Captains Log - S/V Cat’s-Paw

Bringing Cat’s Paw-Home

Snead Island to Cape Coral

05-Jan-2023 - Arrived via Jeep at Snead Island Boat Works. 

Crew: Art Schuler and Craig Klocke

Spent an hour discussing a sub-standard buff and wax with Snead Island Service Manager Bob and he agreed to drop the charge. I paid the bill and we began preparations to leave. 

Just after we arrived there was a torrential downpour so we closed up the boat and headed to Woody’s for lunch. There was a river of rain water running through the restaurant so we had to hold our feet up. 

On the way back to the marina we stopped at Walmart for provisions. I had to make an extra trip for diesel and dingy gas. Snead Island has neither. 

I tried to get a slip at the Bradenton YC but they don’t offer reciprocal privileges to RYC or CMCS members. We departed Snead Island just before sunset and anchored east of the Snead Island cut.

We had an issue with the pressure water but when I tried the next morning it worked. 

06-Jan-2023 - 0858 - Anchor up - Departed for Venice, hopefully Crows Nest Marina. No coffee this morning. I can’t get the stove to work. 

We entered the ICW at marker “68”. Very choppy in 2-3 foot waves across the southern end of Tampa Bay. Passed thru bridge openings at Anna Marie Island, Cortez and Longboat Pass. We exited the ICW at Longboat Pass, a challenging exit, and turned south dead downwind. Very rolley polley.  We did get a nice visit from some happy dolphins. 

Arrived at Crows Nest through the Venice Inlet and promptly ran aground! Soft grounding though. Hard reverse and we were off. We had to circle while waiting on the dock master, Mark. Tight entry between two very expensive boats. Beautiful approach but just as I shifted into reverse the engine died and wouldn’t start. Banged the dock but no apparent damage. 

Finished up with sunset cocktails in the cockpit and an amazing dinner at the restaurant.  I love Crows Nest!

07-Jan-2023 - The restaurant wasn’t open for breakfast and there were no viable options for coffee. However, I managed to get the stove working and brewed a pot. Art and I adjusted the engine idle speed in hopes of avoiding a repeat of yesterdays arrival. 

0858 - Departed the dock at Crow’s Nest with a stiff crosswind pushing us onto the dock, of course. We were in tight between two expensive boats. Art used the whisker pole to push the bow out and we got away clean. We exited Venice Inlet and set a course for Boca Grande inlet, destination Cabbage Key. Winds were easterly at 5-10 and the seas were calm. Art and Craig set the jib. I engaged Ralph (the autopilot) and he did a fine job of keeping us on course. I even figured out how to program a route in the GPS and got Ralph to track it. I still haven’t figured out how to make him change course at a waypoint. 

We cut just inside green marker “1”, headed up the Boca Grande pass, around the north end of Cayo Costa and reentered the ICW. There was some discussion about shaving off a little time and distance by maneuvering in close to shore and entering the pass there but we decided to take the more cautious option. I was concerned that after hurricane Ian there may have been some shoaling. 

We followed the ICW past Pelican Bay. I managed to overshoot the entrance to Cabbage Key so I doubled back and we entered the channel. With some excellent assistance from dock-master John we were securely tied up in no time. Much better than our arrival the previous day. I like how he gives detailed instructions on where to go and were to place your lines and fenders. The engine idled nicely but I’m getting a low oil pressure alarm at idle speed. 

A hot shower, cold beverage and then off to the bar where we were regaled with many splendid tales by our new friend Chuck. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Cabbage Key Tavern and turned in early. 

Happy birthday Art . . .

08-Jan-2023 - Breakfast at the bar and we’re ready to go. 

1015 - Departed the dock at Cabbage Key, destination Tom and Jan’s. Light winds, pretty much on the nose, and calm seas. It looks like it will be all motor today. 

We tracked the ICW, up the miserable mile and into the Caloosahatchee River. Traffic was light. The Coast Guard was broadcasting warnings about a floating dock drifting free at the entrance to the river, likely hurricane Ian debris. We passed under the Cape Coral Parkway bridge and took the first cut to the left. Followed the shoreline past the Palaco Grande canal and turned left into the Moody canal. One more left then a right and we were in the slip at Tom and Jan’s. 

1555 - Cats-Paw is home! Sunset cocktails in the cockpit with Tom and Jan. Jackie showed up and gave us a ride home. 

It was a great trip. Art and Craig are good crew. I’m looking forward to many happy adventures aboard Cat’s-Paw.