Thursday, 28th June 2012
I had every intention of spending another day on the water
with ‘Sandpiper’, but the early forecast indicated there would be rain for much
of the morning and the possibility of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. With
that unpromising prospect I decided to put the boat on her trailer and head for
home.
Moored at Pontoon
Early high water was at 0715. I had three-quarters of an
hour before the ebb was due to commence. I skipped breakfast, fired up the engine
and cast off from the pontoon. Two minutes later the prop fouled the line for
raising the rudder, causing the engine to stop. With my makeshift paddle I took
her to a nearby pontoon. The only way I could unsnarl the line was by cutting
it free. I tied the ends together and proceeded to the slipway.
Unlike when launching the boat, I was able to keep the wheel
bearings out of the water, because the winch was powerful enough to haul
‘Sandpiper’ onto her trailer. However, the operation was not trouble free, as
the winch rope jammed against the side of the drum causing it to be almost severed.
From there on, everything went according to the book. I took
my time; then I had breakfast before setting off for home. There was no rain in
the morning, nor was there a thunderstorm in the afternoon - so much for the
weather forecast!
Conclusion
‘Sandpiper’ requires only a few minor modifications before
she will be ready for a short cruise. All I want is a satisfactory forecast for
a spell of fine sunny weather.
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