From: Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Mon May 3, 1999 4:05am
Subject: Newly Acquired Triton
Just wanted to let everyone know that Triton hull number 332 (1962) was
purchased by me over the weekend! :) Yay!
She's in fine condition, and fully sailable (and motorable - newly rebuilt
A-4) as she is. Roller furling on the jib, and sails which are like new...
Sea trials were awesome, and I can attest that this boat stiffins right up
and inspires all kinds of bizarre confidence....
She's currently located in NC, and my intent is to take her home to St Louis
via the ICW. (Planning to begin this in mid June, and have about three
months to complete). I will be making the journey single handed.
My questions, I hope some of you will be kind enough to answer:
1) Engine is a 1974 A-4, and was rebuilt very recently (Maybe 20 hours on
it???). I don't have any inboard engine experience.... Can anyone recommend
a list of spare parts I should have on hand? What tends to go haywire on
these A-4's? Heck, am I insane for thinking the A-4 will make it from
Charleston to St Louis?? Hoping to be able to sail bays, etc as much as
possible... (Not to make anyone jealous, but the original engine manual was
included in the deal).
2) Are there any vertical clearance issues on the ICW? (Anyone know
masthead height spec above water on the Triton??) I plan from Charleston to
head South, cross Lake Okechobee, up the Gulf, then to St Louis via the
Tom-Bigbee system. Hoping to avoid off shore routes.....
3) Is it reasonable to expect to be able to anchor each night on the ICW, or
are there many restricted areas?
4) Anyone have any information on how long the A-4 will run on a gallon of
fuel at a moderate cruising RPM?
5) Is there anyone on the route I should stop by and visit? Part of
cruising is making friends, and it never hurts to have a little local
knowledge.
6) She's currently on Lake Norman in NC, and I will have her trucked to
Charleston. Does anyone have a recommendation on a trucking company? Any
suggestions on a marina in Charleston where I can do final provisioning and
launching? Suggestions on what I should check while I have her out of the
water?
Guess that's it for this mornings round of questions.... Thanks in advance
for any help given! :)
Oh, and before I forget, "Yes, I have my girlfriend's permission to do this!"
Can anyone beat that??? :)
Steven
"Alleron"
Hull Number 332
Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Mon May 3, 1999 4:14pm
Subject: Re: Newly Acquired Triton
Thanks to everyone for their responses!
Ray, An ICW guide book(s) is on my list of required items. Suggestions on
who wrote the best one? Anyone know of a book which just lists bridge
clearances and possibly their schedules? The only guidebook I have to date
(besides charts so far from Charleston to Miami) is "Cruising Guide to
Western Florida".
Skip, I will be replacing both batteries and all respective cables prior to
my departure. Too much corrosion there for me to trust them. I also plan to
carry a third battery to run cabin lights, etc (which I can keep charged with
a solar panel I have). I have thought about having her trucked home, but
admit that it's the trip I want.... (need?) I'll be in northern Florida
probably about the second week of July. I'll see if I can find you while I'm
there - perhaps we can share some stories, etc? I've added your address to
my log book. Do you have lat/lon coodinates such that I could add you to the
GPS as a waypoint?
Al, the A-4 was very recently rebuilt. (I doubt it's even broke in yet) and
has only seen fresh water since the rebuild. Won't have enough cash for a
spare if I need one.... Thought about bringing a generic stern bracket to
hang an outboard on if worse comes to worse. Thanks also for the fuel data!
(Was that for the A-4, or for the diesel?) Temp guage seems to be
functional, and will certainly receive my attention during the voyage.
Thanks again to everyone for the responses! Can anyone help with my other
questions?
Steven
Hull Number 332
"Alleron"
From: Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Tue May 4, 1999 7:31pm
Subject: Re: Original Triton Mast Information
Hi Ray,
"Alleron" was a combination of the previous owner's children's names (Allison
and Ron I believe). She was renamed to "Alleron" within the past five years,
and I believe spent more than a few years sailing out of Maine prior to that.
(I guess that's why she has the dodger). Actually, her condition is awesome
- based on all the woes I've heard hear about recoring decks, refitting
masts, etc. As far as I know, she's never undergone a "renovation", and has
just been well cared for all these years. Nobody has even taken a paint
brush to her decks or topsides! Actually, I'm almost disappointed! I ran a
restoration business "Custom Wood and Refinishing" for a couple of years, and
was looking forward to getting my hands dirty on my own boat for a change!
