The Voyage of Mariah: Monday July 16 Departing Coos Bay

Monday July 17, 2012 toward SF

We woke Monday 4am hoping to get an early start to catch what wind was left after the gale winds, but the harbor entrance “bar” was closed due to 12 foot swells. So, we had breakfast and ended up leaving about noon when the swell died down to 6 feet. The forecasts were correct that it was going to be a windless day so we motored at 5 knots all day. The fog eventually burned off and it was beautiful sunny day as we motored south within 6 miles of shore.

We passed Cape Blanco later in the afternoon and sighted the lighthouse and large rocks miles off the point. We also spotted about 4 whales about ½ to 1 miles away heading north for the summer. Mostly we could see their spouts.

We continue to tow fishing lines but no luck today.

Repairs and Improvements: Im happy to report the lee cloths were a big hit! The one mounted among the settee bench next to the table is narrow and cozy and has been dubbed the “Pen” as in play pen. The second lee cloth is on my bed in the starboard quarter berth next to the surfboards so has been duly dubbed the “surf shack.” Rhys’ sleeping area is the Port quarter berth and is positioned so far aft that it doesn’t need a lee cloth; it remains named “the cave” and requires yoga contortions to enter or exit. Nothing else has broken today and the engine seems happy.

Boat systems: While at sea I thought I would pick a boat system each day for those who might be interested. How about starting with the galley (kitchen) and food storage. Mariah has a standard marine galley with a 4 burner propane stove with oven. This unit is “gimbaled” so as to keep upright while the boat rocks side to side and has “fiddles” to hold each pot in place…in theory. Propane is quite dangerous if there is a leak because it settles to the bilge awaiting a spark…..then BOOOMM!!! So, to avoid the “boom” there is a timer switch one turns on every time you use the stove which turns on the propane at the tank. There are 2 tanks on the aft rail which total about 1 standard BBQ tank volume. There is also a BBQ which mounts outside on the rail when in port but we have yet to use it.

The galley has a double sink with a standard pressure faucet. There is hot water when plugged into shore power and suppose to be hot water when running the engine but its not cooperating now. Despite having 70 gallons of water in 2 tanks, we conserve it while cooking and doing dishes.

Behind the stove, sink and limited counter space there are cabinets which house pots, plates, cups etc and has room for snack food. A point of interest is the dishes: I prefer ceramic dishes and bowls in port but we use plastic plates/bowls with rubber grip bottoms while bumping around at sea. We have three 66 Quart plastic storage bins to hold most of our groceries for the 2 week trip. Lastly is the refrigerator which runs on 12 volt(boat or car) or 110 volts (home). To save space it is the freestanding style which serves as a step as you enter the cabin. The downside of this arrangement is it has to be moved to access the engine underneath and draws 3x that of a new model. The fridge is usually the biggest energy draw on most sailboats but when motoring it is not an issue.

This brings an end to our first episode of “happy boatkeeping” aboard “Mariah.”