A New and Tight Bottom

Made arrangements a few weeks ago to have the bottom of Summer Wind painted in Worton Creek. The trip down the Susquehanna River to Worton Creek was only going to be about 23 miles,a short trip, and hopefully only a short haul. We woke up to cool temperatures, high 30's and boy we felt it!! The Summer Wind was tied up against a bulkhead between two sailboats but Capt. Dick made the departure look very easy, talk about parallel parking!!

So, off we went heading south towards Worton Creek Marina. The trip down was relatively easy, very little waves, the wind and tides were with us. Temporarily we joined the 'wagon train' of boats heading south. I realized that a short haul meant, no water, especially inside the heads. So scrubbrush in hand I went below and let the Captain do his thing.

At 1030 hours we arrived at Worton Creek Marina and the dockmaster took control of her immediately after we pulled up to a dock. They towed her over to a lift and gently and efficiently lifted her out. Beside the Summer Wind on another lift was a 91' Berger cruiser. The owner of the marina purchased her as salvage and is refurbishing her because she had a fire in the cabins.

They inspected the bottom of the boat and said she was in fairly good condition, very few barnicles, but the paint had been worn off in a couple of spots, hmmm could it be from touching bottom??? Out came the spray gun, and the bottom was power washed. After inspecting the prop and rudder they showed us there was a little too much play in the rudder . A mechanic came over and confirmed, that the rudder should be looked at. We were both impressed with this type of efficiency, because you never want to lose your rudder!!

So, by late afternoon the Summer Wind had a freshly painted bottom. The mechanic had taken the rudder off, repacked the stuffing and refitted some bearings. Captain Dick was learning from the mechanic how to check for any problems with the rudder so he can maintain it.
We're going to be on the 'hard' for one more night because the rudder and prop are going to be protected with prop speed. It's a great product that keeps the barnicles off. Last time the Summer Wind was on the hard the Capt. and I were the ones that sanded and protected the prop and rudder. By the looks of them both, we did a very good job.