TO DATE

I know It’s been a long time since I posted, but I really have been very busy. I had to make two round trips to the States that totaled over seventy hours on the Bus. These trips, as you know were made to ascertain the repairs and retrieval of my v-drive. I won’t go into the trials and tribulations of this trip. Suffice it to say that it was not a pleasant experience in itself.


However, I am a firm believer that there is always a good side to everything, depending of course, on how one perceives the results of their tribulations. In this case I can look back and see several rewarding experiences that made those grueling uncomfortable hours on the Bus, more than worthwhile. First I was invited to stay at Lynn and Richard’s house. For those who don’t know, Lynn was my first wife and we are still friends. This afforded us the time renew our longtime friendship and catch up on old times. Unfortunately, Richard fell ill with cancer and was in the hospital and then rehabilitation. The good side is that he has a great attitude, his cancer is treatable, and he will survive. Also on the good side was that we were able to visit him daily, which I believe kept his spirits up.

While there my Daughter called and said that she would be coming over to La Jolla from Arizona the next weekend. Well of course, I decided to stick around for her visit, as we hadn’t seen each other for over two years. She arrived the following Saturday and we spent three days together catching up. We all visited Richard in rehab each day and tried out various restaurants in the La Jolla area. This really made me appreciate the 15 to 20 peso tacos in Mexico! I had a hamburger and a non-alcoholic beer at the Black Angus. The cost? $24.00.

I came back and installed the v-drive and lined up the prop shaft only to discover that the drive shaft was way, WAY OFF. This led to the discovery of the initial cause of the v-drive failure. The rubber in the front vibration dampeners, commonly known as “motor mounts”, had turned to a soft gel. The studs had pushed through it and were resting on the struts. This condition also resulted in the pan resting on the struts, a very bad thing. I procured new mounts from Lopez Marine in La Paz and had them shipped to Santa Rosalia. I won’t bore you with all of the technicalities of the installation. It is now completed and in line, with adequate clearance under the oil pan.

Yesterday I noticed that the roller furling was a bit slack, so I tightened it up. While doing this I noticed that the block that keeps the halyard from twisting around the tubing was turned half around. Before I leave It must be taken care of, but not today, as the wind is up to 30 knots, and I’m not going up the mast in that! The wind is supposed to die down a bit in a couple of days, so I will fix it then.

THE TRIP NORTH

Last week I purchased a Bus ticket to take me from Santa Rosalia to Tijuana. With the Mexico senior card it was half price at 650 pesos. I tried to take Steves advice and purchase a ticket to San Ysrido to enable me to avoid switching Buses in Tijuana, but they weren’t available at this location. At least that is what they said. It seems that in Mexico they will tell you what ever is the most convenient for them, or what they think you want to hear.

About two hours out of Santa Rosalia we were stopped by the Federalies and made to exit the Bus. All luggage was removed and searched. It was funny watching them try to grab my backpack with the v-drive and wood for the crate in it, with one hand and swing it up on the table. I tried to keep from laughing as it overpowered them and hit the ground. This happened several times on the trip and each time it was harder to keep a straight face. None of them tried to empty out the backpack, I think they were too embarrassed from dropping it. One did come on the Bus and ask me where I was coming from, going, why, and what was in the backpack. I got rid of him by rattling on about my breakdown with way too much information, until he said; “have a nice ride.”

The Aguila Bus was older, but had very nice comfortable seats installed. The ride to Tijuana took fifteen hours and we were stopped and inspected a total of six times. I thought they were looking for drugs, but they must have also been looking for wanted persons, because they would sometimes just walk up the aisle and look at each person.

I arrived at the Tijuana Bus Terminal at 8:00am and bought a ticket from Greyhound to San Ysidro for eight dollars US. I was not going to San Ysidro, but this would allow me to circumvent the line through Customs if I walked across. The American Customs directed me to a separate area from everyone else and I was instructed to wait there. This made me a little apprehensive being singled out from everyone else. After a bit a new Customs agent came out and motioned me to step up. He looked at my passport and said okay, have a nice day! That was it, I guess he was just starting his shift.

When I exited the Customs building I located the machines to buy a two day Tram pass and proceeded to get ripped off for eleven dollars by the first machine. God, I hate putting money in machines, it’s like playing Russian roulette. That first machine gave me my change, but no pass. The second machine gave me everything, but that meant I paid double for it. Yep, it cost twenty two dollars to ride the tram for two days.

I went first to FedEx and assembled my prefabricated wooden shipping container around the v-drive and inquired as to the cost. The Mexican lady said it would cost $99.00 with insurance to NJ. I was a bit surprised and asked why it only cost $32.00 to ship it from NJ to San Diego. She said that they had a commercial rate from the factory. At this point I jokingly asked if I got a discount with my Mexican senior card and she said sure, and dropped the price to $82.00. Damn, I finally found something good about getting old!

By the time I had completed everything I was exhausted and had run out of time to get back across the border, through Mexican Customs and ride the Bus to the Tijuana Bus Terminal to catch the four o’clock Bus back to Santa Rosalia. I went to the Motel 6 off of E St. in Chula Vista and was again given a senior discount with my Mexican senior card. Of course the lady was also Mexican, so I can’t say this will work everywhere in the USA. The next morning I had some Boston Cream pastries from a real Doughnut Shop across from the motel. These were a real treat, as the pastries in Mexico leave a lot to be desired. Hell, they almost made the fifteen hour Bus ride worthwhile!

The reverse trip was pretty much uneventful, with only two federally stops. That is with the exception of the Mexican Customs who didn’t search my bags, because I got a green light. I just hope my luck holds when I bring the v-drive back across. I rode an ABC Bus made by Volvo that the shocks were worn out on, and if one had a tendency to become sea/car sick, they would be in serious trouble. The seats were terrible with no lumbar support. Everyone had a backache after the eighteen hour trip. The driver was terrible and should be replaced, but most likely won’t be.

I met a twenty year old male from Canada who was seated beside me on the trip down. I couldn’t believe it when he said that he forgot to get a visa. I gave him a lady’s name to help him in La Paz with a visa. I hope it works out for him, he seemed a nice individual.

