Happy Birthday USA!

Happy 4th of July! It has been awhile, and not many pictures to show, but a quick rundown to get you up to date! 

In June I completed the engine services, and valve adjustments. Toscana is ready for summer. Took a day off for a cruise with others from Cuba Landing on Jason's 70' Monticello Houseboat. 

The last week of June took me to MN with Amy's family for their annual vacation, then back here just in time for fireworks last night.

Today we provisioned, and tidied up from all the spring work. Pulled her out to the end of the pier, mast up, sail on and raised! We are heading to Paris Landing for a few days, Look for more in the next couple of days!

 

Valve adjustment. Super easy, been awhile since I only had 2 valves per hole to set! :)

                                                Oh and I found a seat while out of town!

 

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day! The flybridge refit isn't finished, but we got done enough to get out for the first overnight of the season.

As you can see, the teak has all been varnished, the paint done, the deck coating done, and most of it back together. The Starboard side railing is completely re-mounted.

 Steps re-done, with non-skid deck coating added to the steps.

    Trim back on, all the canvas snaps re-located, and seats back together.

 

Re-varnished doors installed, and all the electronics and hardware.

A new addition, cedar stand blocks (varnished they come out the same color as teak) for the electronics. Punches up the helm area alot. Special thanks to Junior Conley!!

The Flybridge fridge/Freezer is yet to be re-installed. Also this port side railing is not finished. I need to locate the mast base before I can finish. This weeks project!!

We made a nice run Sunday afternoon down to Cherokee beach and rafted up with "Got 'er Done" and "Clean Get-A-Way".

And then a nice leisurely cruise back to Cuba Landing Monday! Now back to work and projects!
 

Flybridge deck Continued again :)

 As of yesterday, all the point is done, the varnishing is done, just need to mask off and scuff for the deck coating! Hoping to be done with that by Thursday, Seam calking on Friday, and then full speed ahead on putting it all back together this weekend!

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!