CG Aux

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Hey,<br /><br />Anyone here in the Coast Guard Aux? Anyone use their boat as a patrol boat on weekends? How does that work? Are you directed where to patrol or do you decide? How does the whole "the coast guard pays for your gas" work?<br /><br />I'm in an advanced seaanship class being put on by the coast guard aux to obtain my operators permit here in NJ now that it will be required. The whole idea of crusing on the weekends on someone else's dime sounds interesting. <br /><br />It would not be my only motivating factor, as I have been assisted and towed in by the CG in the past so I know how it feels to be on that side of the equation, but I'll admit the paid cruises are a big plus. <br /><br />Who does it? Would you recommend it?

 

[KaGee]

Re: CG Aux

Up here on Lake Erie, you don't see them like you used to. I don't know if it's a lack of interest or lack of emphasis.<br /><br />I remember always seeing them on weekends doing voluntary inspections. Not lately though.<br /><br />Hey, where you been Steve???

 

[eeboater]

Re: CG Aux

Hey SN...<br /><br />I was in the Coast Guard Auxiliary from when I was 16-21... I ended up getting my watchstander, crew and vessel examination certifications.<br /><br />In order for you to be able to operate your own boat as a Aux vessel there are several requirements that you would need to pass beforehand. First, you would need to load your boat up with all the required gear. I don't know off-hand what you need, but the list is a bit longer and includes things that you don't traditionally have on your boat.<br /><br />Next, you would need to get your Coxswain cert through the Auxiliary. If I remember correctly, that means you need to have your crew certification as well - kind of a stepping-stone process if you know what I mean.<br /><br />As far as the "paying for gas" thing is concerned. Our auxiliary had an account setup at a local yacht club. We would fill up there and bill it to the Auxiliary.<br /><br />Honestly, it is worth the work and time. When I was active in the Auxiliary, I helped countless numbers of thankful people. Plus, it was a lot of fun.<br /><br />Sean

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: CG Aux

I think it would be interesting being in the AUX. Might go to a meeting of theirs next month to meet them and see what the group is like.<br /><br />KaGee, I've been up to a lot of stuff. Got a two year old who will be three in May, she's taking up lots of my free time (not complaining). Also bought a motorcycle in August (cbr1100xx) and started flying RC airplanes again the past few months, so between all that and working on the boat or being out on it, my time online has been suffering. Like this week I put the boat up on blocks off the trailer and as soon as I get a little above freezing at night I'm going to paint it, do some final prep and hopefully dump it in and dock it up. I've been checking in lately and posting here and there (like ruffling a certain amphibian's feathers about his truck... NBL buddy) but honestly this place is so busy sometimes it's hard to just keep up reading the posts, let alone responding to them.<br /><br />But thanks for the concern! How've you been?

 

[KaGee]

Re: CG Aux

SOS Steve. Glad things are doing well for you.<br /><br />How much of a pain was it to get that thing up on blocks?

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: CG Aux

Actually it's cake. I take a shop jack, and lower the trailer tongue to the ground. Then stuff cinderblocks under the back corners of the hull. Then lift the front up as high as I can get it with the jack and some blocks, and block up the center of the front of the hull. Then let the trailer down level, and remove the roller assemblys (Remove 4 large bolts, loosen 8 smaller other ones, 5 minutes total with the impact gun.) I leave the trailer underneath it. Next year I will block it up in the fall for the winter, so I can then alsoblock up the trailer and put the tires in the garage (as well as give the torsion springs a break).<br /><br />Last year I pulled the trailer out from under it, much more stressful to say the least, had to block it, move the trailer, move the blocks, move the trailer, etc.... Then when I had to repaint it a few weeks later (bad memories) I decided to leave the trailer in place, block it up as high as possible, and remove the rollers, which gives me about 18" between the hull and the trailer at the tightest spots. Plenty of room to paint. <br /><br />Any luck, I'll get some 'rest' at work tonight (here now, till 8:00am) and throw the first coat of paint on tomorrow morning. I work Sunday thru Thursday mornings, so today is my 'Friday'.<br /><br />I remember when you signed up to Iboats, an now look at you, almost 5K posts. I've obviously got some catching up to do.