Halloween Island Camp-out

Element's first camp outing on Percy couldn't have been better timed. The weather was amazing, and the trees were just beginning to change. Also with 6kt winds the night of, an average temp of around 70 degrees, and winds of 10-12 kt on the following day sailing was also very nice. Element performed perfectly going easily to weather in the lighter air, and really flying as it picked up the next day. I also got the opportunity to use the outboard for the first time after having it fixed it was really nice to be able to drop sail and fire up the engine and get to where I needed to go quick, or head in to a beach or protected cove under power.

The trip was to Hole-in-the-wall Island on Percy priest lake. Here's the GPS for Google maps, N 36 05.855' W 086 34.786'. This is now one of my favorite islands on Percy. It is quite a diverse topography with pebble beaches on one side and 40 -60 ft cliffs on the other.

I have chosen a trailer design that is a large improvement over my current one and should drastically decrease my reassembly time when taking trips. Rick Hueschen was kind enough to send me some pics of his trailer which I hope to duplicate in all of it's mechanical aspects. He's able to assemble his boat while on the trailer and launch in around a half hour. That is exactly what I am looking for. His design is simple and well thought out with focus being on ease of assembly and reduced build and dismantle times. Here are some pics of his design.

I've gone over the boat rather thoroughly and made a list of things that need attention maintenance wise. I also wish to list possible improvements and modifications.

• Redesign hatch cover slides and locks
• Add solar power and power storage
• Add cabin roof cargo nets
• Add solar cabin vents
• Construct wind vane steering
• Consider possible addition of a topsail for light airs
• Led interior lighting
• Windex
• Tell tales
• Grill propane tank in each hull securing points

Gear list

• Camp stove
• Sleeping bags
• Backpacking inflatable sleeping pads
• Stainless cookware
• GPS
• Water purifier
• Fishing gear
• Mosquito netting
• Lighting
• Heater
• Long shaft trawling motor
• Mess Kits
• First Aid Kit (EMS Jump Bag)

Element moves to Nashville, TN

This page is to document the continued journey of Element, my new Tiki 21. She came to me in September of 2010 in excellent shape. Her extensive restoration by Scott B Williams can be read about here. Her owners since have diligently maintained her and it really shows. I have only routine paint maintenance and some wear to the Keels to contend with. (Both of which are expected) I look forward to our travels together and begin the dreaming and planning that comes with owning a boat.