A bit about our boat … It is a Bayliner, 28 ½ feet long from the bow pulpit to the end of the swim platform.  She’s white Fiberglas, with blue piping on the seats, and we call her Nauti Buoy.  Boats are always referred to as females, so because of her name, our boat has a gender identification issue. 

There are steps down into the living area, which consists of a forward berth, an  aft berth, a  galley (small kitchen), dining table and seats, and a  head (small bathroom with a toilet and sink).  We could shower in the head, but then the whole room would need to be wiped down each time.  It’s just easier, and roomier, to shower at the marina facilities.  The boat supposedly sleeps six, but that is a tad optimistic.  The front V-berth will sleep 2 adults, as will the aft berth, which is located under the  cockpit.  The dining table lifts off and a cushion can be fitted into its space, creating a 3^rd sleeping area.  It suits my 4’11” mother just fine.  Anyone larger, not so much.  

The stove is fitted for either gas or electricity.  We never use it.  I cook in an electric skillet most of the time, supplementing with a toaster oven and a microwave, all of which are stored when not in use.  Brian is the grill master; he fashioned an elegantly designed grill holder from a metal rod that he bent with a blowtorch.  It supports the grill and fits onto one of the boat cleats.  This enables it to hang over the side so the interior of the boat stays clean while he is grilling.  Simplicity itself.  The small refrigerator has a tiny freezer big enough for 3 ice cube trays – we don’t use the trays, but just pack stuff we want to keep frozen into the freezer.  We have an air conditioner that fits into the front hatch.  It’s awkward, but on a hot summer night, very appreciated.

Of course, space is at a premium onboard.  There are cupboards in the galley and head, and one closet that is not quite full length.  Every seat has storage space under it, and there are open shelves along the V-berth and at the head and foot of the aft berth (not to be called the afterberth, ever). 

The cockpit area seats four, including the captain’s chair.  There is also a pullout seat for two in the back.  The engine compartment is under the back deck; she runs on a single 300 hp 454 Mercruiser Bravo III.  There is more storage in the back for cleaning supplies, the grill & holder, fenders (bumpers), & lines (ropes).

We don’t have a trailer for the Nauti Buoy – she stays at the Yacht Basin year around.  The service people haul her out in the fall and launch her in the spring.  Brian does most of the winterization, and in the spring he paints the outdrive’s lower unit and touches up the bottom paint.  It’s my job to wax and buff.  

Last weekend, in anticipation of our trip, we filled up the boat with gas and had our waste holding tank pumped.  We’ll get provisions Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning Brian will wash her.  I’ll spiff up the interior, and we’ll probably get underway around noon Saturday for the first leg, which is to Lansing, IA.  Can’t wait!