"Little Mount" on CraigsList

[posas]

At this point the shelter is due to arrive week of 21st, hoping to errect Fri 25, Sat 26th, weather permitting (we may need a little campfire for warming station) If you had some time/energy either of those days am sure help would be wonderfull. MM is in far right rear of Dave's Boat Shop in Gilford. My # is 603-387-8625 if needed. Thanks, doug

[Just Sold]

Thanks Fargo. I got my MM Decal and will put on the boat when it comes out of hibernation in 2012.

[BkrEtc]

You can unequivocally count on me, Doug, to be there to help cover the Mini Mount . . . as long as there is no heavy lifting, no mental gymnastics, the weather is temperate, Fargo brings the coffee and I can leave after 30 minutes.

Helpfully, Bob

[Fargo]

We have a MM decal headed to France...that makes us international! Just goes to show that Mini Mount Enthusiasts are everywhere.

[Fargo]

I still have more free Mini Mount decals to give away. Send me a private message with address if you'd like one. Help us keep the MM buzz alive by showing your support.

[Chubbs]

How do I send PM? I'd love a decal. Thanks

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by Chubbs

How do I send PM? I'd love a decal. Thanks

Left Click on Fargos screen name. NB

[Fargo]

I've been busy sending out MM decals to all the New England states other than Maine. I'll make a road trip next week to Maine in search of a MM enthusiast. Need to get the word out.

[Fargo]

Just received word the shelter won't arrive until next week some time way past our expected due date of today. Just lost power here at MM headquarters.

[posas]

Fargo-couple of folks in Nebraska need decals-will you be heading that way soon ?

[SIKSUKR]

Thanks for mine Fargo.

[Lakepilot]

Thanks for mine also Fargo.

[posas]

Shelter is due tues 29th, looks like thurs is nice day to put her up and away. Any help or supervision welcome, far right rear corner of Dave's Boat Shop-Gilford.

[AC2717]

I would love to be there to help, but work is a son of a .......
good luck guys, take photos, and if you can, take some interior photos
thanks

[Chubbs]

Thanks for the decal, Fargo... Awsome!

[Fargo]

I've mailed out almost 100 MM decals to date. We have MM Enthusiasts in the following states, MA,RI,CT,NH,VT,NY,CO,TN,FL,MD,CA,NJ one decal headed to France. I'd like to hear from someone in Canada and Mexico to display the MM decal.

[BkrEtc]

What time on Thursday will the Mini Mount covering at Dave's Boat Shoppe commence?

[posas]

Hope to get going about 8:30 am dec 1st !

[bclaker]

Originally Posted by posas

Hope to get going about 8:30 am dec 1st !

I'll be over and help where I can but I am handicaped.

[BkrEtc]

The Mini Mount covering structure construction is proceeding well. As of 11:00 AM it is looking good.

[posas]

With some wonderfull help, the Little Mini Mount is in her nest ! Hard work done by Dave's Boat and Watermark and Matt-thank you all so very much-the shelter should prevent further damage. THANK YOU ALL for your help and support.

[RLW]

I also would like to thank all those that did the manual labor to erect the new home. I know it isn't the easiest thing to do as I did one, but a lot smaller before I lost my leg. I sure would have loved to have been able to help, but age and handicap would not allow me to be there and if I was, all I would have done would have been in the way.
Again thanks to all and .

[Fargo]

That was a project! I'll try posting a few photos of the process if I can figure out how to do it.

[Fargo]

Here's Dave from Dave's Motorboat Shoppe, Matt form Supreme Marine on the ladder and Josh, Dave and Matt from Watermark in the background.

[Fargo]

Terrific! This is the finished product, on time and on budget.

[WakeboardMom]

Originally Posted by Fargo

That was a project! I'll try posting a few photos of the process if I can figure out how to do it.

There's Katie from Dave's MB Shoppe too!

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Everyone that helped construct the new home for the "Mini Mount" should be very very proud!

[bclaker]

Putting the Mini Mount to Bed for the Winter
December 1, 2011

[Redwing]

...as we were all able to view "history in the making" of the Mini Mount. Congratulations and kudos to all!

[AC2717]

pretty cool

[Fargo]

Bclaker, thanks so much for braving the cold to record the day!

[LIforrelaxin]

Its good to see she is in a protective enclosure..... Now the question becomes, what is on the list of items to be done come spring to start getting back in Shape.

I don't ask because I am noisy... but because if there is something I can help with I am more the willing to volunteer a bit of time.

[posas]

The crew of the Mini Mount will be on leave for the winter-come spring and warmer days we will hopefully come up with a plan for the restoration and advise at that time of plans. MM will need some trim work replaced, scraping-sanding, painting etc. I'm sure we will repost the plan, thank you !

[bclaker]

Originally Posted by Fargo

Bclaker, thanks so much for braving the cold to record the day!

My thanks to you, Fargo, for the decal. I finally got to mount it on my truck this afternoon.

[Fargo]

Here's a riddle. How do you get 1000 gallons of water out of the Mini Mount? One cup at a time! Had to use the old fashion way today to bail the old girl out. Used the clorox bottle scoup method. Just no easy access around the frame members. Thatsalottascoups!

[NoBozo]

Time to make a modification to the frames. It's called "Limber Holes". These holes would be located on either side of the keel in each frame. It allows water to flow (Fore or aft) to a low point in the hull so that the water can be pumped out from a central location. NB

PS: It's not unreasonable to Drill a HOLE in the bottom of the boat to let it drain out to the ground. Put a threaded plug in the hole in the spring. Still need "Limber Holes" though.

[Barney Bear]

I have drained boats that were elevated by syphoning the water out of the boat using a garden hose, similar to the method of draining a fish tank. I have lowered the water level in an aboveground swimming pool as well using the same technique.

