Not the best day of the year.
But every year it happens; haul out.
The thing that I wanted to share about this is that, even though it's less fun to take a boat out than it is to put it in, I still enjoy the process. And it's a lengthy one.
First, I have to sail the boat home from my 'summer harbor' to the working marina where she gets stored for the winter. That always turns into a blustery fall sail. Watch this site for some video of that soon.
Once at the working marina I spend the better part of a day de-commissioning the boat; taking the sails down, removing all the running rigging, clearing the cabin out, getting the mast ready to be unstepped. What's nice about this day is its 'meditative' aspect. By that I mean that it's nice to spend a day alone on board a boat quietly taking it apart. The first time you do it is nerve wracking and troubling as you make many mistakes and, inevitably, lose a few parts overboard, but once you've learned it, the subsequent times are quite enjoyable. You just putter around, getting tasks done in the crisp Fall air.
Next day you come back to take the mast down and then motor over to await your turn on the big crane. Sounds easy but always ends up taking 5 hours as mystery lines form, crane ops take longer lunches than scheduled, and backups occurs 'cause one or two powerboats stall on their way to the crane or crash into the dock causing a 30min delay.
But, when it's done, there's a strong sense of accomplishment.
You wash her down, dry her off, make sure she's all tucked away then stroll off with thoughts of next season on your mind.
Right now, winter season, is THE time to start shopping for a boat of your own to take out on the water next year. I'd love to help you find her. Maybe gimme' a call if you'd like to start the process.
905.320.2127
See you on the water.
LIFT Marine.
Your gateway to the far horizon...
905.320.2127
liftmarine@gmail.com
