Monday, February 28, 2011
Last leg begins!
It's eight thirty in the evening on the 28th of feb. We are now retiring and when we arise in the morning we are leaving for points south. See ya in a week or so!
Jose's Family
Yesterday morning Jose came by with his girlfriend around eleven. He explained that his family was coming down from Los Angeles and would be here soon. He apologized for the inconvenience and invited us to join them and their family for breakfast. Knowing their financial situation we declined, feeling that they might feel obligated to buy us breakfast. We had already eaten anyway. He said they would come by later in the afternoon, if it was okay. They did show up later with their family and Jose asked if his family could see the boat. We said they were welcome and all seven came down to check it out. When Jose’s brother spoke, his voice took me back. It was uncanny how it sounded exactly like an old brother of mine who had been T-boned on his Harley, and killed a few years ago. Even his laugh was exactly the same. When I told him how he sounded like my friend, out of the blue I jokingly said; are you in there? It took me back again when he responded with “maybe.” A typical response Mickey would have said. Uncanny!
After they left Judy and I went for a walk downtown where the hawkers no longer bother us, due to seeing us around so much they have given up. So Judy fooled them by buying a hanging chair. She had forgotten the rose. You see, the other day we had been walking peacefully through the venders when a man came up and offered a rose for a dollar. I asked Judy if she wanted it and she said sure. I laughed, paid the man and said “now you are marked.” She asked what I meant and I replied that the vendors would now think she is a buyer and would pester her. Sure enough they did. She left the rose on a bicycle that was locked to a post. I wonder what images the owner of that bicycle conjured up in his mind when he found it.
Today we will get our Zarpe (exit papers) and fuel, I hope. We ended up waiting for the manager to supply it for several reasons. First and foremost, is that I don’t have to pack it miles with my malo back. The weather looks good except for a small local storm just north of Bahia De Tortuga. We are watching it closely. Maybe, if God is with us, it will dissipate. The winds look good, as long as the squall is not electrical, it will be okay. If we leave tomorrow, we won’t get into it until Friday. Then again if we wait, next week looks very bad. Will have to watch how it develops. So it is up in the air right now.
After they left Judy and I went for a walk downtown where the hawkers no longer bother us, due to seeing us around so much they have given up. So Judy fooled them by buying a hanging chair. She had forgotten the rose. You see, the other day we had been walking peacefully through the venders when a man came up and offered a rose for a dollar. I asked Judy if she wanted it and she said sure. I laughed, paid the man and said “now you are marked.” She asked what I meant and I replied that the vendors would now think she is a buyer and would pester her. Sure enough they did. She left the rose on a bicycle that was locked to a post. I wonder what images the owner of that bicycle conjured up in his mind when he found it.
Today we will get our Zarpe (exit papers) and fuel, I hope. We ended up waiting for the manager to supply it for several reasons. First and foremost, is that I don’t have to pack it miles with my malo back. The weather looks good except for a small local storm just north of Bahia De Tortuga. We are watching it closely. Maybe, if God is with us, it will dissipate. The winds look good, as long as the squall is not electrical, it will be okay. If we leave tomorrow, we won’t get into it until Friday. Then again if we wait, next week looks very bad. Will have to watch how it develops. So it is up in the air right now.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Rain
Somehow I never thought it rained in Ensenada. I always had this picture of hot sunshine with blistering walkways. Well, I'm here to tell you, It damned sure rains in Ensenada, Mexico and gets cold too, just like Oregon.It has been raining for two days now and I mean raining, not just drizzling. We decided to hibernate in the boat yesterday due to the inclimate weather. While lounging around inside the warm dry salon I remembered that our friend in La Paz (Steve) had sent a message concerning the tidal surge here. He said the surge had caused considerable damage to his dock lines and that I should make sure I had adequate chafe guards installed. I decided rain or no, I had better check. Sure enough, the stern line was begining to chafe. I didn't have anything to make a guard out of handy, so I opted to remove the existing port dock line that had a chafe guard installed and replace it with the starboard line. While performing this miniscule task I had managed to get pretty wet and very cold in my imagined Ensenada "sunshine." After putting on some dry clothes, I reminded Judy that we needed some bread and asked if she wanted to walk to a bakery where we had sampled some goods earlier. She acquised, so adorning warm clothes and rain jackets, off we went into town. On our way to the Bakery we discovered that wearing our sandals was not a good idea. Oh, we skirted the deep puddles, but the water still encroached, squishing up through the soles. Prior to reaching the Bakery, as we passed a line of cabs, Judy looked up and asked; wanna take a cab to Costco? I thought, dry, and said yeah!
We jumped into a cab and off we went. The cab ride was a bit exciting, with the driver making his own lanes and cutting off others, as if he owned the road. Although it was not nearly as exciting as the cab rides I had experienced in Tiajuana back in the early sixties. We were amazed to discover that Costco's prices are considerably higher in Ensenada than in the US. Judy said that she was glad that we had not listened to the people who had said not to stock up in the Costcos in the US, because they had Costcos in Mexico. We saved a lot of money by stocking up in Oregon. Maybe the people who said this were more concerned with convenience than money.We ended up spending almost as much on the cab fare as we did at Costco. I now understand why they built the store so far from town in an area of obviously more affluent area. (Judy just got up and said the sun was trying to break through, and that it looked like it was going to be a sunny day.)
Once back to the barco we donned rubber boots and were off to the Bakery once again. This time we took a different route and discovered a Tacoria on our way. We stopped in, but as usual no one spoke English so we didn't know how to order corn tortillas. We finally said the hell with it and bought flour tortillas, as they were on display. Once at the Bakery we purchased several small loaves of bread and many treats, YUM! Then it was back to the barco to enjoy said treats and continue with our " just lounging around day."
Today we are having guests over. We met a very nice young man (Jose) who was raised in Los Angeles, CA, but born in Mexico. He speaks fluent English and is a very respectful young man. We met him while searching for a place to buy diesel. He was on his way to work and offered to show us the way and didn't want any gratis for it. A rare commodity in a young man here. He and his girlfriend are coming over for lunch today. Judy will be making her fish tacos. It will be interesting to observe how Mexicans like them. Oh wow, now it is all blue sky and sunshine outside--guess it just had to get all the rain out of its system!
We jumped into a cab and off we went. The cab ride was a bit exciting, with the driver making his own lanes and cutting off others, as if he owned the road. Although it was not nearly as exciting as the cab rides I had experienced in Tiajuana back in the early sixties. We were amazed to discover that Costco's prices are considerably higher in Ensenada than in the US. Judy said that she was glad that we had not listened to the people who had said not to stock up in the Costcos in the US, because they had Costcos in Mexico. We saved a lot of money by stocking up in Oregon. Maybe the people who said this were more concerned with convenience than money.We ended up spending almost as much on the cab fare as we did at Costco. I now understand why they built the store so far from town in an area of obviously more affluent area. (Judy just got up and said the sun was trying to break through, and that it looked like it was going to be a sunny day.)
Once back to the barco we donned rubber boots and were off to the Bakery once again. This time we took a different route and discovered a Tacoria on our way. We stopped in, but as usual no one spoke English so we didn't know how to order corn tortillas. We finally said the hell with it and bought flour tortillas, as they were on display. Once at the Bakery we purchased several small loaves of bread and many treats, YUM! Then it was back to the barco to enjoy said treats and continue with our " just lounging around day."
