The cover of my journal at the beginning of 2023 was imprinted with the words, “Good things come to those who wait, but the best things come to those who do.”
How fitting that it became the year we finally launched our fixer-upper 1980 Carver Santa Cruz that we bought in 2020. Becoming the Captain and First Mate of our modest yacht took some patience. Mostly, it took doing.
How did we go from not knowing if the engine even worked at the beginning of the year to multi-night adventures at “sea” through summer and fall? Here’s a recap.
Testing the waters
Where does one start with a boat that hasn’t been in water for nearly a decade? The basics, of course. A successful on-land engine test was the first step, providing confidence to trailer to a nearby lake for a “float test” in May.
The good news: She floats! The debut cruise and near crash was a memorable way to spend our six-year wedding anniversary and provided critical safety lessons, including the importance of a backup motor and an easily accessible anchor.
Back to work we went installing a newly purchased Mercury kicker motor, bilge pumps, batteries, navigation lights, GPS, trailer amendments, and more. Brett even built a new swim platform and stern railing to replace the original rotting wood.
Expanding our horizons
The Highknocker’s official maiden voyage arrived in late June. Our 24-hour adventure in Wisconsin’s Door County started and ended with headaches (and more to-do’s), but the trip was an all-around success exploring Egg Harbor, Horseshoe Island, and Chambers Island.
Next was two nights of salmon fishing from Sheboygan, WI. This first experience with rain taught us that the windshield and front hatch cover leaked. Back home for more maintenance and tweaks to improve safety and comfort.
Our final outing in September pushed our sea legs further. We spent four nights in Door County, including overnight anchoring at Horseshoe Island, crossing Death’s Door Passage, and exploring Washington Island, Sister Bay, and Peninsula State Park (by bike!).
| 2023 Summary |
|---|
| 7 total nights |
| → 6 nights at marinas |
| → 1 night anchored offshore |
| → 5 different marinas |
| 2 bodies of water |
| → 1 inland lake |
| → 1 Great Lake |
| 9 fish harvested |
| → 8 salmon |
| → 1 rainbow trout |
Making connections near and far
Along the way we connected with fellow boaters and travelers. From conversations at marinas to online support in the Carver Owners Forum, Facebook groups, and this very blog, so many kind, helpful, and passionate people have added to our experience. I hope to feature some of their stories as our voyages continue.
Looking ahead
We ended the season with — what else — more maintenance! The bottom half of the boat received a long-awaited facelift that took us multiple rounds of sanding and painting. She’s now about half way toward the final exterior transformation.
We also brought the boat to a marine shop for a review and servicing from professionals. Overall, we’re happy with their findings and look forward to more adventures on the water come spring. I may be most excited that we’ll finally start to conquer cosmetic updates inside the cabin.
Here are some of the plans in store:
- Finish painting the exterior
- Build a new cabin hatch cover
- Rebuild the flybridge cabinets
- Improve interior functionality, including a fitted mattress and removing the fridge and stove top
- Venture further from home, starting with Lake Superior
Thank you for being here and being part of our journey. Regardless of how 2024 unfolds, may we all work toward our dreams and enjoy the ride along the way.
Excellent Carrie, what a tribute to reality! Keep pushing forward and everything will fall in to place. Trust me now, believe me later.
Wise words from one of the best. Thank you!