Surveys and Sea Trials

Sails Call was resting along side the dock at 9:30 on a misty morning this past week when we joined Pete, our surveyor, Tom, the current owner, Dave, our broker and John, Tom's broker for a day of inspecting, testing and getting to know her nooks, crannies and quirks.  The work was like that annual physical we should have at our age, complete with stress test, electrocardiogram and those not so wonderful but highly necessary tests of internal organs, bowels and reproductive systems.

The work started with a short haul, laying in straps, hovering over the ground in a monster of a machine so we could inspect the hull, propeller and shaft, keel and rudder. Pete took moisture readings. Then, with a small rubber hammer tapped the hull all around just like a doctor knocks your joints to test the condition of your reflexes. Sails Call was dry and responsive.  All was "A" OK. 

Back the water, Pete led the internal examination from stem to stern, testing the generator (needs a tune-up), air conditioning, plumbing, water and electrical systems, and then poking into all the storage areas and bilges (which need cleaning). My husband and Dave followed him through this work, heads down, confirming Pete's findings.

Turning to the engine, Pete started her up, revved her up in neutral and later underway, where we discovered that water was kicking back into the boat through leading aft scupper hoses(need to be replaced).  He took her temperature at all speeds, checked the hoses and connections for leaks, corrosion, and fluid levels.  Finally, he declared the engine fully operational, with the caveat that she still had her original hoses which might need replacement in the next year. Hoses get cracked over time just like our faces get wrinkled.

On deck, Pete again used his hammer, this time to knock the deck.  I started to think he was a drummer, his rapping was so rhythmic.  He found a bit of moisture around the fittings that connect the dodger to the deck.  He explained the prescriptive remedy. Like decayed teeth, we need to pull the fittings, drill out the holes, fill the holes with resin, and then re-bed the fittings to stop all water infusion into the deck. We also discovered a wasp nest stuck in the main sail.  I've never seen so many guys so skittish over a few little critters.  The answer was, "Let's do the sea trail and whack out the nest under sail!"  It worked.  Sails Call is now wasp free.

Under sail, Sails Call slices through the water with magnificent authority, her size and weight cushioning us against the elements.  Despite the fact that the wheel is four feet tall and could hit my nose if I'm not careful when I stood behind it, "OMG" was all I could say as I  commanded my impromptu crew to tack across the wind (the direction from which the wind is blowing) and then to jibe (the direction to which the wind is blowing).  

Sails Call passed her survey and sea trial.  We are in love.  We have bonded with this navy hull beauty. Only a rigging inspection (like checking your body for broken bones and splinters) is left to be done this coming Monday.  I believe she will pass and we will become her owners soon.