[Fargo]

To gain access inside the MM you need to open the hatches and climb in. Was able to bail out the remaining water today. The syhon worked for a while but kept clogging with small pieces of ice. I just got tired of sucking on the end of the hose and went back to using the clorox bottle scoup then a sponge. Rear seats.

[Fargo]

There's a drop leaf table between the two benches that cover the fuel tanks. Here's looking toward the bow with the hatch open.

[Fargo]

I'm standing between the motors looking toward the stern. The bench seats look bettter in this photo. Notice how long the shafts are.

[Fargo]

Here are the four midship seats. The roof hinges up on the center line to gain access. Once you're seated and the roof is closed, you'll be sitting there until the MM returns to the dock and they let you out!

[Fargo]

The wheelhouse is about the size of a phone booth except much smaller. Access is gained by taking a hatch off the roof and stepping in. You can pilot the MM standing up with your head popped out the roof or look through the small front windows. You and your very best friend can sit in there pointing the way. Don't plan on wearing a life jacket because you won't fit in there. The photo actually makes the area look much bigger than it is.

[RLW]

Fargo, thanks so much for the clear and interesting views of the MM. One can see how much work was put into it for design and the construction of the boat. I think some people would get claustrophobia sitting below the top deck because the deck closing over ya and the space available. Again thanks for the photos.

[NoBozo]

FANTASTIC: EXCELLENT pictures. The engine room and interior is more sophisticated than I could have imagined. The cockpit actually looks like the cockpit of an airplane. The engine room looks like a ship. NB

[Pineedles]

It looks like a very complicated system that allows this ship to operate. I am sure there will be some expensive upgrades/repairs that are needed. Any thoughts on selling non voting / non profit shares unless sold, for the MM, to help her get seaworthy?

[AC2717]

thank you for the interior shots, mystery solved

[Fargo]

posas dropped off a two foot section of railing that came from the bow. I wire brushed it and gave it the first coat of paint yesterday. Glad I was able to work on it in the warmth of my basement. I figure there's another 150 ft of railing left to paint. I need a bigger basement!

[LIforrelaxin]

While getting the Mini Mount back on the lake seems to be the primary concern here of posas, and Fargo... How much upgrading do you guys want to do... Looking at the pictures it looks as though there is room for improving they layout off the vessel...

[WeirsBeachBoater]

I believe there are "limber holes" in the frames. if the trailer sits with a slight attitude towards the stern most of the water will drain back. However you will still need a sump pump type of device to get it out of the hull. Also check the bow section under the hatch, that is a separate compartment and needs to be drained independently if it has taken any water in.

[NoBozo]

I've seen some people with wooden boats string a length of light chain from one end of the boat to the other..threaded through the "limber holes."

A spring, or piece of bungee cord or similar elastic, attached at either and dead ended, will hold it in place.

Every now and then, reach down and grab the chain at any place along its length and give it a couple of tugs to keep the "limber holes" clear of debris NB

[Fargo]

Had some house keeping to do today. The Mini is bone dry but the shelter has had some condensation. Dave at Dave's Motorboat Shoppe gave me shrink wrap to place on the ground under the trailer. Told my wife if I didn't come home for lunch dial 911 because I was stuck under the trailer!

[NoBozo]

LIFT the skirts at both ends of the enclosure..maybe a foot above the ground to allow air circulation inside the enclosure all winter. A little snow on the ground under the boat is not a problem. The enclosure is on moist ground which provides moisture to the interior of the enclosure. This is good for a wooden boat....within limits. Check CONDENSATION from time to time all winter. NO condensation is Good. NB

BTW: Earth/Sand/Gravel under the boat is BETTER than a concrete floor under the boat.

[Fargo]

Merry Christmas from the Mini Mount. Took this photo a week before we placed the Mini in the shelter. All I want for Christmas...

[posas]

WOW-great picture, can't thank "Fargo" enough, cheers !!

[RLW]

Originally Posted by Fargo

Had some house keeping to do today. The Mini is bone dry but the shelter has had some condensation. Dave at Dave's Motorboat Shoppe gave me shrink wrap to place on the ground under the trailer. Told my wife if I didn't come home for lunch dial 911 because I was stuck under the trailer!

Excellent choice to put under the boat. We have the same garage (shelter) for our wake boat and we have a tarp covering the whole floor area and up on the sides about 3 to 4 feet and it has done the trick now for about 12 years and 3 different boats.

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by RLW

Excellent choice to put under the boat. We have the same garage (shelter) for our wake boat and we have a tarp covering the whole floor area and up on the sides about 3 to 4 feet and it has done the trick now for about 12 years and 3 different boats.

Even with a tarp on the ground, the structure needs to be ventilated. They make vent kits that can be cut into and installed right into the structure covering. You might need a couple of them on either end to allow air to circulate and keep everything free of moisture and condensation.

[Fargo]

posas has cut a few vents into the shelter. There had been so much water in the boat and a big puddle on the ground that wouldn't drain...it all condensated on the fabric. Things appear under control now.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

Even with a tarp on the ground, the structure needs to be ventilated. They make vent kits that can be cut into and installed right into the structure covering. You might need a couple of them on either end to allow air to circulate and keep everything free of moisture and condensation.

Most defiantly, my BO-BO as I just ASSUMED that had been done and it may have, but nice to bring it up just in case it hadn't.

[bclaker]

I know there was a lot of repair work to be done on the Mini Mount. What is the current status? Has it been launched yet?

[Fargo]

Thanks for the inquiry. Still lots to be done. I'm hoping to take time off in August and get the port side finished with Posas. Then we can start work on the starboard side.

[RLW]

Could volunteers still be used?? I'm disabled but thought I would bring up the subject to see if we could arouse some interest again..