Sailing on Argo

Argo is a 35 foot yawl that is owned by Brent. We went sailing on her today. This was Argo's first sail with her new owner.

Crusin' with Kelly and Michael

Kelly and Michael went on a day sail with me. The wind was up quite a bit in the bay so we went up the Great Wicomico River and had lunch till it layed down a bit. We did manage to get the sails up coming out and did a bit of river sailing.

I gave Michael the helm so he could get the feel of a sailing vessel.

Father's Day Cruise

It's difficult to get the whole family on a cruise with everyone's schedule this summer. I used Father's Day as the motivation for us all to cruise around the bay.
Autopilot sure is a nice feature.

Karma is way bigger than Short Run a Coronado 28. There's lots of room. Just look how relaxed Kelly is.

First Time as Captain of Karma

Needless to say I was very apprehensive concerning commanding Karma for the first time, truth be known I'm apprehensive each time I take her out, but I channel that into acceptance of my responsibilities to the crew, the boat and myself so that's a good thing. I've done a few reckless things in my life, still do from time to time, but I sail mentally sober.

Free from the slip and neverously checking the depth and every and anything else.

Sails up and we're sailing! ...okay not much wind, but sailing none the less.

Rick was my crew on this venture, I'd like to thank him for the trust to be the crew on the initial cruise.

Spring 2007 Now the Fun Begins

Karma is an old girl that will never be perfect. But by the spring of 2006 she was ready to be launched with fresh bottom paint and new stern decals. Repairs and upgrade at this time; new fuel tank and system; fresh oil change and raw water impeller; reupholstered cushions and new main sail cover.

In her slip ready for the summer.

Engine Startup

I've never worked with a diesel engine before. Karma has a Universal 24 HP 3 cylinder diesel engine. After reinstalling the fuel tank it was time to fire her up. I connected a hose between the raw water intake and the bilge. Then flooded the bilge so that there would be coolant and fired her up.

Needless to say I was very pleased....

Fuel Tank Replacement

After the general clean up, clean up and more clean up... diesel fuel doesn't give up easy. Came the fuel tank replacement.

Evidence indicates that there had been a chronic leak of the grab rail mounts in the floor of the cockpit. This leak rotted the 3/4 inch backing board in the floor of the cockpit.

The cockpit floor was still sound however the backing board was mush. The original installation of the backing board was glassed in which hid the leaking and did not allow the board to dry out.

This eventually caused the aluminum fuel tank to rupture with pinhole size leaks along the forward bottom edge of the tank.

After removing the tank I was able to install the new backing board. No small task, we're taking about completely removing the wheel, pedestal and all the associated cables and wires; epoxying in the new backing board and then reinstalling the pedestal and controls. >

I was able to have a new fuel tank build for me by the original manufacture and reinstalled it along with new Racor fuel filter and water separater.