Great Loop will not happen!

Coco and I will not be making the Great Loop cruise. Recently received medical recommendation from VA Medical team that due to the  distance and length of the cruise  would not be beneficial for my health. 

Will leave the blog open for a few weeks. Thank you to everyone for your interest and support as we planned and prepared Spirit Song for the journey.

Best Wishes and Blessings 

Jim/Joy and Coco  

Spirit Song Ready for Great Loop

Spirit Song

March 16, 2018 and we are ready to go as far boat and 

crew preparedness.

Mirage MFG removed the Glendenning JoyStick Pro due to

software issues that could not be solved. We are 

comfortable using the engines and bow thruster to control

SS safely in tight marinas, for docking and fueling. All of 

the punch list items, repairs and modifications have been

completed.

Depending on the weather and ice break-up on the Great 

Lakes Coco and I plan to depart April 15. The Erie Canal

is scheduled to open May 15. Last year all permit fees to

navigate the Erie Canal were waived by the New York

Canal System; happy to report there will be no fees for

2018! 

February 2018 Comes to a Close

     As February 2018 draws to a close; time to make some final preparations for the Great Loop adventure. Depending on ice break up of the Great Lakes and the opening of the Erie Canal plan to throttle up mid April.

We continue to "fine tune" Spirit Song engines and electronics. The Joy Stick Pro continues to be a challenge as Mirage and Glendenning work with equipment software to enable smoother controls. We have also had several currently unknown shutdowns of the Suzuki 60HP. First we had problems with the port engine now the starboard has quit several times. Mirage and Suzuki are working together to isolate and remove the problem.

Joy and I are happy to report "We like and enjoy" our TT35. Yes, there have been issues but Mirage has responded in a timely manner. Hopefully our prototype trial has highlighted improvements for owners to come.

             Happy 2018 as we are getting to know Spirit Song.                               The Great Loop departure is on the horizon.

We continue "tweaking" and learning the location of major systems on board. To be completely honest there has been a continuation of issues to be fixed. We have handling and propulsion issues most of which 9we think) are connected to software and adjustments from Joy Stick Pro and throttles to bow thruster and engines. These features/products were provided from a 3rd party vendors

Joy and I decided to add a rear facing camera on the stern under the roof. It is a fixed camera standard camera (like a home security camera) with video input routed to the TV. The decision was based on the fact standing at the helm and backing up as the operator the port side of boat can not be seen standing at the helm. Planning to cruise alone we felt for safety I needed some extra "eyes" when backing into a slip or other tight spots. 

At our request Mirage added covers to the engine mounting boxes. The uncovered box mounts collect trash and water while in a slip or anchorage. No functional value but definitely improves eye appeal.

During the Christmas Holiday Coco and I spent several nights on Spirit Song. Even though the temperature was below normal we were comfortable. Coco had no problem sleeping!  

The time we are investing has been beneficial for Mirage, us and for future TT35 owners. Patience is an essential element. Stay positive and look forward enjoyable cruising.

** These comments are mine and have not been approved or authorized by the manufacturer or vendors of the TT35. **       
  

Two weeks completed

Joy and I (CoCo) have completed  almost two weeks on Spirit Song with no thought of requesting a return authorization. We truly enjoy Spirit Song even with a few issues to be corrected. Our TT35 is Hull #2, the first delivered and in the water. Considering our boat is the "prototype" we expected and have encountered deficiencies needing correction. We have also recommended "product improvements" to Mirage which they (we think) will adopt on current production vessels.

• We initially had problems with the linkage adjustment from throttles to engines. When throttles were indicating neutral, the engines were not in neutral. Problem solved! 
• In the master bedroom the slope of the floor and carpet were too slick. For safety reasons Mirage extended the floor on each side of the bed.
• Had a small leak in the cabinet above washer/dryer after rain. Mirage found several mounting screws on the port roof hand rail not sealed correctly. So far, so good!
• Starboard aft cleat leaking into storage bay; suspect a mounting bolt not sealed.
• Thruster cover (inside bow) was cracked and has been replaced.
• Added two handholds (port and starboard) for safer boarding.
• Investigating Dometic A/C unit, even though inside control panel indicates optional cool or HEAT. Have discovered the heat feature is an option (heat stripe) that can be added. No reply from Mirage on this question. In Florida not a big issue, going north different issue.
• Pleased to post the 2/gph fuel consumption is for real at 10 mph cruise. Have recorded 8 hours and have verified the value. Currently starboard engine tank does not register fuel consumption.  

Our opinion and comments on Spirit Song are not approved, edited or endorsed by Mirage Manufacturing. In no way do we represent current or future production. Just a happy TT35 boater sharing information.

If the TT35 owners share information feel it would benefit everyone. Thanks for visiting our blog.

GOD Bless

Delivery

Great way to end the day.

Spirit Song now in Jacksonville and looks great.  Few items on a Punch List needing to be finished or corrected.
Operational proficiency and system knowledge underway; to begin Great Loop in April 2018.

Spirit Song getting close to delivery

Annapolis Powerboat Show 2017

Captain's Helm

Stern View