The Adventures of Sylphide

[Action]

^^^ Or a loose and/or dirty connection.

 

[rslifkin]

Well, after a marathon of ELEVEN locks today, Sylphide, Dad and I arrived in Waterford. That’s a record number of locks for me, and one I’m not keen to break any time soon. We’ve officially done the length of the Erie Canal.

That ties the record for the most locks I did in a day on my trip. Definitely makes for a long day.

In my case, I was at flat-out delivery pace after fixing a transmission that blew 4 hours into the trip (stripped the teeth of a stationary plate in a velvet drive reduction unit), so the canal run was Haverstraw (on the Hudson) -> Schenectady (11 hours from fuel dock to fuel dock, 7 locks) -> Ilion (10.5 hours, 11 locks) -> Phoenix (10.5 hours, 5 locks) -> Oswego (4 hours, 7 locks) and then a wait for better weather on the lake. In other words, with no non-lock delays and minimal wait times at the locks, it's entirely possible to do the eastern half of the Erie and up the Oswego canal in 3 days. We hit Waterford at 2 PM on a Thursday and were in Oswego at 11 am on Sunday

 

[Boat]

Rubber boats are also known as condom craft.


Rowboat design has long history with much effort expended. Refinement for efficient use of human power was motivated by pain from rowing. Appreciate a good rowboat.


Congrats again on Sylphide and the adventure.

 

[BruceK]

La Sylphide (English: The Sylph; Danish: Sylfiden) is a romantic ballet in two acts. There were two versions of the ballet; the original choreographed by Filippo Taglioni in 1832, and a second version choreographed by August Bournonville in 1836. Bournonville's is the only version known to have survived and is one of the world's oldest surviving ballets.

 

[BandB]

Our tops was 9, locks 7-15.

 

[O C Diver]

I don't remember how many I did in one day (somethings are better to forget), but mine were uphill on the Erie canal, and I did them all SOLO! The "Flight of 5" out of Waterford was a rude introduction to what was ahead!

Ted

 

[Cliff Meima]

I made the trio from Haverstraw on the Hudson to Rochester NY on Lake Ontario in October of 1990. Fall colors all the way. It was a beautiful 12 day trip.

 

[Wayfarer]

Rubber boats are also known as condom craft.

Rowboat design has long history with much effort expended. Refinement for efficient use of human power was motivated by pain from rowing. Appreciate a good rowboat.

Congrats again on Sylphide and the adventure.

And some of those rowboats are stunning to behold, too. I think the stability of those condoms is more valuable to an ass as big as mine, lol.

That ties the record for the most locks I did in a day on my trip. Definitely makes for a long day.

In my case, I was at flat-out delivery pace after fixing a transmission that blew 4 hours into the trip (stripped the teeth of a stationary plate in a velvet drive reduction unit), so the canal run was Haverstraw (on the Hudson) -> Schenectady (11 hours from fuel dock to fuel dock, 7 locks) -> Ilion (10.5 hours, 11 locks) -> Phoenix (10.5 hours, 5 locks) -> Oswego (4 hours, 7 locks) and then a wait for better weather on the lake. In other words, with no non-lock delays and minimal wait times at the locks, it's entirely possible to do the eastern half of the Erie and up the Oswego canal in 3 days. We hit Waterford at 2 PM on a Thursday and were in Oswego at 11 am on Sunday

That’s rough. I’m so glad I’m past the time restrictions of the canal. I can finally slow down and relax a little.

I made the trio from Haverstraw on the Hudson to Rochester NY on Lake Ontario in October of 1990. Fall colors all the way. It was a beautiful 12 day trip.

I imagine it was beautiful. October cruising in upstate NY is lovely. It’s chilly, but crisp and really pretty. A lot of folks miss out and call it a season at Labor Day.

Our tops was 9, locks 7-15.

That’s more than plenty!

I don't remember how many I did in one day (somethings are better to forget), but mine were uphill on the Erie canal, and I did them all SOLO! The "Flight of 5" out of Waterford was a rude introduction to what was ahead!

