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new boat

The new-to-us skiff is operational and legal.  She will work in shallow waters and decent weather, and can handle four divers with gear — maybe six at most.  26 feet, 20+ knots, 1970 Pacemaker “Alglas” hull, 1996 Chevy 350 engine (straight inboard), center console, extra fuel tanks, all USCG-required gear, VHF, WAAS DGPS, &c.

She needs a name.  Suggestions?

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Kojo Nnamdi Show, Monday 10/25/10

IMH and our Mount Vernon project were featured today on the Kojo Nnamdi Show on WAMU (88.5 FM).  For a transcript go to http://thekojonnamdishow.org/ for 10/25/10, and click on Listen under Underwater Archaeology.

 

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Christened – Blanca 17oct2010


Today we moved Blanca to her (more or less) permanent slip at Tall Timbers.  What seemed straight-forward at first became a rather “competitive ballet”, consisting of Roper and humans on one side, and the wind, current and shallow water on the other.  The eventual outcome was not always obvious, but after at least two complete spins, the 50 foot trip was completed and Ballena Blanca was safely moored on Pier A.


The new location afforded me the ability to sit on the lower part of the pier and apply Blanca’s name to her transom.  The curve of the surface made transferring the vinyl lettering something less than easy, but the ten-foot rule applies (“If it looks ok from 10 feet away, it’s good enough.”)  Although sometimes I have to use the twelve-foot rule.  Or the twenty…


Someone asked me the other day when I think this boat will be “finished.”  Obviously not a boat-owner!  Frankly, I like this work so much, I’m be happy that it never will.


Next up– aft hold hatch covers!