On the V-man net tonight (every Monday, VHF ch 71, 8pm) there were reports of suspicious persons hanging around M4 restrooms. The Port of Seattle Police also stated that there have been several car prowls in the parking lot.  Activity will increase as the weather warms up with later daylight hours and more people heading to Golden Gardens.

Reminders:

• Lock your car and remove all visible items (put in trunk or take to boat);
• Be observant when walking to and from restrooms, cars and gate;
• Call Port Security (206-601-4089) for any suspicious person or activity!

Here is the online renewal and payment form if there are no changes to your Cert. of Documentation…USCG Vessel Documentation Payment Form

Here is the form to fill out with any changes…CG-1280 Renewal of Certificate Of Documentation  and here is confirmation of your submission..confirm receipt of documents by NVDC

Starting in 2017, a certificate of documentation will remain valid for five years instead of just one year. Boat owners will, however, need to reapply for a new certificate if there are any changes of address or a new home port. BoatUS and other boating groups, including the Seven Seas Cruising Association, advocated for this extension after the U.S. Coast Guard began charging an annual fee for documentation renewal. Sect 312 CG Authorization Act of 2015

You are invited to visit D-Dock Friday evening between 6-8 p.m. for some wonderful live music. Bring a chair if you want to sit. B.Y.O.B. and snacks. The weather should be nice, good neighbors and great music see you there!

Just an update.  There are 41 users of the Shilshole Blog.  Way to go!!! Thanks for taking part in this blog.

Please keep up the good work.

   Wonderful Day on the Water!

There are few things that I have come to dread as much as the season of Varnish.  We have owned this boat since 1999.  For each of those years I have spent a good deal time caring for the teak decks and the other teak above deck.  When we first purchased Bristol Blue she was covered with Cetol, decks and all other teak above deak.  I stripped all the Cetol off by the 4th year we had the boat.

I have used all the major brands of Varnish commercial available.  Some is thin as water others a thick as molasses, all of them have there own characteristic.  None of them satisfied my desire….which I have to admit is a little crazy, but some of them came closer.  My desire is to get from Varnish season to the next.

My failure is that I do not like Varnishing.  I do like removing it.  I am fast, clean and the end result is a nice looking piece of teak.  I am conflicted.  My husband, Ned really likes Varnish.  I want to make him happy.  I have been trying year after year to accomplish this objective.  Now that I am old, and kneeling is not a friendly activity I want this whole process to take as little time as possible.

He discovered a Varnish used by the French Navy while we were bumming around in Southern California waiting for the hurricane season to pass so that we could go back to Mexico.  The Varnish is called Le Tonkinois.  It is a linseed and tung oil based Varnish. It gives a rich, deep glow to the teak and you do not have to sand between coats.  I am smiling!  Re-coating  after 24 hours.  If you like a hassle free experience it is my suggestion that you give it a try.  Did I mention that you can apply it over existing Varnish with a lite sanding with 220 grit paper!!!! I am smiling again.  If you want to see how it looks drop over to D-dock #60.   Oh I forgot one thing, I will be putting on six coats per side this year.  I am determined to make it through to the next Varnish season.  Ever the optimist.