Over the years we have perfected a way of leaving
Taleisin so we return to find her exterior varnish
just the way we left it. This has let us enjoy going
on inland excursions such as we did for seven months
in Southern Africa, or for when we try to find endless
summer by leaving her in the Pacific Northwest while
we return for the southern hemisphere in New Zealand.
First we make sure the varnish on her hatches,
boomkin, bowsprit and transom and spars are all
in good condition. We touch up any places where
the varnish is broken (see Cost Conscious Cruiser
for more on how we take much of the hard work
out of varnishing). Then we use a boom tent to
cover the hatches and cabinsides. For the boomkin,
bowsprit and around the forehatch where it would
be difficult to have a canvas cover that did not
chafe the varnish, we have found carpet, with
a soft pile works wonders. We can usually get
a piece of second hand carpet from a local supplier.
We secure it in place, pile side against the varnish
work, using weather resistant masking tape, or
in the case of the transom, nylon line secured
through holes in the carpet and to convenient
metal fittings on deck. When the carpet comes
off, the varnish is just as we left it.
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