Today we are having guests over. We met a very nice young man (Jose) who was raised in Los Angeles, CA, but born in Mexico. He speaks fluent English and is a very respectful young man. We met him while searching for a place to buy diesel. He was on his way to work and offered to show us the way and didn't want any gratis for it. A rare commodity in a young man here. He and his girlfriend are coming over for lunch today. Judy will be making her fish tacos. It will be interesting to observe how Mexicans like them. Oh wow, now it is all blue sky and sunshine outside--guess it just had to get all the rain out of its system!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Ensenada & Waiting
It seems that this cruising life style is a lot more preparation and work than anything else. Our friends, Steve and Lulu, continue to assure us that it will be well worth the effort once we arrive in the Sea of Cortez. We are over half way there now, with only two places to possibly stop on our route past Cabo San Lucas to Los Frailes. We will anchor at Los Frailes, to get what I am sure will be some much needed rest, after sailing nonstop from Bahia De Tortuga. Then the short sail to La Paz. After La Paz we will sail to Puerto Escondido. This is the Anchorage that will be our home base for the next year or so. It is about fifteen miles south of Loretto, as near as I can tell. They have an international yacht club there that only costs eighty dollars a year. Being internationally recognized means that you get free, or discounted slip rates at similar yacht clubs. You also get the use of their services, such as the pool, showers, activities etc. The same as if you were a member of their club. This guest privilege is for a limited time, of course. Nonetheless, it will save money in the long run, not to mention being fun to experience.
As you know we are at present in Ensenada. All of our paperwork is completed and we have our visas. We will be heading south after we fuel up, locate a small water leak in the drinking water system, and service the auto pilot. Weather permitting, of course. Yesterday, we walked all over town to find propane, Freon, and to go to the bank. Today, we will service the auto pilot, locate a leak in the water system, Pack diesel fuel from the gas station, and transfer coordinates from our charts to the GPS. We have been waiting two days for fuel from Baha Naval to no avail. When I asked, I was told they would have to check their supply to see if they had enough. I tried to ask again yesterday, but could never locate the manager to ask. So today, we pack seventy gallons from the station. Baha Naval charges three dollars a gallon. I don’t know what the station charges, but I’m sure it is less.
The people here are very different from the people further south. The street hawkers are a little too friendly, to a point of being pushy, one might say. It is easy to tell that their friendliness is superficial, to say the least. However, the further you get away from the tourist area, the more real the people become. This is especially so when you attempt to address them in their own language. I noticed that if you walk past a person and say nothing, they sometimes pass with trepidation. However if you greet them in their language they are much friendlier greeting you back with a smile. It reminded me of home when we have to dial one for English vs. a real person speaking to us in our language. I enjoyed walking through the barrio section, and the people there. Some of the homes were one room shacks, with other very nice homes next door. Most people at home don’t like this, thus zoning. I personally do like it. I like it when people are free to do as they please with the land they own "the right to pay taxes on." The fact that we actually pay someone to tell us what we can and can not do with our property, never has made any sense to me. Think about it!
As you know we are at present in Ensenada. All of our paperwork is completed and we have our visas. We will be heading south after we fuel up, locate a small water leak in the drinking water system, and service the auto pilot. Weather permitting, of course. Yesterday, we walked all over town to find propane, Freon, and to go to the bank. Today, we will service the auto pilot, locate a leak in the water system, Pack diesel fuel from the gas station, and transfer coordinates from our charts to the GPS. We have been waiting two days for fuel from Baha Naval to no avail. When I asked, I was told they would have to check their supply to see if they had enough. I tried to ask again yesterday, but could never locate the manager to ask. So today, we pack seventy gallons from the station. Baha Naval charges three dollars a gallon. I don’t know what the station charges, but I’m sure it is less.
The people here are very different from the people further south. The street hawkers are a little too friendly, to a point of being pushy, one might say. It is easy to tell that their friendliness is superficial, to say the least. However, the further you get away from the tourist area, the more real the people become. This is especially so when you attempt to address them in their own language. I noticed that if you walk past a person and say nothing, they sometimes pass with trepidation. However if you greet them in their language they are much friendlier greeting you back with a smile. It reminded me of home when we have to dial one for English vs. a real person speaking to us in our language. I enjoyed walking through the barrio section, and the people there. Some of the homes were one room shacks, with other very nice homes next door. Most people at home don’t like this, thus zoning. I personally do like it. I like it when people are free to do as they please with the land they own "the right to pay taxes on." The fact that we actually pay someone to tell us what we can and can not do with our property, never has made any sense to me. Think about it!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
SD To Ensenada
We finally made it to Mexico. Yep, we are in Ensenada. We experienced absolutely no problems whatsoever. The engine ran like a Swiss watch, along with all other systems. Oh we still have some electrical issues that can wait until we are situated in the Sea of Cortez.
We left the A-9 Anchorage in SD at nine thirty, went to the Harbor Police dock to refurbish our water supply and do laundry. At around twelve thirty we headed out for Mexico. I have to admit that I was a bit apprehensive considering our luck, or lack thereof, in the past. Then again, what might seem to be bad luck, in the end turns out to be, not only good, but great luck. If one considers the possible consequences of a major break down along the Baja west coast, where there is no access to parts or supplies, we were very lucky to have discovered these maladies and made the necessary repairs prior to making the passage.
The moon was bright, the sky clear and the sea calm with no wind. Oh well. You can’t have everything, besides it was a good time to check out my repairs on the engine. On the way over from the anchorage I had discovered a hose clamp that needed tightening, ops. This certainly doesn’t instill confidence in one’s ability, thus the apprehension I was feeling. Since we were beginning our journey at night, I opted to go outside the Coronado Islands, rather than between them as the locals do. Better to be on the safe side. After hours that seemed like days to navigate around these little islands, I began to have second thoughts. About half way around, Judy’s clock had wound down and she went below to catch some shut eye.
By this time the no wind situation had changed to a light breeze. Just enough wind to accentuate the night’s chill from tolerable to downright frosty, to say the least. The rest of the night was cold and uneventful as I stood watch. Judy arose to see our first beautiful sunrise in Mexico. She got busy making/spilling coffee on counters, stove etc. She is taking to cooking at sea with gusto. Well, with expletives anyway. Her language during her coffee making was quite colorful. At the very least, matching the sunrise. She appeared in the companionway holding two half filled cups in one hand and with the other in a death grip on the overhead rail. I relieved her of the two half full coffees as she navigated through the companion entrance. At this point I don’t believe she had quite ascertained the proper use of one’s legs at sea, commonly known as “sea legs.” The rest of the morning was uneventful, until we entered Bahia Todos Santos. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by thirty to forty Dolphins racing around the boat and jumping in the air to Judy’s delighted squeals.
As in all things concerning life, nothing is perfect. We were instructed to call Baja Naval upon our approach to the harbor on VHF-77. I hailed them on both of our radios to no avail. We finally called them on the phone and were instructed where to dock. I went to the office and made arrangements to meet in the morning, to have them peruse our papers, to ascertain if everything is in order. We will then submit them to the authorities for visas etc. If we wish, we can have a person rom Baja Naval go with us to help, for a fee, of course.
