Felicity's First Fourteen (knots)

It has been far too long since we took Felicity for a serious ride but after our haul out that's exactly what we did. Although, it was a quick one just before sunset (we are in the process of replacing our Nav. Lights) this ride was exactly the gratification we'd been longing for after all the hard work we've been doing!

This clip shows what our wake looks like at about 14 knots. This is the first time we've actually had her up to this speed. The reason being is she had some fuel issues, which we resolved (at least we think so) back in January.

Here are some more pictures from that quick trip out the inlet.

Dinosaur Removed: An Update

So if you have been following this blog then you know "work" has pretty much been at a stand still for the past, well, a solid 2 months. GR began removing the "dinosaur" 1968 12 kw Onan (original, factory installed) piece by piece trying to salvage many of the parts in case someone wanted to have them. Sadly, it actually ran when we decided to replace it but we were getting coolant in the oil; which is typically a head gasket. Normally, you would get the head checked but the parts are obsolete so we decided it wasn't worth sinking our money into!

How did we get it out you ask? One word. YOUTH.

 "Youth is wasted on the young."  George Bernard Shaw

God, it's so true!

Unfortunately, we have come across more "dudes" that give the *"Florida Promise"! GR slowly dismantled this 1200 lb monster. Piece by piece trying to salvage the parts and give them away to someone who could use them. Some of the parts include the heads, the exhaust manifold, the stator, the rotor, alternator and water pumps. All of which can be conveniently recycled at DJ's Recycling up the road for a few cents on the pound.We posted on the Hatteras Owner's Forum, Craigslist and even some Onan Discussion Forums. Hopefully, someone's will put them to good use. Along the way G  painstakingly reported his attempts to dock neighbors that anxiously await to hear our progress on Project Motor Boat. Graciously, one of the yacht owners organized guys to muscle it out. (translation -  youth)

As I walked up the dock, I saw one of the boys (5' 5", 160lb of pure muscle) walking away from Felicity. I jokingly called out, "Hey, Did you get that thing out of there?" To which he humbly laughed out a "Yea." I thought, he was being sarcastic and we were back to square one but as I got closer to our finger pier I saw that ugly, hunk of junk OUT of the boat!! At the site of it, I jumped, squealed in delight and ripped open the 12 pack of beers I brought home, just in case. I gave one to Alex, the "young muscle", took one to GR and one for myself. I quickly snapped a pic and posted it to Facebook. I was thrilled!

Next up is major renovation of the generator room all 100 sq. ft of it! First, clean up all the grease, scrape the paint, removing old fuel lines and just a whole lot of cleaning and sanding to prep for all the new goodies we will install!

Seriously, this is a momentous occasion for us. We were really beginning to think we were in over our heads. Power boating was just not for us. We longed for the simplicity we once had. Now, we are are encouraged once again, that the seemingly impossible - really IS possible! It just takes good old fashioned hard work, perseverance and youth, looooots of youth.

*The Florida Promise is a promise made to you by a local contractor to show up and do work, to which they never do.

Removing a Dinosaur

Okay it's really not that BIG, but it might as well be! (Image found here.)

Removing Felicity's original generator, a 1968 12KW Onan, has become a very daunting task. Similar to removing a dinosaur. It's huge, heavy and OLD!! A dinosaur in that the technology has advanced so much in the last 44 years that many of the parts are obsolete. A major factor in why we chose not to fix it; spending money on something that in the long run, could cause headaches.  It's also a dinosaur in that it's monstrous, considerably larger than many new generators and almost double the weight. While GR has spent many a night, crouched down in the generator room below our galley disassembling the engine, we have managed to get the bulk of the job done. However, the actual "removal" has become another beast entirely. We are still in the concept stages of how we will 1) lift a 1000lb generator  out of the hole and remove the hunk of metal our of our galley, up 6 steps that round a corner and out of our salon without ruining carpets or walls. 2) THEN WHAT?! What do we do with this thing?? We have no way to transport it.

Our biggest issue is that we just don't have the right kind of equipment. We don't really want to put out the expense to build a framework to lift it up and move it out. Then we have all that wood left, to what...store it? No. Normally, we are do-it-yourself-ers but on this project we need someone that already has the equipment AND the manpower!

Yeah.

So that's what we are up against. Any ideas? Have you done something similar? Please leave your comments below!!

Attention Antique Vessels

One of the benefits of having an antique vessel is Antique Vessel Registry.

Did you know that if your boat is at least 30 years old you can register it with the state of Florida as an antique? According to Florida Law:

2)  ANTIQUE VESSEL REGISTRATION FEE.--
(a)  A vessel that is at least 30 years old, used only for recreational purposes, and powered by the vessel's original-type power plant may be registered as an antique vessel. When applying for registration as an antique vessel, the owner of such a vessel shall submit certification, as prescribed by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or from a marine surveyor that the vessel meets the requirements of this paragraph.
(b)  The registration number for an antique vessel shall be permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel as provided in ss. 328.48 and 328.54.

What are the particulars of antique vessel registry? 

1. Original Type Power Plant - Want that in Layman's terms? Sure thing. The engine in the boat should be the same year and make that it was originally outfitted with.
2. Non Commercial - The boat is only used for recreation. Is there any other way?
3. 30 Years Old - Sadly, I too am approaching antique status! But, really is your boat is at least thirty years old, you're in the club!

To obtain Antique Vessel Registration, click here for the certification form.

Obtaining an Antique Boat Decal

This type of decal comes directly from the State. A written request must be submitted
with a copy of the boats most current certificate of boat registration issued by a county
tax collector in the State  and HSMV Form 87243 signed by the registered owner. This
document shall certify that said boat meets or exceeds the standard for an antique boat.
Effective 10/1/97, there is no annual fee for the decal. Annual reg. fees of $7.00 still
apply. Once an antique decal is issued to a boat, it remains current for the life of the
boat provided the boat continues to conform to the definition of an antique boat. The
decal shall be placed within 3 inches of the registration number which shall be affixed
on the forward half of the hull.

The best part of this whole deal is that it is way cheaper to register an antique boat! Give it a shot and let us know how it works out for you!

Meet Felicity

Meet Felicity, a classy lady that needs work! Don't they all? ;)