July 25, 2013

Work continued in the doghouse:  teak trim and white PlasTex side panels.  I mounted some of the trim around the skylight and refinished a couple of pieces that had runs in the varnish.  The cardboard strip method for making patterns for the side panels worked well, including the curves for the window frames.  I got much better at it by the third or fourth section.  I can already tell that when all the panels are in place and trimmed, it will really look good...a major improvement in a place where I spend a lot of time.
With a major birthday coming up in a few weeks, I thought I'd give myself a treat and start shopping for a music system for the boat.  I wanted something compact, well designed and producing good audio that would also dock my new iPhone and play music from it.  After a good deal of online research, the Geneva Model M seemed to best meet my needs.  Only problem was the price:  $699, with almost nobody offering any significant discounts.  I finally found one at, of all places, Crate and Barrel in Woodland Hills, that was being closed out for $499.  They only had one, so I thought I'd best snatch it up before it was gone (even though it wasn't yet my birthday).  Installation required a new AC circuit and outlet as well as raising the position of the fiddle on the shelf on which it was installed.  It was all worth it as it looks and sounds great.  And it's really nice to finally have music on board!