With the 2024 sailing season just around the corner (I’m being optimistic here) and the holiday season beginning to recede, I’m starting to think of all tasks I’d like to accomplish before ORION is launched in April. Some tasks can be done at any time, but some warm-temperature-dependent tasks such as painting need to be put on the back burner until the spring. But having these tasks written down helps me sort them out.
Rudder repair or replacement. It’s possible I might still be able to salvage my old rudder, despite my rather pessimistic view of the current situation as noted in my last update. The new plan is to remove the blade from the rudder head and bring it to a welder to see if there’s anything they can do to fix it.
New lower shroud. When ORION’s mast was lowered at the end of this past sailing season, I saw some wires had parted at the starboard lower shroud’s swage eye that attaches to the mast tang. I’m considering replacing the port lower shroud at the same time to be on the safe side.
Trim port jib sheet. For some reason, the port jib sheet is about two feet longer than the starboard jib sheet, and it drives me crazy. It’s time to give it a little trim.
Cabin paint touch-up. The cabin paint is starting to peel in a few spots. While I can scrape and sand anytime, I’ll have to wait until the spring to paint it. It wil also give me an opportunity to paint the area around my new solar vent which I never did last year.
Wood varnish maintenance coats. The annual two coats of varnish on the coaming tops, hatchboards, hatchslides and rudder will be applied when it’s warmer.
Repaint white bootstripe. Same with this.
General cleaning. ORION needs a good wash inside the cabin, and that will probably happen when it’s warmer as well.
Tighten outboard bracket. The moving parts on the outboard bracket are starting to get a little loose, and the bolts just need to be tightened a bit.
Have the mooring inspected. I’m required by the East Lyme Harbor Management to have my mooring inspected once every three years, and I’m due for an inspection. Because I have a three-point anchor system, and unlike all the other moorings in the Niantic River, I’m able to remove it myself to have the chain and shackles inspected. I just have to wait for low tide to trudge out to the mooring in chest waders, heavy gloves, and the SportYak to muscle each anchor out of the mud and drag the whole thing to the shore.
Update this website more often. My 2024 resolution is to keep this website more up-to-date than I did last year!
I’m sure there will be more things to add to the list as time goes on. Happy 2024!