When I returned to e boat Judy had many questions I couldn’t answer. Simple questions such as; where is the bathroom, showers etc. All I can say in my defense is that after three days of an average of two hours sleep a night and no sleep the previous night, I was a little bit tired and not quite up to par. We then went to get something to eat and find a bank. I was starved, as I had not eaten since the previous day. I must stop doing that. We walked down the bay front and were, according to Judy, accosted by Hawkers selling everything from food to clothing in their tiny shops and off their karts. I have to admit that they were rather pushy, following us down the street. It is sad that they seem to be forced to do this, as the competition is extreme, with so few customers around. This seemed more stressful for Judy than me. I have spent more time here and am used to it in tour areas. She will like the small towns more, I am sure. After a couple of hours and many dead ends, we located a bank. When we located the teller machine inside,we realized there was a problem. Everything was in Spanish, duh! Judy got in line and asked for assistance. One of the tellers spoke English and graciously volunteered to help. She showed us how to work the machine in the bank and explained the exchange rates. She was a very nice young lady and very helpful.
Judy had said she wanted to stop back at a restaurant she saw lobster advertised at. When we were stopped at the entrance to it, we were sighted by the hawkers who started yelling in Spanish at us to buy their products. Judy became rather distraught, saying it didn’t “look like a restaurant” and didn’t want to go in. We ended up walking back through the gauntlet of hawkers to the boat for a sandwich and some sleep.
I am writing this at three thirty in the morning on our second day. I could not lie down any longer, due to my back. When Judy wakes, maybe we can get a good breakfast burrito, and then get our visas and find out why they couldn’t receive us on our radios. It will then be time to catch a window for our next passage. Via Con Dios!
We left the A-9 Anchorage in SD at nine thirty, went to the Harbor Police dock to refurbish our water supply and do laundry. At around twelve thirty we headed out for Mexico. I have to admit that I was a bit apprehensive considering our luck, or lack thereof, in the past. Then again, what might seem to be bad luck, in the end turns out to be, not only good, but great luck. If one considers the possible consequences of a major break down along the Baja west coast, where there is no access to parts or supplies, we were very lucky to have discovered these maladies and made the necessary repairs prior to making the passage.
The moon was bright, the sky clear and the sea calm with no wind. Oh well. You can’t have everything, besides it was a good time to check out my repairs on the engine. On the way over from the anchorage I had discovered a hose clamp that needed tightening, ops. This certainly doesn’t instill confidence in one’s ability, thus the apprehension I was feeling. Since we were beginning our journey at night, I opted to go outside the Coronado Islands, rather than between them as the locals do. Better to be on the safe side. After hours that seemed like days to navigate around these little islands, I began to have second thoughts. About half way around, Judy’s clock had wound down and she went below to catch some shut eye.
By this time the no wind situation had changed to a light breeze. Just enough wind to accentuate the night’s chill from tolerable to downright frosty, to say the least. The rest of the night was cold and uneventful as I stood watch. Judy arose to see our first beautiful sunrise in Mexico. She got busy making/spilling coffee on counters, stove etc. She is taking to cooking at sea with gusto. Well, with expletives anyway. Her language during her coffee making was quite colorful. At the very least, matching the sunrise. She appeared in the companionway holding two half filled cups in one hand and with the other in a death grip on the overhead rail. I relieved her of the two half full coffees as she navigated through the companion entrance. At this point I don’t believe she had quite ascertained the proper use of one’s legs at sea, commonly known as “sea legs.” The rest of the morning was uneventful, until we entered Bahia Todos Santos. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by thirty to forty Dolphins racing around the boat and jumping in the air to Judy’s delighted squeals.
As in all things concerning life, nothing is perfect. We were instructed to call Baja Naval upon our approach to the harbor on VHF-77. I hailed them on both of our radios to no avail. We finally called them on the phone and were instructed where to dock. I went to the office and made arrangements to meet in the morning, to have them peruse our papers, to ascertain if everything is in order. We will then submit them to the authorities for visas etc. If we wish, we can have a person rom Baja Naval go with us to help, for a fee, of course.
When I returned to e boat Judy had many questions I couldn’t answer. Simple questions such as; where is the bathroom, showers etc. All I can say in my defense is that after three days of an average of two hours sleep a night and no sleep the previous night, I was a little bit tired and not quite up to par. We then went to get something to eat and find a bank. I was starved, as I had not eaten since the previous day. I must stop doing that. We walked down the bay front and were, according to Judy, accosted by Hawkers selling everything from food to clothing in their tiny shops and off their karts. I have to admit that they were rather pushy, following us down the street. It is sad that they seem to be forced to do this, as the competition is extreme, with so few customers around. This seemed more stressful for Judy than me. I have spent more time here and am used to it in tour areas. She will like the small towns more, I am sure. After a couple of hours and many dead ends, we located a bank. When we located the teller machine inside,we realized there was a problem. Everything was in Spanish, duh! Judy got in line and asked for assistance. One of the tellers spoke English and graciously volunteered to help. She showed us how to work the machine in the bank and explained the exchange rates. She was a very nice young lady and very helpful.
Judy had said she wanted to stop back at a restaurant she saw lobster advertised at. When we were stopped at the entrance to it, we were sighted by the hawkers who started yelling in Spanish at us to buy their products. Judy became rather distraught, saying it didn’t “look like a restaurant” and didn’t want to go in. We ended up walking back through the gauntlet of hawkers to the boat for a sandwich and some sleep.
I am writing this at three thirty in the morning on our second day. I could not lie down any longer, due to my back. When Judy wakes, maybe we can get a good breakfast burrito, and then get our visas and find out why they couldn’t receive us on our radios. It will then be time to catch a window for our next passage. Via Con Dios!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Blustery in SD
The weather has been great here until today. I walked into town (7 miles round trip) to pick up a spare electric fuel pump, for the second day in a row. On the way back it started raining. By the time I had walked the three and a half miles back to the dinghy dock it was raining like a cow pissing on a flat rock. Of course I didn't have a rain coat, so was getting a bit wet. I jumped into the dinghy, fired the engine and got about four feet before the engine rev-ed up, but the boat ceased to go forward. Luck was with me as I was able to dive to one side and barley grab another dinghy before the wind got hold and carried me away. Damn, sheered a pin at a most inopportune time. And wouldn’t you know, I left the tool pouch on Wind Raven that has the shear pins in it. I also left the oars behind; I had no way to safeguard them from the local thieves that of late have been running rampant in the area. Besides, I sure as hell didn't want to pack them to town and back. Shit, stranded in the rain. I caught a passerby who never even slowed to my query of the use of his phone, to call my wife. He was the only other person in sight, so I walked back to the Coast Guard gate and borrowed their phone. I informed Judy of my self induced dilemma, and asked her to see if she could raise our neighbor and ask him if he would bring my tool kit over to me. When I returned to the dinghy dock there was a fellow cruiser untying his dinghy. Luckily, he was much more amiable and came to my rescue, giving me a ride to get my tool pouch from the boat. Upon arrival, Judy informed me that our neighbor had stuck his head out when she hailed him, looked around and then sucked it right back in. We headed back to the dock. I thanked him profusely, as he would not accept any gratuitous payment. I replaced the broken pin and headed back through the building white caps to the boat. Upon arrival Judy informed me that our neighbor came over dressed in his foulies to help us if needed. I guess he dashed back inside to put on his gear when he saw how wet and blustery it was out. What a nice guy. All in all ,it was a good lesson. I don't think I'll ever make that mistake again. We are supposed to get 60 MPH winds tonight so I let out another 30 ft of chain rode. The wind is coming from across the bay (leeward shore) so should be a long interesting night! The engine is ready, so should be leaving when the weather breaks. Notice I said should. I think I'm getting gun shy!
