from New York, fleeing the newly independent United States. Now it serves a more useful purpose as the one of the most favorite destinations among yachtsman the world over.

Filled with excellent marinas and boats for hire, not to mention a championship golf course, Abaco truly is a sailor's paradise.Its two major islands, Great Abaco and Little Abaco, have a myriad of small cays flanking the mainland. The sea channel between the islands allows for good cruising. Abaco, located in the northern Bahamas, typically boats pine forests and is frequented by hunters of wild boar and ducks. Its waters abound with fish, including the marlin and sailfish. It also has bonefishing flats.

Other settlements include its northern cays, such as Walker’s Cay and the Grand Cays; Crown Haven and Fox Town in Little Abaco, and Cooper’s Town on Great Abaco; Green Turtle Cay, Hope Town, Moore’s Island, the tourist resort of Castaways Cay, Great Guana Cay, Cherokee Sound, Little Harbour, Hole-in-the-Wall, Sandy Point, Crossing Rock, Spring City and Man-O-War Cay

Goodbye ICW

2008-01-12T20:29:00.000-05:00

Red Bank NJ to West Palm Beach FL. My trip on the ICW ends tonight. John Henry and seaDee will depart Lake Worth (West Palm) at 4:30am Sunday and begin our trip to the Bahamas. Our first landfall should be Memory Rock at 1pm Sunday afternoon. Then we'll move across the Bahamas Bank towards Marsh Harbour. We expect to be in Marsh Harbour Monday.

Mosquito Lagoon

2008-01-10T19:17:00.000-05:00

Back on the boat after a short trip back to NJ/NYC. Happy New Year! Green Cove Springs to St. Augustine yesterday. A 20 minute trip by car is a 7 hour trip by boat!! Today, we made it to Mosquito Lagoon. We? Traveling with Wink and Wilma on John Henry, a Great Harbour 47. Nice to have a buddy boat. Our plan is to move down the east coast of Florida to West Palm and cross to the Bahamas when we get the right weather.

The trip from Green Cove Springs to St. Augustine took us through downtown Jacksonville

The John Henry (Wink and Wilma's boat) enters St. Augustine harbor

This guy needs to get a better understanding of tides and depth charts

Another beautiful sunset on the water

I've never been successful in capturing a dolphin with the still camera. But, I did get some video!

SeaDee rests in Green Cove Springs

2007-11-17T17:02:00.001-05:00

We woke to a clear, calm, cloudless sky. The water was like glass. We even had favorable currents all the way to Green Cove Springs where seaDee now rests. It was another amazing day cruising. Jim is now back in NYC/NJ. SeaDee is tied up in Reynolds Marina in Green Cove Springs and I’m completing several boat projects. Wink and Wilma are here, as are Joe and Neil. More Great Harbors’ are expected. A reunion of sorts. Looking forward to Thanksgiving at David Allen’s apt. Dee and Geoff are flying in. I’ll be back in NJ for awhile after TG.

The photo above, was taken in the Frederica River. Click on it for a larger image.

SeaDee Threatened!

2007-11-14T08:17:00.001-05:00

Amelia Island, Florida

Heavily armed forces of the United States Coast Guard threatened the Trawler Seadee yesterday forcing her to "stand down" for the passage of a United States Navy nuclear submarine.

While discussing options for lunch, the Captain and crew were surprised by the rapid approach of an armed Coast Guard patrol boat. Most disturbing was the presence of a manned 50 Caliber machine gun on the bow of the Coast Guard vessel. Serious dudes with serious weapons

Seadee was forced out of the channel and lunch was delayed.

As the submarine approached, Seadee was again approached by yet another heavily armed Coast Guard vessel and forced to bring engines to "all stop" and turn her bow away from the submarine.

Fearing for their safety, the crew was unable to document much of the incident but did get these photos of the sub.

The United States government has refused to issue an apology for this inexcusable delay of lunch.

Buenas Noches...

2007-11-12T16:36:00.000-05:00

...might have been the title of this edition had the British not

repelled the Spaniards in the Battle of Bloody Marsh in 1742. A pivotal battle in the War of Jenkis Ear (I don't make this stuff up).

We're anchored in the Frederica River just outside the site of the battle which took place on what is now St. Simon's Island.

Another gorgeous anchorage.

Left with the sun again this morning. I don't think I've seen as many sunrises in the past 20 years as I have on this trip. Or at least I didn't enjoy them as much...

Not a lot of boat traffic today - lots of dolphins again and a couple of shrimpers.

We're having big fun watching these guys try to get their dinghy out of the mud. They tied up to the dock in high tide and it's now low - 7 foot tide here. We're easily entertained.

Speaking of which...cold beer, Monday Night Football and finally I got Andy to fire up the grill for the much anticipated Bubba Burgers!!!

Hasta la vista Amigos y Amigas.

Every Man a Captain!

2007-11-11T16:27:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize I would get a new title when I got on the boat. But at every marina I'm addressed as "Captain", even though I'm not THE Captain. The marina dockhands never know initially who's in charge of the boat, so they call every man on board "Captain". I've gotten used to it, so next time you see me, you know what to do...

I'm told all women are "Admirals" but have yet to witness that for myself.

Blog or be flogged was the message I got today and I have a lot of water to cover.

Andy and I have been on the boat by ourselves since Tuesday and as yet no mutinies and no plank walking.

We arrived in Charleston late on Wednesday afternoon. Had a great dinner at Cru Cafe after a long cruising day. We've had a great run of weather since Noel ran up the east coast but it has been a little cooler than we had hoped.

A layover day in Charleston on Thursday. I promised my friend Rich that Thursday would be "talk like a pirate day" Aaaaarrrrgggg!!!, but that only lasted about 30 seconds. Don't tell him.

We spent a pleasant day in Charleston which for us turned out to be way more about great food than history or architecture although we did watch the 35 minute film "Forever Charleston" at the visitors' center. Not total slackers... Dinner by the way was at Magnolia - outstanding!

We rose before the sun on Friday to a very cold morning - actually encountered some frost on the deck as I was bringing in the lines. But is was again another beautiful sunrise and a great cruise to Beaufort, SC. Dolphins swimming with us quite often throughout the day and we have yet to get a picture of them.

Beaufort was another pleasant stop (although almost every place was closed when we got there). where THE Captain finally embrace "low country" cuisine and had Shrimp and Grits at Emily's. Great sunset, great laundromat at the City Marina and early to bed.

"Welcome to Paris Island!!!" Words I never wanted to hear, but if you do, just dial 1-800Marines (see the water tower) and they'll fix you right up.

