Faith ~Dolphin Dani

 What is faith? Faith means different things to different people. Faith is a noun and a verb. According to the Webster.com, faith, as a noun, means ‘belief and trust in and loyalty to God’. It also means ‘firm belief in something, for which there is no proof, complete trust’. Faith, as a verb, is 'to trust or to believe'. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”


My mom took this picture at our church


Faith is a lot of things, and faith is pretty amazing. It actually goes beyond the church, and into your heart! I have faith that God will protect me no matter what when I devote my life to Him. I don’t think that means no harm will come to me, because when you are hurt, there is usually some purpose behind getting hurt; whether that is a lesson that I needed to learn or the opportunity to test my faith. All things happen for a reason. My Grandma Peggy says that ALL the time but it's true. And now with our new boat, my family and I plan to stock up on bibles and other needed items, and head to the islands and spread the Word of God (aka the Bible)!! Mom and Dad made some friends down the dock that want to do practically the same thing! I will use my faith during those times knowing that God will be with us and use us for His needs and for His good. I am excited to see what adventure my life will take when I live my life for Him. 

Bethany Hamilton

There is one person who has taught me more about faith than anyone else and got me thinking about my faith a lot lately. That person is Bethany Hamilton. At the age of 13, she survived a shark attack that took her left arm. During her time in the hospital, one verse stayed in her head, Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I have memorized this verse and I think of it often. Bad things will happen to me but when they do, God will show me the reason behind it. He will give me hope and a future. Bethany is so amazing, determined and has a super strong faith! My faith has grown stronger because of her example and I think that's awesome!
So thank you Bethany; for giving me strength, courage, PLUS a super duper boost in my faith. You got your arm taken off by a SHARK, so that sort of means the bad things that happen to me are small, compared to losing an ARM. But I know that God is just testing us on how strong our faith is, and now I have a better perspective for when I have had a bad day. I have faith (or confidence as in Hebrews 11:1) that He has plans for my future and I will be ready for whatever I face.

Now you know what faith means to me. What does faith mean to you?

~Dolphin Dani



Repair Projects Updated ~Captain Steve

Since it's been a couple of weeks since I started my project list, I thought it time to cross off some completed items. As I was crossing off project after project, I started feeling better about everything. That is until I realized I needed to add just as many to my list! I know work on a boat is never done but I'm making real headway on ours. Things are looking up and hopefully we'll be able to get out of this marina in the next month. If you know me, you know that I am NOT a "yachty". I'm just a guy on a boat with his family. I want to get her ready and get to cruising. I am not restoring the boat, I am updating  and fixing the boat. I am customizing our boat to fit our family's lifestyle and budget. (And my budget = ¢ not $) so you'll notice that on my projects, I'm all about saving $ but making sure it's safe and usable. Feel free to offer suggestions if you have any because I'm always learning and always looking for better ways to do things. I'll try to list what something would have cost us versus what it did cost us for comparison.

Here's my updated project list and for those of you interested, and some information on how I completed some of them.

· New sole in main cabin – pre-move
For this project, I used 1/2" pressure treated plywood, pressure treated 2x2's and deck screws. I kept this pretty simple because in the end, we are simple folks. I wanted to carpet the flooring for the safety and mobility of the kids and dogs and didn't want to spend a fortune on something that wouldn't be seen. I tore up most the flooring in the main cabin, v-berth and aft cabin. I measured and cut the plywood. While the Admiral was sanding and staining that, I measured and cut 2x2s to be added for additional support where needed. After everything was dry, I secured it all with the deck screws. Once the new flooring was down, the carpet fairy dropped off some new-to-us carpet (free!) to use while finishing the work on the boat. I didn't want to purchase new carpet  just to ruin it with  paint, and other spills. I cut and stapled down the new-to-us carpet to keep it from sliding around.
The quoted price for teak flooring - $5,000
My project total = $159.00 With extra wood for additional projects.
Project complete.
            