The wind only reached 50 MPH last night. Hell, I've sailed in 45 knot (over 51MPH) winds with no problem. It really wasn't that bad. Everyone left the anchorage early last night except six of us. Two had problems, both from ignorance or stupidity. Now that I think about it, when it comes to ignorance of the basics of cruising, that is stupidity! Kind of like me sheering a pin and not having oars onboard. That is unless you can't read. For instance, one boat arrived in this normally calm anchorage in a 50' Ketch and dropped anchor much too close to another boat and failed to set the anchor. They just dropped it and let out about 50' of chain. This morning they are about 100 yds closer to the beach in very shallow water. Tide is going out so they had better move soon. The other boat by us failed to secure or take down their jib. It flapped away all night and the people never paid any attention. They stayed inside their boat all night. The jib is now in shreds. I can't guess how many times I went out and walked the deck , checking to make sure all was well last night. I think some people are just plain lazy. Personally, I can't afford to be lazy. It costs too damn much.
Letting out extra rode I believe was the ticket. I had 100' out in 14' of water at high tide. Most people only let out 50' at this anchorage and call it good. Then Murphy bites them in the butt.
We are just lazing around today, and will get to the Sea Of Cortez, someday maybe! God willing!!!!
The wind only reached 50 MPH last night. Hell, I've sailed in 45 knot (over 51MPH) winds with no problem. It really wasn't that bad. Everyone left the anchorage early last night except six of us. Two had problems, both from ignorance or stupidity. Now that I think about it, when it comes to ignorance of the basics of cruising, that is stupidity! Kind of like me sheering a pin and not having oars onboard. That is unless you can't read. For instance, one boat arrived in this normally calm anchorage in a 50' Ketch and dropped anchor much too close to another boat and failed to set the anchor. They just dropped it and let out about 50' of chain. This morning they are about 100 yds closer to the beach in very shallow water. Tide is going out so they had better move soon. The other boat by us failed to secure or take down their jib. It flapped away all night and the people never paid any attention. They stayed inside their boat all night. The jib is now in shreds. I can't guess how many times I went out and walked the deck , checking to make sure all was well last night. I think some people are just plain lazy. Personally, I can't afford to be lazy. It costs too damn much.
Letting out extra rode I believe was the ticket. I had 100' out in 14' of water at high tide. Most people only let out 50' at this anchorage and call it good. Then Murphy bites them in the butt.
We are just lazing around today, and will get to the Sea Of Cortez, someday maybe! God willing!!!!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Manana!
With the engine reassembled yesterday, today I changed the oil, put the antifreeze in, and tried to bleed the fuel system. I say tried, because by the time I had it bled, the fuel in the filters would be down over an inch from the top. It was just draining down from, and emptying the filters The fuel pump is on the engine side of the filters. It has to suck the fuel up from the tank in the keel (5'), and through two Racor 500 filters. It used to work fine, but maybe it's getting a little old and tired like me. I decided to take the easy way out this time and just add an electric fuel pump at the tank. In this way it gets to push the fuel up through the filters to the other pump, as it was designed to do. So it was off to the parts house for a new fuel pump. A mere 3 1/2 miles away. While walking to the parts house, we came upon a used marine store. We picked up two blocks that are needed for us to sail wing on wing down Baha. We made it to the parts store, picked up the pump and then headed over to a Mexican restaurant for lunch. The walk back was good for digesting that big meal. By the time we returned to the boat, I was too tired, or just lazy, to put the fuel pump on. So I think it is a good time to practice living in Mexico. And just say "Manana!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
US Navy Celebration!
Last weekend the Navy Air force celebrated their one hundredth year in San Diego, with over 200 planes representing each decade for the past one hundred years. The Blue Angles did a fly over, but the demonstrations of the modern aircraft were amazing. They had an aircraft that converts from a plane to a helicopter while in flight. A modern jet that can hover in mid air. Attack helicopters and many others including the many vintage war planes. The celebration lasted all day with several ships open to the public for viewing, including two Aircraft Carriers.
We had a great time, having a ring side seats on a friends converted Trawler, where we barbecued steaks and enjoyed the show along with some great company. My daughter came over with us and had a great time taking photos of the aircraft as they flew over. There was also a guy driving a woody station wagon bodied boat around with a huge flag.
Yesterday Tammy drove me to town to pick up the rebuilt injection pump and take the exhaust riser to a welding shop to cut the rusted pipe out of the flange that bolts to the engine. She has been a God send, driving us around all the time. I don,t know what we would have done without her. She is a great daughter and I am very proud of her.
San Diego from our anchorage
My Daughter "Tammy"
Our Frinds Converted Trawler
Judy Kicking Back
I wonder if I will ever get it back together and if so will it run?
We had a great time, having a ring side seats on a friends converted Trawler, where we barbecued steaks and enjoyed the show along with some great company. My daughter came over with us and had a great time taking photos of the aircraft as they flew over. There was also a guy driving a woody station wagon bodied boat around with a huge flag.
Yesterday Tammy drove me to town to pick up the rebuilt injection pump and take the exhaust riser to a welding shop to cut the rusted pipe out of the flange that bolts to the engine. She has been a God send, driving us around all the time. I don,t know what we would have done without her. She is a great daughter and I am very proud of her.
Some photos Tammy took at the show
Seems that there is always a clown around!
My Daughter "Tammy"
Judy Kicking Back
I wonder if I will ever get it back together and if so will it run?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Always Something!
Now that the fuel issue is being addressed, I will have the opportunity to install a new exhaust riser. If you recall the old riser blew a hole through the elbow before we reached Bodega Bay. While there I made a temporary fix with JB weld. Since it had to be removed to access the injection pump through the companion way, I will install the new one now.
Of course any time you repair something on a boat, there is always something else you discover needing attention, or repair. This time was no exception to that general consensus. Yesterday when I leaned over to set the old riser down in the cockpit, I leaned on the wheel and as it turned I heard a snap deep in the hull. When I turned it backwards it repeated itself. Okay, I know the problem, as I have dealt with it before. The cable end is catching on something. I will have to deal with that before we leave. Seems like it is always something!
Of course any time you repair something on a boat, there is always something else you discover needing attention, or repair. This time was no exception to that general consensus. Yesterday when I leaned over to set the old riser down in the cockpit, I leaned on the wheel and as it turned I heard a snap deep in the hull. When I turned it backwards it repeated itself. Okay, I know the problem, as I have dealt with it before. The cable end is catching on something. I will have to deal with that before we leave. Seems like it is always something!
Monday, February 14, 2011
We were planing on leaving SD for Ensenada in the wee hours Tuesday morning. However after discussing the still existing "fuel in oil" problem, we decided it would be more prudent to remain in SD until it is remedied.
Early yesterday, I soaked all of the bolts in penetrating oil that would have to be removed to access the injector pump. These Included; the exhaust manifold riser, the heat exchanger holding tank, two injectors, the fuel lines, the oil filter and mounting base. This was due to the close proximity of the bulkhead to the engine, and no possible way to even see it, much less get to it. The exhaust manifold bolts were very difficult to access. I worked on it all day before being stopped in my tracks by the fact that with bolts removed, the injection pump refuses to budge, when I try to remove it from the engine block. According to the shop manual, after removing the two bolts and the holding pin, you simply remove it. I would love to get the writers here to show me how simple it is.So here I sit contemplating my plan of attack on this stubborn entity. Yes I do mean entity,as it certainly has a very stubborn "mind of its own!
