Sanctuary Comes Out of the Water

The last huge step in getting ready is a new bottom paint job on Sanctuary. We had her pulled out and the process has begun. First they scrape any hard growth, usually barnacles off the hull then pressure wash to get the slimy soft growth. Then they'll sand and roll on ablative paint. For non-boaters that is paint that comes off as the boat moves through the water. The idea being that growth comes off with the paint. A good job should last 2-3 years with regular underwater cleanings. David has been great about doing that with scuba gear. However, our last bottom job was in April of 05 so we are past due. While the boat is out we're replacing a below waterline though-hull fitting and petcock for flushing the head (toilet) with sea water. It has been a source of a bad leak for the past year but can only be repaired during a haul out. We're also having the transom (back of the boat) scraped and painted with poly and having a new name and hailing port made by some friends at the Yacht Club, Jenifer and Sam Grant. They are both very artistic and have the connections to have it made. The yard in Shalimar will let us work inside the boat while it's in the cradle so we'll be able to keep pressing on with other repairs and preparations.