Late in the day, the intrepid BBQ BARGE was ceremoniously carried to the lake for her first Sea Trial. This is the Huck Finn creation of Mike and Dave, patched together from an old catamaran with leaky pontoons. The leaky pontoon issue was addressed by lovingly filling the pontoons with empty plastic bottles. The rotted fabric was replaced with manly planks of wood, sufficient to support the planned BBQ and lawn chairs. Bets were taken over whether she'd be a SINKER or a FLOATER when she took to the water... so there was a bit of a crowd on hand at the main dock for the maiden voyage.
And SHE FLOATS! Well, low in the water, with the pontoons awash, but floating all the same, with the BBQ deck high and dry. Seems there were some issues with the rudder system, (which Brian did his best to master) and there are design specs still to be completed, so stay tuned, but we are drawing closer to the dream of Dave and Mike, floating in mid-bay, kickin' back, flipping burgers... And -- enterprising as they are -- probably selling them to passing boaters. Perhaps the Lake version of a hot-dog cart?
Late in the day, the intrepid BBQ BARGE was ceremoniously carried to the lake for her first Sea Trial. This is the Huck Finn creation of Mike and Dave, patched together from an old catamaran with leaky pontoons. The leaky pontoon issue was addressed by lovingly filling the pontoons with empty plastic bottles. The rotted fabric was replaced with manly planks of wood, sufficient to support the planned BBQ and lawn chairs. Bets were taken over whether she'd be a SINKER or a FLOATER when she took to the water... so there was a bit of a crowd on hand at the main dock for the maiden voyage. 
And SHE FLOATS! Well, low in the water, with the pontoons awash, but floating all the same, with the BBQ deck high and dry. Seems there were some issues with the rudder system, (which Brian did his best to master) and there are design specs still to be completed, so stay tuned, but we are drawing closer to the dream of Dave and Mike, floating in mid-bay, kickin' back, flipping burgers... And -- enterprising as they are -- probably selling them to passing boaters. Perhaps the Lake version of a hot-dog cart?
So much fun!
ReplyDeleteWOWOWOW!
ReplyDeleteAwesome first trip. Nice design work. Can't wait to see the finished masterpiece and go for a relaxing cruise.
-Rebecca
Mike points out there is NOTHING relaxing about it.
ReplyDeleteWe shall see...