Steaming in the San Juans

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barts
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Steaming in the San Juans

Post by barts » Sat Jul 19, 2014 8:18 pm

Once again, we're up in the San Juan Islands with our 19' steam launch Otter. We participated in the McConnell Island camping trip and had a great time. Otter has a new firebox (cast 'Mizzou' refractory) and a permanent 12gallon fuel tank; both these changes have worked out flawlessly despite an almost complete lack of testing before hand as things got way too busy. From the mooring, it's about nine miles to McConnell Island for us, so a comfortable two hours of steaming. The weather was calm for both trips - something we appreciate in a small boat. Large powerboat wakes provided the usual disruptions, but wind and tide were minimal.

A few pics:
Attachments
prawns.jpg
These fresh prawns were caught by a neighbor on the island 'next door'; they were delicious after a 60 second boil. They're generally caught about 300' deep - some work to haul a trap full to the surface.
prawns.jpg (52.49 KiB) Viewed 10275 times
cool-morning.jpg
After a night of light rain, the morning was dry but cool.
cool-morning.jpg (55.53 KiB) Viewed 10275 times
otter.jpg
Otter loaded for camping.
otter.jpg (72.34 KiB) Viewed 10275 times
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Bart Smaalders http://smaalders.net/barts Lopez Island, WA
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barts
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Re: Steaming in the San Juans

Post by barts » Sat Jul 19, 2014 8:21 pm

A couple that missed the 'boat'....

- Bart
Attachments
otter-mcconnell.jpg
I'm carrying the water level pretty high here. With the new firebox and less soot buildup, she seems to no longer need a high water level to steam well - which means it's a lot easier to use the whistle w/o priming :).
otter-mcconnell.jpg (49.2 KiB) Viewed 10274 times
eagle.jpg
A local resident tolerates the activity....
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Bart Smaalders http://smaalders.net/barts Lopez Island, WA
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Lopez Mike
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Re: Steaming in the San Juans

Post by Lopez Mike » Sun Jul 20, 2014 4:51 am

Looking at the difference between Otter and Folly (the blue boat in the middle of the group shot) I'm even more determined to replace my hull. Even at a distance that more or less straight sheer is awful.

So Bart, is that strip about half way up your topsides just for looks? Structural? A rub strake?
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
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Re: Steaming in the San Juans

Post by Oilking » Mon Jul 21, 2014 1:01 am

Mike,
You could fix that sheer line with a limber strip, and a sawsall in short order :lol: !

Bart,
Good pics as usual. I'll not likely going to make it to Blaine, but will see you all in Cathlamet next year.

Dave
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Lopez Mike
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Re: Steaming in the San Juans

Post by Lopez Mike » Mon Jul 21, 2014 3:27 am

Yeah. I'm a fan of sawsalls generally. But then when I start looking at the hull in all its glory my mind begins to turn to my chain saw and a can of gas.

Forget that last thought. It would dull my chain. Not worth it.
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
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barts
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Re: Steaming in the San Juans

Post by barts » Mon Jul 21, 2014 3:05 pm

Lopez Mike wrote:Looking at the difference between Otter and Folly (the blue boat in the middle of the group shot) I'm even more determined to replace my hull. Even at a distance that more or less straight sheer is awful.

So Bart, is that strip about half way up your topsides just for looks? Structural? A rub strake?
The one at the top separating the paint from the oiled finish is there for looks afaict.... the next one reinforces the chine; there's one on the inside as well.

- Bart
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Bart Smaalders http://smaalders.net/barts Lopez Island, WA
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