Let the Water be Warm

Working away.

I spent the day focused on a couple of canvas projects and getting the spreader boots ready for tomorrow's trip up the mast.

Mario, the engine mechanic, arrived to tear apart the port engine.   We all had a laugh when the engine cooling water pump was brought out for display.  The intake side was packed with something green, maybe moss?  maybe antifreeze congealed.  One of the coolant hoses was cracked through and the valve cover gasket was in bad shape.  BUT the compression test was good so there was no need to remove the head.   We were relieved the engine was in generally good condition and with some new parts we will have two solid engines.

The drinks however, will stay on ice for the duration of this trip.  Shortly after Mario left, Jose the refrigeration mechanic returned with our compressor.  He had worked to clean it, etc, but after it was reinstalled.....nothing.  So that lovely item will come back to the states with us next month and get checked out or replaced.

Alan spent the majority of his day removing the caulking from the seams in the bow area to re-caulk.  The best platform to reach those spots is from the top of the car that is conveniently parked under the boat to grab any available shade.

But the afternoon and evening temps continue to drop and we finally asked at the marina office if they could turn on the hot water in the showers.  So the showers this evening were in luke warm water!

And Alan's almost last project was re-installing the diesel atomizer nozzle for the Webasto hot water and heating system on the boat.  The heater fired right up after that and the water in the galley was warm.

Just as it was quitting time because the drum and bugle corps from the local high school began their daily practice session on the Malecon, Carlos, the stainless welder showed up with 2 20 foot stainless tubing pieces.  There was a quick consultation and he promises to return tomorrow at 9am.  But Alan had to then remove the existing base of the wind generator pole and fill the holes with resin so the surface will be ready for a new base plate.

A long day.  But we had warm water as our success story.  More cruisers are showing up...there are now  10 boats in the yard with owners aboard.  One boat went in the water today...an Australian couple who bought a boat here and have outfitted her and will sail back to Fremantle this next season.

We are headed to Dairy Queen to top off the day!