Peeling Wax Paper August 31, 2011 More Test Laminations, Removing Gussets, More Deck Skin Removal We decided today was the day to find out more about using wax paper as a release layer under fiberglass laminations. As noted back on page 4, the … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whaleboat Tenders Part 5: Boat Parts Shopping Day
Fuel Tanks at Marine Surplus August 30, 2011 Marine Surplus Inc, Fort Myers We left early in the morning to head down to Marine Surplus Inc in Fort Myers, FL. Our primary mission for the day is to check out fuel tanks, but we also want to scout … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 4
Grinding Console August 25, 2011 Repairing Holes in Fiberglass Consoles The consoles to these two boats have quite a few "extra" holes in them, the result of 3 sets of engines, at least a couple of different steering systems, and various other … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 3
Last Mercury August 9, 2011 Removing Bench, Deck, and Fuel Tank from Fluke The first priority for the day was to test-fire the last remaining Mercury 90 hp outboard, since a potential buyer for it was coming later in the day. It did not go well. … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 2
Discussing Aluminum Work August 1, 2011 Contracting Build of New Aluminum Top Frames After returning the pressure washer to Punta Gorda Rent All on Monday morning, Gene ran a bunch of errands, bought a gallon of West Systems epoxy, and made some … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Whale Watching Tenders Part 1
Whale Tenders Trini and Bago The last time I saw the whale watching tenders Trini and Bago was in April, when we went to the Silver Bank to swim with the Humpback Whales. These boats are 1999 Privateer Renegades, and I found a picture of one … [Read more...]
Swimming With Humpback Whales – Day 5 & End
Red Clouds In Morning Thursday started out with the underside of high clouds painted red by the sun. The breeze was still blowing, but not quite as hard as on previous days. The persistent wind made me wish we were allowed to bring our sailing … [Read more...]
Swimming With Humpback Whales – Days 3 and 4
Tuesday Sunrise We woke up Tuesday to strong winds, above the 25 knot wind limit set for Silver Bank whale watch operators. The weather delay meant a leisurely breakfast watching for whales around the mooring area. The coral heads scattered around … [Read more...]
Swimming With Humpback Whales – Day 2
Blazing Sunrise Monday morning we had lots of whales around the mooring area as we were sipping coffee on deck before breakfast. One was pec slapping just beyond the Turks & Caicos Explorer II, moored next to us, then put on a display of … [Read more...]
Swimming With Humpback Whales – Day 1
Welcome to the Silver Bank! The journey, the adventure, and our first day with the Humpback Whales For ten years now, my friend Gene has told me about his annual pilgrimage to the Silver Bank to swim with the Humpback Whales in the Marine Mammal … [Read more...]
