Command Performance Updates

Website Overhaul

Rob — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:23:00 GMT

The new website is up and running. After several weeks of spending what little spare time I had, I finally brought it from "draft" to published. A completely new look for sure.

Interesting is the fact that for years, I have used Microsoft's FrontPage for all of my web design. Microsoft no longer manufactures or supports FrontPage. They have a new program available for web design. However, being the owner of the latest (and very expensive) publishing tool QuarkXpress, I decided it was time utilize the incredible web design features of this program, which surprisingly work as easily as the desktop side of the program.

So.... without further ado, I present "Classic Commander ".

-Rob

Groco Toilet Rebuild Project

Rob — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 20:49:00 GMT

Refurbed 40-year old toilet - Manufactuer (Groco) / Model K

Lee Dahlen, much to his chagrin, finally acquiesced and agreed to do the rebuild of this 1968 Groco Model K toilet for me. A new model K (yes, they're still being made) is around $850. The rebuild kit to bring them back to operational status is around $125. At that price difference, a rebuild was the appropriate choice. Lee took it back to North Carolina with him and not only installed the rebuild kit, but wirebrushed the unit and gave it a couple of coats of spray paint. When I say you can trust me this looks miles better than it did when it came out of the boat, I mean it! It looked 40 years old! It will be installed the weekend of June 26th. We'll once again have two functioning toilets aboard CP.

Until next time...

NEW CANVAS INSTALLED!

Rob — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:20:00 GMT

June 2010 - Command Performance receives new "clothes" - a total replacement of her canvas enclosure.

We're pleased to show off Command Performance's new enclosure. You'll recall from photos in earlier posts, the off-white colored canvas enclosure, which was installed in 2005. This enclosure did not survive a 3-storm run over the winter (including a pretty nasty n'oreaster). We contacted our insurance company, and working with them, we were able to get the enclosure replaced.

The work was performed by Mike's Marine Canvas, located in Virginia Beach. Mike did an excellent job, and the attention to detail is evident. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome and service.

Jamie and I are both delighted at the change in the boat's "look", going with the deep navy color. It really sets of the beautiful lines of this classic.

Until next time...

CP Up & Running

Rob — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:54:00 GMT

Command Performance is up and running, and ready for business. Many thanks to Lee Dahlen for once again working a few small miracles which enabled us to complete the tasks at hand. Bring the engines, air conditioning, generator, and water system back into service for the 2010 boating season. No small feat, when you consider he had 24 hours to do it, plus enable the boat to make a scheduled appointment for haul-out to have her bottom cleaned.

She ran good, and proved once again that her 42-year old bones can get up and do what needs to be done when called upon. The fun really begins now - cleaning her up from a very long and nasty winter.

She will be getting a good scrub down, wax and buff job, as well as new canvas in the next couple of weeks, which should make her feel all the better.

More to share in time.

Until next time...

Getting Ready

Rob — Sun, 16 May 2010 12:29:00 GMT

Well... we're less than a week away from getting CP up and open for the season. Parts have all been ordered for the fume detector installation, as well as the toilet repair/rebuild kit. In addition, I've ordered 4 new lines to replace some deteriorated lines currently onboard. I was the proud recipient of a former neighbor's corner dock box last year (he moved away and sold his boat). We will also install the new dock box, and bring the teak box home to use in the backyard to store gardening "stuff".

We have an 8:30am appointment on Saturday (May 22nd) for a "short haul" - giving the marina an opportunity to clean all the underwater gear, re-zinc everything, do a visual inspection and possibly touch up any bottom paint. Hopefully, we'll be back in the water in a relatively short amount of time, although it is the start of boating season, so I'm sure the yard will be busy. Luckily, I had the forethought to schedule this way in advance, and get in as #1 on the marina's hauling schedule for that day.

As a side note, I have to say, I was referred to "defender.com" for boat parts some time ago by a fellow Commander Club member, and wasn't convinced, at the time, to change from my usual supplier - West Marine. After having to order a variety of things over the last couple of weeks, I'm finding my buddy to be dead on with regards to pricing. Defender has beat West Marine each and every time, and not by pennies, but by dollars. Even adding shipping into the price, I'm still coming out ahead. I have even had my buddy check his Port Supply pricing (West Marine for the boat business guys), and their pricing doesn't beat Defender's.

CP during her "short haul" last August prior to the Commander Club's Annual Rendezvous. She was ready!

It's going to be a busy week, and an even busier weekend. A very stout agenda for 2 days, but with Lee heading up the work, and the schedule, we might be able to make it all work. We'll see.

Until next time...

