2/10/12
Completed the companion way hatches yesterday. Next up, literally, is to bolt on the mast step and step the mast for rigging lengths. The mast rotates, as well as raises/ lowers fore or aft. Being a maxi-driveway cat, the birds that live in the bottle brush abutting the port hull have gotten quite used to the activity and watch at close range with chirping curiosity. It is not unusual to have robins and sparrows fly into the cabin for inspection. If they start nesting aboard, it really is time to launch.
I'm sure once completed, the further away from the driveway, the smaller the cat will become. For the moment, she looks huge. Apparently also to my 90 year old mother, who looks out the window and says, "will you be bringing THAT in the house?"
Before achieving success, I may have established some unenviable record for getting turned down for insurance: Verbally and in writing I've been told by BoatU.S: "we don't insure boats of your type, design, or build." Heritage: "no multi-hulls." Progressive: "do not have a program for watercraft with your description. Farmers: "Tricky..." McGinnis was straightforward "No." Bay Risk wanted a survey and while I was arranging that, called back to decline. BoatU.S continued to pester with e-mails, and when I reminded them they'd turned me down already, they said "send photos" ....I sent those and a resume and that was the last I heard.
Finally success through a firm in Annapolis who insures my brother's home built wooden boats. They know their boats, sailors, personalized service, fair rates, coverage for all N.America waters. Onward. ~sledcat, aka sleddog