Ted

I was lucky enough to have my dad aboard as crew for the locks. I haven’t had to single hand any yet, but I will have to eventually. That’ll be interesting with this big bear.

 

[Wayfarer]

We made it to Coeymans Landing on the Hudson yesterday afternoon. The staff here are very helpful and accommodating, and they have the nicest bathrooms I’ve seen since I left my house. I was going to pull Sylphide out and leave her on the hard while I’m away at work, but I decided that I don’t really need to pull her just yet, so here she floats for the next month.

I’ve been burning the candle at both ends for about three weeks. Between packing up the house, downsizing, jumping through all the bureaucratic hoops to get the boat, all the suspense with the sale, moving aboard, and finally transiting 400 and whatever miles at nearly delivery speed, all in close proximity with my family on a boat that I just don’t know very well yet, I haven’t had a minute to relax.

Well when I got to the dock last night, I was feeling pretty good, so I decided I was going to troubleshoot the volt meter issue. I opened up the dash and within seconds, all of my gauges went dead. Nothing on any of them. I looked at the nest of wires that lives behind my instrument cluster and just had no idea where to start. I just felt so incredibly helpless and small.

At that moment, it hit me. The weight of all of of the drastic life changes that I’ve made in the last month all caught up with me at once. I suddenly felt very tired, very lonely, and very far from home. At that moment, I desperately wanted to just revert back to the comfort of familiarity. I wanted to go home so badly. But this is my home now. Good god, what have I done!??

I decided to set the gauge cluster back down, and walk away. I sat down on the settee, ate some cookies, and spent an hour on the phone with a good friend. I really just needed someone to tell me that it’s all going to be okay, that I wasn’t crazy, and to forget about boat stuff for a little while.

I’m very relieved to say that after a really good night’s sleep, and no travel or anything at all planned for today, I feel about 97% better. I puttered around with a few projects, got the mast back up, and did some troubleshooting with shower plumbing. Jimmy the service guy stopped down, and after about 30 seconds had replaced the fuse that brought my instruments back to life, free of charge.

The sun is out, I got a few wins today, and I’m feeling a little closer to home again.

 

[boathealer]

The sun is out, I got a few wins today, and I’m feeling a little closer to home again.

Awesomeness.

 

[dhays]

I decided to set the gauge cluster back down, and walk away. I sat down on the settee, ate some cookies, and spent an hour on the phone with a good friend. I really just needed someone to tell me that it’s all going to be okay, that I wasn’t crazy, and to forget about boat stuff for a little while.

I would never be so bold as to suggest you aren't crazy. You did just buy a boat after all. However, is the kind of crazy that I think will work out really well for you.


I am sure there will be more times when you will feel a bit overwhelmed. They will pass. From a distance, it sure looks like you are doing a great job tackling this new adventure.

 

[rgano]

"At that moment, it hit me. The weight of all of of the drastic life changes that I’ve made in the last month all caught up with me at once. I suddenly felt very tired, very lonely, and very far from home. At that moment, I desperately wanted to just revert back to the comfort of familiarity."

Guess what, shipmate? You will soon enough be as comfortable and as familiar with the boat as you ever were (more actually) at what was formerly "home." And you will never, ever forget that fuse.

 

[BruceK]

Sounds like "late onset buyers remorse",complicated by changing residence. Change, complicated by small frustrating issues you would normally shrug off as insignificant. Big changes can be stressors, recognize that,understand what is happening, and you will cope. An hour on the phone to a good friend helped, there`s a hint, keep doing it. And posting here.

 

[Wayfarer]

I would never be so bold as to suggest you aren't crazy. You did just buy a boat after all. However, is the kind of crazy that I think will work out really well for you.


I am sure there will be more times when you will feel a bit overwhelmed. They will pass. From a distance, it sure looks like you are doing a great job tackling this new adventure.

So far so good. After having spent the last few days back at the ol’ dirt home, I’m quite relieved to say that I really miss the boat, and I’m really looking forward to getting back aboard her. I’m feeling more confident that I’ve selected the correct variety of crazy for this particular portion of life.

