Update

Entry # 24 – To view my blog’s first entry scroll down to ‘Entry # 1’. Sorry for the inconvenience, I will eventually figure out how to reverse entry order.

It’s been awhile and I thought I’d give bullet updates on the following…

+ Over the past week, I’ve been working on installing a Head System to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations. Installation is almost complete. I have the toilette secured; discharge ‘inlet’ hose from toilet to holding tank connected; holding tank in place and secured; discharge ‘outlet’ hose from holding tank to deck connected; and, vent hose from holding tank to deck connected. I still need to connect a water inlet hose to complete installation. I plan to draw water from the lake through the hull. The hull inlet fixture is already in place. I just need to procure a fixture-to-hose adaptor (Ace Hardware or Home Depot?). I may have it all completed before Saturdays’ Michigan Spring Football game! Not bad for a guy who as a young adult didn’t know the difference between a Philips and a Flat Head screw driver!

+ Poseidon bow attachment project remains incomplete. I am still tweeking the bend angle of the steel brace to the bow sprit. If I do this right in addition to firmly securing Poseidon this brace will also serve to reinforce the 4′ wooden bow sprit.

+ Great news! My NEXUS pass interview is scheduled for Monday in Port Huron.

+ Installation and assembly of Rudder Wood Stanchions (I fabricated) and Tiller remains incomplete. However, good progress is being made and depending on weather, I hope to have this project completed next week.

+ I may have mentioned that I plan to have on board an old VHF Marine Transceiver (Model IC-M100) as back-up. The connector is unique and until recently I was unsuccessful in finding a power connector to plug it in. Good news! A friend of mine found a company that carries the connector! Thanks Gary. I got the connector the other day and it fits perfectly. I will now need to have it wired. I plan to attach my back-up antennae to it and have a back-up communication capability in readiness!

+ I plan to use my tiller NAVICO TP 1800 Auto Pilot as primary. However, given high failure rates with auto pilots, a back-up for long distance sailing has been highly recommended. Given the length of my trip and long days under sail, I agree. Unfortunately I found my auto-pilot model is no longer in production. After some research, I ordered a spanking new Simrad TP22 Auto-Pilot (for back-up). As suspected though its design duplicates my old auto pilot, the plug-in connector is different! This will require installing a new connector. Another hole in my boat!

Note: Though I may now know the difference between a Phillips and Flat Head screw driver, I fall short in both knowledge and confidence in anything to do with electrical wiring! I will need to find a reasonable electrician to connect my auto-pilot and VHF (back-up) radio.

+ Yesterday, I purchased on-line my Welland Canal Passage Tickets. So now I have no choice and am committed!;) A fee of $30 (Can) is charged for each lock passage and there are (8) locks! By purchasing on-line I was able to save $80 total! A one-way passage through all 8 locks takes a full day. The Canadian government requires adding ONE CREW going DOWN the locks from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. On my return, I will need to add TWO CREW going back UP! As I am sailing solo, this presents a problem.

+ As part of GLSSs’ Required Equipment List, I ordered three (3) U.S.C.G. approved Parachute Flares. In addition, I went ahead and purchased a U.S.C.G. approved SOS Distress Light Electronic Flare with Distress Flag. This device is intended to meet and replace the need for three (3) distress flares.

+ I’m awaiting the arrival of four (4) Marine Charts to supplement the few old marine charts I kept in the closet the last few decades. See Mary, aren’t you glad I didn’t throw them out! The new charts include: Duluth Port, Sault Saint Marie & Saint Mary’s River (2) and Detroit River. Though my Garmin 942 Chart Plotter will be my primary navigational resource, I plan to utilize my charts in case of electronic failure.

That’s it for now. With 25 days remaining prior to my scheduled embarking date, I have a lot on my platter left to complete. Thanks everyone.