I'm thinking of sharpening a screwdriver and using it as a wedge to get it started, but I'm afraid that if there is something else holding it, I might damage the housing. This would be very bad, as a new pump is around $1000.00. Nope don't want to go there. So as it stands, I am in somewhat of a dilemma. If I wait for the injection shop to open and ask them, I might not be able to get the pump back today. If I try without asking them, I might damage the pump,,,,,,,,,, Think I'll wait.........Which means ..............More time in SD..........Shit!...I wana go fishin!
Early yesterday, I soaked all of the bolts in penetrating oil that would have to be removed to access the injector pump. These Included; the exhaust manifold riser, the heat exchanger holding tank, two injectors, the fuel lines, the oil filter and mounting base. This was due to the close proximity of the bulkhead to the engine, and no possible way to even see it, much less get to it. The exhaust manifold bolts were very difficult to access. I worked on it all day before being stopped in my tracks by the fact that with bolts removed, the injection pump refuses to budge, when I try to remove it from the engine block. According to the shop manual, after removing the two bolts and the holding pin, you simply remove it. I would love to get the writers here to show me how simple it is.So here I sit contemplating my plan of attack on this stubborn entity. Yes I do mean entity,as it certainly has a very stubborn "mind of its own!
I'm thinking of sharpening a screwdriver and using it as a wedge to get it started, but I'm afraid that if there is something else holding it, I might damage the housing. This would be very bad, as a new pump is around $1000.00. Nope don't want to go there. So as it stands, I am in somewhat of a dilemma. If I wait for the injection shop to open and ask them, I might not be able to get the pump back today. If I try without asking them, I might damage the pump,,,,,,,,,, Think I'll wait.........Which means ..............More time in SD..........Shit!...I wana go fishin!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Sooooo, Thankfull
YEAH! Good news!
I woke up yesterday morning at around four, made coffee, turned on the computer, and read the blog for a bit. Judy had mentioned that she was praying for God to guide me in making the right decision. While sitting at the computer thinking about that terrible noise the engine was making, that to me, just didn't sound like a rod (too high pitched & intermittent). I made the decision to go with my gut feeling and get a professional second opinion. No matter the cost. I went into the v-berth, woke Judy up and said "I have made my decision". We will not run the engine, nor take the boat to the anchorage. If they insist we move the boat before we can get a second mechanics opinion, we will rent a slip at the marina next door no matter how much they charge until we can get one down. I will call the place that rebuilds injectors and ask them to recommend a knowledgeable mechanic. Judy joined me a few minutes later in the salon and we started our research on the issue. Previously that morning I was reading everything I could find on engine knocks. The fuel system kept coming up, but not with enough specifics on sounds.
I called the fuel injection place at six thirty to leave a message for them to call me. To my surprise Tom (the owner) picked up. I explained the situation to him. He said that I needed a mechanic that not only new the fuel systems, but knew Perkins engines inside out. He had me hold on while he located someone for me. When he returned he gave me the number for a place that was a previous Perkins dealer and would have a qualified mechanic. Thanking him, I hung up and called them, leaving a message. It was a long apprehensive hour plus waiting for eight o'clock. After a bit I decided not to wait for their call, but to call them at eight sharp, as sometimes businesses are slow answering their messages. To my surprise the phone rang at five before eight. The gentleman said that he had a mechanic, but he was committed to eight hours that day. He asked where the boat was and I informed him it was at the Police dock, but I had to move it by eleven am. He told me that his mechanic was working on a boat there that day and that he would let him check out my engine noise first, but I would have to pay a two hour minimum of $ 220.00. I agreed!
He said the mechanic would be there in about twenty minutes. Twenty minutes later the mechanic was walking up to the boat, amazing. Everything seemed to be going our way for a change. The mechanic was a very nice Vietnamese gentleman who certainly knew his business. He questioned me concerning the engines history before looking at it. He then had me start it at idle and after about five minutes slowly increase the rpm's until the knock began. After the engine was shut down, I asked if he thought it was a rod. He said; "definitely not, it is fuel related." I can not explain the load that was lifted from my shoulders at that moment, nor the elation I felt, after the previous days of depression, over the possibility of having to replace the engine. We just couldn't afford it. The mechanic had me restart the engine and increase the throttle until the knock revealed itself. With the engine knocking slightly, he loosened each high pressure injector lines individually, listening for the knock to decrease. He then had me shut it down and said the number three injector was stuck open and would have to be replaced. I told him that I had new injectors and asked if he had time to do it, as his boss was charging me a two hour minimum anyway. He had only been there about twenty minutes. He called his boss, who acquiesced and then installed the rebuilt injector. When started, the engine sounded better than it ever has, it purrs like a kitten! Later when I called his boss to see what the final bill was, I couldn't believe that it was only $232.00. I had him order the gaskets needed to remove the engine heat exchanger tank. This is so I can get to the injector pump and replace the seals that might be causing the fuel in oil problem. That is if replacing the bad injector didn't remedy the situation already. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Who knows, the way things have started going our way, there is that possibility. Maybe Judy should do some more praying. She seems to have a great connection with a higher power.
Today I will take the bad injector into the shop to be rebuilt. Pick up the gaskets. Fix a water leak on the engine. Make up and whip the ends of control lines for the whisker pole, in preparation for a wing on wing sail down Baja. Lubricate the Capstan that refused to give up any chain rode last night when I tried to anchor. That was a minor fiasco we will not discuss. When we finally got anchored we looked up and another boat had come in and anchored right above us. Too close for comfort, so we moved. Our boat seems to draw other boats to us when at anchor. A few weeks back a boat anchored above us and when the wind shifted he was only about thirty feet off our bow. Too close!
Well folks, all seems well in our world today. I want to thank all of you for your support and suggestions. I especially want to thank a long time brother (Bob Panell) who came through for us in our time of need. I know your sacrifice, brother, and want you to know it was/is greatly appreciated. God be with you all, as he has been with us! Mexico next week. Cheers!
Judy started a blog last night, so here's her take! Err, will be when she arises from her slumber.
I woke up yesterday morning at around four, made coffee, turned on the computer, and read the blog for a bit. Judy had mentioned that she was praying for God to guide me in making the right decision. While sitting at the computer thinking about that terrible noise the engine was making, that to me, just didn't sound like a rod (too high pitched & intermittent). I made the decision to go with my gut feeling and get a professional second opinion. No matter the cost. I went into the v-berth, woke Judy up and said "I have made my decision". We will not run the engine, nor take the boat to the anchorage. If they insist we move the boat before we can get a second mechanics opinion, we will rent a slip at the marina next door no matter how much they charge until we can get one down. I will call the place that rebuilds injectors and ask them to recommend a knowledgeable mechanic. Judy joined me a few minutes later in the salon and we started our research on the issue. Previously that morning I was reading everything I could find on engine knocks. The fuel system kept coming up, but not with enough specifics on sounds.