Still plenty to play with, but I really expected I would buy a train wreck.
I nearly fell on the floor when they came way down in price (which I thought
was low to begin with). Recently stripped and repainted bottom, new engine
with only freshwater use, full instrumentation [compass, depth, loran,
electronic masthead weather station with wind speed and direction, water
temp, knot meter, vhf], cockpit cushions, no rips in the cusions below, zero
leaks from ports(!), opening ports in front of doghouse (all ports with
functional screens), Not to mention all the misc equipment included (and like
new sails - with full batten main on a "dutchman" furling system, and roller
furling jib. Shall I mention the storm sails that are also like new??). My
big project, I sure would like to see her rigged as the yawl version... All
said and done, I'm counting blessings on this end. (Then I recount them to
make sure I haven't left any out!).
Steven
"Alleron"
Hull Number 332
From: Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Tue May 25, 1999 8:05am
Subject: Triton, Payload Capability
Hi Folks,
As many of you already know, I am preparing to sail "Alleron" from Charleston
SC to St Louis MO (via the ICW). I am anticipating between two and three
months aboard.
Going through my list of supplies, I noticed the total weight climbing more
than I am comfortable with. Obviously, keep the weight out of the ends, and
as low as possible... (Grog goes in the bilge??)
But, does anyone have any experience with what weight limits a Triton will
carry as a well stowed equipment/supply payload? (I'm probably
over-reacting, but thought I should pose the question just the same).
Thanks!
Steven
"Alleron"
Hull Number 332
From: Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Thu May 27, 1999 9:07am
Subject: Lightning Protection
Thanks to all who replied regarding my payload questions on the Triton! I
really appreciate all the excellent feedback! Thanks again!
Next topic I hope you guys can help me with......... Lightning protection...
Bear with me....... When you pet a cat (build up a static charge), then
touch it's skin, a shock (mini lightning bolt) takes place (the Cat really
hates this experiment, by the way). If you continually touch the cats skin
while you pet it, no static charge is allowed to build up - consequently, no
"lightning" strike takes place. The question is "What effect would hanging
chains from the standing rigging into the water have on: a) Minimizing the
chances for a strike, b) minimizing damage should a strike take place?"
Would chains not be similar to continually touching the cats skin? Are there
other more practical (translated "less expensive") systems available to
provide some form of protection?
Would chains in the water help maintain a less than high profile electrical
charge for lightning to seek (by reducing static build up)? Or would they
tend to increase the chance for a strike since the lightning now has a direct
path to ground? Even if not, would the chain provide a good "outlet" to
dissipate the charge into the water and away from the hull/rigging should a
strike occur?
What have the rest of you guys done to protect yourselves? I do know that
Alleron (Hull No 332) has a large (maybe 4 ga?) copper wire from her mast
base down into the bilge. (I've not followed this wire, and I assume it to
be lightning protection).
Thanks in advance for any advice available! (The Cat thanks you too!)
Steven
"Alleron"
Hull Number 332
Steven1281 <Steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Thu Jun 3, 1999 6:23pm
Subject: Gulf Sailing
Hi Skip,
I couldn't help but notice that you said in an earlier response that you sail
out into the Gulf single handed.
I'm curious, how to you deal with sleep issues while single handing? Sea
anchor? Lie ahull? Auto helm? Heave to?
I'll be crossing the Gulf in my Triton in about a month (also single
handing), and the sleep portion really has me concerned up in the "Big Bend"
section of Fla. Just curious how you have been handling it.
Steven
"Alleron"
Hull Number 332
Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Fri Sep 10, 1999 9:15am
Subject: A-4 Overheating Issue on ICW
Hi Group,
Hope all you guys remember me - it's been awhile since I've had e-mail
capability. Boy do I miss the e-mail list for the Triton! Hey Kay - I'm
still alive after crossing the Gulf! :) (Eleven footers were far too
common...)
"Alleron" (Hull 332) and I are currently in Panama City Florida (We launched
out of Charleston SC on our way to St Louis). Boy do I already have some
stories about Tritons and sailing to share with you all (I have covered 1100
miles in two months to date)! But, I'm afraid it won't be for a few more
weeks. Actually, I need all of you to help me resolve a problem I am having
with the A-4 (1974).