I am now awaiting word on my v-drive back in Santa Rosalia. I have been reading a lot, but must stop reading and get to work on the boat, much to do! ADIOS

SHIPPING OUT OF MEXICO

Tomorrow morning I will go to the Bus terminal here in Santa Rosalia to purchase a ticket to Tijuana or San Ysidro if possible. Being an old fart does have one advantage, as I get my fares at half price. My Bus will leave on a 15 hour trip to Tijuana at 4:05 pm and will arrive in the TJ Bus terminal at around 7:00 am. I will then proceed to the border xing, go through customs, and then take a trolley to the UPS store in Chula Vista to ship the v-drive to Jersey City, NJ, to be rebuilt. After that I will pick up a few small items that aren't available in Mexico and then head back across the border, through Mexico Customs, to the Bus Terminal and then back to Santa Rosalia. I will then wait for the v-drive to arrive back in La Jolla at Richards,so I can do it all over again!

At that time I will be able to put Wind Raven back together again. If all goes well I will, at that time, head south to La Paz, thanks to my good brother Coyote!

"KISS"

Well, well, when it rains it pours. I have always noticed that when bad things happen they seem to come in threes.  I have to admit that over the years I have become somewhat superstitious about this occurrence. That is why I was rather upset yesterday morning when I arose to discover the $45 LED light with a five year guarantee was very dim and flickering when I turned it on. The night before it had flickered a time or two while I was reading, so I naturally thought it, like most cheap LEDs was going on the blink. No pun intended. Just another high priced marine piece of junk, I thought. That was okay, because it brought the bad occurrences of late to three!

I decided to put the light off till later and make my morning coffee. At seven thirty the Sonrisa net comes on, so I turned on the SSB. The moderator was speaking, but the voice was scratchy. I hit the auto tuner button and it went through its normal blinking process and then settled on “through.” I tried it again with the same result, but I now could not hear anything, no voices. Great, the SSB is now dysfunctional, damn that’s four, which puts me on a new set of threes. This day is not looking good!

I thought, okay maybe the batteries are low on water, even though they shouldn’t be, as I had checked them two weeks before. They were down a lot, not to the plates, but very low. I have three different gauges/monitors for the batteries and checked them all. One was in the red on discharged. This was a first. My neighbor (CHUCK) came out and we discussed the problem and possible solutions. Out came the testers and sure enough I was down to ten volts on the house batteries. That explained the problem with the LED light and the SSB tuner. Ah! Ha!, back to two. A serious problem, but at least I’m ending a set of threes, not starting a new one. Look on the bright side, right?

I won’t bore you with the technical specifics on how we traced down the problem and its cause. I will say that the original cause was two days ago at 5:30 in the morning, when all of the lights in Santa Rosalia suddenly went out. I was up making coffee at the time and immediately went out and disconnected the 110v power supply to the boat, to protect the system from a power serge when it came back on. It turned out that a vehicle had hit a power pole, knocking out the power. I thought I was safe, until two days later when my batteries went dead and I discovered that the power can serge when it is knocked out. Obviously, this is what happened, as the battery charger side of my inverter no longer works. It is kaput!

Chuck and I did some more investigating and he said that my inverter does not go through my smart regulator system, therefore I can disconnect my inverter, wire the 110v supply direct and chuck the inverter into the sea. You see, I don’t really need an inverter. All it does is convert 12v to 110v from your house batteries when you are out to sea, or at anchor. I only have one item that requires 110v to function that I need in that situation. That is my computer and I can run it off of my generator, until I get a pistol type inverter made for computers that inverts 12v to 19v, which is required for my computer. The way my system is now is it converts 12v to 110v and then the computer power supply cord converts it “back” to 19v. This is an extremely inefficient system and an excessive waste of power. Also I do not need the charger side of the big inverter, as I have 360 WATS of solar panels that charge the house batteries with a Honda  2000 I generator for backup.

Wind Raven was previously owned by a very wealthy individual that installed the latest (at the time) and best systems money could buy. Unfortunately, that was mostly in the 90s and I have had to replace, or rebuild them. It has been a slow learning and very expensive process for me. The problem with fancy systems is the complication they cause in a basically simple system. It is easy to fall into the “I have to have that Syndrome.” Especially when you have the money to do so, as I once had. Oh! If I only knew then what I know now! I’ll tell you, I would have a much more simple system and my cruising kitty would have many, many more fun tickets in it! As of late, due to the lack of said “fun tickets” I am simplifying the systems. For instance; no inverterter needed, auto panel on water maker replaced with hand valves etc. etc. Yep, I am now practicing that old adage “KISS.”   KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!

TIME TO EMPTY THE BILGE!

The weather here is a bit wet, due to the spin offs from hurricane Miriam. It was thunder and lightening yesterday, 60% chance today, and 90% tomorrow. The rain is good, but I could do without the lightening, since Wind Raven has that big lightening rod sticking up about fifty feet in the air! Makes one a bit nervous and concerned about the electronics. I have been putting them in the oven and the microwave. They claim it will protect them from destruction. Hmmm, I wonder just who the hell "they" are? Anyone Know?

Well it looks like it is going to take awhile to sell my Harley, as the market is really bad. As a result I have been doing some research on the Max Prop that I removed from Wind Raven. The prop sells new for $3,100. It can be reconditioned at PYI, and the hub can be re-bored to fit a larger shaft if needed. I am going to contact PYI today for an estimate. I will then be able to set a reasonable price on the prop as is. In case anyone might be interested, here is the prop info.

PYI
MAX PROP
70mm 3 BLADE CLASSIC
FITS 1" SHAFT ( but can be safely re-bored to fit larger shaft)

I also have a new condition Hooka with accessories, I can part with among several other items. Maybe some of my fishing rods, I really don't need twelve.
One way or the other I have to get the v-drive repaired or replaced. I'm just not too fond of being held captive, and at the mercy of the weather, by a dysfunctional v-drive! SO, I'm working on it!