 

[Wayfarer]

"At that moment, it hit me. The weight of all of of the drastic life changes that I’ve made in the last month all caught up with me at once. I suddenly felt very tired, very lonely, and very far from home. At that moment, I desperately wanted to just revert back to the comfort of familiarity."



Guess what, shipmate? You will soon enough be as comfortable and as familiar with the boat as you ever were (more actually) at what was formerly "home." And you will never, ever forget that fuse.

You got that right. One fuse learned, 950 more to go, lol.
Now that I’m effectively living out of a suitcase when I’m at the house, the boat is already becoming the more comfortable option.

 

[Wayfarer]

Sounds like "late onset buyers remorse",complicated by changing residence. Change, complicated by small frustrating issues you would normally shrug off as insignificant. Big changes can be stressors, recognize that,understand what is happening, and you will cope. An hour on the phone to a good friend helped, there`s a hint, keep doing it. And posting here.

I’ve had a few waves of buyers remorse pass over me like rogue waves over the deck. The worst one was the night I moved aboard, a few hours after the money had cleared my bank account. A most unpleasant sensation of ‘oh no... what did I do??’

Thankfully a good night’s rest did wonders with that round as well.

 

[Miz Trom]

Dave:

I've understood for several years that I have a slightly better-than-average writing ability. Been urged by most of my friends to "write a book."

You sir, however, are an extraordinary writer. Your ability to express the desire/joy/fear/worry/relief/struggle/laughter that I have experienced in my 40 years of adult boating, in your first short jaunt as a boat owner, has me in awe.


Every emotion you have expressed has mirrored my own experience as a fellow Boat Nut in the Boat Nut Club. You are a remarkable gem here on TF. Please don't ever stop contributing to this forum, and dammit, don't ever stop being so damn nice!


Cheers,
Pea a.k.a. Mrs. Trombley

 

[Bacchus]

Dave:

You sir, however, are an extraordinary writer. Your ability to express the desire/joy/fear/worry/relief/struggle/laughter that I have experienced in my 40 years of adult boating, in your first short jaunt as a boat owner, has me in awe.


Every emotion you have expressed has mirrored my own experience as a fellow Boat Nut in the Boat Nut Club. You are a remarkable gem here on TF. Please don't ever stop contributing to this forum, and dammit, don't ever stop being so damn nice!


Cheers,
Pea a.k.a. Mrs. Trombley

Well said Ms Pea!
...just don't get him started with polls!!

Dave
Please do keep us updated and entertained.
I'm hoping our wakes cross one of these days.

 

[JohnEasley]

I’m feeling more confident that I’ve selected the correct variety of crazy for this particular portion of life.

LOL You can't ask for more than that, Dave.

 

[rgano]

I too think you have the right attitude about doing this during this particular portion of your life. I remember the delight I felt when after about a year of ownership my GB42 my then-wife suggested we move aboard - and this was at a mooring with me on active duty as a Commander in the US Navy and her fully employed. We did this for three years before solar panels and a lot of other off-grid power gear was easily available. We stored our entire household and later moved it to Florida while we brought the boat overland and 564 miles of GIWW to Panama City. We then moved ashore where I felt a bit dislocated for awhile. Later on I moved back aboard for a couple of years while moored under cover in a local marina and enjoyed it much better than living on a mooring ball. Nowadays, I am content ashore with a boat capable of sustaining us for the short cruising we enjoy. I enjoyed living aboard when I did, but I would not consider doing it again now. Who knows, maybe you will stay aboard into your dotage and spin salty tales to the newbies on your pier for the rest of your life!

 

[Wayfarer]

Dave:

I've understood for several years that I have a slightly better-than-average writing ability. Been urged by most of my friends to "write a book."

You sir, however, are an extraordinary writer. Your ability to express the desire/joy/fear/worry/relief/struggle/laughter that I have experienced in my 40 years of adult boating, in your first short jaunt as a boat owner, has me in awe.


Every emotion you have expressed has mirrored my own experience as a fellow Boat Nut in the Boat Nut Club. You are a remarkable gem here on TF. Please don't ever stop contributing to this forum, and dammit, don't ever stop being so damn nice!