The armed forces love the Carolinas. Every time we pass a military installation Andy sends me out on the bow with a camera to test the security guards.

Passed Savannah earlier than we thought, so we pressed on to Buckhead Creek, the most beautiful anchorage I've ever seen. Completely isolated, no other boats, great sunset coming up. Speaking of Savannah, some nice cottages along the water:

Next up, the big decision - Bubba Burgers on the grill or Chicken stir fry. Cast your votes soon, it's happy hour!!!

Anchored in Buckhead Creek

2007-11-11T15:50:00.001-05:00

Buckhead Creek GA.

Beaufort SC

2007-11-10T15:40:00.001-05:00

It's sunny and warm in Beaufort SC. We're in the Downtown Marina.

updates and photos coming soon.

Charleston

2007-11-08T18:18:00.001-05:00

We arrived at 4:15. Charleston.

Rockpile!

2007-11-07T17:00:00.000-05:00

No, not Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe, although we are now in "low country" (sorry), but I'm getting ahead of myself.

We spent Monday night in an anchorage in Wrightsville Beach, NC. Thank God the satellite dish was working and Espo was able to watch the Steelers game or there would most certainly been mutiny.

We woke up to discover that due to current and wind, we were in a precarious position relative to a couple of sailboats and had to beat it out of there. Bade farewell to Espo and the contents of our holding tank (we were sorry to see Espo depart, but glad to unload the rest) and headed for the Cape Fear river.

Along the way a few Marine patrol boats came out to gawk at Seadee -

and later we were forced to repel a band of pirates.

We now know how Cape Fear got its name. Wind and current combined to give us quite a bumpy ride and scrambled the contents of all the cabinets not to mention my brain.

Spent the night at the Saint James Plantation Marina. Highlight was finding the same bottle of wine that I had paid $21 for in Portsmouth for $11.99 (sorry Larry, not the Reisling).

Got up long before the sun in order to get in a long day today so we can make Charleston tomorrow night. Cold down here at 5:30AM. Damn cold!

Which brings me back to the Rockpile - a very narrow channel in the Waterway blasted out of granite. Not much margin for error or passing, but as usual, the Captain did a masterful job.

We were rewarded at the end of the day with a beautiful cruise down the Waccama River with no one in sight for miles, moss on the trees, and the sun shining brightly.

Finally crossed the border today in to Sout Carolina. We're in the Wacca Wache Marina where we will have an early dinner at the Boondocks River Grill and another early departure tomorrow AM.

Now I gotta find out if Andy has any Rockpile on his I-Pod.

10-27/11-3-07 A Week's Adventure - Larry's Recap

2007-11-07T16:42:00.000-05:00

What a week it was. The Intercoastal Waterway, Coinjock, the World Series, "the life changer", XM on the flybridge, strong men and stronger coffee, the Weather Channel, Alligator River, maps, books & planning, the Milky Way, wine, vodka, and "lady Heineken", Honey Crisp apples, the Neuse River, New Bern, a glimpse into the boat community, a thousand laughs and so much more. It was a good journey made great by the company of Captain Andy and Jim.

On the Move Again

2007-11-05T18:34:00.000-05:00

The weather has been in our favor and we are on the move. Swansboro last night and in Wrightsville Beach today. Not much to say about Swansboro. The marina was fair. Tied up in the afternoon and watched football. Espo fixed a chicken stir fry for dinner (nice) and ended the evening with guitar in hand. Great fun.

We're now seeing Dolphin every day. The water has changed. Cleaner, greener. Now, when you drop the anchor, you see it on the way down.

Today was our most challenging in terms of route planning. The bridges in NC have restricted openings. We timed our departure in order to make the bridge opening and que us up for the next one. If you don't time it right, you can sit for as much as an hour. One of the bridges was closed from 1-4pm. We made the 1pm opening.

Espo is again in the galley - Shrimp Marinara, fresh green beans and whole wheat pasta. Speaking of shrimp: the shrimp boats have also been on the move.

What about NC attracted the military? There are bases everywhere. Today's route included this little gem.

Photofest on the flybridge: Jim and Espo

Andy and Espo. Who is not wearing underware?

New Bern NC

2007-11-01T22:43:00.000-04:00

Noel? A hurricane on Nov 2? We are tied up at a marina in New Bern NC waiting for Noel to move off shore and north. Expecting 30-45 mph winds Friday. We will be here until Sunday. Espo has joined us and Larry flew back to St. Louis. We'll try to get to Wilmington (Wrightsville Beach) by Nov 6th. Espo will jump off there and Jim and I will continue south.

We are ready to go. Hit the farmers market and stocked up on fruit and veggies - even picked up some home made bread. While filling the cabinets with goodies we came across the world's largest Slim Jim display. By the way, New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi. Now you know.

I've added some photos to the posts below. Here are a few that we snapped along the way:

Cruising the Neuse

2007-11-01T11:50:00.001-04:00

When you last heard from us, we were at the Alligator River Marina. Home of Miss Wanda and "World Acclaimed Hamburgers"

The burgers were indeed fabulous, and Miss Wanda, a force to be reckoned with entertained us with her own brand of Southern Hospitality during our dinner in the convenience store.

Yesterday we left early morning headed for Bellhaven. We had great weather and seas and decided to pass Bellhaven in favor of a secluded anchorage further south.

After cocktails aboard Pathfinder with Chris and Marianne, we dinghied back to Seadee for "Faux Chicken Parm" over linguine courtesy of the Captain. Quite good actually. Nobody's losing any weight on this cruise.

Beautiful star filled sky last night - water like glass when we arose. Campbell Creek was a great anchorage.

It should be noted that Larry has risen before the sun for the past 2 days. BIG problem this morning when the coffee maker failed to report for duty. Looks like we'll have to replace it in New Bern. Showing remarkable resilience, the Captain and crew settled for tea...

We're now cruising up the Neuse River on our way to New Bern, NC to hole up for a few days of what we anticipate will be bad weather. Aside from a couple of ferries and a handful of sailboats we've had the river to ourselves almost all morning.

Day 3 Oh Ya!

2007-10-30T20:55:00.000-04:00

Ahoy...what day is it?....Oh, it's Tuesday and we're at the Alligator River Marina. It's been a fabulous day...sunny no wind or waves to speak of. Sun on the bridge today was one reason why we're all here. No shower or shave today, maybe tommorow...

Seem to be getting some flack for the "Larry time". This means getting up after the sun, you know, like you're on vacation!