THE OLD MARINA

The good news is that the old marina here in Santa Rosalia is an inspiration to behold! Yes I mean it. The day I arrived, I just pulled into an empty slip, tied up, walked up to the office to pay for a slip and was told that I needn't pay until I leave. Toby asked the length of my boat and at 44' he said that would be 200 pesos ($15.00) a day, or 3500 pesos ($270.00) a month. Those are the cheapest rates in Mexico, my friends. He handed me a paper for the Port Captain that was in both Espanol and English to fill out, and then had me put my name on the top of a paper with headers of Beer, Pop, etc. on columns. I asked what that was for and was informed that it was to keep track of what I took from the refrigerator, so it could be added to my bill when I leave. He then told me the "rules" for the marina. These consisted of closing the gate and locking it in a certain way, and mopping up the excess water on the floor after showering. I thought he meant the gate on the ramp to the slips, until he handed me a key and said "this is the key to the office." I said "you're giving me the key to the office," he just said "yeah" like it was the most natural thing in the world. He then added, "how else could you take a shower at night or get something out of the cooler if you want it? Now, I was a bit taken aback! He then smiled and said " we practice the honor system here." Just mark what you take down on your sheet, that's what it's for.

JIM'S BOAT THAT TOWED ME OUT OF BAHIA SAN FRANSCITO

I asked if they didn't have people leave without paying their bill? He said that they did once, but it was years ago, and another cruiser paid the persons bill for him. After paying his bill, he then headed out after the thief  to collect, and did! All I can say is; I'm impressed.

Here at the marina I became friends with a great person who is also a great sailor from New Zealand. His name is Bruce and he is the person who brought his 50' sailboat ( Marionette ) out five miles to tow Wind Raven into Santa Rosalia. He took me out sailing and fishing on his boat a couple of afternoons since I've been here. Yes we/he caught Dorado and Rooster Fish. He left for Puerto Escondido today, as the winds are predicted to be from the north for the next few days. I will miss him and his extremely positive attitude. He is also a great cook and fixes a lot of excellent fruit and vegetable dishes.He will return in a week or so to pick up his car and take it to PE. Around mid October he will be heading to San Diego, and I am hoping to be able to send my v-drive with him that far to be shipped. That is yet to be seen though. He will then return to New Zealand to skipper a very large (Schooner?) charter sailboat for the New Zealand summer. I feel privileged to have met and befriended him.

While he was here, Gorden's lady Kate stopped by on her way to San Diego to catch a plane. It was a surprise seeing her again. It had been over a year since I have seen her. She said to say hello to you Judy, in case you are reading this.


BRUCE'S 50' MARIONETTE

As far as the town is concerned, it is a real Mexican town, with a small town atmosphere. It is actually a mining town, with many beautiful old buildings and a large smelter across the highway from the marina that is not operational. There are others that are operational. I am unable to upload photos on the blog at this time, but will take them anyway and upload them in the future. I right clicked on one of the screwed up photos, then inspect element, and it said; Blob.webkitslice ( ) is deprecated.  Yeah, okay right! Like I'm supposed to know what the hell they are talking about. I will get one of the many computer folks to help me with it asap. Be patient, I will fix it. I think I know who is behind my problems with the blog, so I will take care of that also!

OPTIONS?

I sent an e-mail to Walter Gear and asked them what it would cost for them to rebuild the v-drive. They said that with the described problems it would run in the neighborhood of $1200 plus shipping both ways. I would imagine that the shipping would run around $200 each way, which would bring the price to around $1400 to San Diego. I would then have to get to wherever I am in Mexico. They also said that a new v-drive would cost $2,061 plus shipping one way, which would total around $2,300. 

                                                                                                                                                                   

Options

Parts cost…. $908.00 plus one way shipping & machine shop fee, for removal & installation of pressed shafts & bearings.

Rebuilt unit…. $1200.00 Plus two way shipping to New Jersey.

New v-drive…. $ 2061.00 Plus one way shipping, with the possibility of recouping some of the cost, by selling the old v-drive for $300 to $500.

I will have to get the exact shipping costs and revise this, so that I can make a better informed decision as to my best possible options. I will have to wait until my Harley sells before I can make the purchase anyway, so I have plenty of time. In the mean time I will just have to learn how to be a better sailor, and sail everywhere, without the option of motoring. Either that, or just stay in one place and live on the boat as if it were an apartment on the water. Many people do, ya know!

V-DRIVE OPTIONS, HURRICANE?

Yesterday I started disassembling the v-drive. To make a long technical story short, let it suffice for me to say that I found the major problem, (warn internal double u-joint and pinion shaft splines) that are causing the knock. I disassembled it most of the way in place. As far as I could get in the process exposed the problem and has left me options on how to proceed. Of course I am once again stuck with a dilemma.

This morning I called the Walter v-drive company and spoke with their technician. My intent was in finding out how to remove the internal double u-joint from the case and pinion shaft. What I found out is that the unit must be removed from the boat and they must be pressed out in a machine shop. Both the Pinion shaft and the u-joint have to be replaced. I was also informed that the bearings will also need to be replaced. I asked for a price on these parts and was quoted; U-Joint $432.00, Pinion Gear$216.00, and the Bearings, seals and Gaskets $260.00. That comes to $908.00 plus shipping and import fees. On top of that will be the machine shop bill, which I haven’t a clue what that will cost.

I asked the technician if I could run it as is, for short periods in an emergency situation. He wouldn’t commit himself, which is understandable, but said it might be okay. As far as I know there is no one who can do the work here even if I could purchase the parts and get them here, which is iffy at best. The best place available in Baja would be La Paz, which is over 250 miles south.  I could sail south, but the general winds at this time of year are from the south and would be dead on the nose, or worse yet, nonexistent. With no use of the v-drive and single handing, this option is very iffy indeed. This is especially so during the height of hurricane season. If I sit here and a hurricane hits Santa Rosalia, I am screwed anyway. If I made it as far south as Puerto Escondido, I might be better off, as it is a designated hurricane hole.