I called the fuel injection place at six thirty to leave a message for them to call me. To my surprise Tom (the owner) picked up. I explained the situation to him. He said that I needed a mechanic that not only new the fuel systems, but knew Perkins engines inside out. He had me hold on while he located someone for me. When he returned he gave me the number for a place that was a previous Perkins dealer and would have a qualified mechanic. Thanking him, I hung up and called them, leaving a message. It was a long apprehensive hour plus waiting for eight o'clock. After a bit I decided not to wait for their call, but to call them at eight sharp, as sometimes businesses are slow answering their messages. To my surprise the phone rang at five before eight. The gentleman said that he had a mechanic, but he was committed to eight hours that day. He asked where the boat was and I informed him it was at the Police dock, but I had to move it by eleven am. He told me that his mechanic was working on a boat there that day and that he would let him check out my engine noise first, but I would have to pay a two hour minimum of $ 220.00. I agreed!
He said the mechanic would be there in about twenty minutes. Twenty minutes later the mechanic was walking up to the boat, amazing. Everything seemed to be going our way for a change. The mechanic was a very nice Vietnamese gentleman who certainly knew his business. He questioned me concerning the engines history before looking at it. He then had me start it at idle and after about five minutes slowly increase the rpm's until the knock began. After the engine was shut down, I asked if he thought it was a rod. He said; "definitely not, it is fuel related." I can not explain the load that was lifted from my shoulders at that moment, nor the elation I felt, after the previous days of depression, over the possibility of having to replace the engine. We just couldn't afford it. The mechanic had me restart the engine and increase the throttle until the knock revealed itself. With the engine knocking slightly, he loosened each high pressure injector lines individually, listening for the knock to decrease. He then had me shut it down and said the number three injector was stuck open and would have to be replaced. I told him that I had new injectors and asked if he had time to do it, as his boss was charging me a two hour minimum anyway. He had only been there about twenty minutes. He called his boss, who acquiesced and then installed the rebuilt injector. When started, the engine sounded better than it ever has, it purrs like a kitten! Later when I called his boss to see what the final bill was, I couldn't believe that it was only $232.00. I had him order the gaskets needed to remove the engine heat exchanger tank. This is so I can get to the injector pump and replace the seals that might be causing the fuel in oil problem. That is if replacing the bad injector didn't remedy the situation already. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Who knows, the way things have started going our way, there is that possibility. Maybe Judy should do some more praying. She seems to have a great connection with a higher power.
Today I will take the bad injector into the shop to be rebuilt. Pick up the gaskets. Fix a water leak on the engine. Make up and whip the ends of control lines for the whisker pole, in preparation for a wing on wing sail down Baja. Lubricate the Capstan that refused to give up any chain rode last night when I tried to anchor. That was a minor fiasco we will not discuss. When we finally got anchored we looked up and another boat had come in and anchored right above us. Too close for comfort, so we moved. Our boat seems to draw other boats to us when at anchor. A few weeks back a boat anchored above us and when the wind shifted he was only about thirty feet off our bow. Too close!
Well folks, all seems well in our world today. I want to thank all of you for your support and suggestions. I especially want to thank a long time brother (Bob Panell) who came through for us in our time of need. I know your sacrifice, brother, and want you to know it was/is greatly appreciated. God be with you all, as he has been with us! Mexico next week. Cheers!
Judy started a blog last night, so here's her take! Err, will be when she arises from her slumber.
Finally some REALLY good, simply MIRACULOUS news…….After the bad news from ONE boat mechanic that we had a bad rod and would have to rebuild the engine ($4,500 + labor and parts to install the new one…..) Jay woke up early this morning and after much thinking and prayer decided to get a second opinion from another mechanic…..I told him I thought that was our answer from God about what step to take next and After searching on the internet.......well you can see what we did above in Jay's blog posting above.....anyway, I've been reading a great book entitled "The Pressure's Off" by an author who found "The Way" that the holy scriptures say leads us to a PERSONAL relationship with our creator (Elohim, YHWH, Emmanuel....e.g.) The book goes on to explain that the OLD WAY of following laws, rules etc. had been proven to be impossible for human beings to "get it right" in life without "missing the mark." It all lies in this one thing I need to do to find "the NEW Way:" Make Knowing God my No. ! priority! Knowing God.....NOT seeking blessings or an easy life or material wealth or health or great relationships with family and friends, a great job........whatever.......as St. Augustine so apply put in this quote I read when I was 19 years old and never forgot:
"You have made us for yourself, oh God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You!"
It's kind of like (I think) how I used to explain the love I have for my daughters to each of them: "Mommy has a special place in her heart JUST for YOU (Alana, Darcie, Annie and Moriah) that only you can fill for me and no other child can....just YOU! So you must never think that Mommy loves any of your sisters more than I love you, because it is totally impossible! When I am holding onto that Alana, Darcie, Annie or Moriah... shaped place in my heart where I see and feel ONLY you! and my heart would be totally lacking, and incomplete without my love for EACH of my daughters and that is how I can honestly say I have no 'favorite child'-----as ALL of my children are my "favorites," in their own perfect way." There are no TEN COMMANDMENTS or any rules or "Laws" that any of my children must follow to somehow "earn" my love....it's already in my heart, waiting for them every single time they seek me......and it will never go away! My love for each of them is totally and completely unconditional...they don't have to be "good" or "perfect" or complete any race or task or special endeavor or feat of amazement with their lives or with me....each of them has my love, adoration and devotion completely unconditionally forever.......or as long as I live.....which I believe will be forever...since I now have asked the Creator, or as my Dad, Joe Kinworthy, used to call Him: "The Great Indian Chief in the sky" to show me "The Way".....e.g. "His Way," not MY way to live my life, but His Way....because I believe the Great Indian Chief in the Sky has a Judy Kinworthy shaped place in His heart where he loves ME and keeps ME safe, unconditionally, cause he loves each of us just like I love my daughters......forever and ever, without question and there is nothing I can do to earn it except like my kids used to do when they came running in the house after school calling out: "Mommy, I'm Home!" THAT's what God wants us to do, I believe......run home to Him happily calling out "Dad, I'm HOME!" and then he comes running to us happy to see us and hear all about our day in "school."
As I look back at my post I see that the first letters of my 4 daughters spell the name "Adam" which of course we all know the story, was the first human created......somehow I think I didn't name my girls in any haphazzard way, but gave them the name they were each meant to have.....and like "Adam," the first human, I only need to run home and slam the door shut to the rest of the world and call out "Daddy, I'm Home!" just like the Prodigal Son story written in that old, old Book! Daddy, I'm home!!!!!
As I look back at my post I see that the first letters of my 4 daughters spell the name "Adam" which of course we all know the story, was the first human created......somehow I think I didn't name my girls in any haphazzard way, but gave them the name they were each meant to have.....and like "Adam," the first human, I only need to run home and slam the door shut to the rest of the world and call out "Daddy, I'm Home!" just like the Prodigal Son story written in that old, old Book! Daddy, I'm home!!!!!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Engine
I tried to post this response to Jason on the blog comment section, but it came up on the wrong post. It is better here anyway. So in response to Jasons kindly advice;
We are looking at fuel issues such as; metal flakes in high pressure fuel line clogging an injector, (engine caughing, in attempt to clear metal flake) as the engine shakes when it knocks. A bad injector. Water traped in fuel system, releasing periodically etc. Also the possibility of a loose head. The knock just doesn't sound like a rod to me. The sound is of higher pitched variety, like a fuel knock that rattles the engine very hard.. A rod noise should be constant and this nois is intermittant. We are going to get a second opinion.