Weather tomorrow looks great. I'm being threatened with an early departure. Captain Andy and Jim are great travel partners. Life on the Seadee...the way it should be!

Larry 8:50pm 10-30-07

Sunrise in Coinjock...

2007-10-30T07:38:00.000-04:00

...is a beautiful thing. Mist on the river, red sunlight through the pines, boats quietly leaving the marina to resume the parade south.

Yesterday was my first day at Sea with Andy and Larry and it was a fine one. A bit cooler than we had hoped for, but it should warm up today. Lots of bridges, locks, and some open water to end the day.

My cardioligist will be happy to note that we all punked out on the 32 oz. Prime Rib that is the pride of the Coinjock Marina restaurant.

I did have a life changing experience last night but can't talk about it. You'll have to jump on board for a few days to experience it yourself.

We're on "Larry time" today which means I was supposed to sleep until 9 because we have a short day ahead of us and we don't expect to find a lot to do at the Alligator River Marina - our destination today. But the early activity woke me and I couldn't resist the opportuinty to hijack Andy's blog for a minute.

Big "ups" to the Captain for threading the needle last night and getting us into the tightest berth I've ever seen at a marina. For those of you who've never had to dock a boat, it's a nerve-wracking experience in the best conditions. never mind doing it with wind and current and a big audience on the dock waiting for you to screw up. The skippper of Seadee has a whole new level of respect from his fellow captains.

Hearing a little activity down below now, time to sign off and get the rest of the day started.

I'm sure you're still wondering "what the hell is a coinjock?" Google it - I gotta go...

Norfolk, Coinjock NC

2007-10-29T22:03:00.000-04:00

Finally made it to Norfolk. Three days of the worst weather I have ever seen. I felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Wind,rain. Wind RAIN. WIND, RAIN.

I have some photos of Norfolk, but it's the same war ships that we've seen before on the trip north. Still impressive, still gray.

Jim and Larry are now aboard.

What fun. We are having a great time. More wind in Norfolk and we waited it out by eating, drinking and very a very interesting night at the Commodore Theatre. A movie theatre serving dinner and a movie. In this case, the movie was Michael Clayton. Three thumbs up.

50 miles today. A great day on the water. Now in Coinjock NC. Famous for 32oz prime rib and fuel.

You may now see some posts from Larry and Jim. Could be weird stuff. Reader beware.

Still in Jackson Creek

2007-10-26T12:24:00.000-04:00

The weather has been against me. Rain, wind and nasty seas. Sill anchored in Jackson Creek. I'm trying to get to Norfolk to pick up Jim and Larry Saturday. The waves have been so bad that a boat capsized two miles from here. 3 people had to be pulled from the water by the Coast Guard. I need a weather window of about 7 hours to get out of the Chesapeake and into the protected waters of Norfolk. Just heard from Brook and Dee (East Passage) who are also waiting to go south. They are about 3 hours north of me in Urbanna.

Jackson Creek on the Piankatank River

2007-10-24T17:48:00.000-04:00

Thunderstorms made today's leg more interesting than planned. Now at anchor in Jackson Creek with about 17 other boats. World Series tonight! Hot dogs and popcorn for dinner.

Solomons MD

2007-10-23T20:40:00.000-04:00

A pretty, but windy day in Solomons. Stayed in the marina waiting for the winds to change from South to North. A beautiful sunrise!

Annapolis to St. Michaels MD

2007-10-21T21:59:00.000-04:00

There are a few less crabs in St. Michaels tonight. A lobster from Maine also found the pot. A great meal with Tom and Gail (the trawler Gale Force), and Tom's brother Danny and wife Nancy.

After a short 4 hour passage across the Chesapeake, we assaulted the Crab Claw (a restaurant in St. Michaels') and took no prisoners.

Early Mon morning, I'll be off to Solomons MD.

Annapolis MD

2007-10-19T07:43:00.000-04:00

From the serenity of the Bohemia River to the mecca of sailing/cruising - Annapolis. We started the day in heavy fog. It lifted about 10:30am and we were off. Travelled down the Chesapeake in the company of Pathfinder (a Mainship 400). Pathfinder runs a knot or two faster than seaDee and arrived an hour ahead. We're both in the mooring field in downtown Annapolis.

On the way to Annapolis, I looked behind me and saw this guy in the distance. Thought I was on the set for Master and Commander.

The harbor in Annapolis

Sunrise the next morning

Now in the Chesapeake

2007-10-17T17:42:00.000-04:00

Another beautiful day on the water. 73 degrees, light winds from the south. Today's cruise took seaDee up the Delaware River to the C&D canal and into the top of the Chesapeake Bay. Currently anchored in Veazey Cove in the Bohemia River. Five other boats are here including new friends Marianne and Chris Barlow from Newport RI. Their boat is on the right in the photo below.

Some other sites along today's route:

Leaving the western end of the Cape May canal. The ferry boats that run to Delaware can be seen on the right.

The Delaware River is a major shipping channel. The little boat to the right is a 55
footer.

Entering the C&D canal. Connects the Delaware River with the Chesapeake Bay.

Atlantic City to Cape May

2007-10-15T18:41:00.000-04:00

Atlantic City, It is a silly place. These shots taken as I left the anchorage at 7am.

Arrived in Cape May NJ at 1:16pm. seaDee is in a slip in Utsch's Marina until Wed.

A beautiful day on the water. The sea was flat. Gentle breeze. Saw my first group (pod?) of dolphin. Six large gray dolphin in a tight group heading north.

A large group of trawlers also staying at the marina. Canadians, on the way to Florida. Another boat from NJ on the way to the Chesapeake. Two couples from Rhode Island on the way south.

Mike Becce came down for lunch and a boat tour. Love you Mike.

Arrived Atlantic City

2007-10-14T20:00:00.000-04:00

Over 12 hours of cruising makes for a long first day. Anchored next to Harrah's. Time for dinner and some baseball. Rocks and DBacks on at 8:30.

Underway - off the NJ Coast

2007-10-14T14:02:00.000-04:00

Said goodbye to the Molly Pitcher Marina, seaDee's home for the summer -

Passed the Twin Lights overlooking Sandy Hook -

And out to sea. The weather, Sunny and beautiful. Light wind, 1 to 2 foot seas. Lovely. Location at 2pm.

A long day though. Over 12 hours down the coast to AC. Arrived as the sun was setting -

Will leave NJ Sunday Oct 14

2007-10-13T22:58:00.000-04:00

Should be underway by 7am. My starting location. This is a 90mile run to Atlantic City. ETA: 5:30pm

A week of goodbyes and preperation

2007-10-09T17:00:00.000-04:00

Loose ends? They're all loose. My last day in the office will be Thursday Oct 11. After 23 years of commuting, I bought my last train ticket today.

