Shore-bound sailor

Well, as of yesterday I'm shore bound for the season. The second boat, the 1961 Seafarer, came out for the winter. She still drew compliments. Another sailor said "pretty boat" as she trundled past on the yard's trailer, headed for the boat barn. This winter I'm investing an absurd amount of money in replacing the old steel centerboard with a bronze one. There's a big bronze sheet causing a trip hazard in the parts department at the yard. I figured that if the boat has reached 55 years and is still drawing compliments, then she's likely to be a survivor into very old age. Going with bronze will be a favor to me (no more chipping and priming) but also to an eventual next owner. But there are still boat-related chores. This week I'll try to retrieve the Cal 20's mooring ball and replace it with the winter markers. I put a weight at the end of the chain to hold it on the bottom over the winter, then use 2 temporary floats. One is a black plastic jug at the surface, with the color chosen to collect solar heat in the spring so the jug won't be ice-bound when the ice sheet moves. The other is a bit below the surface, in case the surface one gets carried away. This process involves hauling the dinghy back to the shoreline, a major pain. The rowing out and replacing isn't too hard when the weather is fair but getting the little boat to the water and back is work. After that I can do some maintenance on the Cal 20 if the weather cooperates before putting the serious winter cover on. The last act is to jack up the trailer so the tires aren't weighted all winter. The tire vendor made me promise.... My boating goals now include maybe getting the rowing shell out, and maybe the kayak. Chris Campbell