Hardtop frame set in place for fit

While Jim was getting last minute stuff done, I removed all the side curtains. We hoisted the hardtop frame into place.

We left the bimini in place to help support it until we got our final measurements for the up-rights on the sleeper deck. This way we could walk around, and under it to look things over. Even able to step back and look at it and take a few pictures.

I had been a little concerned about the step up, but we wanted a few inches of headroom. After looking at it I think it will be fine. Everything steps up from the deck and this just falls in line.

It’s just sitting on the top now…but it will be thru bolted and will have a nice snug fit.

He has to trim up a few spots.

Then it was lowered down and put back in the shed for the skin to be put on. That will take us a few days.

Jim and I got it up and down, by ourselves, but we’ll have to recruit a bit more muscle to get it up for the final installation as it will be a bit heavier.

Hardtop framework

Once we got back from our test run with the rebuilt fuel pump…Jim spent a couple of days cleaning out the bilge and repairing the float for the bilge pump.  Lets hope he wont have to do that again for awhile.

We picked up the material and started on the hardtop framework. We are using 5200 where each of the boards come together. This will help secure the screws and joints.

We let it have a couple of days to dry and will have to do that as we go.

Tomorrow we can set it in place…measure for the rear supports and bring it back down. Even though it will be a few inches higher than the cockpit roof we want to follow the same line. We are hoping by putting it in place and stepping back for a better look…we’ll get it right the first time. Then we can start putting the “skin” on the top.

I am anxious to see how it looks..In our minds eye..it already is beautiful..but then we have to expect some reality.

Did I mention rain?!!

While we were out for those 3 nights….I had emptied the rain gauge. I checked it after the rainstorm last night and it read 5 inches.  I wonder how accurate they are.

Thursday night we had a downpour. This is Jim bailing out the dingy.

I think we must have gotten a few inches that night.This little guy (Great Pondhawk?) was interested in watching Jim bail,  This Eastern Pondhawk was more interested in the camera. I am fascinated with the dragonflies. Check out my website for the critters around our place. www.wildlifearoundus.blogspot.com and look at the Amberwings and Dashers.   

This is how we look when drying out.

We were fairly dry inside but hot and sticky since we had to close all the ports, windows etc, because it was raining so hard, and talk about thunder and lightening!! What a show!

The sheet on the bow rail was on the top of the bimini. That blue top gets pretty hot when the sun is shining and the white sheet helps keep it cooler while motoring or at anchor. That’s why we are considering a hardtop.

It ran the best it’s ever run!!

I never once had to go below to move stuff around so it wouldn’t vibrate. The engine didn’t smoke and ran smoothly….even at an idle.!!

We were only out for 3 nights and traveled about 130 miles.  So far, we are very happy with the rebuild. It should have been this way when we first put it in the water a few months ago…..the problem was in the way the rebuilt fuel pump had been set. They made it good…but it took Jim the better part of a day each time he had to remove it and take it to Orlando.

On our way S of Lake Monroe, we spotted these Sandhill Cranes in a backyard. He’s sure strutting his stuff.

This one must have seen the camera and wanted to pretty up.

After we checked out Mullet Lake, we headed N.

How about these for mowing your lawn….recycle the grass clippings into fertilizer for the flowers,  and they eat just about anything. Cute little fellas. We met these canoes on the river. Looks like they were packed for a few days on the water.

It’s been very hot!!  Afternoon thundershowers are the norm now.  This one chased us across Lake George. Managed to dump a few sprinkles on us but didn’t cool it down much.

Once in the spring we both took time too cool off in the clean, clear water.

The otters were having a good time too.

They woke us up in the morning playing around and under our boat. This one swam right up and looked at us. Take a look at his webbed foot.

There were at least 6. Here a couple are sharing a log. This buzzard kept watch as we took the dog ashore in the dingy.

On our way home we spotted a few gators. This one was pretty good sized.

I guess it’s time to start getting the parts together for the hardtop. Bummer….and I’m ready to go boating again.

All in all, it was a great trip. The boat ran the best it has every run since we’ve had it.

We’re back …and packing for a trip on the St Johns River.

We spent a month on the road with the camper. Loaded the back of the pickup and front of the camper with stuff for my sister, JoAnne. First stop…TN. My niece is a Naturopath (doctor). She did a scan on us and recommended a couple of supplements. Then on to KY, back to TN and then NY. Binghamton, Oneonta, Ovid, Cato, and Peru to visit relatives. Spent a few days in VT with my 2 sons and grandkids. Back to the Oneonta area for a few days of camping at Brookfield State Park and some horseback riding on their trails. What fun!!!

We camped at the Morris Fair for a week. Harness Racing, Horseshows, Tractor and horsepulls, demolition derbys and pancakes w/ real maple syrup every morning. …and much of the time was spent with my Dad. Can’t get much better than that.

It’s good to be home but I really like traveling.

We started the boat yesterday. Still no smoke. So I am packing and we will launch on Tues. If it runs as good on the water as it did here in the yard…we’ll be in good shape.