Hint of sadness

[Asureyez]

As I read some of you here begin to prepare for the end of the boating season it has brought back memories of my boatings days in the north.

In the late 70's I kept a 22' sail boat on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The lake was crystal clear, cold as could be even in August and was a Blast to sail on as there was always a stiff breeze. I was the first boat back in the water, generally Easter week end, with ice still forming on the shoreline every morning and melting during the day. I'd get my boat out of the barn at the yard, air up the tires and in I'd go. I'd load the boat on the trailer every Sunday night for two months until the mooring buoy's were set in late May early June.

I'd stay on the hook all week end every week and sail all day in screaming winds... all alone on that beautiful lake. It would be so cold We sailed in ski wear with face masks and goggles to keep our eyes from freezing.

I'd haul out Thanksgiving week end after having again been alone on the lake for weeks. The Yard Manager was generally working alone by that time of year having let the help go for the winter and he'd shake his head at me and remark you are the craziest boater I've ever known, man its freezing don't you get cold? he'd ask time and again and I'd answer the same, "not with my boat between me and the water!"

First On the lake and last off ... I was then as I am now ... never quite at peace unless I'm on a moving deck. I identify with the sense of loss each of you are going through as the summer comes to a close and lay up looms ever closer. I remember how vacant I'd feel as the holdays would pass unde rmy keel and I'd be walking to the train in Down town Chicago in the pitch dark at 5:30 pm and with every frozen aching footfall on the iced pavement I'd reassure myself that I was one day closer to launch!

And that is why I live in Florida and Ft. Lauderdale. No Lay ups! I live in paradise and count my blessings for it every time I step aboard.

 

[waterlogged]

It does stink. We've probably go another 6 weeks or so. That's why we're thinking of moving too :grin: What's really sad is that I still have to pay for the boat even though I can't use it :smt021

 

[Dave S]

I have only been a boater for six years now but after reading your story Chad I guess I can relate to how you feel about being on the water.

I always underwent "withdrawals" for the 2-3 month lay-up we had here in the Carolinas when we had our 2 previous sport boats. I was always the last to winterize and the first to be back in the water in the spring . But because of the winter layup, which was indeed quite short compared to Northern lay-ups, we knew we had to get a Cruiser so we could skip the lay-up. We did that just one year ago when we bought our 260DA and we have used the boat every single week we have had it. Winters are quite tolerable here if you have camper canvas and you wet slip since the lake doesn't freeze. Bilge heaters and cabin heaters keep everything operable in the boat when the temperature drops below freezing outside. There is just something neat about being on the water on a sunny 45 degree winter's day when it's nice and toasty in the cockpit and there are no other boats anywhere else to be found on the lake.

So if any of you northerners need a winter boating fix, just let me know if you are down this way. I will be happy to oblige you. :thumbsup:

 

[teekster]

The truly weak have already pulled their boats out up here.

 

[goblue]

There is life after boating. We put our boat in on April 15 and pull it out on October 15. Then it's 3 weeks of touring beautiful Michigan in the Audi TT with the top down. Then the holidays with kids and skiing followed by working on the boat. The cycle repeats every year. We love it.

 

[Turtlesboat]

Great, now i'm all depressed just thinking about it.

 

[Bridog]

There is life after boating. We put our boat in on April 15 and pull it out on October 15. Then it's 3 weeks of touring beautiful Michigan in the Audi TT with the top down. Then the holidays with kids and skiing followed by working on the boat. The cycle repeats every year. We love it.

I actually like having something to look forward to as well. I think if I was able to do it year round I might not appreciate it as much as I do. Besides, I enjoy the change of seasons too much to want warm weather year round. I know...I'm crazy :smt101

 

[Sorrento 25]

Interesting story. I'm planning on boating on Lake Geneva next weekend, and I was just offered a transfer to Tampa. You just gave me a push towards the move.

 

[Morpheus]

Interesting story. I'm planning on boating on Lake Geneva next weekend, and I was just offered a transfer to Tampa. You just gave me a push towards the move.

:thumbsup: Come on Down!

 

[Carpedmman]

Chad- Interesting that you are a former Northerner! I know Lake Geneva well having grown up in Appleton, WI. That lake is fabulous for winter ice boating as well! You ever do that to satisfy your urge?

I agree that it is a bit of a pleasure not having to winterize the boat anymore and use it year round. This is my first full year in the Northwest and I put on only 100 hours. (I must admit that is probably one of my better years owning the 330, especially considering that in WIS the boating season is April-Oct.!)

