You quickly realize there’s a pretty good storm going on. The canvas covering the back of the boat, where I normally sit in the cockpit, is acting like a giant sail. The wind is pushing the boat against the dock, then pulling it away, and the whole thing is rocking and shaking.
So, naturally, I get up to investigate.
For the most part, everything looks okay. I start trying to adjust the canvas, debating whether I should just unhook it so it doesn't act like a sail. The problem? It's pouring so hard that taking it down would require accepting a free shower at three in the morning. Not exactly what I had planned.
While adjusting it, one section of canvas tears. Now, to be fair, it was already getting old, and I had been thinking about replacing it anyway. So, I ordered a new one online this morning. It'll be here in a day or two. No major disaster, just a little unexpected boat maintenance.
I've actually found a pretty good way to use these canvas tarps. They're water-resistant, match the color of the boat, and fit nicely over the existing canvas covering my sails. I use one over the door and another over the cockpit. They look surprisingly good, almost like they made for the boat.
I've been thinking about taking one of the new canvases and doing a little customization. I could cut and sew it so it fits around the mainstay better, then add a couple of snaps on the other side. That would give it a much cleaner, more professional look. Who knows? Maybe I'll accidentally become a canvas designer along the way.
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| (Illustrative Only) If you ever step out on the deck of a boat during a downpour, gail winds, the boom of thunder and large lightening strikes in the distance you can gain respect for nature. |
And then there's the lightning.
You start thinking about what happens when lightning strikes a sailboat. Generally, sailboats have some protection depending on their construction and grounding arrangements, but there are certainly risks. I found myself wondering whether my rigging and electrical protection were properly set up to provide a safe path for lightning energy.
Eventually, after checking everything, listening to the thunder, and watching the lightning show, I decided I had done my duty. Everything could survive until morning. I wasn't going to spend the rest of the night playing Captain Ahab in a thunderstorm.
So I went back to bed.
The next morning, I replaced the damaged canvas with an extra old set, assessed the situation, and went about my merry day.
But I did find an interesting video about lightning and sailboats, which got me thinking. I may need to inspect my rigging and lightning protection system to make sure everything is properly configured. It's one of those things you don't necessarily think about until you're sitting in the middle of a thunderstorm at three in the morning!
I've been working on this boat for quite a while, although my enthusiasm sometimes comes and goes. It's really more like a floating condo at this point. I keep everything running, occasionally jump aboard other people's boats, and then come back to my own little project.
But I've decided I really want to fix this thing up and make it beautiful. I've already done a lot of work, but now it's time to fine-tune things and take care of all those little details.
Right now, I'm working on the water pump, and I'll probably put together another post about that.
I'm thinking something along the lines of my Hunker Junker Chronicles, except this time it's about the boat. Maybe I'll call it The Sail Boat Sagas.
Because apparently, there's always something to fix when you own a boat. The good news is that at least this one floats!
Stay tuned!
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