Rain, Rain, Go Away!

[Marty Loken (Norseboater)]

One of the many reasons we moved to Marrowstone Island from Whidbey, and earlier from Seattle, was the fact that local island rainfall totals a paltry 16 inches...but not this year!

So far, through the end of March, we've had almost 75% of our normal annual rainfall...in the first 90 days of the year. March alone recorded 5.84 inches of rain here in Nordland, compared to the average of 2.1 inches, and the previous record for March, 3.85 inches. Altogether we've 'enjoyed' 11.85 inches of wet stuff since January 1, so we're almost certainly on our way to a new record.

We're scheduled to launch the latest customer boat this coming Tuesday, April 5. The way it's pouring this morning, we might just open the shop door and float her away...minus launch ramp, Travel-Lift or any of that!

(The boat is a 24-foot Viking Sloop, designed in 1911 by Charles Mower and built in 1938 by Leiter Hockett of Ballard. Restoration involved a lot of new steambent oak frames, several new planks, a new cockpit, interior, engine, wiring and of course lots of paint and varnish. She's a sweetie, heading for a marina in Everett after we float her and rig the mast on Tuesday--rain or shine.)

- Marty

[Tim_Mattson]

Had my fill of water too!

Hey Marty,
Beautiful finish.Would make the Vikings proud.
I did a sailboat deck last spring and it rained 58/60 days from late april thru early June.
Weren`t all soakers but noticed our weather`s prevailing SW direction hasn`t been the normal.
At times last year it was NE ,this year from the SE.
Hopefully that heatwave in July /Aug will dry out all our sogginess.
Resorted to a bilge pump in my backyard,I better remember to put it back in the Seafair.
TM

[GregJ]

Marty, All this rain has kept me from doing the last 2 hrs. or so from finishing my boat. It's very frustrating to say the least. I hope it clears out by next Aug.. Think Stehekin!

[Steve_Kiesel]

Another beautiful restoration from the Island Boat shop. Post a couple pictures of the launch Marty. Should be a fun day. Rain or shine.

Speaking of rain, that's one of main reasons for our move to Central Oregon. High and dry. The last couple days down there have been sunny and in the sixties. The down side is the snow in the winter, but personally I can deal with that.

Have a great launch.

[Skagitguy]

Marty, What a Beautiful boat ! Rain ? What Rain. Dry and sunny here. Chuck

[Helmar]

Marty, What a Beautiful boat ! Rain ? What Rain. Dry and sunny here. Chuck

It "Might" be nice at your place right now, but for the most part, Marty and I are in a rain shadow. More or less.

[Skagitguy]

Joe, Did i tell you it's 82 as well. April Fools ! Chuck

[Helmar]

Joe, Did i tell you it's 82 as well. April Fools ! Chuck

...I watch the radar so I know when its dumping on you and not me.

I still think you selling your boat is an April Fool.

A good April fool would be both Marty and I retiring.:Scared1:

[Skagitguy]

That's a good one. Might go on C-list if no action here. Sure am glad i did a little painting on the 20 Skagit Monday. Chuck

[McSkagit Tim Jones]

Launch

Wow! Another beautiful restoration from the hands of Marty Loken. Hull looks similar to a Stone Horse. Gotch yourself a Volvo Penta MB10, 10 Hp two cylinder gasser with a MS reverse gear and a 1:91 reduction. Grooved flywheel for a Dynastarter....and if you need a Dynastarter, I have a new one on the shelf.

Rain....... you can be glad that it's only rain.........

Nice work!

Tim