Bring on the winter "season".
Stuart

 

[jrirvine1]

Very well written Chad. I’ve only been a boater since ’98 which is not long compared to some of the old salts on this forum. But that is long enough to know we truly enjoy everything about boating which makes the 5 months of lay up time seem like it lasts about 10 months. We happened to be talking about this at the marina last weekend and after consuming mass quantities all agreed that winter is just a waste of time.

The off season goes something like this:
November – haul out the first week and go into shock, then try to work on the “Honey Do†list in time for the holidays.
December – serious football watching month, thank you Direct TV.
January – Holidays are over, but still some good football, Baltimore boat show at end of month.
February – worst month of the year hands down as everything is over with nothing to do but commiserate with pals on CSR.
March – the end is in sight! Can now start making trips to West Marine for stuff we “need†for the new season. Break out the buffer for the first warm enough day.
April 1st – SPLASH DAY

 

[Converse48]

Jim-
I pretty much follow your schedule. Of course, how far the stinking EAGLES make it into the playoffs has a lot to do with it. Plus, I will splash as close as possible to March 1 and then move the boat to Baltimore inner harbor for a few months to make the late winter/spring go by faster!

p.s. ditto on the "well written Chad" statement

 

[lorenbennett]

As our weather here in Arizona is close to Florida's in the way of temps we to can enjoy all year round boating except avoiding the wind during December and January. One big change this year is that my step daughter decided not to join soccer which runs august till December. Soccer was all day Saturday the entire time and getting out on the boat the last two years was tough but this year we have over 100 hours and feel like we are only starting. Dave for only 6 years of boating I very impressed with the knowledge that you have for boating. Been a boat owner for better than 15 years and often times I find myself scratching my head listening to you guys. For all you northerners, if down my way, say maybe a trip to laughlin to lose money, drop a line. Don't need much an excuse to go out. :thumbsup:

 

[goblue]

My parents lived in Phoenix for many years. My epxerience visiting there was outside temps from May to mid September were pretty hot for boating. I know,.....it's a dry heat so it only feels like a 110. When do AZ boaters stop and begin boating because of the heat?

 

[Escapade]

Great piece Chad!

In Wisconsin- Between Football, Boat shows, and warm weather vacations we rely on this FORUM and just a bit of drink to hold us numb till sping comisioning. People say it makes us appricate the summer months that much more. Its nice to hear but, ITS A LIE! We would love to be on Deck all year. I think we have a circut or two crossed up here!
Mike with crossed circuts in Wisconsin.

 

[Turtlesboat]

well the 5mm wetsuit is out so I can still swim for another 3 weeks or so. then the 7mm wetsuit comes out for an additional 3 weeks or so. Then I have the hood, gloves and booties on reserve for maybe 1 or 2 more weeks. Then I'm afraid it's layup time. No one give me a gun between november and march.

 

[brimanst]

Even though you can boat year-round here in Charleston, it still gets too cold for me. So come mid december, we will be making the trek to the Bahamas again. This time we will come back at the end of March. I can't wait for winter ;-)

 

[Stray Cat]

I was reminded what time of year it is getting to be a few weeks ago when at day break the sound of gun fire erupted....early waterfoul season had commenced on the Mississippi River. I love watching those moving grass piles scooting down the river, some of the hunters really camo up their jon-boats so much you can't even see the motor. Its fun to watch the hunters come back to the ramp, its hard to tell who is smiling more, the guys or the dog!

We only missed 2 weekends since the 15th of April. Add in a weeks vacation and that is a good boating season for us...in a few more weeks we will drop the curtain to the 2007 boating season. I hate winterizing and freezing my hands....yeah you can call me a candy ass...

I can already hear the woods calling my name to come back for deer season. Like the solitude we all find on the water, it is waiting for me in the woods.

 

[rondds]

got my oil changed on all three engines, next is pink stuff. boat comes out on oct 5. then it's fall leaf cleanup, winterize lawn equipment, halloween, thanksgiving, christmas, superbowl, install hardwood upstairs, pitchers & catchers, baseball season, pull the cover and START WAXING! it'll be here before you know! thanks to sports, retailers and greeting card manufacturers, life SPEEDS on by. summed up by this song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2SLs7EWyIk

 

[water rat]

Interesting story. I'm planning on boating on Lake Geneva next weekend, and I was just offered a transfer to Tampa. You just gave me a push towards the move.

Hey! I am from up north and now live in Tampa. Talk about great boating! And all year around, if you really want to (though it gets pretty chilly in January and February).

Let us all know if you make the move.