Looks like the weekend weather will be a little nasty, so projected departure now looks like Monday or Tuesday (Oct 16 or 17). First day is a long one. I want to make it to Atlantic City. Should take about 10 hours of cruising. Need some good winds for this trip - all open ocean. I think the boat's ready to go. Am I?

My Sabbaticle begins Nov 1

2007-09-17T17:26:00.000-04:00

In a note sent to my staff at ADA today, I announced my sabbatical. Eight months to devote to long range cruising.

Dear Colleagues:

Beginning November 1st, I will be taking an eight-month leave of absence from ADA. I know this may come as a surprise to many of you and at the same time be not-so-surprising to others, but I wanted to make sure our company was prepared for this temporary transition before I made it official.

First of all, let me say that as far as our business is concerned, the timing for this couldn't be better. As you are well aware, we have the privilege of serving the best independent labels in the industry. This fact combined with your incredible work has led ADA to its current position: we are the No. 1 independent distributor in the U.S.; we currently have the highest market share in our history; our company has become the model of how independent distribution should be run, and; we are positioned for a new level of growth and expansion that will solidify our standing as the industry leader in physical and digital distribution.

In my absence, ADA's operations will continue to be led by Mitch Wolk, Michael Black, David Orleans and Keith Wood, much as they have been doing for the past year. Were it not a fact that ADA has such incredible executive talent on hand I would never have the opportunity to take this time off. I suspect that as much as I really wish to be missed while I am gone, I am sure some of you may have already forgotten I was here.

The natural question, of course, is what am I doing? Fortunately (or unfortunately) it is nothing controversial or headline grabbing, it is just the chance to pursue something that has been a lifelong dream of mine. I have been working in the music industry since I was in college and have never taken more than one week off at a time. With this day in mind, I have spent the last couple years having a 37-foot boat built (called a "trawler") and after many fits and starts, it is finally seaworthy. I will be sailing the length of the East Coast, from New Jersey to Florida, a challenging journey that I want to do while I can still move around without a cane and chew without dentures. This is not a retirement ploy, trust me. In fact, thanks to modern communications I'll be on Blackberry and will have a cell phone with me, so I'll be in contact if I am needed. I'll also be sharing my experiences through a blog (http://www.seadee.com), and look forward to your comments and thoughts as I go.

While uncommon for us in America, this kind of leave is a time-honored tradition in much of the world and I just decided to adopt it as my own. Besides, the experiences I will have at sea and the challenges I will face during this time away will surely serve to make a better - and hopefully more tanned - executive when I return. I will be spending the time recharging my batteries as well as thinking about the future of independent music in the digital age and how to help grow ADA's footprint around the world and continue to provide our labels with the finest services available in the fast-changing industry.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not express my gratitude to Edgar, Lyor, and Espo for allowing me this time to chase my dream. It is extremely unusual to make this kind of request in our society and even more unusual when a company allows it. I do not take that for granted for one moment.

I'll be here for one more month, so no need to get sentimental (yet). But believe me, the only down side I see to this mini-adventure is that I won’t get to see all your wonderful faces each day. I will truly miss each and every one of you during my time away, but before you know it, I’ll be back and full of ideas and energy.

If you have any comments or questions, please don't hesitate to email me directly.

Sincerely,

Andy

Wow - several months with no update

2007-09-03T11:01:00.000-04:00

The first summer in Red Bank has been very enjoyable. I really enjoy the marina (Molly Pitcher) and the staff. Mickey and the attendants have been very helpful, as have the other boaters. We've made a few short trips into the Raritan Bay and up the Hudson to Manhattan.

Now preparing for the cruise back to FL. Hope to be off in mid-late October.

Here's a look around the marina:

Home

2007-06-21T08:45:00.000-04:00

The run up the New Jersey coast from Atlantic city to Red Bank was the least stressful leg of this trip. Weather was sunny and warm. Winds from the south-south west. 2-3 foot waves. We plotted the course, and let the auto pilot do it's thing. Very little boat traffic even though it was a week end. The entrance to the Navesink River is a very narrow channel with very little water and we saw three boats that were aground. All three were outside the channel. SeaDee is now resting in it's slip at the Molly Pitcher Marina.

Friday night

2007-06-15T19:47:00.000-04:00

We are currently anchored in the Delaware River behind Reedy Island. A great cruising day. Started in the South River below Annapolis in the Chesapeake. Now for some BBQ and Baseball on the satellite dish.

Annapolis

2007-06-01T07:05:00.000-04:00

seaDee is resting at Bruce and Joan's just south of Annapolis. What a great trip.

Many thanks to Eric and Annie from Mirage

and to Tim, shown here working out navigation details.

The next leg will complete the journey north. Annapolis to Red Bank NJ, seaDee's home for the summer.

Norfolk and the Chesapeake

2007-05-30T08:24:00.001-04:00

We entered Norfolk about 6pm Tuesday. Massive Navy ships lined both sides of our route.

The decision was made to run all night through the Chesapeake. We entered the waypoints in the nav software and set off. Annie and Eric took the first shift and Tim and I came on watch about 2am. It was a calm beautiful night.

With Radar and AIS running, we were able to track ships and boats miles before they were visible. Great fun. The sun rose about 5:40am.

We are currently off Tilghman Island running towards Annapolis with an estimated arrival at 1pm.

Heading to Beaufort NC

2007-05-27T08:32:00.001-04:00

In Carolina Beach NC last night. Nice marina. The run thru Myrtle Beach was an adventure. Everyone that owns a boat in SC must have been on it. The traffic was intense. Made it through the "rock pile" with no problems. A very narrow stretch of canal with nasty rocks on both sides.

Our best day of weather and mileage.

Ordered pizza from Dominos and watched the Cardinal game.

seaDee Marches to NJ

2007-05-25T23:12:00.000-04:00

We left Green Cove Springs on Tues. May 22. The weather window we'd hoped for never materialized and we headed up the ICW rather than the route in the open Atlantic which would have saved 3 days. Consistent high winds from the NE even made crossing the sounds and bays an adventure. We're now in Georgetown SC. Covering about 100 miles a day, - in 12 hours. The trawler lifestyle. Seeing the world at 8 mph.

