The Birth of the Night Heron
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Yes, it won't be long now. . . got back to the dock about 2 hours ago after launching Night Heron to test the new fuel solenoid we changed on the Mercury last week. The engine ran nicely and strong. Rain made this week one of misery and little accomplishments so we needed a taste of river water.
Here is a sampling of what's in store for our final post a week or so away, enjoy!
A "Drive-by" After Launching
Saturday Driveby.jpg
The Better Half took these as we unfurled our Ensign and pointed Night Heron towards the Myakka. . .
The Myakka at 22 Knots
Myakka at 22 Knots.jpg
We had a wonderful cruise down the Myakka to Port Charlotte Bay and back. We also used our old Garmin Automobile GPS to gauge top and average speed, time on the water and distance traveled. That old GPS also showed the outline of the Myakka River and Port Charlotte Bay as if it were a marine unit! BTW, we don't plan on equipping Night Heron with a marine GPS - who can get lost around here(?) and besides, piloting is something we enjoy and practice often with downloaded charts from the net. So, we'll continue to use our old GPS to give us the information we need to chart engine rpm's as it translates to speed over the water.
That's what we did this Saturday. . . hope you had a good Saturday too! Our weekly update will publish tomorrow, Sunday, as is customary.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
J."Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made." Robert N. RoseComment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Sunday, 13 June 2021
Weekly Build Update
Hello Everyone,
We should call the Sun Coast, the Rain Coast this last week! Monday through Wednesday was a washout and it wasn't until Thursday that we had a dry day although it was very hot and humid. So the results were way less than anticipated. . .
Latches
Latches.jpg
1 - The cabin access doors now have latches that we flush mounted by cutting the door's top rail so as to have the latch body snug in the corner. This task required taking off the doors and using a wood chisel, carefully removing the end of the top rail to the surface of the panel;
2 - The catch for the doors were raised to the thickness of the doors using a furniture leg floor pad the better half had in her ditty bag;
3 - The hatch doors under the transom seats were also provided with smaller latches similar in design to the cabin's. We removed the doors and using a small chisel - we carved out a notch at the center so as to have an interior, not visible catch, and;
4 - A view of the notch and the s/s plate held in place by two s/s screws.
Registration & Hull Numbers
Registration Numbers.jpg
1 - Mid-day Thursday's snail mail delivered the Hull ID and Florida Registration Numbers ready to mount; we jumped on them faster than a pre-marriage obstinate groom on wedding night - and under the watchful eye of the build's owner we proceeded to attach them;
2 - The starboard bow showing the "finished product" - after a lot of measuring, finagling and stepping back to see if there was any way to make this ugly attachment less objectionable. Letters by law must be 3 inches (75mm) high! Jeez!. . .
3 - The port bow being subjected to a visual deflowering of design with the added distaste of an orange sticker to boot! The owner of the build made sure we did the job correctly, and:
4 - The port bow showing the registration number and the ugly orange sticker.
Rug and Cockpit View
Rug and Cockpit Views.jpg
1 - This weeks anecdote: The Old Guy - "What's up with the rolled up area rug?" Better half replied - "The Goodwill people will have this on their floor today." The Old Guy - "Goodwill will have to wait. . . we need that puppy for the cuddy cabin." Better Half - "Good, then you'll foot the bill for a new one as this thing was never my favorite." After that we found ourselves inside the cuddy cabin with a rug that had to be cut to make it fit. Here it is under the Pergola ready to be cut;
2 - The rug after the first cut. . . it'll be finished this coming week as we wrap up the build - weather permitting of course;
3 - The finished cockpit view looking forward from the transom, and:
4 - A top view of the cockpit - the photo was taken at low low tide from the dock.
Ensign and Flagstaff
Ensign and Flagstaff.jpg
1 - We drilled a 3 inch (75mm) deep hole through the transom cap rail into the transom plank and made a white oak top "holding pad" to hold the Ensign flagstaff;
2 - The curtain rod inside the spare room closet had nowhere to go. . . so we drafted it to serve a more noble cause;
3 - After an hour on the table belt sander and a number of body angles to attain the proper taper. . . the pauper in the closet became the king of the transom;
4 - The Ensign and the finished staff in their rightful place, and:
5 - The Ensign and the Night Heron. . .