I went about 800 miles (mostly motor) at a rock solid 159 degrees. Then,
crossing a sound, the temp went up to about 165. I kept my eye on the gauge,
and kept plodding along (for a couple of weeks). I noticed that if I take
her out of gear, and just idle, she'll go back to 159 in a few minutes. But,
as is always the case, things have gotten worse now. Instead of just a few
degress, now she'll touch 200 if I let her. I replaced the impellor (old one
was okay). Still overheats - but only when in gear and headed into a light
chop or the wind. She will idle at the dock all day long at any rpm and not
heat up. Seems to happen ONLY when I ask the engine to do a little work.
And worse at a 1300 cruising rpm than at idle speeds. I clamped off the
bypass hose that goes to the thermostat, and that seemed to make a big
improvement for a couple of weeks. Seems to have lost it's effectiveness now
though. I also removed the thermostat, which improved the temp to 120, but
NOT when it's "acting up" (when a load is put on the engine). I've checked
hoses for clogs (there is no raw water strainer on the boat - in process of
installing one now). But, I would think that I would have sucked up seaweed
long before now if that was the case (SC is full of marshes)... Still, I
guess I can't yet rule it out.
Summary of Symptoms:
Ran rock solid at 159 for six weeks. (And runs very well overall).
Overheats when asked to do work with prop.
Replaced impellor (and lubed shaft).
Inspected hoses for clogging.
Removed thermostat.
Clamped off bypass hose to thermostat (forced water to block).
Outflow seems normal, at 3.2 gal per Minute.
Outflow is same, whether bypass hose clamped or not.
Runs at normal temp in mirror calm water, with no wind or chop.
Will not overheat at idle (unless going into chop or wind).
I can see the exhaust when it's getting hot (greyish, doesn't smell smokey or
oily).
Boat/Engine was on fresh water before I bought it. Salt water for two months
now.
Engine has about 300 hours on it. (Approximate).
Oil looks normal, and is at proper level.
Actions I Am In Process of or Planning to Take:
Adding raw water strainer.
Removing/cleaning exhaust pipe (Elbow?).
Running muriatic acid through cooling system.
Changing from 30 wt oil to 40.
Example: A few days ago, I spent nine hours passing through Searcy creek.
This is basically a very narrow channel with dense swamp forest on both
sides. Water was calm like a mirror. No wind at all. I put her in gear,
and at 1300 rpm. She ran at 120 deg for nine hours. Hull speed all day -
never missed a beat. When I got out of the swamp, and I mean immediately, of
course their was very light wind/chop on the more open waters. That
variation sent her temp to close to 200 deg before I turned off the engine.
How can it run so good all day in calm, then overheat when there is a two
inch chop? Folks, I'm baffled. The wind was only about 10 mph.
Now, facing rivers from the Gulf to St Louis, I'll be needing the engine more
than ever. Well,... Let's just say that I'll be in everyone's debt if we
can figure this thing out. Has anyone have any problems such as this with
their A-4?
Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer me on the cooling problem,
I'm looking forward to getting home to my own phone line so I can share pics,
and fill you all in! But, I'll give you fair warning, the more miles that I
put under the keel, the bigger a fan of the Triton (and even the A-4) I
become. Such a well balanced helm under sail - really a pleasure to spend
time on!
Steven
"Alleron"
(Hull Number 332)
From: Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 5:02am
Subject: Overheating
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their input on my overheating
issue! I ran muriatic acid through it, and collected the discharge. Seems
like I've done some good to removing the clog from what I could see. Also
increased the size of the raw water intake hose slightly, and added a quality
perko strainer. Water discharge has increased a significant amount, so I
think I'm on the right trail. I'll do some more tests this afternoon.
Now, to get home before it snows and I have to figure out how to winterize
it! LOL
Thanks again!
Steven
Alleron
(Hull Number 332)
Steven1281 <Steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Sat Oct 23, 1999 6:16am
Subject: Voyage of Alleron (Hull 332)
Hi Eeryone,
Well, "Alleron" (Hull No 332) and I made it back to St Louis yesterday
afternoon. Three and a half months and 2,285 single handed miles slipped
astern as I took her from Charleston SC to St Louis. I have to say that this
is a tough little boat!! We had our share of breakdowns, but the A-4 really
held together well for me overall. The whole boat really took good care of
me, and any problems I had were generally due to "operator error".