It is 125 miles to Puerto Escondido where I would at least have more options. That is if the tropical storm developing doesn’t turn into a hurricane and travel up into the sea.  I’ll just have to think about it all. In the meantime I might just put the v-drive back together. At least then I might have a chance! 

Santa Rosalia

I paid Jim one hundred dollars to tow me out with his powerboat (Sea Hunter) about four and a half miles towards Isla San Pedro Martir. This was marginal, but should afford me ample room to clear the points to the south. The wind was out of the north at about four knots as predicted. I ran out a new six ounce 150 Genoa that had been stored in the locker and headed out in an easterly direction, while I raised the main. The current was just starting to move in a southerly direction, as the tide was beginning to recede. Just as Jim was going around the point on the small anchorage and out of sight, the wind died. I spent the next nine and a half hours in light breezes to no wind. The most headway made under full sail during that time was one half knot, but mostly around three tenths of a knot. This wouldn’t have been a problem if it wasn’t for the current that was trying to take me to shore on the point. I thank God it wasn’t an excessively strong current that day, or I would surely lost Wind Raven.

The wind started to pick up at dusk and having previously learned my lesson of the dangers of sailing at night under full sail, I put three reefs in the main. I ran the one fifty Genoa, since I could furl it in according as required. The wind built rapidly and I was soon on course doing seven plus knots. The wind changed directions thirty degrees or so and in velocity constantly all night long. This caused me to be trimming the sails on a regular basis all night. All in all it wasn’t a bad sail, but very nerve racking without any mechanical power backup. I had no idea when I would arrive in Santa Rosalia.

As it turned out I reached the point north of Santa Rosalia just as it was getting light. I figured that I would continue on course, staying out away from the hills that might block the wind on my approach to the harbor. As it turned out it made no difference, as about two hours later the wind that had been my companion all night died. So it seemed, as it started, so shall it end

There I sat with no propulsion what so ever. I spoke with some cruisers on the sunrise net and they suggested I call into Santa Rosa on VHF 16 or 22 for assistance. I did and was answered by a gentleman by the name of Bruce from Australia on SV Marionette. I informed him of my situation and he replied that he was aware of it, as he had been following my progress on the sunrise net. I asked if anyone had a dinghy with a larger outboard who could tow me in. He said that he would tow me in with his big boat and would be out asap. He called as he left the harbor and said he had me on radar and would be there in about forty five minutes, as he was making seven and a half knots. He arrived on time and towed me in without incident. Bruce wouldn’t take anything for the tow, so I treated him to dinner in what turned out to be the best restaurant with the best food I have experienced in Mexico so far. I took the next two days to get in some groceries and rest up, before attacking the v-drive problem.

Single Handing!


After leaving San Carlos I had an interesting and enjoyable sail for the first ninety miles or so. The weather was beautifully clear, with the a few scattered thunder head lying many miles off to the north. These did not concern me, as they were traveling further north as the day progressed. The weather report was for clear skies with a few isolated cells in the southern sea. I had a great window for the crossing.


A WARNING ?

The wind was south easterly at six to eight knots. I put up the main and ran out my one fifty Mylar Genoa. I couldn’t believe that with an eight knot wind, I was busting six knots at times. The new bottom job was proving to be a good investment and I was very happy with the performance improvement. The winds were fairly consistent, which is not that common for the sea here. I should have taken this f or an omen, but I allowed myself to be lulled into complacency by the joy of a beautiful day and a perfect sail!

THIS IS HOW MY PHOTOS ARE UPLOADING ON THIS BLOG NOW NOW

IF THIS CONTINUES I WILL SWITCH MY BLOG TO GOOGLE

I passed several islands along the way and as it was turning dark I could see Isla San Pedro Matir off my starboard bow. This put me about eleven hours out from Bahia San Francisquito, which theoretically speaking, should put me there just after daybreak, perfect. Well in a perfect world it would be!

I was about twenty miles out, the wind was steady again after a short lull, at eight knots, the full moon had dipped below the horizon and life was good. I was a bit apprehensive concerning the strong currents, due to the extreme tide changes in the sea at this latitude. When crossing from San Carlos to Bahia San Francisquito, on the Baha side there are several islands, seven or eight, in the immediate area to the north. On an outgoing tide they can be quite strong and dangerous, taking many unforeseen directions. Especially if one is in the vicinity of any shoreline. For example, at around twenty five miles off shore, while motoring in a dead spot, I was doing five and a half knots at six hundred RPMs. Now that is a very strong current.

At about fifteen miles out I was kicked back enjoying the perfect sail when the wind went from eight knots to twenty two and held. This was not just a gust, but a full blow with absolutely no warning whatsoever! With the full main up and a 150 Genoa out, single handing became very interesting and quite busy. As a matter of fact, I was busier than, not one, but ten one legged men at an ass kicking contest. I didn’t bother reefing the main, I just dropped it. Thank God for lazy jacks, and I was considering removing them for sun shade access, not anymore. Due to being in at least a three knot southerly current and a somewhat north easterly wind and confused seas, all of the sudden, the boat was out of control.

Fortunately my boat is well rigged and I have almost full line control from the cockpit. I was caught “with my pants down” so to speak, but was very lucky in a way. While I was dropping the main, the Genoa was being ripped (a good thing). The boat was healing from port to starboard and vice versa, due to the conflicting wind and currents. I say currents, because they changed direction constantly. It came very close to a knockdown several times. I managed to furl in the 150 Genoa, fired the engine, put it in gear, ran the rpm’s up to about 1800, trying to get back control. I then checked the wind speed indicator and it read at thirty two knots. Whew! That was close. Unfortunately, I only” thought” I was out of the woods, so to speak!

At about daylight I heard a sort of knocking noise coming from the starboard side, about midway up the hull. It amazes me how hard it can be sometimes to locate the source of a strange noise in a fiberglass hull. After an extended search, I finally located the source of the noise. It seemed to be coming from the v-drive. I shut the engine down and went on deck to check everything out. This is when I discovered that the port sheet had gone overboard during the high winds. When I pulled it in I found that the end was curled in the shape of a spring and was burnt on the inside. Also there was about ten feet missing. The seas were running six to eight feet at about three seconds and very steep. Rough or not, I had to check the prop and shaft. I grabbed my mask and fins, put a harness on with a long tether, and went overboard. The boat was surging up and down with the waves, so I went under and then braced myself against the hull, and sure enough, the lost ten feet of rode was streaming out behind the prop. It took several dives to remove it, while the boat kept trying to smash me in the head.

