Finally back on the water (with pics)

[scubaman]

We recently got the boat out of the shed as the ice on the lakes had melted. Let's just say it was really nice to finally get her back to the water after a seemingly endless winter:

Getting the boat out:

I was really happy with the 3M line of polishes

It was trailboating time for a 1,5 km's stretch to the marina

Crane at the ready to pick her up

Finally on the water and floating

I had very enjoyable 4 hour run to Lappeenranta (Villmanstrand) ( Googe map here), where we spent a long weekend enjoying our life back on the water (wife and the kids followed by car). I left around 8pm and was accompanied by a stiff northerly F6. By 10:30 pm I reached the big open waters of greater Saimaa. It was getting dark, waves were moderate but I was getting spray on the fly, radar was not co-operating and the bilge pump alarm kept buzzing every time the boat leaned hard enough! Nothing serious but a bit of welcome excitement. I reached my destination shortly after midnight.

Sun shone the whole weekened but the cold northerly wind kept temperatures below 10 degrees c. We had a great time though!

Enjoying the sunny evening. Many boats still on the hard.

 

[GrowingLad]

She's looking very nice!!

Does she live under cover all winter?

Agreed about 3M products, I used the colour restorer and wax and was very impressed.

 

[B175Chris]

Thanks for the pics! I've had a terrible week but those have cheered me up no end, apart from the fact that I'm insanely jealous! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Reminds my why I need to work harder!

 

[scubaman]

[ QUOTE ]
Does she live under cover all winter?

[/ QUOTE ]

Jep, it's a warm warehouse, there were four boats in all. It's so nice to leave the boat there for the winter. It's warm and dry and no worries about covers, etc.

Unfortunately the warehouse has to make way for a car park so we'll have to find something for the autumn.

 

[Wiggo]

Brings a whole new dimension to trailboating...

 

[Coupe]

You were out all winter - SV is out one week now and I'm getting narky /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Only kidding, nice pics - she looks brand new.
I was talking to a guy recently who was selling a SQ58 which is wintered in a heated shed - nice /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[scubaman]

[ QUOTE ]
You were out all winter - SV is out one week now and I'm getting narky


[/ QUOTE ]

You can imagine how I've felt, closing to delirium tremens /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[andy59]

Wish we could get away with that over here , old bill would have a field day . Did you make the trailer yourself ?

 

[scubaman]

I had it made by a company that makes those for various purposes. There is a speed limit (max. 40 km/h) for a trailer such us ours (no lights, breaks or much else). Not exactly sure about all the details, but police is usually very swift in these matters so it must be legal...

Anyway, it's the transporting company's headache to make sure the whole thing is legal. I'm only taking pictures /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rafiki_]

She looks really nice. It must be great to be back in the water. Not sure my SWMBO would approve of the temps that you are cruising in though.

 

[strakeryrius]

Great post - she looks immaculate.

If its 4 hours to get to Villmanstrand where did you start? Those waters look very "interesting" to navigate through to say the least.

Hope that you have a great summer in the sunshine!

 

[scubaman]

I started from Mikkeli (St. Michel, for some reason my google map keeps showing the swedish names).

They are pretty interesting, littered with rocks both above and below surface then deep water right next. Well charted though and you can venture off the route no problem but knowing exactly where you are is important.

Thanks, I hope it's going to be better that last summer. Sunshine to you too!

 

[Sundays_Child]

Super pics! Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a great summer.

 

[AndieMac]

Great pics and story, hope you have a good season!

Cheers /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif