sarabande
Well-Known Member
... when you put them in a silly place. 
Fore and aft mooring near Plymouth. Overnight we make a practice of securing the inflatable dinghy with a wire strop and lock, and taking the oars on board in case they, err, drift away.
On Friday evening (after a day of intermittent heavy rain and gusty wind) when I had spent a day ferreting around the boat and fixing flexible water tanks and support matting, I brought the oars on board, and tucked them up against the mast on the coachroof, where other things like the deck brush and boat hook live.
Down below later, I felt a bit cold, so started up the Taylors paraffin heater. The gentle sussuration and concomitant warmth were pleasing to the tired soul, until I became aware of a slightly acrid smell incoming from outside. I climbed on deck, and went up to the mast area, near where the chimney from the heater exits.
Yes, I had carelessly placed the blade end of the oars over the top of the chimney. No real damage, except to personal pride, and relief that I had not re-directed the exhaust gases across the multiple halyards and other lines leading to the base of the mast.
At least I have a uniquely marked oar
and a small tag will be place on the heater, saying "Check Chimney".
Fore and aft mooring near Plymouth. Overnight we make a practice of securing the inflatable dinghy with a wire strop and lock, and taking the oars on board in case they, err, drift away.
On Friday evening (after a day of intermittent heavy rain and gusty wind) when I had spent a day ferreting around the boat and fixing flexible water tanks and support matting, I brought the oars on board, and tucked them up against the mast on the coachroof, where other things like the deck brush and boat hook live.
Down below later, I felt a bit cold, so started up the Taylors paraffin heater. The gentle sussuration and concomitant warmth were pleasing to the tired soul, until I became aware of a slightly acrid smell incoming from outside. I climbed on deck, and went up to the mast area, near where the chimney from the heater exits.
Yes, I had carelessly placed the blade end of the oars over the top of the chimney. No real damage, except to personal pride, and relief that I had not re-directed the exhaust gases across the multiple halyards and other lines leading to the base of the mast.
At least I have a uniquely marked oar
and a small tag will be place on the heater, saying "Check Chimney".
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