Some photos along the way:

May 20 - Our Trip North Begins

2007-05-13T15:46:00.000-04:00

With Eric aboard (to make sure I don't get in to trouble) and my brother Tim, we are planning a May 20th departure from Green Cove Springs Fl on the way to Red Bank NJ. If the weather co-operates, we'll go off shore for the first 3 days with the first stop Beaufort NC. Updates and progress reports will be posted here.

Sea Trials in Green Cove Springs

2007-04-26T08:07:00.000-04:00

Concluding sea trials this week in Green Cove Springs FL. My trip started with 3 days of instruction on engines, systems, safety equipment, electrical systems, lightning protection, fuel filters and most important - toilets and waste systems. Also, presentations on watermakers, boat maintenance, batteries and more.

The fun started with the sea trials. Several days of running the boat and all it's systems to make sure everything is working properly. With Eric and Annie from Mirage on board, and contributions from many of the Great Harbour owners also here for the seminar, I enjoyed every minute. Here's a shot of seaDee underway taken by Brooke (East Passage).

The punch list contains several items that will require attention and completion before our scheduled trip north, now thought to be mid May. For those of you that have voiced interest in the trip north, we'll be speaking soon as we lock down the dates.

More sea trial photos:

Launch day !!

2007-04-02T21:07:00.000-04:00

seaDee is in the Water!!

Trucked from Gainesville to Green Cove Springs in two pieces, seaDee is carefully backed into the lift -

and lowered into the water.

The flybridge and radar arch are attached

and the boat is moved to the dock. Finishing work will continue on the water.

Construction #21

2007-03-31T08:06:00.000-04:00

Two days before launch!

From Eric: Well, it's finally down to the wire. seaDee launches on Monday morning! You can be sure that I will be there to record the event for posterity (and for your Blog).

The boat is coming along just beautifully.

The stripes and bottom paint are applied. Blue and Tan.

The speaker system in the salon is made by Orb. Softball sized drivers and a subwoofer hidden under the seating. Icom 802 SSB for long distance communications

The SSB requires a good RF ground. Four 5/16" bronze bolts fasten a ground plate to the hull and provide a connection point inside the hull for copper strap. The strap is routed to the tuner.

More photos on Monday.

Construction #20

2007-03-23T17:16:00.000-04:00

When I was informed recently the boat would done and in the water by April, it seemed an ambitious plan. After all, the original delivery date was August 2006 and month after month slipped by with little progress. But now I'm a believer. New photos:

Flybridge, and radar arch which will be added to the boat once delivered to Green Cove Springs.

Master stateroom

Second stateroom will have a elevated twin with two sets of drawers

More soon.

Construction #19

2007-03-20T20:16:00.000-04:00

Can you feel the completion momentum? New photos show:

Vanity top in the head

Major engine room progress

Washer/Dryer installed

Rub rail and rails are present

Construction #18

2007-03-15T00:07:00.000-04:00

Photos just in from Eric show progress in the galley and master stateroom.

The Helm

Rails and steps to the flybridge have been installed

Construction #17

2007-03-11T21:35:00.000-04:00

Construction on seaDee continues. Completion is now estimated to be 4 weeks. In the water in April. Final decisions on furniture, electronics, fabrics, counter tops and lighting have been made and we are in the final finishing stage.

Helm wiring:

Furniture in the master stateroom:

Finishing work in the salon:

Smugglers Run 2007 is Complete

2007-03-07T21:50:00.000-05:00

The 2007 Smugglers Run is now complete. We ran in fog all day from Sanibel to Everglade City. A new experience for me. The only way we could keep track of the other boats in our group and the fishing boats around us was by radar. Less than 300 ft visibility made for a tense trip. We arrived in Everglade City just in time for a thunderstorm. Dinner was at the Rod and Gun Club.

Wink and Wilma have a great shot of all the boats docked in front of the club.

We finished the trip with a run down to the Shark River and then to Marathon in the Keys. Canals, lakes, locks, Everglades, open Ocean and the Keys. Fun and instructional for me, just another day on the water for most of the seasoned cruisers.

Special thanks to Ken and Becky Fickett, my boat mates on Semper Fi 3, Brooke and Dee of East Passage, and Wink and Wilma of the boat John Henry. East Passage and John Henry are both Great Harbour 47s and both are great boats.

Smugglers Run Day 6

2007-02-26T19:50:00.000-05:00

Sunday was spent at anchor in Pelican Bay. Lunch at Cabbage Key. Fishing. Most of the boats launched their dingys and had fun in the bay. Monday, we moved down to the tip of Sanibel to be in position to run to Everglade City. Had we not moved, we couldn't make it all the way there and still have light to find the marina. 13 Great Harbours are now in our group.

Where are we?

Smugglers Run Day 4

2007-02-24T20:28:00.000-05:00

Dolphins, pelicans, alligators - we’ve seen all kinds of wildlife on our trip so far. Speaking of wild life, some of these boaters can amaze with years of boating experience, nautical stories of all kinds, and in rare cases, as shown below, even magic.

Richard shows us the disappearing chocolate cake trick. Never have I encountered such a thing.

Smugglers Run Day 3

2007-02-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

After jamming, and I mean inches apart, the fleet into the Roland Martin Marina, we dined at a local inn and called it a night. The next day took us around the lake and back in the canal towards Ft. Myers. We traveled through several locks and made it all the way to Ft. Myers. A long day and again, the weather was perfect.

The start of our day

In the Lock

and then out the other side

Sunset as we enter Ft. Meyers

Smugglers Run Day 2

2007-02-22T22:45:00.000-05:00

The canal was quiet. Little traffic. The weather was perfect. Through the locks and into the lake today. This is a big lake. At midway point, no land was visible. A beautiful day on the water with the boats all in formation. There are two 47ft, and seven 37ft boats in our group at this point. We will meet 3 more when we get to Ft. Myers. Dinner at the Clewiston Inn (not bad - grouper) and tied up at Roland Martin’s (look at the belly on that fish) marina.

Smugglers Run Day 1

2007-02-22T22:37:00.000-05:00

Feb 20 - most of the Mirage Great Harbour boats have arrived at Stuart Fl and are tied up at the River Forest Yacht Center. My flight from Newark touched down at 4:30pm and I arranged for a car service to drop me off at the marina. Met most of the boaters, ordered pizza (thanks to Google Maps), and chatted until midnight.

I’ll be a guest of the company on Semper Fi 3. A free day followed for me. Lunch with the Becces, several more boats arrived and we ran off the the Publix for supplies. Thursday was a early departure towards the Lake Okeechobee.

