Chesapeake Newbie w/antique vessel

[Starside]

Originally Posted by markpierce

What?! No radar? No AIS? No autopilot? No VHF radio? No GPS? No chartplotter? No depth finder? ... Oh the horror! (Did without it all in the 60s and 80s.)

Too funny!

Actually, I just have a hand-held radio & GPS, but I prefer paper charting over the latter. I just find it easier for some reason...no distractions, I guess, although I also took the Power Squandron course, so they drilled it into me, but that's a good thing!

[dwhatty]

I can empathize with your pride and joy and feelings of stewardship (not to mention the drain on your bank account) in owning a classic. We did it for 23 years with our 40' 1939 "Gentleman's Sedan Cruiser" (doing most of the cosmetic and structural work ourselves) before passing her on to another steward.

[chc]

Welcome to TF Looks like a beautiful boat. We're based on Back River, & frequently visit South River (Harness Creek) & Rhode River. Hope to see you along the way.

[Starside]

Originally Posted by dwhatty

I can empathize with your pride and joy and feelings of stewardship (not to mention the drain on your bank account) in owning a classic. We did it for 23 years with our 40' 1939 "Gentleman's Sedan Cruiser" (doing most of the cosmetic and structural work ourselves) before passing her on to another steward.

That's a beautiful boat! and you are giving me hope to keep going, despite her costs - 23 years is impressive, and I can only hope to do the same for Starside.

One reason why she's been so expensive is that I'm converting her to electric. Not a lot of people agree with my choice here, but I had to make my own decision, and since I'm a nature lover and bird watcher, it just made sense to convert her (to an Elco electric motor, of course). Keep in mind that the Chesapeake is the 2nd largest estuary on the planet, and the waterfowl that comes through the area in the winter is extraordinary. Having my little electric launch will allow me to really enjoy that aspect of the Bay that most don't get to see, but with an electric motor, I can cruise in any weather. But that cost was higher than I expected...but she's a sound boat, esp. with her new Monel fasteners and she's glassed below the waterline for added strength and longevity, so I think it's a good investment in the long-run.

Ahhhhhhhh, can you tell how proud I am of her? But I'm also anxious to get back in the water, but her conversion won't be completed until early next year.

Thanks for the encouraging words. I really take heart in that.
-joan

[Starside]

Originally Posted by chc

Welcome to TF Looks like a beautiful boat. We're based on Back River, & frequently visit South River (Harness Creek) & Rhode River. Hope to see you along the way.

I'm sure we'll see each other. I have yet to explore the Rhode's River, but I've been told it's really beautiful. For me, my maiden trip was from Galesville to St. Michaels and back - I crossed the bay twice, but coming back, I had 3' swells that at times got to 6' when a tankard crossed my path...needless to say, I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride, and it was that cruise that taught me that next year, I should probably hug the shore a little more & go marina hopping, instead of crossing the bay in a little 27' foot antique that can only go 7 knots! Oh, and I'm a single screw - I learned my rudder rocks me if I get slammed by a wave sideways. Just remembering that sent a shiver down my spine!

As you can see, that's why I prefer cruising with others around...not to mention I suck at docking, but I'm determined to get it right with lots of practice next year!

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by Starside

Not a lot of people agree with my choice here, but I had to make my own decision, and since I'm a nature lover and bird watcher, it just made sense to convert her (to an Elco electric motor, of course). Keep in mind that the Chesapeake is the 2nd largest estuary on the planet, and the waterfowl that comes through the area in the winter is extraordinary. Having my little electric launch will allow me to really enjoy that aspect of the Bay that most don't get to see, but with an electric motor, I can cruise in any weather.

Originally Posted by Starside

I'm sure we'll see each other. I have yet to explore the Rhode's River, but I've been told it's really beautiful. For me, my maiden trip was from Galesville to St. Michaels and back - I crossed the bay twice, but coming back, I had 3' swells that at times got to 6' when a tankard crossed my path...needless to say, I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride, and it was that cruise that taught me that next year, I should probably hug the shore a little more & go marina hopping, instead of crossing the bay in a little 27' foot antique that can only go 7 knots!

What kind of range will you have after the conversion to electric propulsion? St. Michaels is approx. 23-25 NM from your dock...

Last time we anchored in the Rhode, we watched a small powerboat try to drive over High Island. Thought he might be using "local knowledge" on the line he was taking, but no... just didn't have a clue. It is a very pleasant anchorage, though. Sometimes with additional entertainment like that

Harness Creek on the South River is popular, partly because it's protected and partly because you can go ashore into Quiet Waters Park... assuming you can get from boat to dock

-Chris

[Starside]

The electric range is in hours. I should have 3-4 hours at 7 knots on good conditions. I think crossing the bay would be iffy - it took me 3.5 hours in my diesel so for her first year after the conversion I'll have to be careful. I'll prob get a generator but am waiting a year for that. I have to see her range first, plus I can't afford it this year. Still, I should be able to make the trip but will have to marina hop. My thought now is to go to Annapolis, then Kent Narrows or Piney Narrows, then to St Mikes. Gotta look at the chart & the NM but that's my present plan.