There was no figure eight knot on the end of the sheet. After this fiasco, I am sure to be a fanatic about checking for figure eight knots on all sheets before I leave. This will never happen to me again and to hell with Murphy’s law!

I fired up the engine once again and headed towards Bahia San Francisquito. As I was entering the bay I could hear a distinct knocking, but nothing like it had been. The next morning I contacted the Sonrisa Net on the single side band radio and explained my situation. They advised me that the small anchorage was a better protected anchorage and that it was deep enough for my boat. One of the cruisers gave me very explicit directions on how to enter and where to anchor safely. They were all a great help, especially Bob in Herford Arizona, who stayed with me for days on the radio, and even made long distance calls to advise relatives of my situation. I can’t thank him enough. He was a great support to me, also acting as liaison between me and the manufacturer of my v-drive.

The following day I moved the boat to the smaller protected anchorage and to my amazement, there was no knock in it. Would you believe it now had a low growl. Great I thought, now I have a new growl and a ghost knock! I thought that maybe I could fix it there, as there was supposed to be a small town with an airport, tienda, and restaurant about a mile from the anchorage. The next day off I went walking to the town a mile away in 100 degree weather. The closer I got to this town, the more deserted it looked. There was a flat strip with rocks lined up as markers on each side that a small plane could land on. I walked past it to some old buildings that a man was standing in front of watching me approach. There were four people who lived there, but none spoke English. Well I gave them my best Spanglish including pantomimes and discovered there was nothing there for sale except cervasa, which seems to be the beverage of choice in Mexico. The gentleman offered me a ride back, which I declined, as I did need the exercise.

While walking back I saw a young man running down a road that ran parallel to the one I was on. I noticed that they would merge in about a hundred yards, so I hollered “hola” to him and he abruptly slammed on his brakes. He then came through the brush to me and introduced himself and the three dogs that were running with him, using his best Spanglish also. We conversed for a good hour about his life there and my life on a boat. I asked if all the dogs were his and he informed me that he actually had seven. In the days to come I saw him running his dogs twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. He was about thirty and his name was Santiago. He had a nice little house just back a little from the beach. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to speak to him again, but would wave a hello each day. He was a very nice young man.

After a few days a boat entered the anchorage (Kashmira) with a very nice couple aboard. His name was Steve, but my name computer fails me when it tries to remember hers. Ya know, there’s just nothing good about getting old. Now I think I finally realize why most people get grumpy with old age. It just aint no fun! Anyway, they were a great help also and full of good advice. They were around for several day and a great moral support. I was very thankful for their company.

Two days prior to departure a power boat arrived and anchored off my port bow. The next day I called him on the VHF and made arrangements for him to pull me out five miles from the anchorage. I learned from Bob in AZ. that the factory people said not to use the v-drive, as it will cause extreme damage to it. With no usable propulsion, I would have to be out far enough to be able to clear the point if the strong current was running out. Bob also advised me of the tide table, so I would know the best chance to make it around the point.

I’m tired now and will cover the next section of my trip, from the anchorage through the currents with sail and wind power only, to Santa Rosalia, tomorrow.

The Plan!

Yeah I know "the best made plans of mouse and men", or was it "life happens while we make other plans." The plan is to lift Wind Raven up, move the blocks, and paint under the keel Friday the 24th. Splash on Saturday the 25th by noon, as they don't work on Saturday afternoons or Sundays.I will spend Saturday  afternoon and Sunday morning at the dock waiting for high tide. Actually I won't be just waiting, as I have to put the roller furling back on, and clean things up. I also will make sure there are no leaks around the repairs.

ALMOST READY TO SPLASH, ALMOST!

I’m almost ready to splash, but not quite. Iwent to a Computer Graphics place and had them make the letters for the name and home port on the stern. I painted the stern, but it was too hot of a day and the brush marks showed. I decided to sand it off and get some brushing thinner, yeah right! I am having a problem with the paint and the weather compatibility. The paint requires low humidity and mild temperatures. The weather here is hot and very humid, as in raining for the past three nights, which makes it extremely sultry during the day. It is the rainy season and I should have expected, and prepared for it! Isn't hindsight great?

ALMOST READY TO PAINT!

The heat problem can be remedied by using a brushing solvent, but I will just have to deal with the weather. Now to locate the brushing solvent, I went into Star Marine in San Carlos yesterday to see if they had something that would work. I couldn’t believe what they had on their shelves. They had both Interlux and Petit paint in quarts, no gallons. They also had brushing thinner, but of course it was not a match for my petit paint. It was Interlux brand, but the kicker was it didn’t even match their Interlux’s required thinner. They also had some Petit spraying thinner, but it didn’t match my paint or their Petit paint. What are these people thinking?

NEW LETTERING!

They offered to order it for me and I just said “right, and laughed.” You see I ordered a 50 amp double pole breaker and several other items from them over six weeks ago, and nothing has come in, nor will it ever come in. Of course this forced me to buy two single pole breakers, at more expense, and wire them together so they work as a single unit. They are for the solar control panel and must be turned on/off in unison, or it will cause irreparible damage to this very expensive unit.

NEW PAINTUNDER STERN!

While I was in San Carlos I had arranged to meet a young lady that had inquired about crewing on Wind Raven. I sent her an e-mail saying that I would meet her at Star Marine at 1:30pm. Right after I sent the e-mail the internet connection crashed. I arrived at 1::20pm and was there until 1:45pm and it was a no show. When I returned to the boat I there was an e-mail from her stating that she got off work early and would meet me at a coffee shop about 100 yards from Star Marine. Of course I hadn’t seen her last e-mail, because of the internet failure, so had no idea of the change, where she was, or how to locate her. She did give me her phone # but I explained to her that I did not have a phone.