Here's a testament to how good a boat the Triton's are: After ninety
some-odd days of living on her and keeping her moving generally from sunrise
to sunset, I'm on my way out the door right now to go sailing!
I'll put some stories together, and some pics later. Just wanted to let
everyone know that I'm home. :)
Steven
"Alleron"
(Hull No 332)
From: Bill and Pat Bell <wonsqueak@xxxxxx.xxxx>
Date: Sat Oct 23, 1999 4:01pm
Subject: Re: Voyage of Alleron (Hull 332)
>Hello, Steve., Congratulations on your good trip. I am a stong proponent of
>the At 4 and would like to know how many hours your AT ran on the trip, how
>many of the 2285 miles were credited to the AT4. What maintenance did it
>require - what were you maintenance experiences. What do you suppose your
>fuel consumption per hour, per mile was? I have felt that the simplicity of
>the At 4 really paid off in the long run. Most of us cannot rebuild a
>diesel's injector - but most of us can fix a carburetor. So I am very
>interested in your experience. Many thanks, Bill Bell
From: Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Sat Oct 23, 1999 4:43pm
Subject: Re: Voyage of Alleron (Hull 332)
Bill,
The A-4 ran about 1.5 hours on a gallon in mirror calm water, and 1.1 when we
had to pound into four footers, etc. I always figured 1.2 hours per gallon
when I judged how much I would need to get to the next fuel stop.
I relied heavily on the A4, and a rough estimate would be well over 400 hours
run time on the engine in the three months. Haven't had a chance to total up
from the log book yet... Might have sailed aroud 25% of it at most. ICW is
terrible for sailing, and I didn't get on the outside as much as I would have
liked.
Issues:
Varnish and yucky stuff in the fuel tank/lines/carb. She sat idle through
the winter with just a few gallons of fuel before I bought her.
Replaced/cleaned fuel filter daily for a week, and cleaned the carb every few
days untill all the major chunks passed through.
Coil had to be replaced. While I was messing with electrics, I also did the
points, rotor, condensor, dist cap, etc. Parts were easy to find.
Had an overheating issue. Went to a larger dia intake hose, replaced the
impellor, added a raw water strainer, added a valve to the thermostat bypass
line to force more water to the engine (if necessary), and ran muriatic acid
through engine to clean out any seaweed it might have sucked up. Not sure
what fixed it, but after all that the overheating issue went away. Was
waiting for Floyd to pass, so I didn't mind having a few projects.
Conductor on the spark plugs vibrated loose. The small "cap" on the very top
of the plug. A small amount of loc-tite secured. (But not so much that it
restricted current flow).
Exhaust pipe came off of the engine manifold. Reinstalled, and reinforced to
get home on.
Misc silly stuff, like worn hoses, etc. Also changed the oil about every
week.
You're right in that the A4 is very easy (simple) to work on. Some of it is
hard to get access to, but a very straight forward engine. Always felt
confident that I would be able to get it going again if it quit. I'd trust
mine to get me another 2285 miles without hesitation.
Hope that answered your questions!
Steven
"Alleron"
(Hull Number 332)
From: Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Tue Nov 2, 1999 7:09am
Subject: Winterizing an A4
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone have a list of things to do to winterize (Yuck!) an A4? Is it on
the website and I've overlooked it? I have the original manual, which has a
section on it, but I'm betting there's a little more to it than what's
briefly covered in the manual.
Thanks!
Steven
"Alleron"
(Hull No 332)
From: Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Fri Nov 26, 1999 6:41pm
Subject: Re: Atomic 4 Guru
I have also dealt with Don in the past. (He received a couple of "panicky"
calls from me on my way to St Louis from Charleston SC). Found him to be
professional and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend his services.
Easy to find a business we don't like - and we're all usually pretty fast to
complain, but this is one time where I really wanted to take my hat off to
someone who really helped me out when I needed it.
If you're reading this, "Thanks again Don!!"
