Tuesday, November 23, 2010

CRUISING IS FIXING YOUR BOAT IN EXOTIC PLACES

As we sailed out of Snead Island Boat Works the sun was shining and the sky was blue. There was a light breeze and all was right with the world. For about 15 minutes. Then the overheat alarm sounded on the ystarboard engine.

We ended up anchoring for the night within view of the boatyard we had just left. The next morning we tried again with the same result. Phil even tried removing the thermostat. No help.

We headed south down the Intracoastal Waterway on one engine. As we traveled, we began to notice that the head (toilet) was not working properly. Soon it wasn't working at all. Things were getting serious now. In two days we arrived at Naples, where we were able to secure a mooring ball for only $10 per night, which includes shower and restroom facilities and laundry.

We have found a diesel mechanic to fix the engine and Phil is quickly becoming an expert at head repair. Why does Phil get stuck repairing the head, I hear you say? Well, it's because on a cruising boat there are blue jobs (for boys) and pink jobs (for girls). Repairing the head is a blue job. Normally, I would complain that was a sexist approach to job sharing. This time, however, I'm not saying a word.

There are no pictures this time. I'm sending this from my smart phone and I'm not smart enough yet to know how to put the pictures in.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Margaret

2 comments:

Rich S/V Feral Cat said...

Hi Phil and Margaret
I hope your troubles are behind you (heh heh). At least you are on the water. Have a great winter and keep on blogging, I'll be following your posts.
Rich

laurenceandjoan said...

Hey guys, was that you by any chance that we saw in the Publix in marathon Friday at about 4:00pm? Laurence and Joan (Better Than Working)