Flybridge Deck Continued...

 While in the process of all this, we met a lovely couple with a sister boat to Toscana. Bob and Norma's "Firefly" is hull number 38. Toscana is #43. Both being built in 1981! 

We got to meet them on a visit to Pebble Isle, then they came to Cuba the next morning and anchored out. Kinda cool reuniting the two boats 40 years after they were built!

The Bridge Deck re-fit is coming along as well as can be expected, juggling weather and other time demands. The last coat of primer went on yesterday. Here are the pictures after a quick block and wipedown! 

Topcoat is next!

Flybridge Refit

 This weekend we finally turned the corner. Done removing things and sanding things, and washing things, and etc etc etc. It has been a long 2 weeks! yesterday I applied the fairing compound to the seams (under teak trim) and where we are filling and sealing mounting holes.

All the sanded trim in a pile, ready for new varnish

Teak doors ready for varnish

Rear door hatch cover, ready for varnish

After 2nd coat of Bristol Finish, 2-part urethane varnish.

I finished the day with 7 coats on the cover, this is actually the under side of the cover, the topside will be coated with the same thing we are coating the deck with. I am HOPING to be done with the paint and coatings in about 2 weeks, then on to re-assemble everything, and move on to re-installing the mast and making it's new cradle!

A/C Refit

Toscana's main salon A/C system has reached the end of it's service life. The system being 40 years old, and using R-12 refrigerant makes repair impossible, and an entire re-fit of new compressor/condenser unit and new air handler unit. After 3 weeks of roadblocks with parts and pieces and so on, I got the new system fully installed and charged. While there hasn't been a need for A/C the last week or so, I have used it several times for heat in the mornings!

Some cost notes... Last year I replaced the 12k self contained drop in unit in the master stateroom with a 16k Marinaire. With shipping that was about $2,200 all in. Charged up, ready to go. This split unit, also 16k capacity, has topped $5,800 for parts and materials. In my case there was no practical way to use an all-in-one unit here. I'm very glad the unit left to replace is a self-contained unit like the master!

We have also decided on a complete restore on the flybridge deck. What that means is not only will the deck be renewed, we are also doing all the brightwork, and the FB interior in Awlgrip white. This is the paint that will be used for the outer part of the hull and house sides next year, above the waterline. 

Amid this spring refit, we hosted my aunt Janelle and her husband Van. Hopefully they bring Grandpa next time, and come when she is in shape for a little cruising!

Adventures through October 18th

 Toscana has spent most of the last couple months in her slip. Short day trips to Pebble isle and a couple pumpouts aside. Amy just left for home yesterday after 3 weeks here. We had a wonderful visit with The crew of Whisky Business earlier in the week. I traveled with them and others last fall down the IL waterway. I didn't take any pictures, but here is Jerry's write-up: https://mvwhiskybusiness.com/2020/10/14/waiting-for-the-fog/

After seeing Amy off for her drive back to IL, I got Toscana ready for a day trip to the beach. It turned into an over nite, but hey life on the river is hard folks! :)

 

Adam and Charmin's 80' Somerset already beached! Toscana has a V hull and 5' draft, so no beaching, but rafted off to the back of this thing no problems! :)

Toscana, by herself, is no slouch of vessel, but always remember, no matter how big your boat is, someone else has one that makes it look like a bath toy! :)

Despite only 3 Pier 5 folk's at the beach, the spread looks like we were still on the pier!

 

 

Adam and Charmin playing some Cornhole... with Arlo supervising!