· New mattress cushions – pre move
For our mattresses, I needed cushions for our cabin and one of the forward berths. Before I could put in new beds, I needed to reinforce the bunks. The extra wood from the flooring project came in handy here. I also painted the entire aft cabin and the v-berth before I put the mattresses in. The Admiral found an excellent website that took great care of us at http://www.thefoamfactory.com and provided not only the best prices, but free shipping and quality cut-to-order foam. I opted for 4"firm foam with 2" memory foam on top. Talk about luxury! Best sleep I've had in years. Maybe the bundle I saved helped. An electric carving knife worked extremely well in trimming edges and beveling the foam to make a perfect fit.
The quoted price for a smaller mattress for just the aft cabin - $700 (Total est $1,000)
My project total  for ALL bunks finished = $338
Project complete.

· Paint interior – pre move
I talked previously about the style of paint I like inside my boat in Naked or covered? I like white walls with teak trim.  I didn't need a lot of paint, even with a much larger boat, the wall space is only about the size of two average "Dirt House" rooms. It didn't take as much as I thought, nor as long as I thought. This was a fairly easy and straightforward project. I went with Kilz general use white paint. I added 2 caps full of bleach to each gallon. This was a tip I learned from an experienced boater friend, and keeps the mold growth down. I'll keep an eye on it and let you know how it holds up.

For the sides of the walls that have raw fiberglass, I went with a heavy vinyl wall covering. Scored big at the construction thrift store and landed a roll of 500 sq ft for $5.00. This covered the walls in the v-berth, forward head and reading nook. I still have about 80 sq ft remaining.
Price = $29 for 2 gallons of paint and vinyl
Project complete.

· Reinforce bunks – pre move
      For this I used extra plywood and 2x2s. Now my kids and guests can dance on the bunks and not fall through. And all for my favorite cost.
Price = $0
Project complete.

· Refit galley
I have done some work on the galley already but I would not call this project anywhere near complete. I eventually want to replace the counter tops and sink but for now it's working. I did have to update some of the plumbing since a couple of the fittings had lost their desire to  hold water. I cleared a couple clogged hoses and presto - running water. There was a large cooler with cold plates installed already in the galley, however, the cold plates no longer worked. It was going to cost me more to have them fixed than to buy a new one so I made the decision to pull the cooler and cold plates out. It took two saw blades on my reciprocal saw and 4 hours but I won the battle. Once the cooler and all the insulation was out, I gained 20 square feet of additional storage. I have a propane powered  fridge that will take it's place. So as of now, project is 45% done with the Admiral having use of a fully functioning galley.
Project price to date = $6 (cost of fittings and new blades) 

· Rebuild forward head
This will end up being half head/half closet. The closet part is almost done. Installed new rod and vinyl on walls. I still need to install additional shelves and the head. I already have the head and a rebuild kit that I got from my neighbor who replaces rather than repairs. I will use extra plywood, painted or stained, also free. I am hoping to have this finished in the next 2 weeks. Hoses and fittings are leftovers from previous projects as well.
Project price to date = $0

· Replace some rigging, patch sails and covers
Haven't started yet. I'm saving the exterior items for last. Although I did get the sails up and with the help of good friend Captain Scott of Red Letters, I got some rigging tightened and the roller furling in better shape.
Project price to date = $0

· Paint exterior

· Clean bottom and replace zincs

· Fix fresh water plumbing
Part of the cost for this is listed above under galley. The fittings were needed for this project along with a new faucet for the aft head.
My project total = $10 (cost of new faucet)
Project complete.

· Rewire lighting
I consider this project done but it does have additional work needed. I wired up the navigation lighting, fixed a light in the aft cabin, added two fans (one in aft cabin, one in main salon), wired the nav station electronics, wired in new depth finder and added several LED lights through out. What is left is the mast lighting and I would like to add a main salon light that is LED 12 volt.
My project total = $0 (That's right, zero! Everything I needed I already had or Capt Angus provided with the boat). *Capt Angus, for those who may not know, is the wonderful previous owner of our boat. He has really done well by her in the 20 plus  years he owned her. *

· Add solar power
I had solar power on The Dreamer but I plan to sell it with her. I will need considerable more wattage for No Más and will take that project on later. In the interim, I have a portable generator and the alternator on our engine.