VACANT HACIENDA!

My question is; does this show a fault on her part? Since she never received a confirmation from me, shouldn’t she have walked over to Star Marine? It’s a quandary! No matter, she didn’t want to crew until December and I have five other ladies who have expressed a desire to crew around that time. I guess I will have to accept the fact that I will be single handing Wind Raven, at least for the next 300 miles, until I reach La Paz in November, or December.

ACCROSS FROM YARD!

I was just informed that the Immigration will put their new law, where FM-2s will be good for five years (no yearly renewal), into effect on 1/1/2013. My renewal is due in March of 2013. This creates another problem or quandary if you will. You see, I have been considering sailing south to Central America this coming winter. I mean, why stay in one place? The problem is that if I have to stay in Mexico until March to renew my FM-2, it will be too late to head south. That is unless I go way south and stay south, or make the puddle jump instead. I might be able to renew my FM-2 (for the last time) early. If I could renew under the new law in the first week of January, it might not be too late. I would like to keep all options open, if possible.I will have to send an e-mail to Olivia in La Paz and see if she knows anything yet. That is her job, but who knows? This is MEXICO!

MR./MRS. MAJESTIC

REMEMBER THIS BOAT?

ALMOST THERE!

Today the 10th was paint day. Yep, they actually painted today. It's been a long time coming with a lot of BS from the painter. Night before last he failed to tighten the jacks back up before he went home. The wind came up around 2am with lightening, thunder and a shitload of rain. The boat started rocking, something it is not supposed to do on the hard, so I went out in the rain & lightening and had to tighten all of the jacks, as they weren't even up enough to touch the hull. Much less support it. The next morning when I confronted Domingo about him not putting tension back on them after loosening them, and that the boat had been in danger, he just laughed. That night after he left I went out and discovered that he had failed to tighten four of the jacks up again. They were a good three inches away from the hull. The weather was a repeat of the previous night, but this time the jacks were tight, due to my diligence, not Domingo's. When I confronted him in the morning he denied loosening them and said it was the rain that did it. I informed hi that they were loose before the rain and I tightened them back up.

SANDING

EPOXY PRIMER!

68% COPPER HARD BLACK!

PORT SIDE!

Tomorrow the paint under the jacks, the touch up, and a little sanding will be completed, which will just leave three spots on the bottom of the keel to do before I splash! If they fail to tighten all of the jacks up again, I will file a complaint with Gabriel at the Marina and also write an account of the experience for Latitude 38, to warn other cruisers of the non-professional habits of their workers at Marina Guaymas!
Unfortunately, this is about the only marina left where one can do their own work.

GUARDA  JAVIER!

COMING ALONG!

It is now the 6th of August and I only have a few small chores left that must be completed before I splash. It is not that there isn’t much more that I could do, but I just can’t justify spending money on aesthetics when there are more important issues to be addressed in the near future. I did price having the side of the hull sanded and painted from the waterline to, but not including the deck. It was a shock when he said it would cost $1100. I decided to do it myself on the hook later. I will just have to find a nice calm cove to do it in.

REPAIRED RUDDER EDGE

Domingo, the person doing the bottom job hasn’t shown up for the last three days. He should be here today; at least that is what I was told by one of his workers. The bottom is about 1/3rd sanded. The rudder edge had fiberglass showing, so I put some Marine Tex on the edge to cover it.


SANDING GOING VERY SLOWLY

The four ball valves on the cockpit drains are ceased and after soaking in a gallon of WD 40 for four days, they are still ceased. I decided that at $150 each, they can stay ceased. I will just put new hose and double SS clamps on them for now and hope for the best. They should be fine, as long as I keep a close eye on them. They are basically inaccessible anyway. If one should fail, I would have to plug it from the outside anyway. I wanted to remove them and install an above the waterline discharge pipe through the stern, but that will have to wait until I make my second million. I gave up on making my first when I heard the second was much easier to come by.


I THINK I HAVE PROBLEMS?

Dale is supposed to haul out at 1pm today. I haven’t heard from him in a few days as the internet has been down here. In fact it still is, so I have no idea when I will be able to post this. I guess I will just mosey down to the lift dock after lunch and see if he’s around. Then again maybe I should ride into town and see if I can raise him on the portable VHF and ride over with him to help with the lines. Man, there sure is a lot more to think about when you are a single hander. Just having another person aboard to help with lines alleviates much of the stress.


EVEN THE FANCY ONES HAVE EM!

LIKE THIS ROTTED THROUGH HULL!

It is now the 9th of August. Dale hauled out and I spent the 7th and 8th helping him get ready to go back tothe USA to make more fun tickets for his cruising kitty! They are still sanding on the bottom and the sides of the boat. I ended up having to go to Gabriel and complain about the lack of work being done on the boat. About an hour after I spoke with him Domingo showed up with several workers and actually put in a days work. Today they are slower again, but said they would be ready to paint it this afternoon. That is yet to be seen.

GUARD HOUSE RISING!

THE NEW YARD WITH A NEW GUARD HOUSE!

REFRIGERATION

To solve the problem of the bad copper tubing leak I removed the 12V valve and installed it in place of the 110V valve that was leaking. I then wired a cigarett lighter plug on it and just plug it in manually when I need to cool the refrigerator side of the box. It now works. All in all Ron did a good job and spent many hours on it that he charged me very little for. He and his Mexican wife are very nice people. When they were over today I showed her my salsa book and she spent a good two hours copying down recipes. I think she liked it!

I now have COLD beer, SOL a very low alcohol beer with tomato & clamato juice, sprite, and Ice water in the frige! I can even FREEZE fish now.

Met a nice couple from Scotland here in the yard a couple of days ago. They also have cutlass bearing issues!

Tomorrow I will attack the fiberglass issues, if it doesn't rain!

Another fiasco?

I have spent the last few days with Ron, working on the refrigeration. We found the leaky valve that was causing the problem behind the stove. It is the servo type valve that I had to wire direct to get the refrigerator side to work, a while back. To get the system working, until I can find a new valve, we decided to bypass it with a short piece of tubing. In this way I could either have a big double freezer, or a big double refrigerator. One or the other, but not a combination. Hey, it's better than no refrigeration, right?