To Do List (MAY 2010)

Rob — Sun, 09 May 2010 19:03:00 GMT

Well, we've got a list of to-do's started for CP. In a couple of weeks, we'll hopefully get the following accomplished:

Restore all systems (engines, generator, AC, water, etc.).
Rebuild aft cabin toilet (stopped working last year).
Install fume detector.
Have boat hauled, cleaned, re-zinc'd, etc.

After that, I'll get aboard and start trying to rid the boat of the ravages of this past winter. As I've already mentioned, it was a tough winter on just about everyone, so there's a lot to be done. Add to that, the replacement of our canvas enclosure which is schedule to begin in the next couple of weeks... we're off to a bang this year.

Looking forward to getting back down to the marina. I've been an absentee landlord this year, I'm afraid. With my nose buried in my schoolwork, and trying to manage 3 different jobs, time is quite tight. However, I do believe I'm going to be able to fine tune things a bit better, and be able to devote a night or two each week to the boat in hopes of bringing it back to a respectable condition quickly.

Until next time.

-Rob

Spring is Fast Approaching

Rob — Sat, 08 May 2010 13:52:00 GMT

Well, it hardly seems possible that we could be standing on the doorstep of Spring, but it's here, and the weather is beginning to show signs of waking up after a really hard winter. And a hard winter on Command Performance, too. She took some canvas damage during a series of several storms over the winter. So... she's getting a whole new cover in a few weeks. This time, as much as we liked that oatmeal cover, we're going with a deep navy color. This isn't etched in stone just yet, as we have considered a very dark brown to go with the non-skid color of the deck (dark brown). Jamie will make this call.

De-winterization is scheduled for the weekend of May 23rd. Not only will we wake up all her systems, we will also be installing a new fume sniffer, and repair the aft head toilet (yuck!!).

Also looking to schedule a quick haul-out, cleaning and re-zincing of the underwater gear on that same weekend. It'll be a busy one, for sure, but it'll be nice to get back to the boat. I have had my nose stuffed in text books all winter, and I'm looking forward to getting out and getting some fresh air, working up a bit of a sweat and re-joining society.

It has indeed been a long, cold winter!!!

Til next time.

Time for Bed

Rob — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:24:00 GMT

Winter appears to be quickly approaching, so we have to bid farewell to our 42' friend this weekend, as she gets prepped and primed for her long winter's nap. What a year this has been. It's a bit bizarre in that we spent less time overall aboard CP this year, due to other outside obligations, yet this year was CP's year. She got the chance to really stretch her legs, making the 14 hour journey to Annapolis and back, and accommodating her crew all week with all the comforts of home.

I would venture to guess that most folks in this area do not winterize due to the usual fair winters experienced here. However, there are occasions in which we see N'oreasters, ice storms and some bitter stretches. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. Jamie and I have always enlisted the services of Glassic Boatworks to winterize each year (and de-winterize). We feel much more comfortable knowing that each Spring, when she is unveiled mechanically, we have done everything possible to keep her from freezing during the winter months. It doesn't mean we don't have other surprises from time to time, but mechanically she has been properly attended to (thanks to GBworks).

Small winter projects will get underway soon, and we'll keep everyone up-to-date on those. We did not attend to the vberth this year, and will probably get that project going before next Spring.

Til next time.

-Rob and Jamie

Three Hour Tour

Rob — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:48:00 GMT

Going to Annapolis

Here's a shot of the side of Command Performance, moments prior to hitting some very, very rough seas. The colors in this shot make it beautifully eery, in my opinion. It would be about 3-1/2 hours before the waters would calm down enough to bring the camera back out of hiding.

Command Performance's Second Lease on Life (A Look Back)

Rob — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:06:00 GMT

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

A look at CP's humble beginnings. The look on Lee Dahlen's face tells the story. Arriving in Stonington, CT days prior to my arrival, it was Lee's duty to complete work started by the yard (but never finished). Not happy with the list of "to do's" facing him, and only 48 hours to get them done before "take off", he (along w/ Rick Traskos) get down to business getting Command Performance in working order. Not to be outdone, Lee finishes the tasks and even gets the "dead generator" up and running (and 5 years later... it's still running!!!). It's interesting (as the owner) looking at this photo. I don't recall that black chair behind Lee (probably one of the items thrown out in the two dumpsters full of crap that came off this boat!). I cherish the fact that we finally completed the galley work to get rid of that huge square hole (look to the left of the small step) that was once a big screen tv. She has definitely taken on a new "look" since then. This photo taken in May of 2004.

Has My Blog Died?