Cheers,
Pea a.k.a. Mrs. Trombley

Well my goodness, that's awfully kind! Thank you! Here I've been wondering how long until you all get tired of my ranting and raving and vote me off the island... lol.

I've enjoyed your writings as well, which makes your compliments that much more meaningful. I'll stick around as long as you do!

 

[Wayfarer]

LOL You can't ask for more than that, Dave.

I guess that's the whole point, eh?

Well said Ms Pea!
...just don't get him started with polls!!

Dave
Please do keep us updated and entertained.
I'm hoping our wakes cross one of these days.

I'd like that very much!

I too think you have the right attitude about doing this during this particular portion of your life. I remember the delight I felt when after about a year of ownership my GB42 my then-wife suggested we move aboard - and this was at a mooring with me on active duty as a Commander in the US Navy and her fully employed. We did this for three years before solar panels and a lot of other off-grid power gear was easily available. We stored our entire household and later moved it to Florida while we brought the boat overland and 564 miles of GIWW to Panama City. We then moved ashore where I felt a bit dislocated for awhile. Later on I moved back aboard for a couple of years while moored under cover in a local marina and enjoyed it much better than living on a mooring ball. Nowadays, I am content ashore with a boat capable of sustaining us for the short cruising we enjoy. I enjoyed living aboard when I did, but I would not consider doing it again now. Who knows, maybe you will stay aboard into your dotage and spin salty tales to the newbies on your pier for the rest of your life!

Avast ye scurvy loafers! Lay ashore and steer clear of my quay! (translation: Hey you kids! Get off of my lawn!)

 

[ben2go]

Avast ye scurvy loafers! Lay ashore and steer clear of my quay! (translation: Hey you kids! Get off of my lawn!)

That is sig line quote-worthy.

 

[Wayfarer]

Dave, when you get a chance, can you link to the ad that describes Sylphide? She looks similar in some ways to Seabiscuit. Enjoy (and I commented on that YT clip you posted, too).

Best wishes (from the public dock today).

Thanks Dave; I look forward to that. Cheers!

Almost forgot! Here's the deconstructed Yachtworld Ad with some of the pictures:

Boat Name
Sylphide

Dimensions
LOA: 44 ft 8 in
Beam: 12 ft 6 in
Maximum Draft: 3 ft 6 in
Displacement: 26000 lbs

Engines
Total Power: 85 HP

Engine 1:
Engine Brand: Perkins
Year Built: 1985
Engine Type: Inboard
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Engine Hours: 1000
Propeller: 3 blade propeller
Drive Type: Direct Drive
Engine Power: 85 HP

Tanks
Fresh Water Tanks: 2 (79 Gallons)
Fuel Tanks: 2 (238 Gallons)
Holding Tanks: 2 (39 Gallons)

Accommodations
Number of double berths: 2
Number of cabins: 2
Number of heads: 2

Electronics
VHF
Autopilot
Log-speedometer
Compass
Depthsounder
GPS

Inside Equipment
Electric bilge pump
Electric head
Refrigerator
Fresh water maker
Oven
Battery charger

Electrical Equipment
Shore power inlet
Generator

Outside Equipment/Extras
Electric windlass

Description
Hull material: marine grade aluminum: 5083 1/4 inch plate for the hull and 3/16 for deck and deck house Bottom stringers, topside frames and futtocks, deck beams and all frames are all 1/4 inch aluminum Bottom paint is 2 coats of Devow ABC #1 over 2 coats of Amercoat 235 epoxy which is over 4 coats of Interprotect. There are twenty liters of Devow to cover the bottom with another coat of anti-fouling included.
Above the water line (hull, decks and deck house) was sanded and prepared for 2 coats of PSX 700 epoxy (2011)
Engines:
*Perkins diesel - 4.236, 85 h.p. coupled to a Borg-Warner velvet drive.
Both have under 1000 hours on them. The engine comes with a fuel analysis from Detroit Diesel, since 2004. Cruising speed is usually between 7.5 and 8 knots. Top speed is 9.25 knots. Cruising range 1500 nautical miles with reserve fuel.
running gear: 1 3/4 inch stainless steel shaft, Thorden bearings (life time rated 10,000 hours), Lasdrop shaft-seal (new in 2006) and a 3-bladed 24 x 11 bronze propeller. The drive shaft is isolated from the engine with a “shaft saver” (spare included) in between the coupling.
Spare exhaust hose included
2 fuel tanks (900 liters each) total 1800 liters. Fuel tanks are equipped with a separate fuel cleaning (polishing) system incorporating the Algae-x fuel cleaning system. All filters are 2 micron Racor as is the engine mounted filter.
Generator:
Yanmar 6 kw diesel generator with 123 hours