CULPRIT VALVE

We didn'have any of the correct solder or flux to join the the 1/4" tubing, but Ron said what we did have would work, so he sweated the pieces together. When I looked at it, I mentioned that I could see small holes in the solder around one connection. He said that that was where he knocked off some excess solder and it was okay because it sucked into the joint as it is supposed to.

VERY TEMPORARY REPAIR

A new larger Parker Liquid Line Dryer that I had was installed to keep the system totally dry. It took 24hrs to vacum out the system, due to the pump having to be shut down to cool off. Anyway the system was leak free and holding maximum vacume pressure.

FILTER DRYER

The slow process of recharging the system with R-12 was started around four in the afternoon. It was decided to complete the process the following day. I was excited about once again having refrigeration.
The refrigeratior was cooling down nicely and I was instructed how to take temperature readings, so as to know when to shut the system down for the night.

REFERANCE

About  fifteen minutes after Ron left I heard a loud noise like air blowing out of a tire. Upon investigating the source, I discovered that the joint in the sweated fitting that was previously in question was the culprit. So now I have to repair/replace it and start the process all over again.

LEAK IS CIRCLED

Ron informed me that R-12 is no longer available in Mexico. It is unfortunate that I lost what we already put in the system. When the connection blew, it filled the boat with a heavy fog of R-12. I had to stay out for about an hour before it was clear enough to return. Unfortunately, I did breath a lot of it prior to being able to evacuate.

SEA-COCK & THROUGH HULL

Today I will try to have a tubing replacement made at a refrigeration shop in town, using the correct materials. I hope!

Prop & shaft

The machinest (Noa), brought the shaft with prop attached back and it seems that he did a good job with it. I picked up a zink that goes on the shaft that is an inch wide. It is a much better style than was on the Max Prop. It is a lot heavier so it should last a lot longer. I was afraid that by moving the taper back on the shaft to allow for new threads, a nut and pin, that the shaft might be too short and not allow room for the zink or the shaft shark. Then I remembered a 3/4" spacer I had machined for the shaft coupling that it turned out I didn't need at the time. I located it and now can use it to lengthen the shaft if necessary.

SHAFT WITH PROP AND ZINK INSTALLED!

I measured the cutlass bearing OD incorrectly, so must return to Star Marine in San Carlos on Monday to exchange it. Miguel asked if I he could go with me and I acquiesced. It will be interesting trip, as Miguel doesn't speak English and my Espanol is very limited.

MY NO NO-SEE-UM BUNK!

I repacked the stuffing box on the rudder and hope I put enough in and it was the correct size. Only three wraps went in and I thought it would take at least four of the 5/16" asbestos stuffing material. I am afraid to tighten it down too much and crush it, but I can only hope there is no air space in it where I can't see. When I splash I will have to watch it to make sure it doesn't leak. I also replaced all four of the SS clamps on the rudder post hose.

THE X-SHRIMP FLEET...FISHED THEM OUT!

I removed a sea-cock in the head that the drain plugs disintegrated when I tried to remove them. A fellow cruiser told me to soak the sea-cock in vinegar for 30 minutes to expose any flaws, cracks etc. I am a bit concerned about a possible future leak on the through hull, as it turned about a half inch when I was removing the sea-cock. I will try to remove the nut and re-bed it.

THE X-SHRIMP FLEET

Autobus

Today one of the guards (George), turned me on to a machinist friend that Works for a commercial fishing boat repair yard, who is moving the taper further back on my prop shaft, fitting my prop and making new threads long enough to install a cotter pin through th. Prop nut and shaft. That’s about four to five hours machine work. His price is 800 pesos. That’s about $60.00 US. I don’t even want to think what it would cost in the good old USA.


After making the arrangements with the machinist, I walked to the corner to catch the bus into Guaymas, about eight miles away.As I boarded, I handed the driver my 5 pesos (37 cents) and rode to downtown Guaymas. Now let me tell you, Guaymas is nothing like the cities in Baja California. Guaymas is the real McCoy. I mean it is a genuine Mexican city. Once I left the haul-out yard, the only gringo I saw was in the reflection on the window, and he was even starting to look like he almost belongs here.

The people here are very different towards gringos it seems than they are in BCS. A larger percentage of the older males tend to stare and ignore me if I greet them, but the younger males are very friendly. The women in BCS are very stand-offish and generally ignore greetings from gringo males. Here the women, both young and old, go out of their way to be cordial and seem very interested in speaking to male gringos. At least that has been my experience, so far. I suppose it is different in San Carlos, as it is a big gringo tourist town. I will be going there soon and will see!

Guaymas has just about anything one wants to buy. Today I picked up everything I needed (parts) at specialty stores (Hydraulic store, Oil store, fastener store, etc). It was amazing, every store I went to had what I wanted. This was a new experience in Mexico for me. In La Paz I would have to go to at least four or five stores and only about half the time would one have what I wanted. I like the people, the prices, the availability, and the food, but the weather is very hot, humid, and ELECTRICAL, as in lightening almost every night. The wether reminds me of the Oregon gray, and the hot sticky humidity of Oklahoma!

Today was my seventh day on the hard and they finally put the chains on my jack stands like they promised. I had to bug them every day since I arrived to get them to put them on. I guess they finally figured out that I am very tenacious, or stubborn, if you will!

I found a great Panderia (Bakery) that had all kinds of doughnuts and pastries. I didn’t know what would be good, so I got two of each. In that way I will know what to get next time. As I approached the check out, I noticed two trays of some different kind I didn’t have, so I picked up two of those. Well when I got back to the boat I ate all four doughnuts, yum! yum! Now, you would think would be plenty, and I'm sure it was, but one of the last two on counter I picked up just kept calling my name. Yeah, I crumbled and grabbed it! Now mind you, I had just ate doughnuts, so when I took a big bite I almost spit it back out. It certainly was not sweet, and since my taste buds hadn’t recovered, they were in shock. I was staring at this white stuffing with kinda pinkish flakes around it in the hole where I had bitten. It took a bit, but I finally realized that it was filled with not cream, but cream cheese and ham. About this time my taste buds started to come around and I took another bite. Hmmm, that’s okay! Hmmm, no that’s good! Hmmm, No that’s great!!! I couldn’t eat the other one, so I gave it to the guard at the marina gate. After total silence while he devoured it, he said only one word “Donde” (Where)!

