Could Be The Best--Or Worst--Idea Ever

I ordered some 303 Protectant from Defender this week.  I tried some "non greasy" auto protectant over the weekend.  That was a job squirting and wiping the two tramps.  I read some different ideas and opinions on using protectant on the trampolines.  Some said they wouldn't use it, some say they'd never use it again and others swear by it.

I decided to go with the "I'll try anything once" angle and spent two afternoon painstakingly squirting ICE on the two tramps.  It was not slippery at all, but that doesn't mean it won't get slippery when it gets wet.  I know it had to have been dry.  It soaked in quickly.  Thus the reason for ordering 303 that came recommended on one of the websites I visited.  Wish I could remember so I could credit them.

Also decided to replace the rest of the line on the mast and elsewhere on the boat.  It's going to be a it of an investment, but it will be redone and fresh when we go to get out there we should have any trouble.

The Tramp is Laced: A Few Tips It Would Have Been Nice to Know

We did end up lacing the boat on Saturday.  I don't know about all boats, but after some thought we really didn't think it mattered whether we went side then center or vice versa.  Turns out, it makes a little difference.  For this boat--a G-Cat--I suggest lacing the center first and getting it as tight as possible.  This would have shifted the grommets back a little and would have eliminated the ever so slight pooch that occurred at the end of the second tramp.  I'm thinking when it gets wet and everything has a chance to shift around that maybe the pooch will go away.  I hope to return to this post and add some pictures of the lacing.  Right now, the best deal on line is clearly a website called Defender

Lacing

Hopefully, today is the day we will be lacing the boat.  I am excited.  I tried to do a little online research and just got bogged down looking at unrelated catamaran sailing websites.  I really hate it when that happens because I ended up being up way to late looking at rants and reviews of other people's experiences.  Aaargh.  My husband is out this morning and will return ready to go to work, so I will need to do that research now in order to be ready.  I'll attach anything I find concerning lacing when I return.

New Line Has Arrived

The line got here the end of last week.  It is beautiful!  I guess that's not the point. Being a girl I just had to uncoil it and feel it and look at it.  It's really stiff.  I suppose that's the dyneema in it?  The purple is bright with red and orange/yellow flecks.  Now I will spend a little time looking for the perfect knot.  Just for information, I bought 100 feet of 3.8 mm.  That's supposed to be enough, we shall see.  I'll post pictures of the line later today.

Spyderline Dyneema SK-75

Made a startling discovery on Saturday.  The line we bought for the tramp is already rotting.  I admit, we tried to save a couple bucks, and it showed.  The line on a broken catamaran that has been sitting out unprotected for over five years is still fine and dandy.  I quickly did a half day's worth of research, found this Spyderline on a few websites and in the West Marine catalog.  Apparently, the secret is in the Dyneema's strength.  I chose the polyester wrapping of the Spyderline because the polyester is supposed to be highly abrasion resistant.  It ships Friday, so I will post pictures of it when it arrives.  It will be interesting to see how this lasts.

It's Official

Dismal, dismal rain all day tomorrow.  After all this time, I guess I can wait another week. . .

It's Supposed To Rain Tuesday - bummer

I'm looking at the forecasts for the week.  The wind in the morning has really laid down.  That had me so excited about the first voyage.  Then I saw the rain chance for tomorrow and Tuesday.  I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I'm Going Sailing!

This will not be an everyday occurence.  However, when I go out on my 5.9 meter catamaran, you will hear about it.  I also hope to post some pictures here as well.  Tuesday is the first time I will be taking my circa 1980s G-Cat out on Lake Jackson.  According to the guy we bought the boat from (over a year ago) cat will be a Hobie.  I just wonder . . .  I hope to take lots of pictures and learn how to post them here.  Until Tuesday, I have lots of looking over lines and cables to be sure everything is ready to go after sitting so long.