The mechanic said it was a rod, but I do have my doubts after talking to several other professionals that confirmed my thoughts about a possible fuel issue. We have to move the boat today, so will have to run it (at idle) to get it out of marina to anchorage. I will pray for enough wind to sail most of the few miles to the anchorage. I wonder if our dink will tow it? Maybe!
We are looking at fuel issues such as; metal flakes in high pressure fuel line clogging an injector, (engine caughing, in attempt to clear metal flake) as the engine shakes when it knocks. A bad injector. Water traped in fuel system, releasing periodically etc. Also the possibility of a loose head. The knock just doesn't sound like a rod to me. The sound is of higher pitched variety, like a fuel knock that rattles the engine very hard.. A rod noise should be constant and this nois is intermittant. We are going to get a second opinion.
The mechanic said it was a rod, but I do have my doubts after talking to several other professionals that confirmed my thoughts about a possible fuel issue. We have to move the boat today, so will have to run it (at idle) to get it out of marina to anchorage. I will pray for enough wind to sail most of the few miles to the anchorage. I wonder if our dink will tow it? Maybe!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Best Made Plans!
I guess it is true that “life” is what happens while you are making other plans. During our lifetimes, it seems that we are tested by trials and tribulations that that just aren’t fair. But then nobody ever said life was fair. Unfortunately at these times, it is not only our tenacity and stamina that is tested, but our faith in God. It is especially so, when these trials and tribulations continue for months on end with no foreseeable gain or no end in sight. Not only threatening your dreams, but making the possibility of a bright future appear dim indeed. At these disturbing times I believe one must place ones trust in God, but at the same time reach down, pull up your boot straps, and pull yourself out! In other words, we can’t just sit on our ass (donkey) and expect him to do it all.
With that said, I will describe the latest tribulation that is attempting to test my faith to its limits. The plan was to pull out of here tomorrow and head for Ensenada Mexico to get our visas. We planned on spending two days there and then taking off on the last leg down the Baja Coast. All I had left to do yesterday was; change the oil and oil filter, pump out the water contaminated fuel, clean out the filter bowls, install new filters, and bleed the system. The day before I took the injectors in and had them serviced. While there I purchased new seals for the injector pump and planned on installing them after we arrived in Mexico. This decision was made because the leaking of fuel into the oil was minimal and we would sail straight through. In doing so, the engine would only be started two or three times for short periods, so should not be a problem. Hindsight now tells me this was a recipe for disaster.
We are now stranded in San Diego indefinitely. This is due to an unforeseen engine failure that happened upon the completion of the final tasks. When I started the engine it fired right up and sounded better than ever. I put it in gear, set the throttle a hair above an idle and checked the oil and water gauges. All seemed fine as it purred along. It ran about ten minutes before a light tinny noise sounded for a split second. It was so short of duration that I began to question if it was my imagination. It ran fine for another five minutes or so and then a very loud (again tinny ) sound erupted from the engine compartment. I immediately shut it down and thinking it was an errant piece of metal that fell against a moving part, began to search for the problem. I have heard bad rods before and it has been my experience that they have a dull heavy sound, not a tinny one. I found an old piece of copper tubing under the crank pulley that I hoped was the culprit. It wasn’t! I started the engine again and it sounded great for a bit, but when I increased the idle the noise came back intermittently. It comes and goes and sounds tinny. It just didn’t sound like a rod or a lifter to me. I decided to call Brad and see what he thought. He came right over and said it was a rod, shit!
Now what? Well, we have to either rebuild or replace the engine. We can’t do it where we are presently. Our time here is up tomorrow. We have to move out to an anchorage (with no engine to set the hook) due to excessively expensive slip rates in San Diego. Good thing it’s a sailboat. Brad said the rebuild will cost from $ 4500. to $ 6000. plus labor. There is no way we can afford this, as we have had many unexpected expenses (0ver 16 Gs) on our trip down that have seriously depleted our resources. I think we might have located a rebuilt Perkins 4.108-M long block for around $3000.00. If it works out and some of the people who owe us money come through, it will be do-able. Otherwise, We will be stuck in SD indefinitely and looking for work!
On the good side; perhaps it is a good thing that we are here instead of out at sea with this problem. Jesus must love us, or that is where we would be!
With that said, I will describe the latest tribulation that is attempting to test my faith to its limits. The plan was to pull out of here tomorrow and head for Ensenada Mexico to get our visas. We planned on spending two days there and then taking off on the last leg down the Baja Coast. All I had left to do yesterday was; change the oil and oil filter, pump out the water contaminated fuel, clean out the filter bowls, install new filters, and bleed the system. The day before I took the injectors in and had them serviced. While there I purchased new seals for the injector pump and planned on installing them after we arrived in Mexico. This decision was made because the leaking of fuel into the oil was minimal and we would sail straight through. In doing so, the engine would only be started two or three times for short periods, so should not be a problem. Hindsight now tells me this was a recipe for disaster.
We are now stranded in San Diego indefinitely. This is due to an unforeseen engine failure that happened upon the completion of the final tasks. When I started the engine it fired right up and sounded better than ever. I put it in gear, set the throttle a hair above an idle and checked the oil and water gauges. All seemed fine as it purred along. It ran about ten minutes before a light tinny noise sounded for a split second. It was so short of duration that I began to question if it was my imagination. It ran fine for another five minutes or so and then a very loud (again tinny ) sound erupted from the engine compartment. I immediately shut it down and thinking it was an errant piece of metal that fell against a moving part, began to search for the problem. I have heard bad rods before and it has been my experience that they have a dull heavy sound, not a tinny one. I found an old piece of copper tubing under the crank pulley that I hoped was the culprit. It wasn’t! I started the engine again and it sounded great for a bit, but when I increased the idle the noise came back intermittently. It comes and goes and sounds tinny. It just didn’t sound like a rod or a lifter to me. I decided to call Brad and see what he thought. He came right over and said it was a rod, shit!
Now what? Well, we have to either rebuild or replace the engine. We can’t do it where we are presently. Our time here is up tomorrow. We have to move out to an anchorage (with no engine to set the hook) due to excessively expensive slip rates in San Diego. Good thing it’s a sailboat. Brad said the rebuild will cost from $ 4500. to $ 6000. plus labor. There is no way we can afford this, as we have had many unexpected expenses (0ver 16 Gs) on our trip down that have seriously depleted our resources. I think we might have located a rebuilt Perkins 4.108-M long block for around $3000.00. If it works out and some of the people who owe us money come through, it will be do-able. Otherwise, We will be stuck in SD indefinitely and looking for work!
On the good side; perhaps it is a good thing that we are here instead of out at sea with this problem. Jesus must love us, or that is where we would be!
Friday, February 4, 2011
New E-Meter
Yesterday Brad brought over a new E-Meter and installed it. As usual, all did not go as planed. Oh, the E- Meter is good now, but the wiring is not. Once installed we discovered that James wired the main ground bar directly to the battery, failing to rout it through the shunt. All ground wires MUST be wired through the shunt. Brad had some other work to do so he took off, allowing me to do the repair to save some badly needed funds. I disconected it, made up a new ground wire and ran it back into the engine compartment and connected it to the shunt. Problem solved, right? Wrong! Upon Brads return we tried to initiate the E-Meter cycle once again. At this time it was discovered that James had obviously circumvented the shunt in more than one place. As it was still a no go! Brad ran me through the workings of said meter and drew me a schematic, explaining the procedure to remedy the situation. Basically, I have to go through the complete grounding system and re-do all of the ground wires that James grounded to the wrong places, and run new wires from all individual grounds and ground bars through the shunt. This will be a major time consuming procedure that we can not afford to pay another electrician to do.
