True Confessions Of A Woody Boater.
YAWN!
Despite the “unbelievable” history stories, I have always been honest about my feelings as I know many of you have. It’s one of the best parts of doing this for over 11 years. And I find my joy writing a story is finding the truth in something. But an interesting emotion has taken over my spirit this past week. Indifference. I am done with my wonderful boats. Not done done! But done for the year. I just look at the boats and think, naaa, I am not even going to uncover you this weekend. The ritual of cleaning up and putting the cover back on isnt worth the 10 minute ride? Which is an odd feeling. Hey I am confessing a truth here. I LOVE MY BOATS, but just done.
Mulch!
Is it the coldness in the air? The other things in my life that need attention? is this normal? I kinda feel this way every year. But also feel guilty for feeling this way. Is it a problem that I just want to clean out the flower beds and rake leaves? Okay, that’s a problem. Am I alone in my feelings? Is this normal? Is there a couples therapist that specializes in Boat relation…ships?
I love you Stinky! It’s okay. We have all winter together. It’s okay..
I feel the same way. Boat Burn Out! I’ll put her into Winter storage next week and won’t look at her again until April. I had a great Summer, but it’s time to put away the toys. Gotta get through another Winter. My old friend will be waiting for me in the Spring of 2019. I look forward to that.
Totally normal because I feel it too. If you still feel that way in March, then something is wrong!
I know we will get a beautiful 80 degree day in a week or so and feel the love. Like “break up” you know what.. Ha, but then over for the winter. Glad I am not alone.
My boat we lifted and winterized last weekend, about a month earlier than usual, but this year it just feels over.
Fall is the beginning of the restoration season in the boat shop. Boats to install new 5200 bottoms, boats to be replanked, boats to be measured for new trailers, boats for interiors, boats for varnish refresher, boats for refinish. Lots of fun that makes the winter go fast.
steve
Come on guys, this is WoodyBoaterville. That wonderful lifestyle should always stay strong. Yes, my boats are winterized and stored away in the barn for the boating season, but now is the time to get close and personal with them. There are always things to be done to get the boats ready for next year.
What the hell, are you going to turn into couch potatoes? Give yourself a good slap in the face and get going on your winter WoodyBoater projects.
There, I hope that makes you feel better!
I put the enclosure on my classic Fairchild Scout 30 this week. I look forward to cruising in the Fall weather when what sun there is turns the cockpit into a florida room and the jet ski punks are outta here! Brought my Whirlwind home for use around Richmond….just finished restoring a great early ABS canoe, a Shenandoah Classic….yearned for one years ago…got the perfect hull for 35 bucks at the Reedville show and put on all new ash gunwales, thwarts and seats…skid Kevlar on yesterday…launching today….winter?? nah. John in Va.
I learned many years ago that in Michigan Labor day was pickle and put away. It would be later if in a warmer climate. Boat lifts have to be removed because of ice on our lakes.
Yep – the forecast for Lake Michigan is gales up to 40 knots and waves building to 16 feet with scattered rain or snow showers. Good day to lay on the couch and watch football. Not much thought about boating now but will start making a list of things to be done to get ready for next season. Hard to believe “Boat the Blue” was just three weeks ago and it was hot!
Ok – actually “Boat the Blue” was five weeks ago. It’s going to be a long winter.
We’re heading to Damariscotta Lake for a “last,last”, right now. Winterizing tomorrow.
Matt, you hit home, again!!! Especially the part about “…The ritual of cleaning up and putting the cover back on isn’t worth the 10 minute ride…”
I have made this “go, no go” decision in my head more and more the last couple of years. But for me, it is more about my aching body winning the argument. It is also that I have been boating some 65 years of my life, and, well, some things just get old.
Now, don’t get me wrong,
I will boat till the day I die, just like my Dad did, into his 90’s.
I will just cherry pick the right time, the right weather, and the right people to cruise with, etc, etc, etc…
Sandi and I planned on going overnight tonight for our last hurrah since we have a planned haul out of Friday, but the wind is crazy and the temps tomorrow for the ride home are only going to be in the 40’s. Just doesn’t seems worth the effort as you say.
Had a nice ride on AB yesterday with a potential new steward. Will keep you posted.
In Cleveland for a wedding and there are 50mph wind gusts. The lake is wicked looking from our hotel room. NOT a last gasp day unless you really want it to be your last!
I hear you. It was 80 degrees 10 days ago, then got cold and stayed cold in northern Ohio. Low 50’s as a high is the best it gets for the next couple of weeks. Did my last gasp on a 78 degree October 1 day. One boat winterized today and one to go. How many days to Sunnyland/Lake Dora?
Summer is for boat rides. Fall, winter, spring is for fixing and updating all the things you noticed over the summer. Still boating, just not in the water. All is good when working in the garage on your boat. Just don’t make the mistake of adding up the receipts.