HAUL OUT REPAIRS

Since I have been hauled out, I have been investigating the repairs needed while out of the water. Unfortunately, I discovered some ware inside the Max Prop that was caused by a clogged grease passage way. The damage will have to be repaired, or the prop rebuilt in the future. My plan was to put the spare prop on for now, which would get me by until the repair/rebuild is complete. Unfortunately I found this to be impossible, as when a Max Prop is installed the end of the shaft is cut off and a cotter pin hole drilled for a pin to enable clearance inside. This makes it impossible to hold on a regular prop nut with key. I don’t think there is enough room to have the shaft machined, because it would then be too short. The only way to fix it now would be to have a new shaft made. My only option for now seems to be to clean out the grease channels in the Max prop, fill it with grease and pray that it lasts awhile. At least until I can locate a shaft replacement that I can put the other prop back on.

SHAFT THREADS CUT OFF FOR MAX PROP INSTALLATION!

DEPOSIT ON SHAFT FROM VIBRATION!

I have to pull the shaft to replace the cutlass bearing, which means I will disturb the Drip-less seal. As long as it is out I will install new O-rings in it. While I have it out I will check to make sure there is no room for machining, to enable me to change props.

CUTLASS BEARING!

DRIP-LESS WITH O-RINGS INSIDE

The rudder shaft stuffing box had a slow leak that was quite annoying. Yesterday I finally got the packing material out and discovered two different sizes in it. The first piece removed was ¼ “ but the rest was 3/8” go figure. The larger size was ¼ “ wide and 3/8” high, so maybe it is a different type. I will have to find out and replace it with the correct material.

THE VIBRATING CULPRIT!

1/4" OR 5/16" OR 3/8" ? 

I also want to seal the cockpit hatch while I am here if possible. Actually if I pick up the materials I will be able to make the repair at anchor. I need to pick up some aluminum angle and make a gasket/seal for it. I will then bolt it down until I can locate some water tight latches at a reasonable price for it.

BARCO

The hull bottom is in good shape and I am negotiating a sanding price. I started to sand it and realized it would take me a month in 100 degree plus weather. If I let them sand it, I will have time to pursue other needed repairs, such as a crack in the bow. I don’t know if the crack is just in the gel coat, or if it is in the glass itself. One way or the other, I am going to make a fiberglass repair and then put a stainless steel wrap-around cover over it and bolt it in.

SURFACE CRACK?....I HOPE!

MYSTERIOUS DAMAGE!

Today the people who gave me a price on sanding and painting the bottom are supposed to start sanding. However, the man who gave me the quote was supposed to give me a copy of the quote and has not done so yet. I will not let them start until I have the written quote in hand. I hope he brings it with him this morning so there is no problem. Also Gabriel said three times that he would put chains on the jacks. It has been five days now and I still have no chains on my jacks. I will just have to wait and see what transpires later this morning when they show

Some photos for your perusal!

GUARDA CASA!

GUARDA MIGUEL!

 

CATCH-UP

I am going to try and catch up on my travels since I last posted on the blog. Let me say first that I have tried make posts, but I could not access the blog. Someone or some thing changed my password eleven days ago and I just got it changed to a new password and now have access once again.

ON OUR WAY

LET-N-GO IN PLAYA EL BURRO

I arrived safely at Bahia Concepcion and since it was only 1pm I decided to search the various anchorages for Dale on Let-n-Go. I finally located him in the third anchorage ( Playa El Burro ). This was a bussy anchorage along side of Highway 1, which runs from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas. The semis were very noisy. The beach was packed with little Palapas that looked more like mini houses to me, and they were about eight or ten feet apart. That is what I came down here to get away from, so as a result, I didn't care much for Bahia Concepcion. Too city-fied for me. We left two days later and headed for Guaymas.


LOOKING AT YA!

INTERESTING SUNRISE REFLECTION

The sail? not, the motering to Guaymas was okay, but would have been much better if the wind predictions would have been correct. I lost a Dorado on the way over, which was okay, because my refrigeration is on the blink again and he was way too large for two people to eat. Later I landed a smaller Dorado which was delicious, I might add!

REFLECTIONS OVER DOLPHINS

WILEY SAYING 'COME ON"

On the way over at night I was entertained by Dolphins in the phospheresant water. It was an amazing thing to watch. They would shoot up under the bow, turn on their side and look at me, all the while lighting up the water, and then they would shoot forward and jump five to six feet out of the water right in front of the boat. Of course I would cheer them on and then one or two at a time they would come back, turn on their side to look at me and when I would cheer them on they would repeat their feat. They did this for at least 45 minutes before they left. However they returned after daylight and did a short onchore turning sideways to look at me on the bow each time. It made the trip very special.

THATS ME IN THE LOWER CORNER

HERE'S LOOKIN AT CHA!

When we approached the mainland, we could see a lot of lightening and dark clouds, due to the full moon. Let me just say that it was a beautiful display of fearsome lightening, that frankly I could have been perfectly happy to live without. Dale sailed through it to Guaymas. I being the coward I am, layed 25 miles off shore and let it go by, before approaching the area. I just don't have any desire to enter an electrical storm with my mast acting as a lightening rod.

PRE-STORM SUNRISE

GOING IN AFTER THE STORM

The next morning I sailed to an anchorage inside the point before entering Bahia Guaymas. The following morning we motored into Bahia Guaymas and anchored not far from Marina Fanatur. We spent some time provisioning in a great market, got some ice and retired to the boats, as we were exhausted.

JUST AN EARLY MORNING FRIEND!

I contacted Gabrial at Marina Guaymas and made the arrangements to haul out! To be continued!