Shake and Break, part 3

[skipgundlach]

We use disposable aluminum roasting trays (one) set into the toilet.

A very little bit of litter, and frequent emptying, including immediate feces removal.

They'll take to it immediately. You could also try one of the commercial train-your-cat-to-the-toilet contraptions before you leave, and maybe it wouldn't be necessary for the pans. We tried to do it without, and failed, but there was NO question that they went right to the head.

Non clumping, and once we reached the Bahamas, it was all beach sand (with litter aboard when we weren't there or able to get ashore)...

A clue for their comfort with cruising will be to get them to an open anchorage for several days, where the motion of the boat, without your being under way, will acclimatize them to the motion.

Portia would absolutely revel in the sound of the anchor going down; she knew that the passage was over. Conversely, she'd dive for the berth when she heard the engine start, until we were under way.

Cats thrive aboard, and are not any real difficulty, other than that you'll want to make sure they have an accustomed place to scratch. In our case, it's the bottom of the mast which we've wrapped in light line.

If you're worried, take them out boating every chance you get...

HTH...

L8R

Skip

PS Portia and Greta are ashore being service animals for Lydia's mother, who cruised a couple of times with us, both with Portia. We gave her Portia when she came to the US to go cruising but got too old while we finished the boatyard stuff (2011-2012 refit in the gallery).

Our shakedown garnered Greta; when we arrived on Christmas Day 2013, she moved off the boat to be with Portia. When her mother is gone, they'll come cruising with us again.

[Compactorguy]

Have fun. BTW whats Flying Pig's average speed under sail?

[skipgundlach]

How loud is blue?

Seriously, it's all over the place, depending on the seas, the wind, and the apparent wind.

We very frequently are in the 7-8 range, and in fact AVERAGED 8.0 on an exactly 60 hour, anchor up to anchor down, passage from Ragged Island to Ft. Pierce. Top on that trip was 12.8. It was pretty consistently 20-25 120 starboard, with about 5-7 seas almost abeam. LOTS of rock and roll. But that is anchor to anchor, not just the passage speed average

Top on the passage from Lucaya to St. Simons was 14.3 and in danger of a broach due to following quartering seas and poled out genny and prevented main; we rolled in the genny and reefed the main and turned hard left, into the wind which had clocked and was now on our nose. Of course, that one was at 2AM...

If we're in moderate - say, 10-15 apparent winds - we're typically doing 4.5-5 in a beat, 5+ - 7 close-hauled, 6-8 beam, and 7-9 broad.

We're 44000 pounds, DWL 39-3 but probably closer to 40 as the waterline has risen...

[onestepcsy37]

Originally Posted by skipgundlach

Driving the ditch is FAR more stressful to me ..

Ok, I agree that the ditch can be a PITA, especially as you get farther south where the traffic and bridges seem to multiply. But the Admiral prefers it to beating to weather and it sure is easier on the boat...

Coming back from the Bahamas is a whole different story, following winds and seas and never touch the wheel, letting otto do the steering. Last time we went Whale cay to Port Canaveral in two glorious days.

[skipgundlach]

Any time we can get somewhere without an engine beats any time we run Perky ☺

Even if I could sail it, I'm not a fan of the ditch. A few minutes navigating an anchorage is one thing, but all the daylight hours gets wearing...

[onestepcsy37]

Kapnkarl, we have taken our two cats with us many times. Since they are housecats they are perfectly fine with sleeping most of the day and lounging around the rest of it. We brought their kitty litter box and were fortunate to have a perfect spot for it in our rather large head; it only has to be moved when we take a shower. If you are going to the Bahamas bring along all the food and litter you will need for the trip as both are not widely available and probably will not be the brand your finicky cat likes. And dont think you can substitute beach sand for kitty litter in their box. It is full of tiny "critters"....