July 1, we moved the boat to our slip at Seabrook Marina. Since then we have been busy moving ourselves on board and she is starting to feel like home. There are moments when we are completely overwhelmed with the list of things to be done and yet still confident we will get there.
We have spent 2 out of every 3 weeks on the boat and learned many in’s and out’s of the many systems. Spare parts in the engine room have been sorted, inventoried and organized. Manuals and records (well maintained by previous owners) have been organized into our personalized system. Items checked off the list of minor repairs and improvements. We have kitchen gear and bed and bath linens and pantry basics so that we can function day to day.
I’ve had to learn to cook with limited space, refrigeration, and equipment. Can’t use the grill in the marina for safety reasons. Discovered right away a switch on the stove that allows either top burner cooking or oven but not both at the same time. Still need to learn how to use my Instant Pot for routine tasks like boiling pasta.
We have the good fortune to make new friends who have cruised a large portion of the Loop as well as the Intracoastal Waterway between here and Mobile. We have already benefited from the conversation. They have a similar boat and it was quickly like talking to “family”.
Along the way, we prepared Peter’s 37′ Bostrom sailboat for sale. Lots of cleaning and organizing to get that done. Spec sheets written up, photos taken, and marketing websites posted.
We have had piloting lessons with the previous owner as well as taking the boat out just the two of us. Most boaters will agree, the cruising part is great pleasure. The getting in and out of a slip at close quarters at the effect of wind and currents can be terrifying. We have each had turns at the helm taking the boat in and out of our slip. Confidence coming up. We remain hopeful that the pucker factor will diminish over time as we get more experience.
On one of our first trips out we were with the previous owner when the Coast Guard flagged us down in the channel for a routine safety inspection. It was a very hot day and very few boats out and they were stopping everyone that came past. The officers were very friendly with no artificial air of authority even though they were carrying sidearms. We passed our inspection with no violations and they even posed for a photo with us.
Every now and then, we kick back and put our feet up and marvel at how very fortunate we are and how much we appreciate the life we have the opportunity to enjoy.