Episode 28 - The Boatless Winter Blues

This is the worst time of year. It's cold, snowing, and dreary - and it's months until boats go back into the water. That's a reality if you're a boater in Canada or the Northern USA, but that doesn't make it any easier. So what to do? Going stir-crazy isn't a good option... We've been planning, of course! Looking at a couple of boat projects we can do while at home, or at least prepare, so that we can get aboard and get ahead of the game when Spring finally arrives. So lots of YouTube videos to learn how to complete some of these tasks. One is a new marine vinyl project for the upper helm bench. Jacqueline ordered the material, and has the sewing machine. Sailrite has been great for informative videos and "How-To", here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/c/SailriteDIY Also, I've been looking at the maintenance and mechanical pieces to ensure I've got the bases covered for my preventative maintenance schedule. The big installation this Spring will be the Solar Kit! I'm not smart on electrical and solar, so YouTube has been brilliant for learning. I highly recommend Jeff Cote and Pacific Yacht Systems' videos. Smart, comprehensive, and tailored for the newer boater who wants to learn....here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/c/pacificyachtsystems/videos The videos on batteries and solar are particularly good! And finally - what will 2022 look like for boating? Well, who knows?? But Jacqueline and I do know that we want to optimize our time on the water, at the Islands, or on a mooring ball. That involves adjusting our work/vacation schedules a bit, but I think it's going to pay off! The Thousand Islands is full of history, and there's always a bit more to learn every time I open a book or read an article about the area. It's fascinating, and we can't wait to explore!