I'm very close to Rhodes River & will do a lot of local cruising next year. I need the practice!

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by Starside

The electric range is in hours. I should have 3-4 hours at 7 knots on good conditions. I think crossing the bay would be iffy - it took me 3.5 hours in my diesel so for her first year after the conversion I'll have to be careful. I'll prob get a generator but am waiting a year for that. I have to see her range first, plus I can't afford it this year. Still, I should be able to make the trip but will have to marina hop. My thought now is to go to Annapolis, then Kent Narrows or Piney Narrows, then to St Mikes. Gotta look at the chart & the NM but that's my present plan.

I'm very close to Rhodes River & will do a lot of local cruising next year. I need the practice!

Interesting. My guess is that the eventual generator will indeed open your horizons.

The leg from Annapolis to Kent Narrows (on that route) would be longer than going direct from the West River to Kent Narrows, no matter which direction you round Kent Island.

On the charts or ActiveCaptain, check out Kentmorr Marina and Queen Anne Marina (Kent Island). Might be you could hop to there first, thenmake it around to the Narrows. Then down to St. Michaels. We haven't ever been to Queen Anne. Kentmorr offers a very decent restaurant.

Another possibility might be Lowe's Wharf; that might be a marginally longer first leg...

Once you reach the top of Eastern Bay, it might be a toss-up about whether St. Michaels or the Narrows is closer.

You'll probably like the Rhode (no "s") as long as you mind the charts so you don't have problems with the submerged island

-Chris

[Moonstruck]

With an electric boat, it would be good to time your passage carefully through Kent Narrows. There can be a mean tidal current in there.

We have stayed at Hartge's a couple of summers. When we move back to the Bay I am strongly considering it again.

[Starside]

Chris, that is very helpful. I haven't looked at the charts closely but I'm trying to make the trip to St Mikes in 2-hour intervals, so I was just looking at a regular map, I thought Annapolis to Kent but that clearly won't be right. I'll have to plan it carefully.

I want to check out Piney Narrows for their covered slips, so that might be another option.

This trip will be my big annual trip every year. So this local knowledge is wonderful. Thank you everyone!

[siestakey]

Welcome and more pics

[eseyoung]

Have you considered a small portable generator as for emergencies? It wouldn't be as great as having something bigger but the Honda 2000 can be had for less then $1000 and if/when you get to the point where you don't need it they are selling for nearly that used.

Just a thought.

[Tony B]

I hate to sound like a nay-sayer but if your range is only 3-4 hours on a good day, I would never want to be more than 30 minutes away from a safe harbor. An unexpected thunder storm with adverse current could slow you down to 2 MPH.
I had a friend that went electric on a sailboat with about the same electric motor range. Long story but it turned out to be a very bad idea.
Going electric is expensive yet very limiting.
Just something to think about.

[Starside]

I look forward to cruising the bay this Spring/summer. Starside will be completed by then & I really hope to connect with others who cruise the area.

So next year, I'll post another thread in People & Places, so hopefully I can meet some of you - or at least do a cruise-by!

Thanks again for the warm welcome!

[Heron]

Originally Posted by Starside

I look forward to cruising the bay this Spring/summer. Starside will be completed by then & I really hope to connect with others who cruise the area.

So next year, I'll post another thread in People & Places, so hopefully I can meet some of you - or at least do a cruise-by!

Thanks again for the warm welcome!

Starside.....Your boat is neat.... As mentioned in another thread, i'll be up there next summer. Grew up on the bay and spent years cruising up there with a Saber 28 and later a Bristol 35.5. Based out of Rock hall in the latter years....It never gets old. Looking forward to getting back after years away. Looks like my deal on the Cape Dory will be going through. Maybe we'll see you this summer!

[Tony B]

Originally Posted by Starside

....So next year.....hopefully I can meet some of you - or at least do a cruise-by! ....

This year while cruising from Houston, Tx. area to NW Alabama I met some of the greatest people ever from this forum and a few other forums I am on. From this forum I met Steve Willet in Houma, La. Swampu (Paul) while in Gulfport, Ms and Chris and his wonderful wife Eileen at various points along the way on Last Tango. Had some close calls but just couldn't hook up with DIMR (Blue) and a few others. These are people you will never forget.

[Starside]

Heron, I just read that your waiting for the survey but that everything looks promising. It's an exciting time. I'm sure I'll see you cruising!!!

[Starside]

Tony, I'm new but I can tell this forum connects good people. I can't wait to get back on the water...This support is invaluable & I'm thrilled I found this forum. :-)

[Tony B]

It only gets better. This forum is like a family. Whether we agree with you or not on controversial items, once your decision is made, we then shift gears and back you up 100%.

[Heron]

Originally Posted by Tony B

I met some of the greatest people ever from this forum and a few other forums I am on. These are people you will never forget.

I agree....I am very active on an Audi Forum....Since early 2001. My wife used to joke about my "Virtual" friends. After awhile, we started to get together for events, drives etc....They became "Real" friends that, today, are some of the best in my life. We can not see each other for years but seem to pick right back up where we left off when reconnecting. Being initially drawn together by common interests makes that happen. The friendships often go on forever..