Construction #16

2007-02-16T22:09:00.000-05:00

Home stretch. Tom's Gale Force is now in the water and seaDee, plus two other boats are now scheduled for a late March completion date. Gale Force is a N47 (ten feet longer than seaDee). Eric has sent several new photos of seaDee's engine room and it's very exciting to see the major systems take shape.

Speaking of photos. For some unknown reason, all of the photos from past posts have suddenly disappeared. I have a note into Blogger, but to date, no reply. If the problem can't be fixed I may have to delete the early posts. Bummer.

Also, note a new feature of the updated Blogger. Labels. On the right, posts are now grouped by a label. For example, all posts related to the great loop can be isolated and viewed together. Sweet.

Great Harbour Trawlers for sale

2007-02-11T11:43:00.000-05:00

Yacht World maintains a list of boats currently for sale. Follow the link below to find Mirage Great Harbours for sale

Great Harbour Trawlers

I snapped some more photos while visiting Mirage

2007-01-27T14:27:00.000-05:00

While in Gainesville recently to visit Eric, Ken and the staff at Mirage, I snapped a few photos of seaDee in the finishing area. The area is jammed with boats. Two N47s are now in the final stages. Tom's boat will be finished for the winter boat shows. Christina Sea is right along side and will be finished a few weeks after seaDee (they hope).

We made some decisions on counter tops, fabric, guest cabin configuration, flybridge electronics, sound system (now where are we putting that subwoofer?) and many other details. A good trip and good fun. Many photos below:

Great Loop Blogs

2006-11-23T09:01:00.000-05:00

Many boaters have used blogs to communicate with family and friends while doing the Loop. You can really tell those that have web skills and those that don't. Found this site recently: Cruising the Great Loop. Very well done. I've ordered their cdrom of the experience and will view it while I complete some extended air travel.

Here are a few more blogs of note:

Bill & Ruth's Adventures aboard Integrity

Corrion Boat Adventure

Connie and Ged Bryon Cruising Site

Aboard Cloud Nine

and, while not about the loop, a site I've enjoyed: Lost on Purpose

Checklist of boat features for the Great Loop

2006-11-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

Your boat will be your home for an extended period of time (8 to 12 months or more). Make sure you will be comfortable with your living conditions. If not, you and your crew will surely not get as much enjoyment as you should out of the boating experience of a lifetime

By John and Judy Gill

First, let's define what a "Looper Boat" is. A Looper Boat is one which the owners plan to use to circumnavigate the eastern half of the United States and Canada. The voyage is between 5,500 to 7,000 miles plus or minus, depending on the route selected and is usually called the America's Great Loop Cruise. Sometimes it is also referred to as the Great Circle Route.

A great deal has been written, and there are thousands of opinions, about what type, style, size (length, beam, draft, air height), types of engine(s), etc. that the ideal Looper Boat should have/be and how it should be equipped for such an adventurous pleasure craft cruise.

The quick and safe answer is, that there ISN'T an ideal or perfect boat for doing the America's Great Loop Cruise. The Great Loop has been completed by almost every imaginable type of vessel from a personal water craft (PWC or Jet Ski®) to large luxury yachts both power and sail, gas and diesel. Keep in mind the limiting factors for air height, draft and beam, each listed separately in the specifications below. Along some of the Loop's waterways, a "big" boat is between 26 and 32 feet, has a beam of 8-1/2 to 11 feet and draft under 4 feet. So, mega yachts are not recommended nor are they needed.

Equipping the boat for the Loop is another matter which we have addressed in several long-range cruising articles on our America's Great Loop Cruise "Smellin da Roses" web site, so we will limit this discussion to the vessel selection process and its amenities for individual lifestyles and cruising needs.

Before deciding on a particular boat to do the Loop-whether to go with your present boat or sell it and buy something else-you must consider: (1) your lifestyle. (2) the Great Loop route you wish to take and, (3) how you will use the boat once you have completed the Loop.

(1) YOUR LIFESTYLE:

Do you like to be indoors or outdoors? Do you like to sit in a recliner with your feet up or sit up straight with your feet on the floor? Do you like to read books and/or magazines, or prefer to watch TV, look at movies, listen to radio, etc.? Is photography and writing a log of your voyage a priority?

What about sending and receiving E-mail and going on the Internet?

Do you enjoy sight seeing, visiting museums, shopping, etc.? Do you enjoy meeting people and making new friends? Do you prefer wilderness and nature and and their quiet solitude? Do you plan to cruise by yourselves or do you plan on having guests aboard for much of your trip?

None of the answers to these questions are right and none are wrong: It is what's called different strokes for different folks, or why they make Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry and Moca-Nut-Banana-Coconut-Crunch!

(2) YOUR GREAT LOOP ROUTE:

The route you choose can be affected by your desire to see and do it all, or it can be affected by a particular time frame.

The full Loop includes the East Coast ICW, Chesapeake Bay, Jersey coast, Hudson River, Champlain Canal, Lake Champlain, Chambray & Richelieu Canals, Richelieu River, St. Lawrence Seaway, Rideau Waterway, 1000 Islands, Trent-Severn Waterway, North Channel, Great Lakes, Heartland Rivers, Tenn-Tom Waterway, Gulf ICW, Florida's Big Bend, Okeechobee Waterway, Florida Keys, and possibly the Bahamas, etc.

The intermediate route includes the Erie Canal to Oswego, NY, Lake Ontario and the 1000 Islands, the Trent-Severn Waterway to the Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, etc. The short route omits the Lake Champlain and Rideau Waterways, the Trent Severn-Waterway and goes from the Hudson River via the Erie Canal to Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and then down the Heartland Rivers to Mobile, Alabama, etc.

(3) HOW YOU WILL USE YOUR BOAT AFTER THE LOOP:

Do you plan on continuing a long-range cruising lifestyle? Do you plan on becoming live aboards? Will your boat become a weekend and vacation get away? Will the boat become a floating condo? Or, will you do what lots of Loopers do; sell the boat and buy something more suited to your boating locale.

If you have made a list of all the questions listed above with your answers, you are ready to move on to the next section of this article. If not, go back and do a self evaluation before continuing further.

The point is, that most people do not change their likes or dislikes just because they start long-range cruising. We are all creatures of habit and will soon become miserable if we must change our lifestyle for the prolonged period of time that is required to complete the America's Great Loop Cruise-eight to 12 months or more.

Few couples have lived in such a confined space of perhaps 12 feet by 35 feet for any appreciable period of time in their marriage. If nothing else, the Great Loop is the ultimate test of a couples compatibility and commitment to each other (You will learn more about each other than you ever imagined!).