Rob — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:43:00 GMT

A lot has transpired since I last updated this blog. In fact, I see from the stats area that my last entry was more than 335 days ago. That's a shame, isn't it? Furthermore, I see my last entry was exclaiming about the new radio I installed. That seems like old news now (probably because it is). In the time since the last entry, Command Performance has had a few upgrades, and made a 270-mile journey with friends, to Annapolis, MD. She performed flawlessly, never letting her Captain or crew down, and delivered us to the 2009 Chris Craft Rendezvous in style and grace. The journey was adventurous at times, and sublime from start to finish. More information on the rendezvous (with photos) will be forthcoming. In the meantime, we are looking to early- to mid-fall to complete (finally) the vberth section, which is the last frontier left to conquer on that boat (aside from the general maintenance that goes into any boat). We have some updating to do in the forward berth, and plan to make it cozy and inviting to guests who stay aboard. Thanks for checking back in with this outdated blog. I will attempt to keep it more up-to-date as time permits. Regards, Rob

My Tunes (New Stereo System Installed)

Rob — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:08:00 GMT

Well, it has been quite a long time since I last blogged on this site. Partly due to the fact I can only do so from my desktop, as I couldn't remember the URL to my own blog (that's a shame, isn't it). Well, I finally sat down and got things situated, and can finally blog from my laptop, which is where I spend most of my computing time nowadays.

A couple of weeks ago, we finally got around to putting tunes aboard CP. While she had a new, multi-function mini-stereo aboard (a very nice one, I might add), it did not offer us the functionality of having music while underway, unless the generator was running to give it standard household current by which to power up.

We decided it was time for a 12v system with speakers in both the cockpit, and the salon.

With the new HD Radio technology being offered, I decided I wanted to look into a head unit that would not only give AM/FM, but one that would offer up HD radio, too. Off to Amazon.com, and the purchase of this cool unit:

You'll notice a few things about this head unit. It does incorporate an HD tuner, which offers up additional stations not found on a regular FM or AM dial (currently over 20 stations in our local area are broadcasting HD stations, with more to come). Also, there is a USB port which will accept a jumpdrive loaded with MP3's, as well as Bluetooth technology, which will allow you to tie in your cellphone (much like the newer cars on the road today).

The unit does accept CD's encoded with MP3 or WMA files, too, as well as an AUX port into which you can plug your IPOD or other MP3 player.

Quite a feature packed unit for $99. 200w of power going into refurbished KLH "Environmental" speakers (see below):

These speakers can really crank out the tunes. We powered up the head unit, popped in a CD, and began increasing the volume little by little. By the time we were done, you could step off the boat, and head up the dock, and still hear the system clearly.

We intend on adding a small amp and subwoofer out in the cockpit for a bit more bass. But overall, the project went smoothly, and the system looks and sounds great. The head unit, as mentioned before, ran $99 from Amazon, and by getting their "refurbished" speakers, I saved myself some cash (each set of two ran $56). Just a hair over $300 for the whole setup.

Will update when we install the subwoofer.

Giving Proper Credit

Rob — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:04:00 GMT

I wanted to take a moment and send a photo of a vessel to which we should all be in awe. This is a photo of "Spirit of Independence", which was built by, and is owned by JC Waters, the gentleman who has re-done the mast aboard CP. I mentioned in an earlier blog that I would try and get a photo, and I had the opportunity today when friend, Drew Fitzpatrick invited us for a sunset cruise.

55'+ "Spirit of Independence" (owned by JC Waters; berthed at Tidewater Yacht, Portsmouth, Virginia

A rare photo of Jamie relaxing (aboard TENACIOUS, owned by Drew Fitzpatrick)

Aboard Drew Fitzpatrick's 1968 Chris Craft Commander "Tenacious", July 21st (hot as hell!!!)

Until next time...

Mast Update

Rob — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:05:00 GMT

A Quick Update:

JC has been busy while I've been away. So much so, he actually has about 80% of the mast project completed. Here is a photo shot today (7/18/08) of the progress.

New stainless steel cables have been strung through the main supports (port/starboard/stern). The two remaining elements JC will be completing early next week will be 1) the "diamond-shaped" cable that runs from the outer edges of the "wings" down to the side of the mast (currently bolted to the hinged base). Also, JC has some very special ideas for chromed ends to the "wings". At first, he was going to fashion some vintage 60's-styled bullets, but has since re-thought the idea and wants to fashion chromed ends, which he states he has the material and machinery to do.

I have given him the "ok" to do with it what he thinks will look best.

Not only do I offer kudos to JC for his work, but also a hearty compliment on his very helpful nature. Not a finer individual at our dock could be found. He isn't boastful or proud (although, given the enormous and beautiful schooner he has built himself at over 50', he could be boastful). He is simply someone who is always willing to lend a hand, and maintains a calm and peaceful demeanor to himself under any situation.

