Fiddler runs navigation software on a desktop PC with a helm-mounted monitor. The original monitor was installed in 2010 and at that time was a high-end, high-brightness marine monitor. It served us well for over a decade. However, the screen began to delaminate a couple of years ago and I began searching for a replacement.... Continue Reading →
After ten years of minimal maintenance, the caprail is showing its age and wear. It is made of a composite material and painted, not teak like many boats have. The caprail actually needs little annual maintenance to keep it looking good. Several years ago I put on a clear coat and that is wearing off.... Continue Reading →
From Fiddler's log book: Over the last ten years, we have taken 145 trips, from just a few hours to months away from the dock. These trips covered 10,470 nautical miles (12,041 statute miles), ranging from Olympia, WA in the South Puget Sound to Juneau, AK. They required 1,592 hours of engine run time for... Continue Reading →
Most boaters in the Puget Sound area head north to the San Juan Islands when they want to get away for a one- or two-week vacation on the water. Many others spend their time in the Central and South Sounds. A few choose to go to Hood Canal. Cathleen and I live in Port Ludlow... Continue Reading →
If you haven’t been to Bremerton lately you will be pleasantly surprised. The city has leveraged its long naval presence and capitalized on its convenient waterfront location to provide a destination for tourists, especially for us recreational boaters that enjoy a good port with interesting sights and fun activities. The city of Bremerton is located approximately... Continue Reading →
The United States Naval Undersea Museum is located in Keyport, Washington near the very popular boating destination of Poulsbo. In fact, when you boat to Poulsbo, you pass directly in front of the Port of Keyport Marina that provides a convenient access point to the museum. Keyport Marina is on the south shore at the... Continue Reading →
Tom Rice’s great grandparents moved to Port Gamble in 1858, long before Washington became a state in 1889. They were one of the many families to move to the company town from East Machias, Maine to work for Puget Mill Company’s sawmill in Port Gamble. When it permanently closed in 1995, it was the oldest... Continue Reading →
The generator is enclosed with a sound shield that reduces the cabin noise while it is running. The five panels attach to a frame and each panel is lined with foam insulation to absorb the noise. After eleven years the foam insulation deteriorated on the top and front panels and needed to be replaced. I... Continue Reading →
We enjoy watching the decorated boat parades over the holidays. This year we decided to join them and decorate Fiddler. Cathleen made a star out of PVC pipe and strung lights on it with them trailing off the stern like a shooting star. The port elf has a red hat while the starboard elf has... Continue Reading →
It has been an unusual cruising season, the first since we moved to Port Ludlow. Moving brings on all sorts of activities that take precedence over getting out on the water for any length of time. Getting the house to where we want it involved some flooring upgrades, repurposing the home office to a third... Continue Reading →
Fiddler 