Putting In

Before having Summer Snow put into the water I had the major task of polishing the “top sides” which is defined as the part of the hull between the waterline and the deck. Last year I had it done by the marina but this year I wanted to do it myself. It’s kind of like washing and polishing your car, that’s when you find all the scratches and dings and that’s what I wanted to do, find the problem spots so I could do the appropriate repairs. I used Turtle Wax and applied it by hand for very satisfying results.

 I decided that the bottom paint was OK for another year. It sure pays to buy good quality bottom paint although the fresh water of Lake Superior is quite friendly to the bottom of any boat. The ablative type bottom paint has to be renewed every few years but the “good stuff” I used before going to the Bahamas has lasted 3 years, going on 4. Boats that stay in the water all summer need bottom protection or they get a thick growth that slows you down although we don’t have the barnacle problem they have in saltwater.

These photos show Summer Snow being transported and then put into the “well”. Then I started the motor and motored over to our traditional slip. It is sweet to be back in the water! Now the interior cleaning begins in earnest.