Yesterday's posting in reply to FishoutaFlorida, we demonstrated how we spent, or was it invested, our Saturday. . . ah, yes, it has been a tough week.
Stay safe stay healthy.
J."Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made." Robert N. RoseComment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Welcome aboard. . . thanks for your note - it's always appreciated.
As for the Registration Numbers - The fresh paint job on the hull you describe is a part of the issue for us, especially as we had to do it twice!
We know it's the law, but we take exception to the aesthetics of the location; here is the bow of the Night Heron without the ugliness and with the nastiness:
Before
Before Reg Numbers.jpg
After
After Reg Numbers.jpg
It would have been a great idea to have these numbers on plaques and on display from amidships only when the boat is underway.
Anyway, we know Florida is not going to change this requirement for old man's aesthetics concern; just an opinion. . .
Stay safe, stay healthy.
J.
"Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made." Robert N. RoseComment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Truly fantastic!
Thank you for sharing your build!
Now, I hope you share your adventures!
Cheers,Skip
---This post is delivered with righteous passion and with a solemn southern directness --
...........fighting against the deliberate polarization of politics...Comment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Hello Skip,
And thank you for hanging in there (or is it came onboard) since the beginning of this cruise! [Post 11 of this thread.]
Tomorrow, Sunday 27 June, is my last "build update" as today we mounted the last gear on the Night Heron, ready to cruise. . .
However, the next week (on or about 4 - 5 July) will be the first of a couple of cruising posts reporting on the performance and abilities, or shortcomings, of a flat bottomed river cruiser on an overnighter.
After that we'll close this thread and when we modify Night Heron in another six months - with an enclosed cockpit [Helm Station] - we'll start a new one.
Here is an "unpublished" photo of the river we took a few weeks ago. . .
The Myakka at 4200RPM.jpg
See ya tomorrow.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
J.
"Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made." Robert N. RoseComment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Sunday, 27 June 2021
Last Weekly Build Update
Hello Everyone,
Well, it seems like our build updates are at their end. . . so without further ado, here is what occurred this last week as we fought the wet, hot and very muggy weather in an effort to bring Night Heron to safe and comfortable river cruiser status:
First Tasks
1 Finishing Tasks.jpg
1- We cut to size and washed the area rug to serve as the berth panels insulating and slip resisting pad;
2 - The three berth panels were finished on both sides with 2 coats of topside paint (shown here drying inside the Lanai) to give them a chance at longevity. On previous posts we showed the epoxy and fiberglassing of these panels. As most will recall, the ply we used was scrap from the pattern making thin 1/4 inch (6mm) plywood used;
3 - The Bimini we ordered came in two weeks ago and this week we dry fitted it. However, we had to make angled pads for the top deck hinges that sit on the caprails so that the main tube structure sits flat, aligns horizontally and is able to swivel on the retaining pin. We made them out of White Oak and will not permanently fix them until we have some experience with "the thing" as the better half coined it. The height of the structure seems too high so we may cut it down about 4 inches (100mm) to suit. Personally, we don't like Biminis, but the Florida Sun is unforgiving so it's either a Bimini or a skin melanoma, and:
4 - It's hard to believe, but these two pads took all of 6 hours to figure the angle, cut, sand and drill the mounting holes. It was the first time in ages that we took out our undergraduate era Mitutoyo [Yes, we still have it! As well as our Post 1460 Slide Rule.] to measure the part in thousands of an inch! Ahhhh, nostalgia and memories of late night library sessions, cracking books, studying for the finals overtook us.
Second Tasks
2 Finishing Tasks.jpg
1 - We needed two sole grates for the entryway so as to be able to comfortably access the berth and have a way to clean the interior hull underneath with no hassle - so here they are in process;
2 - Here is the inner grate drying inside the Lanai as rain started to come down right after we finished it;
3 - The center line grate drying inside the Lanai across from it's companion, and:
4 - The two sole grates set in the entryway access to the berth. As can be seen - about a 1/4 inch (6mm) trimming of the shorter, two pieces is required so that the two grates line up properly on the bottom and top edges. (To be done this week.)
