May 20

John Hanson stopped by today and recommended that I actually use this blog that Meggan created for me. His idea was that I should have a beer and upload my brain unedited. Ok.
Here's an overview of the work thus far. The guys at Rockport Marine have attended to crucial mechanical and electrical systems. Eric Palmer simplified the wiring by cutting out remnants of 120v and 3 phase systems leaving only 12v for nav stuff and 36v for lighting and starting the engine. We're pretty much set electrically and I'm excited about seeing the Pike lit up this August at the ERR Saturday night.
The big mechanical piece was new exhausts. They're in and they sound great. Scott Whitting did the fabrication and has put in a new raw water system, hoses around the gear oil cooler, new filters, new fluids, and has capped off unneeded systems and thru hulls. It feels great to see fresh bronze caps where rotting hoses used to be.
Both these guys have been thorough and have kept me informed along the way. I totally appreciate Eric and Scott letting me know about the details and also voicing their concerns. Because of other issues the mechanical work uncovered we've gone on to do more than was in the original estimate. I think the decision to do more was clear to everyone involved.
As for me, I've replaced about half the grub on the stbd side, as well as some house side all around. I've bolted in a bunch of oak and angilique. It's the first time I've worked with galvanized fastenings on a boat and I like it. I've unbolted the big fish box on deck and sawed away some deck plumbing. I think tomorrow I'll start to get the new starboard buffalo rail on.
I shouldn't end this without mentioning Dan Holmes. He and his father ran the Pike from 1970-1986 and he met with us two weeks ago. He stuck his head in the engine room and when I came up to say hello he told me that they "had made a beautiful living from this boat". They were the last ones to have the Pike while the fishing was still good and they maintained the hell out if her. He's an inspiring story teller with a prime inspirational subject. The quantities of fish, the quality of the boatmanship, and the awful weather make for some grand subject matter. Dan's whole family lived aboard for some time. The Pike really was instrumental in making a living not just for them, but for the seiners and the canneries. The pearl essence factory in Rockland was kept open by the Pike alone for a couple years in the early 80's. I'm hoping that Dan will be involved with this project.