OK, let's get to the point of what makes an ideal or perfect boat in which to do the Great Loop. Let us rephrase that a bit by answering the question: "What to look for when deciding on a Looper Boat?"

BOAT SPECIFICATIONS AND AMENITIES YOU SHOULD CONSIDER

(1) Length: Ideally between 34 to 45 feet. Big enough for comfort, but not too big for the areas you will be cruising.

(2) Air height (height above water): You must be able to clear 19 feet 1 inch to do the Loop (the absolute limit at Chicago, with a high-water pool level), but ideally under 17 feet for the Champlain route (charted at 15-1/2 feet for flood stage) and to go thru downtown Chicago. So, 15-1/2 to 16-1/2 feet is ideal.

(3) Draft: 42 to 48 inches or less is ideal. Must be less than 60 inches on the Champlain route, 72 inches on the Heritage Canals, and you must sign a waiver if over 5-1/2 feet.

(4) Beam: Under 14 feet if possible. 12-1/2 feet is ideal to fit into most boat slips; otherwise, expect to be on a T-head, if available.

(5) House water capacity: 150 to 200 gallons is ideal (a minimum of 100 gallons).

(6) Holding tank (black water) capacity: 40 to 80 gallons is ideal (minimum 30 gallons).

(7) Electrical power: twin 30 amp versus one 50 amp. is recommended. Split on the boat from essential to non-essential (i.e. air conditioning as a non-essential on a separate circuit). Be prepared to live with a single 30 amp service and even one 15 amp service in a lot of places (buy one or two 30 amp female down to 15 amp male reducers).

(8) Accessibility: the ability to get to both the bow and stern easily, with wide walkways and good access from the helm to both the port and starboard sides of the boat for locking purposes.

(9) Anchors: two bow anchor system with both a Danforth and a Plow/Bruce anchor is ideal for the varying bottom types and/or for a twin 60 degree anchor placement. At least one anchor rode should have chain the length of the boat.

(10) A good water filter system (charcoal and sediment for all water taken aboard) and also a Nature Pure or Sea Gull water purifier at least at the galley sink and also for the ice maker if so equipped.

(11) If TV and video entertainment are important, consider a "marine" satellite TV antenna, VCR and DVD system for your boat (also recommended for Weather Channel).

(12) Recommended is a large saloon with at least two recliner/lounge-type seats. Many trawlers only have an L-shaped seating around the galley table in a galley/saloon area which doesn't fit very many lifestyles from a living room comfort perspective.

(13) A hard top bridge enclosure if possible (no need for a flying bridge). A pilothouse design with good side vision is ideal. If there is a canvas bridge enclosure, it should be as waterproof as possible unless the vessel has a lower station. A raised bridge or raised deck cruiser is also a good option versus a flying bridge.

(14) Having a washer and dryer or combination unit aboard (110 volt if possible) is ideal. If not, have lots of quarters for marina/town facilities, when available.

(15) Storage: The amount of storage is very important. The sheer volume of paper in the way of charts and guide books for the Loop is considerable. We actually shipped home charts and guide books along the way to gain more room (for gifts and souvenirs purchased). You can't bank on buying these navigation items along the way. Clothes, for hot, cool, and wet, take up a lot more room than normal summer boating wear. Food and staples supplies for a couple of weeks takes a lot more room than a week or two of cruising in your normal boating area where you know the locations of all the good stores and eateries. Cleaning supplies and all the extra gear and engine fluids stored in your dock box need to be taken aboard. Then there are the spare parts and engine manuals. Also, don't forget the office supplies such as a computer, printer, paper, envelopes, stamps, notebooks, pencils, pens, etc.

(16) Have an innerspring mattress made for your stateroom bed. A wise investment over a foam rubber mattress, particularly on hot summer nights. A good night's sleep is paramount. Remember, the bed and pillow you sleep on aboard must be as comfortable as the one you left at home!

(17) Last but certainly not least is the question of engine power. If your sole long-range cruising objective is to do the Great Loop and then become weekenders, occasional vacation cruisers or even snow birds, then the investment of an additional $75,000 to $100,000 or more for diesel engine(s) and generator may not be worth the added cost, and in fact might be an unwise investment for resale purposes.

If on the other hand, you plan on selling the old homestead and becoming long-range cruising liveaboards, definitely go for the big diesels which you may be able to amortize over an 8- to-10-year period of cruising.

Your boat will be your home for an extended period of time (8 to 12 months or more). Make sure you will be comfortable with your living conditions. If not, you and your crew will surely not get as much enjoyment as you should out of this boating experience of a lifetime.

As we noted earlier, the perfect Looper Boat really doesn't exist. Life is all about compromises, so select a boat that fits your lifestyle and your needs, not what others think you should have. Go to the boat shows, go to Trawler Fests and AGLCA rendezvous and spend extra time at the "Trawler Crawls" and "Looper Boats."

Buying the right boat for cruising the Loop is as important as buying a new home. Who knows, it may even become your new home!

© 2006. Two J's Communications. All international rights reserved.

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About the authors

When John and Judy Gill cruised the Great Loop during the summers of 2002-04, they followed the Lake Champlain and Rideau Waterway route, thus, missing the Erie Canal. Since then, they chartered a canal barge boat to cruise the Erie and the Seneca-Cayuga canals. Next, they plan to charter a trawler out of Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island and to cruise the North Channel of Georgian Bay. The Gills did not visit the North Channel when on the Loop because of very low water in 2002 and because John's parents had a cottage near Sans Souci when he was a teen-ager.

Their boat, Two J's V, is a 36-foot Carver Mariner which they berth at Sassafras Harbor Marina, Georgetown, Maryland. They are members of America's Great Loop Cruisers Association, Pennsway Power Squadron and USPS Life Members, Orillia Power Squadron, CPS-ECP.

Click here to visit their site.

The Great Loop, What is it?

2006-04-11T09:31:00.000-04:00

America's Great Loop is the continuous waterway that circumnavigates the eastern portion of North America - along the Atlantic seaboard, across the Great Lakes, through the inland rivers, and around the Gulf of Mexico. It is sometimes referred to as the Great Circle Route. Click on the link above for more information. Ron and Eva Stob maintain the site and co-authored the book, "Honey, Let's Get a Boat....". A Fun and informative read.