I will try to get a photo of his vessel (and him) before the project is completed. I have also had several 42' owners ask me for his plans, drawings and measurements, which he says he will gladly supply.

Until next time....

Atop the 42'

Rob — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:42:00 GMT

It was back in the wee months of 2005 when Lee Dahlen and I (with some assistance from longtime friend Rick Shannon) decided that Command Performance needed her beautiful mast afixed back atop her salon.

When we purchased Command Performance (then "Calliope"), her mast had been removed by the owner to refinish. For as much as he had done to Calliope, there were things he didn't do, which included refinishing the mast. So, she sat in pieces all over the boat (none of the pieces in the same place). Rick Shannon and I spent the better part of a day locating all of the known pieces, and making a list of what we DIDN'T have. Luckily, through the help of Jim Wick and Bob Bothum of Chris Parts, we were able to get the missing globes, and finish the assembly (loose) of the mast.

The mast as loosely assembled by Rick Shannon and myself. We were amazed at how much we were able to put back together, given the fact that all the parts were in various places aboard the boat. (Notice the cork flooring. Bad idea!!!!!!!!!)

We discovered the bottom portion was rotted. We also discovered we needed to remove the rot, which would reduce her 10'+ height by about 1/2". That was fine with me, with the exception of the fact that the cables would now be too longo. Once we looked at the cables, we knew we would be looking at replacing them, too.

I enlisted the help of Mitch Newell (of Newell's Boat Works) to help with the woodworking to bring the mast to a place where it could be remounted. Once done, Lee ran all new wiring through the mast, which enabled us to make good connections with its lighted elements.

With the wooden parts of the mast now refinished, it was time to assemble. Not as easy or as quick as one would think. But, with the abled assistance of Lee and Rick, we managed to get her assembled and back on top. Once the mast was in place, it was time to take advantage of the "Photo Op", as Lee calls it. Here is the owner (myself) photographed atop the salon (a no-no usually, but forgiven for this one occasion).

Once night came, it was really time to check out the lighting. Here's a photo of the mast lit up like a Christmas tree, with an evening moon shining in the backdrop.

Well, as the aesthetic projects begin to come to pass, one of them was to re-cable the mast, which included the forward cable, which has never been re-affixed as it should be.

Enter J.C. Waters. J.C. is a newcomer to our marina. He is quite a remarkable man, in that he once owned a boatyard, where he performed many repairs for boat owners, but also used the opportunity to build his own 50'+ schooner, which is breathtaking, and now sits at the end of our dock.

When posing questions about re-cabling the mast to the Chris Craft Commander Club's message board, many suggested I seek the assistance of someone with a real working knowledge of a sailboat. This is where J.C.stepped in and took over this project.

When I asked him aboard to get his opinions on how to do this, he came equipped with a clipboard, drew out the design of the mast, measured (and re-measured), and made a list of parts which I would need to get the job done.

He then offered to get the parts for me. I happily relinquished this task to him, knowing he would know the sailboat "speak", and would order the right thing first time around. He didn't disappoint.

Today, he boarded Command Performance and announced he had the parts, and had actually already been aboard to once again re-measure things. He asked a few questions, including, "Will you be here tomorrow so we can get started?" I had to inform him that I wasn't available until Friday. He asked if he could go ahead and get started since he would be doing the lion's share of the work. I readily agreed to his boarding without my presence needed. He informed me of what he would be doing, and said he would start working on it tomorrow.

As usual, I plan to take pictures of the whole event, and have already had another 42' Commander ask if I would take inventory of what was needed, and measurements as he will be doing the same project.

Please stay tuned as we actually take this mast from her humble beginnings to one of the boat's focal pieces; all in working order.

Until next time....

July 4th: We've Had Better!

Rob — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:54:00 GMT

Well, the title of this entry sounds a bit depressing, and I guess I don't mean it to be. The weekend was enjoyable, although, there were no fireworks (cancelled on the 4th, and cancelled on the "raindate" of the 5th, due to weather). Jamie and I have decided to change up the plans for next year (July 4th will be on Saturday). Since we normally celebrate his birthday (7/3) on the Fourth of July and mix the two occasions, we usually have a plethora of people, and a plethora of food to serve them. Next year we're changing up the plans.

Since I had taken an additional day off from work (Thursday), it afforded me a nice 4-day weekend with no work obligations of any kind. It also afforded me the opportunity to continue my search on Craigslist and Ebay for a nice, gently used dinghy. Finally, one came up on Craigslist (located in Virginia Beach). I jumped on it.

