Feb 2018 - Catching up

Steve checking engines
while Carol drove

So our Adventure began on Feb 4, 2018 when we officially took ownership of our N-37 and moved her from her slip in Eau Gallie Yacht Club at Melbourne, FL.  We started engines about 0630 and made our way south to Fort Pierce, FL. 

The first night we stayed at Harbortown Marina at the fuel dock because it was just across from Cracker Boy Boatworks and we had an 0830 scheduled haul out.  The video above shows the small island right in front of us that night and we were in heaven.  We were tired because the ride down was a bit unnerving with first day jitters and about 25 mph headwinds the first half of our trip.  Luckily we had a good friend and experienced pilot with us for trouble shooting and the wind calmed down later in the afternoon so we could make good headway and arrive before dark. We ate outside at the Harbor Cove Restaurant with great weather and delicious food.  We toasted a great first day! Everyone slept hard.

The next morning we moved to the boatyard where the boat was lifted out of the water onto dry dock. 

Travel Lift near the ramp and many
surrounding boats.  I am on front of ours.

You can see we were about 6 feet off
the ground, had power and water but no AC

Steve stayed on board about half the time and the other half in a local hotel by the ocean.  We still had both cars at this time so Carol could go back and forth settling parents in Tampa and flying home to close up the house while Steve would still have wheels in Ft. Pierce.  The dirt and dust were prohibitive for Carol to stay.  While in the yard, we had several mechanical issues addressed, the name was changed, the boat was cleaned and partially polished (too much gravel and dust around for the upper decks to be cleaned and polished here), the props were refurbished, and the bottom painted with anti-fouling paint. We also had the opportunity to take a couple boating courses nearby with Captn Chris in Vero Beach.  These proved to be very valuable in the days ahead.  He and his wife, Alyse, have years of experience as live -aboards and working on yachts of all types and they are great teachers.  They open their home to teach courses and everyone has a great time while learning important information. 

Props and bottom painted with antifouling

We were also able to find most supplies needed between Vero Beach, Ft. Pierce, and towns just south of there while Steve completed projects he could do before moving aboard JADIP.

gotta love these giant oaks

great walkway along the river

There was a great park right along the Indian River for walking and playing with the dogs.  The giant oaks were amazing and there was almost always a cool breeze - even on the warmest days!

On February 28, we finally finished what had to be done in the boatyard and moved the boat to Causeway Cove Marina.

18 feet wide for a 16 foot wide boat!

It was a tighter than expected slip, but Steve slid her in there like a pro!

We celebrated with a nice dinner nearby overlooking the river and both felt very relaxed for one huge first step completed on our adventure.

Now for the next difficult work of getting moved onto the boat.  Everything had to be pared down to bare minimum.  Think of it like a camper van!  It's amazing how many things in a house can be considered extra or not needed on a boat!  Our original ideas had included staying at Causeway Cove for the Marine Trawler Owner's Association Meeting on April 16, but we soon realized that we could not do that meeting and still make it to the Great Harbour Rendezvous in New Bern, NC by May 8.  We can only go a max of 50 miles, or so, in a day and max GPS speed of 6-8 mph, depending on the currents.  Luckily, we met Deb and Henry Dennig, then president and

Great Harbor 47 - Seven Tenths

treasurer for the Great Harbour Trawler Association while we were in the boatyard.  They were getting work done on their Great Harbour 47 there.  We kept in touch and they gave us lots of information about the Great Harbour boats and info for planning our trip north (more on this later!). 

While at Causeway Cove, another N37 joined us for a few nights.  Semper Fi, with Richard and Karen Lynch, pulled in for a rendezvous with us on their way north to the GHTA meeting.  They were the first couple we met with an N37 on Kentucky Lake in October!  It was partly their inspiration that led us to buy this boat!  We shared stories and food with them and the Dennigs for a fabulous time!

Between January 15 and April 10, Steve made 4 trips to Nashville, including stops in Tampa area on the way back.  Carol's parents moved to Florida to get away from the freezing winters in Tennessee.  They had wanted this for several years, but life interfered.  We brought some items from the house and put some in storage.

Even the dogs were exhausted!

We were very blessed to have some great neighbors, and friends and family support to assist us during this very difficult time. We could never have done everything we had to do without them. Our good friend, Karen, packed many boxes in our house while we were gone!  We had many lists for helpers and hired pros to help too.  We were exhausted and still having health issues, so it was very difficult.  We will never forget their incredible help that made this trip possible and the wonderful Bon Voyage party at Cheryl's house before we left.  Family in Florida also proved invaluable in assisting with the transition for Carol's parents and in their continued care and oversight.  We are very thankful for their support and encouragement.

By April 12, we had to be on our way if we were going to make it to New Bern on time.  It was good enough!  Luckily we both like fancy camping.  Ah, but the port (left) engine was going to tell us otherwise on our first day out.  We anchored outside Eau Gallie that night and called the mechanic who did the work.  He drove from Fort Pierce to evaluate and make adjustments and we were on our way about midday.  My goggles and the near 90% humidity were letting me drive for about an hour at a time so I was happy.  We will pick up on the trip North with our next post.

Seated, comfortable, and resting.
Life is good!