For those of us in the north

[chrisheile]

Since there is no "everything else" of off topic section, what are all of you who can't ski year round doing this time of year.  i rediscovered tennis

[Messer]

I am counting down the months to retire (May 2011) from the service so I can get to my lake lot and resume skiing, kneeboarding...but more realistically pulling my girls around the lake...

not in the North though. Logan Martin Lake Alabama

[Midskier]

I used to Snowmobile in the winter as much as I skied in the summer...... well maybe not quite as much
but over the years whoops jumps crashes rough trails @ high speeds and all barefoot crashes in the summer
I'm lucky to just watch it all on TV now.......... typically fall time is time to winterize boats and get the sleds ready
I usually return to the gym around end of Jan early Feb for pre-season tune up
My son and I shoot archery (indoor target @ 20yds) March - May, outdoor 3-D archery May into June
2010 I'll be taking it easy, taking the wife to Vegas over Valentines, having shoulder reconstructed (#2)
end of Feb.......12 weeks of PT and be ready for the water by June
oh yea and toss in a few lick on getar (Ron, did I spell that right)  nothing like a few power cords to shake the house with

Dan T

[myager]

I had last week off and worked on the boat every day getting the wet foam out.  Have to wait for warmer weather to glass, new carpet.  I removed the center console (Carrera-ice chest, storage drawer and cd player) and want to construct a new one with my own design.

Went snowmobiling last week, waiting for more snow.

Come on Dan, lets get together and jam.  I play guitar like I golf (not very good, but some times it sure sounds good).

Great web site guys!!!!!!!!

[phil]

Thanks for joining in on the conversation myager. We would love to see some pictures of your project. And what the heck is the purpose of the foam? I always here people saying how they have to take it out cause it get's water logged..

[RonT]

Reason for foam flotation is best described by boat show experts walking the show floors:
"it's there to insulate your feet from the cold water"
"it's insulation dummy, it keeps the boat the right temperature since there ain't no radiator or heater or air conditioner"
"it's what keeps the boat at the right level in the water, add more foam & the boat doesn't sit so deep in the water"
  (I've actually had customers want me to add foam so ther boat doesn't sit so deep in the water)
"It's the glue that holds the fiber and da glass together, without it & your gunna sink"

Another reason would be USCG regs require basic flotation for boats under 20' , level flotation for outboards under 20'
they also specify the type of foam, which does absorb water.
Flotation foam does offer a stiffining benifit that will make a boat feel more solid.
As a USCG inspected shop I must reccomend replacing water saturated foam with new replacement foam, from a more practical standpoint I can answer it like the guy who asked me if a holley carb off his race car could be used on his boat: Yes it may fit, it may work, it may even work better, and it probably would save you money....however if your boat was ever involved in any type of insurance claim the adjusters job is to minimize the insurance companies exposure, and therefore look to minimize their expense. A "modified" boat may disqualify you from receiving the pay-off you deserve! Espicially with a fire or sinking. just food for thought.......

[Midskier]

Marty we'll connect one of these days........ sold any sleds worth riding just b4 the snow hit here (but always looking for another one)
I have one "bean field bomber" left Indy 440 my kid rides around here when we have snow