Just in time for snow

josrulz · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

Just writing to tell my story from yesterday, which I think the members of Sailnet will at least understand.

As of yesterday morning, our Sabre 34 was sitting on the hard, winterized, etc. But the mast still needed to be pulled (for work we're planning to do this winter), and the full framed Fairclough cover installed (came with the boat when we bought her).

With the impending (and now actual) blizzard predicted for today, I had a big job to do, and alone. Normally, I'd have had help, but my wife really had to work, as did most everyone I know.

I realize many boats go through snow uncovered, but we already HAD the cover, so I decided that if there was a way to get it done, I would.

So yesterday morning, we got the yard to pull the mast (they were great about getting it done quickly yesterday), and I spent the rest of the day (and part of the night) installing the frame and cover. Up and down the ladder, up and down. I finished 2.5 hours after dark, with knees shot and every other part of my body sore or bruised.

On a side note, with a helper this job really wouldn't be too bad. Alone, well, I will try not to do that again.

Today, the snow is up to 11 inches in Annapolis area right now, with much more predicted before it's over. The boat is buttoned up and ready (see pic below from last night, using cell phone and headlights).

Anyway, I thought you all would understand the effort. Thanks for listening!

-J

dryclean · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

What is depressing up here in the North, Cleveland here, is that photo was probably taken at 5pm. I feel your pain Took my Sabre 28 out a month ago all tucked away for the spring. Today first noticeable snow this season. That is a first for me. Well, we had no spring, we had no summer, barley had a fall , hopefully no winter. LOL

JohnRPollard · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by josrulz

On a side note, with a helper this job really wouldn't be too bad. Alone, well, I will try not to do that again.

jos,

I hear you on that. The covers can be a bear to wrestle on and tie-off solo. Having a helper cuts the time by far more than half.

I sprained my ankle this week so wasn't able to get out and put our cover on as planned.

Had my cover been on, we wouldn't be getting all this snow.

Maybe next year you and I should team up/trade-off?

downeast450 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

I hauled my Islander 28 this past Tuesday. A sub-zero wave of arctic air hit Wednesday! On the hard in Northeast Harbor, Maine.

George

josrulz · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

jos,

I hear you on that. The covers can be a bear to wrestle on and tie-off solo. Having a helper cuts the time by far more than half.

I sprained my ankle this week so wasn't able to get out and put our cover on as planned.

Had my cover been on, we wouldn't be getting all this snow.

Maybe next year you and I should team up/trade-off?

Hey JRP, sorry to hear about your ankle. I was saying the same thing about our cover--that if I worked so hard to get it in place, it wouldn't snow. I think I may have been wrong about that.

Snow is up to 14" deep here now and counting.

As for next year, I'd definitely be up for a team-up/trade-off, so let's keep that in mind. I would guess the same as you--that it would be less than half the time with two people.

Enjoy the snow!
-J

captbillc · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

josrulz-- the covers are a bear to pull up over the boat. i did it myself last year, but this year i got help to pull it up. i'm 87 so i decided to get help this year. we got it on the day before the snow came. the cover is so heavy i have to use a hand truck to move the rolled up cover.

Sabreman · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

J - I did the exact same job on our Sabre 38 2 weeks ago. I had a business trip starting the next day and HAD to get the cover on. Just like you, finished in the dark. Left work 3 hours later than I wanted (even though I work only 45 mins from the boat) and got started at dusk and finished at about 1800. Did it by myself, but fortunately the cover only goes down to the toe rail. Still, the cover weighs about 60 lbs.

So here we are 2 weeks later and I'm "stuck" in San Diego at the Marriott looking over the harbor. Lots of boats sailing, most Navy ships are in port decorated for the holidays, it's 72 degrees and sunny. I was supposed to leave today, but United cancelled all flights into Dulles. Bummer. Gotta stay another day. I really hate my job.

PS My wife is at home with a house full of teenagers (only one of which is ours) and clearing a foot of snow. Good thing that she loves snow.

josrulz · #8 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by captbillc

josrulz-- the covers are a bear to pull up over the boat. i did it myself last year, but this year i got help to pull it up. i'm 87 so i decided to get help this year. we got it on the day before the snow came. the cover is so heavy i have to use a hand truck to move the rolled up cover.

captbillc, yeah, they are very heavy. I suppose I'm a bit lucky because we'd actually had the cover modified to accommodate mast in (ironic that we're pulling the mast this year), so it's in two pieces. Still really heavy though. I can't imagine lugging that thing onto the boat at 86, so good on you! I'm 38, and I don't plan to do it alone again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabreman

J - I did the exact same job on our Sabre 38 2 weeks ago. I had a business trip starting the next day and HAD to get the cover on....

Sabreman, I was in my situation for practically the same reason! I had a ton of business travel (more than usual) over the last several weeks, including Santa Monica, San Francisco, and Chicago. By the way, when I was in Santa Monica it was rainy and 42 degrees. Argh. Anyway, I just didn't have a chance to pull the mast (I wanted to be there) and get the cover on, so I paid for it yesterday.

I hope you get home soon though. I hate being stuck out of town, even if I'm where the weather is fine...

mgmhead · #9 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

Jos,

Job well done. BTW, nothing new about finsihing up solo or finishing after dark. Like many others, and yourself, I wrapped Rhythm without a partner and finished well after dark in mid-November. Lucky me, I got to work most of the day in a t-shirt but it got very cool after sunset. Had to finish my work by flashlight.

Happy Holidays to you, and the other Sailnetters, congratulations on finishing your winterizing J.I.T. (just in time).

WanderingStar · #10 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

"What is depressing up here in the North, Cleveland here, is that photo was probably taken at 5pm."

I'm with you. I arrive at work in the dark, go home in the dark. I stole a late season sail this week. My buddy asked when I would be in. "Before dark" I got in about 3:45, didn't leave the boat until 5. In the dark.