Best Of

So not the most energetic project.. I have 4500 series 1 controller that they no longer sell the cover for. Mine looked like trash and aggravated me every time I took the boat out. Got some chrome wrap and a new decal. Not as good as new but much better. 

For every thru-hull, the strainer comes off to get stripped, primed and painted.  It's like nothing I've ever experienced.  Chris Bryan Boat Restoration

Eye candy for a Thursday morning.  Detailers in southern Florida make Virginia detailers look like rookies by comparison.  And you have to appreciate guys who can do this work 40-50 hours a week ... just watching them makes my shoulders sore.  

I spoke too soon.  The machine shop best qualified for the job needs 2-3 weeks.  No worries, after two years I can live another 2-3 weeks without swim platform locks.  We'll splash Friday and have them ship the repaired parts to us.

In the meantime, we've had an army of guys compounding, polishing, waxing, and prepping for bottom paint.  Also doing some minor gelcoat repairs (due to a previous owner, not me ).  I finished the air conditioners, and today I changed oil/filters in five engines/transmissions.  Diane has been detailing the interior since Friday.  When this boat goes back in the water Friday, other than the locks, she will be PROPER.  #MakingGoodUseOfDownTime

Today I corrected yet another act of evil.  Some idiot repaired the aft sun shade with fittings made from steel instead of stainless.  They have been dripping nasty rust stains all over the transom.  Then a few weeks ago, one of them broke off.  

Who thought welding steel mounting tabs to a stainless steel frame was a good idea?  



Finished product -- all stainless fittings.

This is a natural "land bridge" at Lake Powell.  It is underwater currently,  but was exposed a few years ago for the first time in over 40 years....

The smile on the boat looks natural. The smile in the tub is similar to one I would make while holding a crying baby