Once this is completed the new E- meter will performe its duty and enable me to find the culprit wire or device that is draining the batteries. In the mean time we will have to use the generator to make up for the drain of electricity caused by a novice electricion. This will result in more expense due to more fuel consumption. It seems that ya just can't win! I have decided to forstall the electrical problems until we get to the Sea of Cortez. On the bright side, we are leaving for Ensenada, Mexico soon. We are tired of all work and no play, so We're going fishing! In Mexico. Who needs electric anyway? It's a sailboat, right?
Once this is completed the new E- meter will performe its duty and enable me to find the culprit wire or device that is draining the batteries. In the mean time we will have to use the generator to make up for the drain of electricity caused by a novice electricion. This will result in more expense due to more fuel consumption. It seems that ya just can't win! I have decided to forstall the electrical problems until we get to the Sea of Cortez. On the bright side, we are leaving for Ensenada, Mexico soon. We are tired of all work and no play, so We're going fishing! In Mexico. Who needs electric anyway? It's a sailboat, right?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
E-Meter
Yesterday, I called the local person that had done such a great job repairing our water maker and asked him if he could set the E-Meter for me. He assured me that he could, and said he would stop by later in the day if possible. If not, he would be over first thing the next day. He showed up around three in the afternoon and went right to work checking the E-Meter. After about ten minutes, he discovered that the meter was faulty and that it would have to be replaced. He offered to pick one up on his way over in the morning and to give it to me at his cost, as he gets a large discount, due to his business. Charging me only for his labor. I can't say enough about how great a person this man is. No bullshit, no greed. He is extremely intelligent and always good for his word. As I said in the past. I recommend him highly. If any of you are in San Diego and are in need of a competent and honest worker, Brad is your man.
It is almost six in the morning, Brad will be here in a couple of hours, so I must get busy moving things out of the way so he will have clear access. He wants to check to make sure the old E-Meter wiring was done correctly, before installing the new E-Meter. Sounds prudent to me. Gotta go for now....
It is almost six in the morning, Brad will be here in a couple of hours, so I must get busy moving things out of the way so he will have clear access. He wants to check to make sure the old E-Meter wiring was done correctly, before installing the new E-Meter. Sounds prudent to me. Gotta go for now....
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
One's Word
You know, I was raised, and raised my daughter, in a way that emphasised the importance of one's word. I personally live my life with one rule which is "Say what you mean and mean what you say" It is a very simple rule, but definitely demonstrates ones personal integrity. Something that seems to be grossely lacking in our society today. Most people take no credence in their word these days. Oh, there are exceptions of course, but they seem to be getting fewer and further between. It has always been of my opinion that a man is only as good as his word. In other words, if his word is no good then he is......
Well, you get my drift.
I was under the impression that cruisers were different breed than the average person these days. They certainly are a mostly friendly lot, generally speaking. Most cruisers we have met on this trip have been very forthcoming with advice and the sharing of information. Generally speaking, most have been honest and very helpful. Okay you are probably asking yourselves why I am writing this in our blog. To be quite frank it is because I am disillusioned by the number of sailors and supposed sailors, that have gone back on their word. To date four supposed crew have signed on and then at the last minute backed out, due to so-called personal reasons. Caring not the inconvenience, nor the unnecessary danger caused by their actions. The latest example was a self claimed sailor and supposed christian yesterday. Another owner of a Islander 44 here in San Diego. He claimed to have sailed down the Baja Coast many times and assured us he would sail with us down to the Sea of Cortez. Upon his commitment, I pulled our ad for a crew member out of Latitude 38. Yesterday, he rescinded his commitment. We now have no time left to find a replacement. As a result, I will be sailing the ninehundred pluss miles solo, as my wife has not mastered standing watches and can not physically withstand any degree of sleep deprivation.
This person also promised to come over Monday to show me how to set up the E-Meter, which monitors the electrical consumption. He never showed up and when I called him the next day he said he was waiting for me to call him. Hmmm, should have been a "RED Flag" I suppose. He showed up later and said he wanted to explain the basics so I could "do it myself later, if needed." He spent an hour or so reading out of a book and then said, okay I will read and you do the setting of the unit. Well, after about two hours, and supposedly half way done (I thought) he said he wanted to take a break. At that time a gentleman ( Ham Operator) arrived to test my repairs on the Ham Radio. The break person said that he was going to leave then. He said the hard part was done and all that was left to do was the "Advanced Settings". Which he said I could do. To make a very long story shorter, I am now where I started. I checked the E-Meter this morning and nothing has been fixed, all the settings are wrong, as he did not change anything. All he did was waste another day of our time! I am not happy!
My final words in this post are;
Please, "SAY WHAT YOU MEAN AND MEAN WHAT YOU SAY"
"A MAN IS ONLY AS GOOD AS HIS WORD"
Well, you get my drift.
I was under the impression that cruisers were different breed than the average person these days. They certainly are a mostly friendly lot, generally speaking. Most cruisers we have met on this trip have been very forthcoming with advice and the sharing of information. Generally speaking, most have been honest and very helpful. Okay you are probably asking yourselves why I am writing this in our blog. To be quite frank it is because I am disillusioned by the number of sailors and supposed sailors, that have gone back on their word. To date four supposed crew have signed on and then at the last minute backed out, due to so-called personal reasons. Caring not the inconvenience, nor the unnecessary danger caused by their actions. The latest example was a self claimed sailor and supposed christian yesterday. Another owner of a Islander 44 here in San Diego. He claimed to have sailed down the Baja Coast many times and assured us he would sail with us down to the Sea of Cortez. Upon his commitment, I pulled our ad for a crew member out of Latitude 38. Yesterday, he rescinded his commitment. We now have no time left to find a replacement. As a result, I will be sailing the ninehundred pluss miles solo, as my wife has not mastered standing watches and can not physically withstand any degree of sleep deprivation.
This person also promised to come over Monday to show me how to set up the E-Meter, which monitors the electrical consumption. He never showed up and when I called him the next day he said he was waiting for me to call him. Hmmm, should have been a "RED Flag" I suppose. He showed up later and said he wanted to explain the basics so I could "do it myself later, if needed." He spent an hour or so reading out of a book and then said, okay I will read and you do the setting of the unit. Well, after about two hours, and supposedly half way done (I thought) he said he wanted to take a break. At that time a gentleman ( Ham Operator) arrived to test my repairs on the Ham Radio. The break person said that he was going to leave then. He said the hard part was done and all that was left to do was the "Advanced Settings". Which he said I could do. To make a very long story shorter, I am now where I started. I checked the E-Meter this morning and nothing has been fixed, all the settings are wrong, as he did not change anything. All he did was waste another day of our time! I am not happy!
My final words in this post are;
Please, "SAY WHAT YOU MEAN AND MEAN WHAT YOU SAY"
"A MAN IS ONLY AS GOOD AS HIS WORD"
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