After an unusually cold winter in our area we were blessed with a couple of days near 70 with abundant sunshine. For most boaters that means either time to get out on the water or get the boat ready. For me it was the latter. Winter storms meant the chafed dock lines needed replacing along with other projects.
"Sand Dollar" (the 26' sailboat I acquired for a can of beer) is now docked at Amity Marina in Switzerland, FL. It is a lovely small marina and yacht club with a bar, tiki bar, swimming pool and one long dock with direct access to the St. Johns River. It is now my home in the Jacksonville area.
During our recent trip to South Florida, I was fortunate enough to find Mariners Trading Company in Punta Gorda, FL. It is a consignment store with bargain prices and I could have spent days in there. I returned two more times during our stay and acquired a 22 lb. claw anchor & line, dock lines, a compass, a mooring ball, some jib blocks and a cruising guide to Florida's East Coast all for under $136.00. A great store for a Beach Bum on a tight budget.
Terri and I have a trip planned to Cancun, Mexico next week (look for pics and article soon) but I will continue the refit of my bargain boat after we return. Projects include replacing fuel lines, mounting the compass, installing a new outboard motor bracket, new jib blocks and GPS installation. Boat work is never ending but very rewarding when you take it out and things work right.
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