· Fix water maker

· Fix hydraulic steering
This I have priced and I am just waiting for it to come to the top of my list.
Projected total = $40 for rebuild kit.

· Install windlass

That was the previous project list. Additional projects fixed but not on that list:

• Amperage project. Installed 8D battery and 2000 watt inverter. ($0 - came off The Dreamer)
• New hatch for fore hatch. Used extra plywood and 2x4s. Glassed over and painted. ($10 for fiberglass resin.)

~Steve

My husband’s job ~The Admiral



Daddy Steve

What does your husband do?



Hero Steve

It's a question I get a lot. I know what he did do….he was a Firefighter/EMT for 15 years, an athlete, a soldier, a hero, a model.

I know what he is….he is a father, a husband, a Christian, a disabled veteran, a provider.

I know what he does for a paycheck….he is the bike supervisor for bike rentals at a resort. But sometimes it's hard to answer that question because there's not much my husband doesn't do.

Bike Supervisor Steve



Captain Steve

• My husband is a Captain. He captains our vessels with the integrity not often seen and especially in the light of the tragic disaster of recent with a cowardly captain, we are lucky to have such a brave one.
• My husband is a plumber. He replaced and repaired the plumbing in our boat. We have running water, new faucets and will soon have 2 heads after he adds a second one.
• My husband is an electrician. He rewired lights, added fans mounted to the walls in two rooms and he has on his list to add a circuit breaker to supply more electricity to our shore power.



Diver Steve

• My husband is a diver. He dives down and scrapes the bottom of the boat, cleans the prop, checks the thru-hulls and the zinc.

• My husband is a teacher. He helps the kids with their History, Math and Science when I've reached my level of expertise.



Carpenter Steve

• My husband is a carpenter. He tore up the old damaged floor; measured, cut and installed a new floor. Cut, measured and laid down new carpet.

• My husband is a veterinarian. When our dog Ralphie ran off and came home with a large, deep gash on his leg, Steve cleaned, medicated, closed and wrapped it. Three weeks later, Ralph is a new man..er dog.
• My husband is a meteorologist. He can predict the weather better than any professional weatherman I've seen.
• My husband is a mechanic. He always repairs our cars, changes the oil, replaces brakes, and whatever else needs to be done to keep them running smoothly. He also fixes the dinghy outboard anytime something is wrong with it too.
• My husband is a diesel mechanic. He completely replaced the diesel engine (Volvo Penta MD6A) in our old boat and keeps our sailboat motors running smoothly.
• My husband is a masseur. He keeps me from having to have back surgery for my degenerating discs by his magic hands alone.

Chef Steve

• My husband is a chef. His ribs are so good; you'll swear he's from Memphis.

So what does my husband do, you ask? What doesn't my husband do, I say!!
~The Admiral

I think he might be Superman!

Manatees ~Jurassic Jake

If you have ever spent time in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean around Florida, then you’re sure to know what Manatees are. If not, here is a little information about them. The average manatee can grow up to 10 feet in length. They move very slow and are nicknamed the River Cow. A 1000 pound manatee can eat 100-150 pounds of river vegetation. Manatees are on the endangered list so please be a responsible boater when powering through waters where manatees may live. The main threat to manatees is speeding motor boats and they bear the scars of the accidents if they survive. Other threats are pollution and red tide.

 I have had two close encounters with manatees, one was in our old marina, my sister nearly touched him and the second time we were at Fort Meyer’s Beach, we were in our dinghy and we snuck up on a manatee without even knowing it. The manatee got scared and burst at top speed and he scared us just as much. The main threat to manatees is speeding motor boats and they bear the scars of the accidents if they survive. Other threats are pollution and red tide.

