Unstepping the mast

Friday, Sept. 7

Today was the day we changed from a sailboat to a powerboat. This morning was spent preparing
the boat for taking the mast down. This required disconnecting all the electrical wires from the
base of the mast, removing the boom and lines going to the mast. Dennis Wardell said we could
leave the headsail on the furler and the mainsail furled into the mast which simplified things. We
had brought our wooden supports with us for the mast stowage, already made up. Since Carol and
I seemed capable he didn't call in his usual two helpers (although he didn't charge us any less?).
Dennis has an old homemade crane for lifting the mast but he is very experienced and knows what
he's doing and was very easy to work with. He was careful with our boat and I was impressed how
pleasant and accommodating he was. He didn't charge us for the overnight stay. The mast fit on
all our supports just as planned so I was pleased. Unstepping fee was $324 ( $6/foot mast length ).
We purchased a cruising guide for the Erie Canal (only $20) - very thorough and helpful.

We cruised the half mile further into N. Tonawanda and tied up to the town wall. Very nice and
only$20/night including water and electric. Many boats were cruising the river in the evening on
a Friday night, seemed like a floating Geneva-on-the-Lake.