Winter ashore with no electric hookup

[BruceK]

Brilliant Sprocker! Well done! I hope you do create many happy memories on her. Now for some cruising passage plans.

So when are you heading up this way. I have a Anglesey to IOM to Ireland to Scotland and back trip on the books for 2017. I could pick you up in Pwllheli

[sprocker]

Let me get around Portland Bill in one piece before attempting the Menai Straits.

[BruceK]

Learn how to anchor... ya ya I know it sounds all simple, I mean get comfortable with anchoring overnight, where to go and how to do it. Ingratiate yourself with some of the more earnest raggies who have learned where the best places are for a particular weather condition / wind. Because they dont have the speed these boys often have closely guarded gems that they will repeatedly use on weekends out. Fleece them for all they are worth with copious amounts of wine and BBQ's until their defences are down. Then steal their spots cos you can get there first. Cruising is just ace. Nothing beats it. You are going to have a ball. Well done

[mlines]

Sprocker,

Its going to be a long winter for you waiting for a proper trip! I might have been inclined to wait for one of the flat calm winter days to bring it round as some of the recent days have been like a mirror (albeit a mirror in a fridge)

It probably doesnt help you to know that we have been out in the sun on your boat and sunk some cold beers !

[BruceK]

I thought she was on the hard? If she's in the water I'd not bother with half the things I said and certainly wouldn't be pouring antifreeze down the raw water route. Just empty it. Very minimal chance of freezing anything while in the water (salt that is) and condensation is your biggest bugbear. I just keep a few portholes open all winter, job done on that score, airflow is key.

I believe you have a diesel heater and full covers, what's the problem? Get out and enjoy. On mine with the covers up on a clear winter's day it acts like a green house and I have to open a cover window a tiny bit to stop condensation / misting up and let in some cooler air.

[mlines]

It is on the hard

[BruceK]

Should we hold a sweepstake and see how long he can hold out before folding and getting her in?

[sprocker]

Yes she is in the hard, ready for full service and a few small jobs, then she'll be back in the water probably around end of January.

Once back in we will no doubt be starting the adventure.

Martin.....you are absolutely correct...it doesn't help......

[Centaur]

Originally set for a March launch, now the end of January... could be in by the New Year at this rate!

Regarding the electric hook-up, you should be able to use a Y-splitter to double up on the shore power cables if they are all taken. Just remember to unplug the live end first...

[sprocker]

Originally set for a March launch, now the end of January... could be in by the New Year at this rate!

Mmmm. The end of Jan date was a bit of wishful thinking, based on my usual winter work routine with the boat being 15 minutes away.

I had forgotten to take into account that this winter the boat is 2 1/2 hours away! So March is more realistic.