Accommodations

Interior Layout

Almost the entire interior layout has been changed which reflects the original drawing that were presented to the builder of the hull.
Starting at the bow, inside, one will find the chain locker behind a set of solid teak louvered doors. The chain in contained in a aluminum box draining overboard. These doors are at the foot of a traditional V berth which has access to storage under the mattresses and teak draws in the front face. At the front end of the V berth is a bulkhead and a door which creates the forward stateroom. There are two opening ports with screens and an overhead hatch which is trimmed in painted wood the same as the ceiling. The trim contains a swing screen to match.
The door and the frame to the forward stateroom is solid teak and the hardware is solid brass. Lighting is provided by two brass halogen lights at the head of the V berth and a ceiling light at the foot as well as a light in the chain locker.
Moving aft, there is a hanging locker to port with a teak door and frame with brass hardware to match. To starboard is a desk. This area has an opening hatch and screen to match the stateroom forward. A brass ceiling light is near by.
Aft of the hanging locker is a full size shower, 4 feet long. Inside the Crezone has been covered with fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin. Painted with 3 coats of epoxy paint to match the interior. The shower has an opening port with screen and a light.
Opposite the shower, to starboard, is a two piece powder room with a Vaccuflush Model 558 head and vanity. The vanity has painted cabinet doors beneath and has a granite tile surface and with nickel plated solid brass faucet and stainless steel sink. The floor is finished in a
1 inch heptagon non-skid porcelain tile. The room has an opening screened port and halogen lighting. Access to the wiring for the helm and the hydraulic helm pump is behind an opening in the wall above the head.
All the floors in the forward area, saloon and owners stateroom, except the shower and powder rooms, are finished in a traditional teak and ash strip but it is solid 5/16 inch and glued down with epoxy to 3/4 plywood. When the surface becomes scratched and dull, one can easily sand and re-coat for years to come without worrying about “going through the surface”.
Aft of the shower and washroom is the third bulkhead in the boat. Access to the engine room is through a low door between the shower and washroom when the solid teak stairs are removed.

The Master State Room
At the rear of the saloon and starboard of centre are solid teak stairs which give access to the aft deck through teak doors and a sliding hatch. To starboard of these stairs are stairs down which bring you into the master stateroom suite, passing through the fourth bulk head in the boat.
Immediately to starboard is a hanging locker with teak louvered doors.
next going aft of the locker is a three door cabinet painted white with a teak top and fiddles which matches the cabinet to port.
Against the stern of the hull is the upholstered headboard of a “real queen-sized bed” and matching built in bed side cabinets with teak louvered doors providing more storage. Under the bed is easy access to the hydraulic steering piston and the hydraulic oil filter. Another section under stores several spare parts and various filters. And at the foot of the bed are two large teak drawers for yet more storage.
Lighting is provided with bed side halogen reading lamps and four halogen pot lights in the ceiling. There is also five opening ports with screens as well as an over the bed, opening skylight framed in teak with opening screen.
Opposite the bed is a large five drawer dresser which is recessed into the bulk head shared by the galley up and the engine room. When the draws are removed and a hatch lifted, there is access to the propeller shaft seal. The dresser is finished in while paint and solid brass handles.
Inside the master stateroom, to port, is the second powder room complete with vanity, medicine cabinet and mirror and a second Vaccuflush Model 558, head and it sits on a non-skid porcelain tile floor. There is halogen lighting and a small opening skylight.

