Fresh Bottom

I have just contracted a couple of guys to redo the hull before I leave.  It currently has many layers of old bottom paint, lots of scuffs, badly worn stripes and areas of electrolysis.  Underneath all of that is a very well barrier-coated hull.  The work being done is to sand-blast back to gel-coat, fix any blisters (four we know about), apply 4 new barrier-coats, apply at least 3 coats of anti-fouling paint, replace two thru-hull fittings, re-attach trim tabs with new fasteners, re-do the water-line stripes and wax and polish.  The overall effect will be to transform the looks of the boat.  I can't wait to see it! Here is a "before" picture:

I will try to remember to take an "after" picture!

Getting Close!

I can't stop what if'ing and planning.  I think it is time to get on with it!  I have stacks of stuff waiting for me at various places in the Port Charlotte area.  Spare bilge pumps and switches, filters, batteries and inverter, new lines.  Plenty here to pack and fly down there as well.  Plus Jon has some gear I shipped to him. 

I am trying to arrange to get the hull soda blasted, barrier coated and painted before we leave.  I hope I haven't left it too late but if so, then I revert to the previous plan and do it when we get back.  

I have successfully tested our Internet devices so contact shouldn't be a problem.  I have a Verizon 4G stick that connects into a WiFi Ranger router that also seeks out WiFi hot spots as we go.

Our first few days are spent crossing Florida from Fort Myers on the Gulf to Stuart on the Atlantic side via Lake Okeechobee.  I am keeping an eye on Lake Okeechobee water level as it is still not up to the desired management depth.  It will be no problem for the boat except for delays at the locks if they restrict opening to conserve water.  We can make up that time if the weather holds by cruising on the Ocean instead of the Intracoastal after we reach Stuart, FL., which is more direct but not as interesting.

18 days to departure...