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.

Name for our new boat

After much pondering and consideration, we have decided to name our new boat (when we actually take possession post engine repair) -

Oriane

Rockland, Maine

Our friend David Deal has offered to create the graphics and eagerly await what he comes up with for the typeface/logo.

Progress on the PS 37

We had encouraging news that the new crankshaft arrived at the distributor.  Still awaiting the gasket set.  Mechanic found broken alternator bracket while disassembling engine. Fingers crossed for rapid resolution so that we can transfer ownership and start sailing on our boat.

Delivery run from Buzzards Bay to Portland

This past weekend, we helped John Hannah deliver his new to him Catalina 320 from Wareham, MA to his berth at the Maine Yacht Center in Portland. On Friday after bending the sails on and getting extra fuel, food and gear aboard, we started for Portland for a 3 day delivery.  The first goal was the timing of the Cape Cod Canal and a destination of Scituate Harbor for the night.

Just as we were entering the Cape Cod Canal proper, the just serviced diesel auxiliary quit.  We were motor-sailing with just the jib out so we came about to port out of the channel doused the jib and tested the new anchor.  After a moderate exploration and consideration, the decision was made to get a tow into Onset Harbor to figure things out.  By late morning on Saturday with parts and advice acquired, we worked towards resolution.  With finger's crossed and hopes up high after hours of ineffective attempts we cranked the engine and it came to life.  High fives and final prep and we started off again.  We were a day behind and an hour later than Friday so our goal became Gloucester.

Railroad Drawbridge on the canal

We arrived in Gloucester in the evening near dark. Sunday morning we transited the Annisquam river and headed north to Portland.  We made a brief stop in Cape Porpoise to pick up the owner's wife who enjoyed the last leg of the trip with us.

Sunday morning Annisquam River

Cape Porpoise Light - nearly home to Portland.

Engine failure

After launch, the engine had a catastrophic failure.  Delivery to us for our new boat has been put off until July 15 or before.

We're pretty bummed but rolling with the punches.  Heading to south coast of Mass to help deliver a boat to Portland.  Should be a fun three days.