Launch Weekend Sub Zero but happy!

[benw]

We possibly chose the coldest weekend yet to launch and the extent of the ice and frost came as a bit of a surprise. We knew it would be near zero but the decks were
treacherous.
Once we had defrosted the hatch and got some heat in the saloon things started
looking up. The dog was decidedly unsure about the whole thing as we were stern
too and I resorted to a rugby type manoeuvre to get her on board.
Spent the night charging the remaining serviceable battery as one was totally knackered.
Completed oil change once the engine had got up to temp in the morning , new additional battery installed and away we went slipping our berth at Foxs. Met Sailorman in person which was great to put a face to forum legend!
A brief run down river and then free flow into the Haven Marina.
Sunday was lovely and clear so down to MDL to fill the tanks with fuel. Arrival
back up in the Haven only to find loads of water in the bilges - slight acceleration
of movement to explore source of said deluge. Eventually traced it to an in line
filter/sieve which had come adrift from the pump so the two freshwater tanks I had partially filled had emptied over the course of the day.
Any way a great feeling to be afloat! New Shurflo sieve required and some testing over the weekend.

 

[Champagne Murphy]

See you over the weekend!

 

[benw]

Kettle will be on no doubt all day!

 

[millbeach]

Good on you,
Wish it was me, my boat in the yard all covered up for winter at mo.

ps, nice boat.

 

[tillergirl]

Nice to see but with the snow falling here at the moment, I, for one, am not envious. Well not for now.

Looks great.

 

[Otter]

Nice looking boat - congratulations!

 

[wingdiver]

So where are you berthed?
Ipswich Haven?
Which pontoon?
Might see you when visiting our sistership.....

 

[benw]

Thanks chaps for the +ve comm's. lots still to do but we have certainly tackled the big projects.
We are in a visitor berth in the Haven currently awaiting a nod re berth until March. It is all very pleasant I must say. A different experience from sitting on our old mooring with the sound of birds and passing river traffic.
My daughters are happy being close to the metropolis for shopping etc and it will be pleasant experiencing Ipswich's waterfronts finest eateries!