Re: [Cal_Boats] Boarding & dogs (Chris)

<Relieveing herself is going to be a problem that Ive given a lot of thought. Initially I tried to lead her to the bow of the boat but it was too slipper for her as her nails were too long and these older CALs dont have a very deap tread pattern. > I think North has booties for dogs that help them get traction on boats. I went to a seminar at the Philly boat show about pets on boats and his suggestion for traction was to keep the dogs nails but as short as possible. There is a new kind of nail cutter I've seen advertised that supposedly keeps you from cutting into the quick which, as I'm sure you know, is the end of nail cutting once you do that. Your dog won't let you close to them with a nail cutter after one mishap. I give you tons of credit for hanging out in a boat in the ice. That's a tough existence. <Thats a great offer and I may take you up on it, as I need a change. Been here long enough and starting to get bored, then lazy but the good part is I am loosing weight..:) The last issue I have to sort out is a good supply of dry heat. Currently on power so three block heaters are keeping the engine room and boat toasty. 30 AMPs to play with. Once underway however the propane heater I brought along is a source of moisture so useless, and Ive had the water supply lines freeze on me while at dockside. So those are the two main projects that I need to resolve in a cost effective manner. I could install a standard propane heater but dont really want to drop a boat buck on it. So currently looking at alternatives. Ive you happen to come across a used solid or propane heater, dickinson or other would appreciate hearing about it. THe engine I will deal with by bringing in a second line on a valved T that allows the engine to suck in antifreeze one the thermostat is removed. Thats what the fishing boats do that stay out over night but they pull the hose off the through hull. For me, thats to dangerouse, I would rather add a T and a valve so there is no pressure on the c-cock at all. > I should mention that the free bulkhead in Cambridge does not have electric or water. If you need that you'll likely have to get a slip in the Cambridge Marina against the bulkhead. Let me know if you think you want to come down and I'll get you the dockmaster's phone (cell and office) to make sure they have room and services. The marina also has wi fi if you have a wireless card. It is not as protected as the harbor though. Yacht Maintenance turns off the water at the docks but they do have a source about 75 yards from the dock and maybe another one closer that I don't know about. I don't have any heaters other than small ceramic heaters but can ask if anyone in our club has one you can borrow or wants to sell. Why is your propane heater a source of moisture underway? Just from condensation? Thats interesting, I was wondering about that. When a dock side I try to run the engine every couple of days and add stabilizer to the fuel. Remembered that trick from the days when I used to ride motorcycles. I used to get pulled over a lot as I used to drive it in the winter as well while at University. The cops always thought the bike was hot. It was a honda 360T, who the heck would want to steal that. Is your boat gas or diesel? Gas that you're going to get here is ethanol which can wreak havoc on older engines and their rubber seals and gaskets. If diesel it is likely that there is a great deal of crap on the bottom of the tank and if it gets stirred up in a blow, it can clog your filter in a hurry. This happened to my first boat when it was being delivered to me from CT. Thannks Paul, its really appreciated. The two things that Im looking for is a simple hook that I can attack a 1/2 inch line to, so it needs an eye at one end, and the other thing is a good used heater solid or propane fueled. Actually I would love to drop a wood stove into this girl where the vanity is, but the folks at westmarine here in town have told me horror stories about insurance. The one lad who did it one his big boat here in town ended up spending several boat bucks just to meet their requirements. But the old timers had it right, a wood or coal stove on board with a cooking surface is a must in this season as its delivers reliable dry heat. and doubles as a cooking surface. I have a hook that I can sell you (I'd give it to you but I need it) or there is a small West Marine in Easton which is a 15 min ride from Cambridge that I could give you a ride too if there is anything else you need. Yacht Maintenance also carries a few parts and there is another boat supply place in Cambridge (R&D Boat Supply) that may have what you need but they are really small and deal mostly with watermen. R&D is probably a 30-45 min walk from the harbor. Currently Im getting ready for the blow on Friday. Lets keep in touch, Once the weekend passes will contact you off list. Thanks for the information and offer of help.Talk more later. Good luck, I'm hearing that the wind with this storm will be worse than the last storm. Hell, we lost power for 5 hours in the last storm so I'm going to do a little more prep myself. As a footnote, spend two days helping two lads I met at another marina putting in their hydraulic windless. Lovely vintage yawl with center board and amidship cockpit.Can carry 1700 square feet of sail, an old woody and one off. Suggested they not leave port as there was a big blow comming but they were anxiouse to leave after being iced in for a week or two. The vessel is over 40 feet but with a center board, so Im sure they will be OK and the owner is well seasoned.spending many years in the Sea of Cortez but heck given the weather forcasts for the seven days, I would have stayed in port no matter how big the boat. But thats just me. So to sum it up, its nice to know that Im not the only nutbar out here..:) I just hope there is no way they can drag down on you! Spending years in the Sea of Cortez is no prep for a winter in "northern" latitudes ;-) Good luck this weekend. Give me a call if it gets too bad. We have an extra bedroom. Paul 443-614-4070 cell /ch