Here are a couple pictures of a release last year of a mother and her child. We got to talk to the vet who took care of them both. She told us their story. The mother was hit by a powerboat and nearly died. She gave birth to her baby at Miami Seaquarium, where they were rehabilitating them. They released them off the coast of Captiva Island in SW Florida.

~Jurassic Jake

Naked or covered? ~Captain Steve

Work, work, work, and more work. It seems that is all we've been doing but the results have been amazing. One of the bigger decisions was deciding about the floor and the walls. In our case, leave them bare/ "naked" or cover them with paint and carpet. I've seen heated arguments between sailors over something as simple as paint. There are basically two groups of sailors in this regard; traditionalists and everyone else. We fall in the "everyone else" category.
Traditionalists believe a boat should be covered in shiny, polished teak, head to toe inside. They spend most of their spare time polishing, buffing, shining and cleaning the yards and yards of teak. I don't believe they have kids and I'm sure they don't have big dogs. I know they have a money tree planted somewhere, and they are rightfully very proud of their beautiful ships.
I, on the other hand,

• Have kids.
• Have not one, but two big dogs.
• Don't have any spare time.
• Have NOT found my secret money tree.
• My boat is my home.

I want my home to be comfortable for my family. Whether it's so my wife won't slip on the polished teak while walking through the boat at night, or so my dogs won't scratch the floor I just spent 3 hours polishing; I decided I was not going naked….at least not my floor. I just replaced all the wood flooring since most of it was rotten and then I promptly covered it up with carpet. Now does that make me a rebel? I hope so! I know it makes my feet happy at night and my kids happy when they don't fall down everywhere. I know it will get wet, I know it won't last and that's why I went cheap. (Remember I still haven't located that money tree) It was free! It's always better when it's free!
How about the walls? Traditionalists like to see acres of dark wood because that's what a sailboat should have, right? Well, not me. What makes a room look bigger? Light colored walls, that's what. I think it looks sharp. And I'm not the only one. Anyone heard of a guy by the name Herreshoff? Nathanael Herreshoff was a famous yacht builder in the late 1800's. He was known for white walls and ceilings with beautiful wood trim. It looks amazing, it looks clean, it looks roomy and it looks like home. This technique made our 28' Morgan look like a 33' inside and it has made our 41' look huge! Painting walls are a great way to cover imperfections and open up the space. I will post more pictures soon but here's example of the finished reading nook/Ralph's bed and a before picture of the v-berth. Wrapping up the cosmetics and initial repairs soon!
~Captain Steve

Before pic of V-berth

After pic of seating area

You know you're a boat kid ~Dolphin Dani

Not many people have had the chance to live in the variety of places like I have - I have lived in a big city, Chicago; in the country with chickens and a garden, outside Lebanon, Mo; and on the water in our sailboat. Living in such different places, I learned there is a big difference in how you go about things. Below are how you know you're a boat kid.

You know you're a boat kid when.....

• You see a sailboat in a poster of paradise and say, "Hey look, it's us!"
• You are tan year round.
• Your entire wardrobe can fit in a backpack.
• You own more swimsuits that shirts.
• Your dogs prefer dinghy rides to car rides.
• Your shoes consist of one "nice pair" and flip-flops.
• You are excited when there's ice in the cooler.
• All your toys fit into a small waterproof container.
• You go to school in your PJs or swimsuit.
• When people ask what you do all day, you laugh.
• Your favorite video game is snorkeling with Nemo.....in real life.
• You over hear someone talking about Kim Kardashian and you don't know who that is.....and you don't care.
• You don't understand what the big deal is about fresh lobster and crab or why it's so expensive. You had it twice last week for free.
• You usually don't know what day it is and you don't care.
• You don't know why anyone would want to use an alarm clock.
• You know more about the local wild life than most teachers because you've seen and studied them all.
• You refer to all bedrooms as "Bunks" even your friend's rooms on land.

And finally. You know you're a boat kid when....You call all bathrooms "The Head" no matter where you are, even at church.

You know you're a boat kid when you call "Shotgun" for the front dinghy seat.

~Dolphin Dani