The Berth Build
The Berth Build.jpg
1 - The three finished panels fitted and ready to be secured to the frames; simple snap fasteners will be used to secure them to the frames to make the panels easy to mount and dismount. The propane stove nest is visible in the lower right hand corner, awaiting the stove to be mounted;
2 - The area rug cut to fit was placed on top of the panels to serve as a friction pad to prevent mattress "crawl and slip" and provide some cushioning. The propane stove is mounted as seen on the right hand corner of the photo;
3 - The mattress, with our distinctive anchor design exterior fabric, ready for dressing with sheets, and:
4 - A photo taken through the top access hatch showing the pillows and sheets that will be used exclusively for the berth. The berth can be used for two persons, feet to bow, or one person in either direction as the size of the berth is "queen size" capable of comfortably accommodating two, tall persons up to 6'-2" (188cm) height.
Stretching Room
Stretching Room.jpg
This ends the weekly build updates as we'll be doing very little to Night Heron in the coming weeks. . . in six months this will change as we contemplate building an enclosed "helm station" that partially covers the cockpit as per our original design, shown on previous posts. We'll start another post when we begin this venture as we feel it may contribute to the knowledge base of this forum and it's membership.
Next week, our final post, we''ll report on the performance of a 40hp boat on the river and the comfort (or lack thereof) of a flat bottomed dory on the hook for a two day overnighter. . .
Stay safe, stay healthy.
J."Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made." Robert N. RoseComment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Sunday, 04 July 2021
Bimini Installation & Performance Run
Hello Everyone,
First - Happy Independence Day to all in the USA and any US Expat offshore. We wish you a safe and joyous holiday.
Secondly - This is not a "build update" per se as we only have the Bimini installation and an average of the performance runs we ran to report this week.
This week, by the way, was awful as it rained every day, upsetting our plans for an overnighter; this week we're facing a severe "tropical depression" named Elsa - just like the Great Dane owned by a neighbor down the street. We hope and pray Elsa doesn't leave us as big a dropping as our neighbor's dog.
Anyhow, here's our weeks results. . .
The Bimini
Bimini Comparison.jpg
We did the Bimini installation on Monday morning, about 2 hours before it began to rain "cats and dogs." On Tuesday, we re-installed the Bimini cut down so as to look a lot better (as if that is even possible) and again - the downpour started almost on cue at 1030 hours.
Helm View
Helm View.jpg
We knew that we had a 3 hour "Wednesday Window" to do a few runs before the downpour began and we jumped on it! The view from the helm with shade and without the Sun beating down on us was excellent - the only advantage we see to a Bimini.
View Towards the Stern
View Towards Stern.jpg
A composite photo of the "Stern View" was good and without the Sun on your back, very enjoyable!
Performance Runs Average
Night Heron Performance Runs.jpg
We did a number of runs with and without the Bimini up and as expected the difference was notable. Night Heron is not a "runabout" as she was designed as a "river and bay cruiser" so speed is not our goal or focus. . . however, it was good to know just in case we need to beat the weather at high speed to a safer location. These are the averages of multiple runs we made for about 2 hours.
And then the rains came that caught us as we started to align Night Heron to her slipway entrance. . . talk about soggy! So, after we survive our Elsa this week; we'll see about that overnighter we owe the forum.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
J.
"Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made." Robert N. RoseComment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Great looking yacht you made there, Capitan! Everything looks shipshape.
We have found clipping or tying a sheet or towel to an edge/side of the bimini is sometimes nice at anchor when the sun has gone around the edge of the bimini but is still burning. Have fun!
A good place to post your future trips is in "people and places"Comment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Great looking yacht you made there, Capitan! Everything looks shipshape.
We have found clipping or tying a sheet or towel to an edge/side of the bimini is sometimes nice at anchor when the sun has gone around the edge of the bimini but is still burning. Have fun!
A good place to post your future trips is in "people and places"
Hello gray duck,
Thank you for the accolades, we appreciate them!
Your idea of side curtains is an excellent one that we'll pursue; we have extra cloth we purchased for the foam pads we never bought for the cockpit seats. It seems we bought a lot of fabric and then changed the seating arrangements! Anyway, it's a very light gray exterior fabric that we'll turn into mountable/removable "Bimini Curtains" we'll store in the cuddy cabin for use as needed. Thanks for the idea!
The forum's "People and Places" is another good idea that for some unknown reason we never visited. After your post we took a gander thinking we'd spend a few minutes there. . . we closed the site an hour later! After we close this thread, we may use this part of the forum to post a few cruises throughout our neighborhood.Thanks again!