We welcome "Encore", our new 9' Avon inflatable dinghy into the fold. It's not much different than any dinghy, other than this one is not brand new out of the box, but only used locally, and not that often.

We will be rowing the boat for the time being, until we locate a reasonably priced outboard engine to push us along.

On Saturday, Jamie kept me company while I spent time in the engine room swapping out my freshwater pump, which seemed to give up the ghost the night of July 4th (when we needed it desperately; trying to keep things clean!). Once installed, we were back in business.

The boat was given a thorough bath (just in time for a nice heavy rainstorm). That's okay, though. Between Mother Nature and myself, we are desperately trying to keep that shine going.

And finally, I did manage to spend a bit of time out in the workshop sanding down a "forgotten" table from the garden center where Jamie works part-time. A beautiful and expensive teak table was headed for the trash heap. Nothing wrong with it, other than an employee had decided it would make a nice plant stand, and the table received a good washing with water, which left water stains. The owners thought the table was "trashed", so they gave it to Jamie. He brought it home, at which time we knew it would make a great table on the aft deck of CP. So, today, I sanded it down, wiped it to get the dust and debris off, then applied the first of 3 coats of CETOL. The first coat looks great! I'm sure once we get the final coats on it, it'll look better than new!

Busy week coming up. Until next time....

A Few More Photos

Rob — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:30:00 GMT

Here are a few more photos from our great weekend aboard Command Performance.

Here is a photo of CP's Captain (at the helm):

And how about one more photo of CP's beautiful wax job (NOTE: The photo was taken to showcase the Carnival Cruise ship departing, and doing a 360 in a small harbor, but I was more intrigued by the shine on my cabintop!)

As we head into July 4th Weekend, I'm sure we will have other photos to share. Stay tuned.

Until next time...

Cruising Along

Rob — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:38:00 GMT

Well, this past weekend (June 21/22) was quite a milestone in our ownership of Command Performance. She was looking pretty sharp after a week of buffing and waxing some more (still more to do!), and her systems were running right, so it was time to take her out for a spin.

Here is a very short video of Command Performance riding along in a "No Wake" zone, along the waterfront area of our beautiful city of Portsmouth, Virginia.

Click Here for Video

Here is a photo of Lee Dahlen's son, Patrick and I heading out for a quick, whirlwind excursion on Sunday afternoon (just before the wildfire smoke descended upon us):

And the follow-up photo of us returning:

And finally, it can be declared that I, the Captain and Owner of Command Performance, was finally given & passed his final "Operator's Exam". After 5 successful attempts at docking this big a$$ boat without incident, and gaining additional knowledge in several other operator areas, Lee declared the boat's owner capable and ready to operate her unassisted.

All and all a great weekend. Not only did the captain seem to do well, but CP and her onboard systems seemed to give the big thumbs up, too.

Until next time...

Sometimes It's The Small Things

Rob — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:45:00 GMT

Following my "10 Days of Command Performance" posting, it seems that many small improvements have been made, including further deep-cleaning and polishing, as well as a few other long-awaited projects.

On Thursday, June 12th, I decided it was time to adorn CP with her rightful burgee. Having obtained the burgee and ensign poles from a fellow club member, whose 42' unfortunately came to an ugly demise, he had several important pieces saved, and bestowed them upon me after Jamie and I acquired our 42'. I was incredibly grateful, as these items are no longer available for purchase (and rarely make it to eBay).

Here is the CC burgee

Also, a new set of horns were installed (by Glassic Boatworks) the previous weekend, too.

And finally, I couldn't help but photograph CP's beautiful new "Styled" plate, captured on a beautiful June evening, with the sun setting just right.

What's so interesting about the newly added plate is the remarks of at least a 1/2-dozen folks, who have asked, "What does it mean by 'Styled in Fiberglass'?"

I reply, "Think back to when this boat was built. It was 1968, and fiberglass hadn't been used as a mainstream boatbuilding material but for about 6 years. Fiberglass was the 'latest and greatest' thing to hit boatbuilding then. So, 'Styled..." was a way to market fiberglass and its use in recreational boating."

I then get the head-nodding, and the "Oh.... I see. Pretty cool."

I think so.

Until next time....

Ten Days of Command Performance

Rob — Thu, 29 May 2008 02:59:00 GMT

Well, after nearly 10 full days of working aboard Command Performance, I'd say she is just about ready for the season. Between the hefty buffing routines that took place nearly everyday (including Memorial Day), and the various other projects that were accomplished, she is looking good, running good and ready for prime time. Yes, there is more to do, but I feel good about the work that was performed, and feel it was time well-spent.

Pictures forthcoming.

Until next time...