November 2012

November. 2012 On arrival at the boatyard we decided it would be too difficult to stay aboard and work at the same time. Removing the old engine and installing another is a challenge at the best of times. We could not get a crane therefore we had to invent a way around our situation. We made up a conglomeration and along with a small pulley we had the old engine out and the new engine below. We started the yucky job of cleaning and painting the engine compartment and Vic commenced to get the compartment ready to receive the new engine. I had the job of removing items from all the cupboards and containers, weeding out the bad and keeping the good items. I painted the cupboards, put in non slip shelving in all the drawers and cupboards. As you can see from the first picture of the engine sitting in the middle of the floor and chaos of items in the first blog to the inside now, it takes a lot of work to get it livable. After days of sliding the engine in and out sweating, planning, scrutinizing, praying and thanksgiving the time came to try the engine using a garden hose to supply water. What a blissful sound. The hard work and dedication paid off. We then came across an excellent buy on a Force 10 stove. Two days of elbow grease and she was as shiny as a new penny. Vic got the three burners working and will work on the oven later. New stove installed! We moved on the boat and continued doing maintenance. Whisper got launched, d-day arrived we took her out to try the engine, a few minor adjustments and we went back to the wharf. We continued rigging her out and provisioning. After two weeks still finding things to do we decided it was time to let the lines go. We are now traveling south and making adjustments as we go. Our plan is to be in the Key West area for Christmas. A months sailing will be payback for the scars and bloody knuckles. Keep in touch . Marilyn and Vic