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 →
The bimini top is situated over the flybridge. Two pieces of Sunbrella canvas fit together and are zip fastened around the tubular stainless steel frame and cinched taut. It helps to protect the flybridge from the weather and bird droppings. It also provides a shady spot from the afternoon sun or to enjoy an evening... Continue Reading →
Marine refrigerators are built to operate efficiently. They cool slowly and don't have an energy hogging frost-free feature. Typically the cooling coils are in the top freezer and the cool air from the freezer keeps the refrigerator compartment cool. Like at home, refrigerators operate 24/7 for at least the boating season and sometimes year round... Continue Reading →
I have been a Marine Park Host at Blake Island for two years. While it has its routine, the weeks are not without excitement. Blake Island Marine State Park Blake Island is accessible only by boat, offering a change of pace just a few miles from the Seattle waterfront. The island is nearly 500 acres and... Continue Reading →
Fiddler’s house/inverter battery bank got so weak that I couldn't brew a pot of coffee without triggering an inverter shutdown because of sustained low voltage. For the last several trips where anchoring was involved, I would start the generator in the morning to brew the coffee and recharge the batteries. The inverter also powers the... Continue Reading →
Meander: a winding path or course There are still a few places in Puget Sound that we haven't visited and one of our boating goals this summer is to see some of them. With the Canadian border closed, there are hoards of boaters in the popular places. Plus, there are a lot of people that... Continue Reading →
We look forward to the crabbing season to restock the freezer and enjoy delicious crab cakes throughout the year. In the first two trips of the season, we brought home over 12 pounds of crab meat! That likely isn't enough to last the winter, so there will be more crabbing to come. This year local... Continue Reading →
Fiddler came equipped with a hot/cold handheld shower installed in the transom. I didn't think I would ever need a warm shower outside and I have never seen others showering outside either. It was a wasted item for me, plus it leaked. The way it was installed prevented easy access to fix the leak so... Continue Reading →
Fiddler 