Galley
Immediately aft of the navigation table is a 6 cubit foot refrigerator which is cooled by a “cold plate” with a 12 volt compressor in the engine room. This marks the beginning of the galley. All counters are green granite and are finished with solid teak fiddles in the galley and throughout the boat. The galley features a stainless steel Force Ten 2 burner stove and oven surrounded by stainless steel for easy cleaning.
To either side of the stove is 2 banks of drawers to handle cutlery, tools for cooking, pot and pans and extra food storage. Removal of one bank of drawers gives access to the port side fuel tank clean out.
The galley’s “L” shape finishes off with a stainless steel sink, cabinet beneath and cabinets above which hold china, glasses and cups in custom fiddles. The faucet is a nickel plated solid brass. Removing one shelf/tray gains access to the second outside steering helm pump.
Over the six large windows in the saloon are valances which have halogen lighting and space for curtain rods. In the centre of the saloon port and starboard walls are mounted 2 wall sconces.
Lighting is also provided by a large double opening skylight, to catch any breeze at anchor. It has hinged screens of solid teak making a pleasant contrast with the white ceiling. The entire structure can be removed if it were necessary to lift the drive engine out of the boat.
Beneath the skylight directly in front of the sofa stands a fully adjustable (up and down and in and out) drop leaf table which can easily seat 4 comfortably and more when needed.

Electrical
Electrical 120 volt and 12 volt:
Shore power first comes through an isolation transformer (therefore there is no physical connection to the hull from the shore power) then through a main electrical breaker to an automatic selector switch with the generator before going to the main electrical panel. Shore/generator power and inverter power have separate breaker panels. This vessel has a floating ground which means that there is no electrical connection to the hull anywhere.
The Heart inverter/charger (Freedom 25) has a remote panel in the saloon and besides able to charge at 120 amps maximum, controls the high out put alternator on the drive engine.
The battery bank is comprised of 6 deep cycle 6 volt batteries in a box well secured and vented overboard. It has a capacity of 680 amps. 12 power consumption per 24 hour period is approximately 115 amps.
All 12 volt circuits are fuse protected.
All 120 volt circuits are breaker protected. All 120 volt outlets are G.F.I. protected.
All switches for engine starting batteries, house bank and parallel switch between are located in the saloon near the helm.

Electronics
Standard Horizon Spectrum+ VHF radio
Garmin 152 GPS
B&G quad multi function (depth, speed, etc.)

Additional
10' Boatex dinghy
Johnson 3 hp outboard engine
Life sling
All dishes and cutlery in galley
All fire extinguishers and safety required for the vessel

 

[rgano]

Well my goodness, that's awfully kind! Thank you! Here I've been wondering how long until you all get tired of my ranting and raving and vote me off the island... lol.

I've enjoyed your writings as well, which makes your compliments that much more meaningful. I'll stick around as long as you do!

Sooo, that means WE are stuck with both of you?

 

[BandB]

Well my goodness, that's awfully kind! Thank you! Here I've been wondering how long until you all get tired of my ranting and raving and vote me off the island... lol.

Wifey B: Your story has been wonderful to follow as you've been so open with it all and all your emotions. From when you started thinking, until you saw the boat, and through the purchase process and as you worried and then on the boat with family and the "omg what have I done" and ultimately a lot of pleasure coming your way. Thanks for sharing so honestly and transparently.

 

[Sailor of Fortune]

what a nice boat! Nice bright interior,clean. Best of luck with her!

 

[O C Diver]

Wayfarer, I think you will do well and enjoy your new found freedom. If not, I have no doubt the very nice boat you now own, will sell far more easily in the USA. My money is on you adapting nicely to the cruising / work cycle.

BTW, you are expected in Fort Pierce in February!

Ted

 

[ben2go]

I would find it hard to walk off that boat. I'd have to get awful hungry and ships stores would have to be complete diminished.

 

[JohnEasley]

Dave, you've got yerself a fine boat there! Best of luck with her.