Steven
"Alleron"
(Hull Number 332)
From: Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Sun Dec 19, 1999 7:48am
Subject: Re: anti-freeze
Why not simply catch the antifreeze when you start her in the spring? When I
flushed Alleron out with muriatic acid, I used a large "sweater box" (giant
tupperware) to catch the stuff. Had handles on it so I could tie it in
place, a watertight lid, and held it all. It was less than five dollars and
reusable. That way, you can dispose of the antifreeze at an appropriate
location.
Steven
"Alleron"
(Hull Number 332)
From: Steven1281 <Steven1281@xxx.xxx>
Date: Mon Dec 20, 1999 5:13pm
Subject: Re: nav station
I agree - primarily navigation is done in the cockpit out in the weather.
The nearly four months I spent moving Alleron From SC to St Louis reaffirmed
this. However, if you're like me, you'd still like to have a somewhat
civilized place to review charts the night before or over morning coffee.
For that, I personally plan to build in a dinette to the stbd side. Should
be good for eating, rebuilding the carb, and for looking ahead in the charts.
General table stuff.
But I would say a fully dedicated nav station is not practical (or necessary)
on a Triton. Just my opinion. Like most things, you tend to employ lots of
things that fit a multitude of tasks, and each owner may choose differently
and still be right. I would place navigation space lower on my list than a
comfortable place to eat when the rain is coming down...
Steven
"Alleron"
(Hull Number 332)
Steven1281 <Steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Tue Dec 21, 1999 6:39pm
Subject: Re: Mid ship galley & A4 Carburetor
Mike,
On the journey I undertook in the Triton, I always slept in the port side qtr
berth. Forepeak was used to stow bulky things. Less motion in the main
salon, and I felt more "in control" being close to the companionway,
instruments, etc. Was also easier to heat once the weather got chilly. Was
actually quite comfortable, although width could have been a little better.
Actually, I had a hard time sleeping in a full size bed after I got back
home. Nothing I enjoy better than a warm berth while at anchor.
Steven
"Alleron"
(Hull No 332)
Steven1281 <Steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Tue Dec 21, 1999 7:27pm
Subject: Re: Mid ship galley & A4 Carburetor
Mike, I'm upstream of St Louis on the Alton pool (Mississippi River). About
four miles above where the Illinois River intersects the Mississippi.
Steven
"Alleron"
(Hull No 332)
Steven1281 <Steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Wed Feb 2, 2000 4:08am
Subject: Triton Pic
Just thought I'd share a pic or two over the next few days. This is Alleron
(Hull No 332) feeling at home when crossing the Gulf of Mexico.
Alleron at anchor in South Carolina.
Don't recall where this one was taken.
Waves on Lake Okeechobee.
Steven1281 <Steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Wed Feb 2, 2000 7:18pm
Subject: Re: Triton Pic
Gary,
I'm cold too - Saint Louis here. Pics were from my trip from Charleston SC
to St Louis last summer.
Steven
"Alleron"
(Hull Number 332)
steven1281 <steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Thu Mar 2, 2000 4:06pm
Subject: Re: Self Steering
I realize the discussion is primarilly about significant self steering
devices such as wind vanes, and auto-pilots, but I want to throw in my two
pennies worth.....
From Charleston to St Louis in my 1962 Triton, I used a "tiller tamer". Very
good product for twenty bucks. A line attaches to both sides of the cockpit,
and runs through a pulley attached to the tiller which has a tension
adjustment on it. It's not perfect, and could be a little more ruggedly
built for my tastes, but "price vs performance" I was pleased with the
results. Worked well enough to relieve me from the helm to get coffee below,
or review a chart, etc. (Or huddle under the dodger in the rain). Also nice
to hold the helm wherever needed at anchor, etc.
In reasonable weather, you can also rig a steering line off the windward
block to the tiller. I had this set up on a previous boat and it wasn't too
bad once things got dialed in.
Of course, I'd also like to have a windvane or auto-pilot, but I'm satisfied
making do with the options above until I win a lottery or something. :)
Steven
Alleron"
(Hull Number 332)
steven1281 <steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Wed Mar 15, 2000 10:24am
Subject: Re: Rudder bearings
Regarding the leaking at the rudderpost when under power....... When I had
my overheating problem last year, I noticed that it only happened when there
was NOT water coming in from the post....... As far as Im concerned, I hope
it leaks for a long, long time! Not certain how the two were associated, but
I am convinced they were. I guess that when one clogged, it was likely the
raw water intake would clog up from junk in the water as well.... I have
since added a strainer, but will continue to smile when I see that steady
stream of water in the cockpit.
