Light at the end of the tunnel

It's been a frustrating summer waiting for our new boat to be mechanically sound.

On July 19, after the engine rebuild, I went for the seatrial in anticipation of passing papers on the 20th.  The engine started right up and purred like a kitten.

With the owner driving and the broker in the cockpit, the surveyor and I watched the engine from the cabin.  We were looking for leaks, temperature spikes or anything out of the ordinary.  I heard what at first blush sounded like an end-of-life bearing eminating from the alternator. The alternator wasn't putting out enough voltage.

Then the sound became louder and started to point to rocker arm adjustment. Shortly thereafter, the engine started jumping around and it became apparent that the sound - which had become something akin to a canning jar half full of marbles being vigorously shaken - was coming from the transmission.  Back to the dock, back in the car with the mission of telling Kathy that purchase had yet again been delayed.

Today the transmission was removed from the boat and a new one on hand could be installed along with a new Balmar alternator.

Carl the mechanic with the old and new transmissions

Perhaps our 2-week trip starting in two days may still be possible.

Stella has a new owner

On July 8 Noah became the new caretaker of Stella.  I spent 5 hours with Noah and his father going over systems and details.  Noah's going to moor Stella in the waters off Peaks Island in Casco Bay.  I'm very pleased that she is in good hands and remain in Maine Waters.

Engine work progressing

When launched, our soon to be our Pacific Seacraft 37 had a catrostropic engine failure (siezed water pump which distroyed the camshaft).  That was on May 24th.  Mechanic has been working on teardown and now is in the throws of reassembly.  Several other issues were discovered and corrected.  Essentially a major overhaul with a zero hour reset.  The engine had less than 800 hours on it when it happened.

Sea trial is now looking like July 20th.  If it happens we will transfer ownership of the boat and head to RKD on Saturday morning.

Finger's crossed.  Still on track for a 2 week trip downeast late in the month.

Universal M-40B 37.5 hp.