Grok is Cool
My original text was rewritten by Grok. Maybe a little over-done in areas but I must admit, it reads better than my original.
Bye Bye Seattle
On a crisp morning of October 3rd, we kicked off the process of getting SeaStar7 ready for winter. Melissa took charge of driving the car to Everett, while Dave piloted the boat from Elliott Bay. The trip went smoothly, with calm waters guiding us to Everett by early afternoon.
A Pleasant Stay in Everett
We settled in for a two-night stay in Everett, enjoying a brief pause in our preparations. Friends Dave, Melody, Jim, and Margaret joined us, and on the final night, we all shared a hearty dinner filled with good conversation. Jim and Margaret stayed on board with us, adding to the warmth of the evening.
Journey to Cap Sante and Winterization
On October 5th, Jim and Dave set sail for Cap Sante, while Melissa and Margaret drove the cars to Anacortes. Once at Cap Sante, Jim and Dave dove into the winterization process—a vital task to shield SeaStar7 from the cold months ahead. This includes draining water systems, blowing out all water lines with compressed air and pouring antifreeze into the drains. We were especially thorough this time, as the previous year’s poor winterization had led to damage in several systems. Learning from that, Dave has since crafted a detailed checklist to ensure everything is done right.
Overcoming Haul-Out Hurdles
Arranging a haul-out to our new winter storage spot proved trickier than expected. Seattle Yachts made the initial haul-out a breeze, but we needed a trailer capable of maneuvering into tight spaces. The first company we contacted backed out after inspecting the boat’s stabilizers, leaving us in a bind. Fortunately, BananaBelt stepped up, transporting SeaStar7 by trailer the very next day.
Final Touches in the Yard
With the boat safely delivered to the yard, Dave put the finishing touches on the winterization. This included running antifreeze through the raw-water intake of the engines, disconnecting and draining all hoses connected to through hulls, and ensuring she was fully prepped for the season. Now, she’s tucked in and ready to weather the winter, giving us peace of mind until spring.