Steven
Alleron
(Hull Number 332)
steven1281 <steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Wed Mar 15, 2000 2:13pm
Subject: Re: New Member from Chesapeake Bay
Fuel Guage: On Alleron, I simply keep track of how long the engine has run,
and in what conditions. About 1.2 hours per gallon has been average. Havent
run out of fuel yet. Of course, I also have a jerry can of fuel on the side
deck just in case......
Steven
Alleron
(Hull Number 332)
steven1281 <steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Fri Mar 17, 2000 6:53pm
Subject: Re: Anchor roller
Stefano,
I carry several anchors aboard Alleron (Hull 332) including several danforths
(4 of misc sizes), and a delta fastset. Her ground tackle includes 200 feet
of 3/16 inch chain, and 400 feet of 7/16 inch rode. I also carry chafe
protection, as well as snubbers, misc shackles, etc. It was usual for me to
swing on two anchors during my journey, and although I admit to several
anchor watch nights, I was generally well satisfied that Alleron would stay
where I put her. The peace of mind that comes from the security of owning
quality ground tackle and using it properly is worth the investment. Was
nice to know the boat would still be there when I got back from walking into
town.
I just finished a 2400 mile cruise (four months aboard), so I took my ground
tackle very seriously. Different conditions require different anchors and
anchoring techniques. Waiting to enter a lock in 8 feet of water for twenty
minutes obviously requires a different anchor and technique than anchoring in
a 30 foot deep sound with forty mph of wind. Each situation is different,
from bottom type to weather/surface conditions. Long distance cruising
requires a variety of equipment, contingent on environment, not necessarily
boat type, etc.
What is the most common anchor carried aboard a Triton? It all depends on
the surroundings and location..... Most vessels here in St Louis carry
danforths for the mud/sand bottom of the Mississippi river. Alleron is a
cruising boat, and will always carry a good variety of ground tackle.
Steven
Alleron
(Hull Number 332)
steven1281 <steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Sun Mar 19, 2000 8:05pm
Subject: Re: Trans Atlantic Crossing
I agree with Larry - have several of the same systems.... On my way from
Charleston to St Louis, I had the cable in my permanent mount gps burn up,
and I also dropped a handheld gps (resulting in a disfigured dispay). The
key to any successful voyage is to always have back up systems. The point
is, I learned that either system could easily be flawed - back ups are
mandatory. Back ups to your back ups are not a bad idea either! I was able
to secure parts, but you probably wont have a West Marine in the middle of
the Atlantic.... :)
Lin and Larry Pardey have several good books out on cruising, and how to set
up a boat properly for such an undertaking. They seem to have a very
practical and simplistic approach to many common cruising situations.
Steven
Alleron
(Hull Number 332)
steven1281 <steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Wed Mar 29, 2000 5:55pm
Subject: Re: (unknown)
John,
I took my Triton from Charleston SC to St Louis (2400 Miles/4 months) last
Summer. I didnt think it was too small at all!
Steven
Alleron
(Hull Number 332)
steven1281 <steven1281@aol.com>
Date: Wed Mar 29, 2000 7:18pm
Subject: Re: (unknown)
Griff,
I bought Alleron in Charlotte NC, trucked her to Charleston SC and launched
from there. Wasnt in a big hurry to get home, and enjoyed getting to know
the boat. (This was also a solo cruise, and I got to know myself too).
Couldnt really make any changes to her while under way, since my workshop was a thousand miles away, but I got very good at making do with what I had. And
yes, the old A4 is still running strong for me! Glad the winter is over now,
so I can get her refinished a little. On the trip, I just used the forepeak
for stowage, and slept on the port side settee. What I really wanted on the
journey was a fixed table. Designing one now.
Went through the ICW mostly, down the east coast, then Okeechobee across FL,
diagonal across the Gulf from Tampa, then up through Mobile AL to the Ohio
river and the Mississippi river to home (in St Louis, about four miles
upriver from the Illinois/Mississippi river intersection). Saw a little bit
of everything weather wise, and it felt awfully nice to get back to my home
harbor. Id do it again in a heart beat! LOL
Steven
Alleron
(Hull Number 332)