However, we want to close this thread with a "short cruise and overnighter" post- sort of a "closing of the circle." And, that's it.
Stay safe, stay healthy,
J.
"Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made." Robert N. RoseComment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Sunday, 11 July 2021
Final Post
Hello Everyone,
This was a helluva week - we got Elsa as a tropical storm on Wednesday and saw her turn into a hurricane just 47 nautical miles due west of us and 10.7 inches (27.2cm) of rain in the process.
But, we get ahead of ourselves. . . on Monday, we went on a beautiful cruise along the Myakka River's various natural waterways; the weather was perfect as the better half and I slowly made our way to an islet we'd found where a grassy clearing seemed inviting. We thought Elsa would be far enough into the Gulf of Mexico that all we would get from the infamous right top quadrant would be moderate winds and some rains from the spiraling bands. Here is what occurred:
Monday's Cruise
Monday Midday.jpg
1 - The Myakka was smooth and with light winds and the Bimini to shield us from the Sun, a pleasure to cruise;
2 - View towards the stern as we picked up speed to drop the hook and have "lunch at the islet" - or so we thought;
3 - After dropping off the better half on one of the islet's clearings, we took the opportunity for taking photos of Night Heron "strutting her stuff." This picture, among many, were taken, and:
4 - The better half called us on the cell as she walked over to the end of the clearing and said to pull Night Heron to the rock in front of the sign (arrow) as she was coming aboard as soon as the bow touched the soft sandy bottom. So much for having lunch on the islet - we ate our sandwiches and drank our soft drinks on board Night Heron, on the hook, in front of the islet.
Islet Sign & Return
Islet Sign and Return.jpg
1 - Here is the photo - enlarged - so that the sign is readable. No, we did not see the resident of the islet but as we were having our humble lunch a weather notice for our area came over the radio that Elsa was veering towards our coast and probably making landfall near St. Petersburg/Tampa, only 47 nautical miles (in a straight line) from us! The timeline for landfall was Wednesday/Thursday night, and:
2 - So much for an overnighter - with only a day and a half to prepare for a tropical storm/hurricane we had no options but to motor back to our home and prepare for the worst.
A Tropical Storm becomes a Hurricane
Hurricane Elsa.jpg
The photo with the text we added is self explanatory. . . the only comment we add is that the winds were, uncannily, light in our particular area running from 20 knots sustained with gusts up to 30 knots. We had no damage in our canal community with surge, flooding or winds.
The Helm Station
Future Build.jpg
The original design for Night Heron shows the Helm Station with the Bimini affixed to the structure as shown on a previously posted composite photo. We hope to do this in about 6 months when the weather is cooler.
This build tread, however, will be closed in a week. . .
We want to thank all of you for your comments, suggestions, ideas we've used, ideas we didn't but that gave us alternatives, for having introduced us to beautiful older boats, accolades and most of all - the kindness you've shown us over these months of ups and downs. It has all been a truly excellent experience.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
J.
"Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made." Robert N. RoseComment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Hey Joe,
Many thanks for all of the info, observations, procedures and humor you've provided in this thread! And on top of all that, now you have a great cruising vessel! With built-in projects to go with it!
Well done!
Eric
PS Please give our best to the supervisor!“Perpetual optimism is a force to live by.”
― Colin PowellComment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Be sure to post a few pics of your cruises somewhere on the forum. I'm looking forward to seeing the new windshield arrangement.Comment
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Re: The Birth of the Night Heron
Hey Joe,
Many thanks for all of the info, observations, procedures and humor you've provided in this thread! And on top of all that, now you have a great cruising vessel! With built-in projects to go with it!
Well done!
Eric
PS Please give our best to the supervisor!
And thank you for your participation. . .
With a half garage shop that works well for you we're sure you'll keep at it and splash your boat soon. BTW, we'll be following your build posts so don't slow down - even for plumbing issues.
We've had a lot of fun doing these build posts and communicating with everyone that responded to them. We'll miss that.
This one's for you, Eric, the last picture we took of the feathered one - or the "Ham" who loves the camera.
IMG_20210413_112525719.jpg
Stay Safe, stay healthy.
J."Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made." Robert N. RoseComment
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