Regular readers probably recall we have an 80 kg Ultra anchor on Mahalo, shown here. It's a beautiful brute, with a price tag to match. 

And you know Mahalo was just in the Seattle boat show. The "big boats" are tied to the dock "stern to." And they have an anchor deployed to keep the bow in place. While the Hampton guys were performing this operation, somehow they notice that the bolt securing the pin which attaches the swivel to the anchor was missing.  

This is a temporary bolt. The one supplied by Ultra is a flush fitting allen bolt. 

Without them noticing, one of these days I'd deploy my anchor and retrieve just the chain. Which is like a nightmare scenario. 

That was worth the trouble of having Mahalo in the boat show for sure. And BTW, when was the last time you checked bolts/etc on your ground tackle?

Oil changes were due on the transmissions and the 16kw generator. The Hampton Service Manage offered to help me do them. This is my first time ever doing oil changes on a boat. Luckily Hampton includes the Reverso oil change system. Hard to imagine doing it without that. 

With the Reverso, you pump out the old oil, and then pump in the new. It's still a bit gnarly and there's no avoiding some mess. Those red valves are how you control which engine you are dealing with. So we have six - the two generators, the two mains, and the two transmissions.

The main engines each of 12 1/2 gallons. Not sure if I'll do that one myself or not. We shall see. 

I'm back at South Lake Union getting more work done on Mahalo. It's an easy walk up to Whole Foods. Rewarded myself for the big accomplishment with some chorizo, shrimp and scallop tacos. More fun than changing oil.

Hampton decided to throw us and Mahalo a little christening party. How nice! Deb and I had a play to go to that Saturday afternoon (of the boat show as well). Accuweather said it would begin raining at 4 pm and geez, spot on! We got to the boat around 5:15, and it stopped raining for a bit. 

The Hampton folks had the traditional bubbly and leaves, super nice. 

About the time we go to do it, the rain starts "bucketing down," as my UK friends would say. Somehow it seemed kind of "right." You often get an afternoon thundershower in Hawaii, although it is warmer for sure. But we didn't have any wind! 

I wasn't going to take pictures/video, just wanted to be in the moment. But Geo was doing such a great job I couldn't resist. I caught this video mid way through.

Here is the little blessing we came up with: 

For thousands of years, the sea has called to people. Vessels have been crafted to carry them, and the vessels are known by name. As they nurture and care for us while at sea, we affectionately call them "she." To them we toast and ask to celebrate this beautiful new vessel, Mahalo.

In Hawaiian culture, Kanaloa is the ocean god, known for long distance voyaging and also for healing. In the spirit in which this vessel Mahalo was named, we ask Kanaloa to watch over her, ensuring safe passages for Bob and Debbie's family and friends. Mahalo is the newest member of the Hampton ohana, or family. May she always bring the spirit of the islands to all that voyage with her. TO MAHALO!

After this I said a few words, telling people one of the Hawaiian expressions I had learned: No rain, no rainbows!

And one picture with our broker extraordinaire, Scott Hauck. It's just over 11 months to the day since we sat down and signed the contract with him. 

Back in the Hampton show tent we had some great food they provided, and Deb and I expressed our gratitude once more. We are lucky ducks! 

About 15 friends were able to join us for the party. None more special that beautiful little Sophie! Eh, not so little anymore! It's been a joy watching her grow up and being a bit of a honorary uncle. She's the daughter of very good Seattle friends. And Captain Sophie is ready to take the wheel as soon as we can get them out boating! 

Mahalo again to the Hampton crew and our friends that spent the evening with us. Just keeps getting more special. Also, thank you to Kelsey of Hampton for several of these images.

So Mahalo was in the Seattle boat show! It was an incredible feeling, going to boat shows all my life... And here is our boat in such a show. I toured some of the other boats, and was not wanting for anything else! Luckily I still feel our boat is the perfect mix for us. 

On the VIP night, none other than Mike H showed up! We have been boating friends since the late 90's. Mike was instrumental in my "big boat experiences" and I will always be indebted. Without him, I don't think we'd own Mahalo at this moment. 

​Seeing him just made the show that much more special.

Also got to meet some friends from www.trawlerforum.com in person, and some potential Hampton owners. Good times! 

One of the go to resources for boaters is www.trawlerforum.com. When you participate there you make (virtual) friends with various people. And it is always great to meet up in RL (Real Life). Dhays lives in Gig Harbor and came over for a visit. 

​My favorite comment of his was that Mahalo was even more impressive in person than here on the blog and the Hampton videos.

Our son and his girlfriend were aboard and gave me the idea for this shot. 

Another first, not just Mahalo under the Tacoma Narrows bridges, but first time I have been under those bridges.

One of the people in the Hampton crew called our boat the most modified Endurance yet. One of the things we did was raise the bottom height of both front and rear upper cabinets in the galley. This is so while standing there we can see out both directions. Here I'm preparing lunch, Deb is driving. The forward raked front windows also help the view from everywhere. Look how I can see both the chart, and more importantly the radar from this position.

Dhays told me McMicken Island is his favorite anchorage in the South Sound, and it didn't disappoint. This isn't really a pro video, but you'll get the idea. Just a wonderful place and we will be back.

We of course took the kayaks out for a "pedal." One of the bigger raft-ups we have seen. We pedaled by and found out we had some friends there.

Strolling one of the beaches, I found a message from Mother Nature. Fall is coming. A great five days on the water.