More Training; More Repairs

Still in Port Salerno/Stuart, FL - June 13-26, 2016

Since the steering issue curtailed our training a week ago, Capt. Chris returned on the 13th to continue docking and close quarters maneuvering practice.

We headed out of the Manatee Pocket to the ICW to test the steering first.  Something still was not right. This time we called Chuck Ruble and he had us return to Hinckley so he could jump aboard and go for a test drive.  Yup, the steering was still very loose, so back to a Hinckley slip we went.

By the end of the week, the steering was perfect. We want to especially thank Russ, the technician who wouldn't give up on the repair - even calling the manufacturer.  The final solution was bleeding the air out of the hydraulic lines several times, rather than only once.  Every technician we met at Hinckley was professional, knowledgeable and friendly.  Chuck bent over backwards to make sure all our issues were fixed and we were satisfied with the work.  We can't say enough good things about our experiences with Hinckley Yacht Services of Stuart, FL!

All repairs completed, we moved back to Mariner Cay Marina.  Does this feel a little like ping pong? Leaving Hinckley this time, Jim expertly maneuvered Bazinga out of the slip, past the $1million boats with their 'claws' straining to snag us and up the Pocket to Mariner Cay.  We stopped at the fuel dock to fill up and pump-out and neatly eased into our slip on the face dock.  Hey, we might be getting the hang of this boating thing!

FROM:  A few more days at Hinckley Marina for repairs

TO:  Our favorite face dock at Mariner
Cay Marina
(That big Kadey Krogen yacht has departed
and Bazinga enjoys more open views)

We still had our car to run to Home Depot, West Marine, restaurants, drug stores and the like.  During one of our training sessions, Jim almost fell over backwards out of the helm seat on the flybridge.  We soon discovered the foundation of the seat had rotted out - in fact, there were mushrooms growing under it! Capt. Chris advised we drive 24 miles to Marine Connection Liquidators in Fort Pierce and purchase a gently-used or new-older model helm seat.  It turned out to be a lovely drive north along the Intracoastal Waterway - the route we would take with the boat in another few days.  We found a perfect new helm chair (those things are expensive!) at 1/2 the retail price.  Installation went well - an added bonus!  Right now, we're rather giddy when anything comes together easily!

Father's Day, 2016.  Finally we can get back to on-the-water training!  Capt. Chris's plan to accomplish today:
1.  Bridges:  Three bridges all in a row.  The Roosevelt Bridge (65' above us), a railroad bridge (that is usually in the open position), and a bascule bridge (drawbridge).  We go pass thru this obstacle course on the way back.
2.  Anchoring
3.  Picking up a mooring ball
4.  Docking - especially backing into a slip

All three bridges are very close together and it's imperative not to get stopped between the bridges. As we approach the high Roosevelt bridge, we call the drawbridge on the VHF radio, channel 9:
"Roosevelt Bridge, Roosevelt Bridge; Bazinga."
Drawbridge:  "Bazinga; Roosevelt Bridge."
Us: "We are a west bound white trawler,  requesting an opening."
Drawbridge: "Come ahead Bazinga. We'll be open for you."

It was a narrow passage for us newbies, with a little bit of current and wind to make steering more challenging, but all went well and we were through in a few minutes.

Us: "Thank you, Roosevelt Bridge.  Bazinga is clear of the bridge; standing by on 16."  (Which means we are monitoring Channel 16 on the VHF radio, in case anyone wants to reach us.   Actually, the bridge tender did radio us back and asked for the name of our vessel again.  We realized he couldn't read the beautiful name on our stern because the dinghy was covering it.  That's a Coast Guard no-no, so we'll have to figure out how to get the name more visible.)

On the way back thru the 3 bridge challenge

The wind started to pick up to 15 knots and the sky indicated a rain storm could catch us.  Capt. Chris wanted to get in a few tries at anchoring.  We had some experience in anchoring on sailboats and on the Selene we chartered in the San Juan Islands in 2012.  The anchoring practice went well and by the time we were done, the rain had gone around us - but the wind had climbed to 20 knots.

Well, picking up a mooring ball would be a trick in this wind, but if we could do it now, it would definitely be easier in calmer wind and water.  Off  to the Sunset Bay Marina anchorage we went. Jim steered the boat between a catamaran and a larger trawler to an empty mooring ball.  Capt. Chris and Georgia grabbed a boat hook and leaned over the bow rail to snag the small loop atop the mooring ball pennant.  In the 15-20 kt wind, the boat is bobbing up and down. You are leaning way over the railing, trying to get your boat hook into the loop, pull the loop up and pass your bow line thru the loop quickly - while also giving hand signals to the captain to tell him which way to steer the boat to make all this easier!  We had to make several passes and soon discovered we were using a boat pole that made 'picking up the pennant' more difficult.  Once we traded out the boat pole we had success!

Hooked up to the mooring ball, we decided to take a break, have lunch and go over what we learned: wind and choppy water are a miserable combination when performing mooring ball gymnastics.

Not our boat - we were too busy to take pictures!  But it gives you a good idea of a mooring ball, the loop at the top that you try to snag with a boat hook, while leaning over the rail.  I wish it was this calm and peaceful the day we practiced!

After lunch, Georgia steered the boat while Jim had a go at tying to the mooring ball. First try was a charm! (I know what you're thinking and I modestly agree.....it had to be all due to the person who was now steering the boat.)

After heading back thru the 3 bridges, we found some empty slips to practice backing in.  As the wind was still a constant 15-20 kts, with some higher gusts, slipping the boat was quite difficult.  Those beautiful windows at the back of the boat provided the perfect 'sail area' for the wind.  We learned how much the wind loved to push the boat around.

It was an intense learning day!  We survived to tell the tale.  Now, where's the wine?