Offshore Mag Review: N37

2006-03-12T09:52:00.000-05:00

If you can imagine merging a trawler deckhouse with the hull of a classic 1930s flush-deck cruiser, you’ll come up with an idea of what the Great Harbour N37 is all about. The result is a versatile cruiser with a stable hull and a lot of liveaboard space, which, combined with its shallow draft and long range, makes for intriguing possibilities.
Hull number one, launched in 2001, cruised from the factory in Gainesville, Florida, to Rhode Island with a pit stop in Bermuda. Hull number three went through the Panama Canal and on to Hawaii on its own bottom, the smallest twin-engine powerboat ever to make that crossing.

Specifications:

Length 36'10"

Beam 15'10"

Draft 2'8"

Displacement 47,000 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 500 gallons
Water Capacity 100 gallons

Mirage Manufacturing Company
3001 NE 20th Way
Gainesville, FL 32609
352-377-4146
www.mirage-mfg.com

A single-stanchion ladder leads up to the spacious flybridge. Up there, the helm is centered and flanked by companion seats with broad settees running aft on either side. The benches have plenty of storage underneath. The bridgedeck extends back to shade the afterdeck, which, of course, obscures the view of the stern from the helm, though it does provide space to securely stow a 10-foot inflatable.

The broad, flat foredeck has enough room for dancing around the Bomar hatches on an area that’s more than 14 feet across and another 14 feet from the reverse-raked windshield to the molded bow pulpit, with its dual stainless anchor rollers. This area is protected by a massive three-foot tall railing built of two-inch diameter stainless steel. Generous, two-foot wide side decks, recessed behind a full foot-tall bulwark and protected by overhangs, lead back past the starboard side door to the afterdeck.

This space is nearly five feet long and a break in the bulwark leads down to the three-foot-wide integral swim platform. A sturdy folding boarding ladder lies centered here.

You enter the deckhouse through a sturdy, gasketed door from the afterdeck. This is an all mahogany interior, the paneling, cabinets, and trim on the headliner. It all goes nicely with the teak-and-holly sole and the rich burgundy faux-leather upholstery on the port side L-shaped settee. The settee and the folding mahogany table convert to a double berth for occasional extra guests. The sole underneath this dining area is raised up about a foot to provide a better view through the large side windows. There’s a beautifully finished mahogany entertainment center on the starboard side. The center panel on the countertop lifts up to reveal a Samsung LCD flat-screen TV.

The helm station to starboard features a mahogany dash with a good amount of space for electronics. The wheel is more like something you’d find on a sportfisherman, a brushed-aluminum wheel with a “suicide” knob.

A broad companion bench lies to port with a large chart table in front of that. The center and smaller of the three windshield panes open for ventilation. A hatch in the sole reveals an immense lazarette, with three molded steps leading down to this area, measuring four feet deep, five feet long and the full beam across.

The companionway leads down four steps to the accommodations deck, which takes up all the space beneath the foredeck, and a lot of space there is. The galley is a real marvel, with a full-size 23-cubic-foot refrigerator with side-by-side freezer. There’s seemingly acres of Corian countertop, a four-burner flush-top electric stove and a microwave oven built into the cupboard above. The twin-bowl stainless steel sink is kitchen-size as well, and there’s loads of storage behind the beautifully finished mahogany cabinets and cupboard. Part of the countertop is cantilevered to accommodate bar stools. Overall, this seems like it would be both a delightful and efficient space in which to work. There’s even an optional washer/dryer unit—not tucked away underneath a staircase somewhere, but right under the galley countertop, where you’re apt to use it without having to visit the chiropractor afterwards.

A door to port leads into the guest stateroom, which in this model is designed for use as an efficient office with a single berth. A smaller door leads aft into the cavernous engine room, where the Yanmar 56hp diesels sit well apart and readily accessible from every angle. There’s even a workbench back there. This lies directly beneath the raised settee in the deckhouse, so there’s not quite stand-up headroom for this six-foot-two boater. You can see how the aft section of the hull rises up to the transom, providing a very low driveshaft angle.

A door farther forward in the galley opens into the head, with its large separate shower stall, Vacuflush toilet, and Corian vanity top. The mahogany cabinetry looks great contrasted against the white fiberglass bulkheads scored to look like bead board wainscoting.

The forward stateroom features a queen-size centerline island berth flanked by deep hanging lockers, drawers and mahogany ceiling boards. There’s storage underneath the mattress and four deep drawers at the foot. A Bowmar hatch overhead and two round opening portlights provide plenty of light and air. The headroom throughout this deck is a full six feet four inches.

After this thorough tour we took off from Back Creek and out onto the placid Severn River, where the wakes of other boats leaving the boat show created the only wave action. Still, the boat ran well and seemed quite stable taking the biggest wakes broadside at rest with very little rolling motion. Turns were tight and smooth, and since the twin screws are so far apart, the boat was readily maneuverable using the electronic controls alone. Top speed at 3600 rpm was about 8.3 knots, and we found a good cruising speed at 2700 rpm, which gave us a GPS reading of 7.1 knots. The Mirage Manufacturer’s data shows a fuel burn rate of 3 gallons per hour at 7.7 knots for a cruising range of about 1,150 nautical miles.

What is a Trawler?

2006-03-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

Characteristics:

Trawlers are named because of their similarity in looks to a commercial fishing vessel that uses "trawling" as a method of fishing. A true cruising trawler has a displacement hull, with a raised pilothouse and has a "stand-up" engine/mechanical room under the salon. These boats are generally powered by a single engine and have a large fuel capacity, thus giving them extremely long range cruising capabilities. This boat design has been proven to be very seaworthy.

Capacity:

Sleeps from 2 to 8 people for extended periods of time. Sleeping spaces and heads are located forward under the bow and under the pilothouse.

Power:

Powered by a single diesel engine with a second smaller generator/get-home engine or two diesels (N37). It has an inboard drive with a protective skeg to protect the drive system and rudder in the event of grounding. Generally 80 to 250 hp. (Note: There are many new models that look like a trawler in profile, but have large, twin engines and semi displacement hulls that are capable of doing 25+ knots. Because of this fact, there is a lot of debate as to whether these hybrids can still claim to be trawlers.)

Size Range:

From 32 to 70+ ft.

Hull:

Fiberglass, steel, composite, aluminum or wood. A displacement hull with a long keel and a skeg. The boat is capable of speeds of around 10 knots, depending on its waterline length.

Uses:

Ideal for long range, economical cruising. This is also a great live-aboard boat.

Limitations:

Don't be in any hurry to get anywhere soon in this type of boat. Only a sailboat/snailboat is slower.

Price Range:

New: $150,000. to $1,000,000.+ (US).
Used: $50,000. and up.