STUCK!
Yes. I'm stuck. I'll tell you about that in a minute... but before I do I figured I'd give an update on what's been happening.
I have been heading back down the coast with plans to make it back to Florida by December via the IntraCoastal Waterway.
I made a planned stop in Annapolis for the Annapolis Boat Show and to spend time with mom and other family (Susan/Bobby and Mark/Alice).
I also took a week and went home to Chicago to visit Janet and Penny and Megan and Mike.
While I was in Annapolis I stayed on a mooring in Cape St. Claire. It was a beautiful, peaceful, comfortable and safe place to leave the boat. Which I did for a couple weeks. Thanks again to Mark for setting me up on the mooring...
Here's the boat on the mooring in Cape St. Claire...
I resumed the trip a few days ago and was joined by my good friend and sailor Mitch from Chicago. Our plan was to spend a few days heading south on the Chesapeake and make our way ultimately to Norfolk - for Mitch's planned return to Chicago.
Things started out well and we visited the quaint little town of St. Michael's on the Bay. After that we spent a night at anchor up a little creek on the Choptank River.
After that we headed out on a windy day with plans to continue south. Now - I have a lot of experience and know my boat well - but things did not seem right. The wind was blowing real hard, 20+ knots from dead ahead and there was some decent waves too - and the boat just was struggling to make headway. I assumed it had to do with the winds but I have experienced these conditions before and not struggled as much to make head-way. I thought that perhaps the propeller was fouled with a tangled line or some marine growth...
We made it to the Patuxent River and took a slip at Calvert Marina on Solomon's Island. I decided to investigate my issue further and concluded that the lack/loss of power against the strong winds was due to a transmission problem. The transmission on the boat (similar to a car transmission) transfers the engine power to the propeller. Well after 1,800 hours on the engine I concluded the trans was only partially engaging and effectively 'slipping' which is a common transmission failure... (I'm not superstitious - but in just my last post I talked about maintenance and how I have had no major problems to this point - maybe I jinxed myself. )
Unfortunately - what also appears to be a common problem is to run in to trouble getting someone to help diagnose, troubleshoot, and fix the problem. Where I'm staying in Solomon's Island has several marinas and boatyards - all of which told me they were too busy to even come to the boat and look at the problem.
What I've learned after countless phone calls and online searching is that the transmission on the boat is no longer made - so my best bet is to find someone who can re-build the old unit. Just a short while ago - after two days of phone calls I found a 'guy' who said he'd come to the boat tomorrow and remove the transmission - not a simple job. He works with a 'guy' who re-builds transmissions for a living and when I spoke with him I felt semi-confident that he might be able to do the re-build in a reasonable amount of time - if he can get the parts - a big IF. Then the re-built unit will be installed by the first 'guy' and I'll be on my way. How long this will take - is anyone's guess. You can't get a quote or a commitment until the faulty unit is inspected at the shop.
So, I'm STUCK until I can get this problem resolved.
Over the course of my trip, I have met and talked with many people who are also cruising and I've heard all sorts of stories. So, I've always known that something like this was always within the realm of possibility - so I'm taking it in stride - all as part of the cruising experience.
Here's a picture of the 'slipping transmission'... the transmission is attached to the rear of the engine and the propeller shaft is connected to the transmission...
Oh, by the way. Did I mention it's October 26th and getting a bit chilly??? I want you to meet my new best friend.
My new best friend is Mr. Buddy. He's a portable propane heater who generates a whopping 10,000 BTUs of heat...
Here's Mr. Buddy in action one night as I got ready for bed...
Hopefully - I'll be on my way soon and before it gets too much colder...
I have been heading back down the coast with plans to make it back to Florida by December via the IntraCoastal Waterway.
I made a planned stop in Annapolis for the Annapolis Boat Show and to spend time with mom and other family (Susan/Bobby and Mark/Alice).
I also took a week and went home to Chicago to visit Janet and Penny and Megan and Mike.
While I was in Annapolis I stayed on a mooring in Cape St. Claire. It was a beautiful, peaceful, comfortable and safe place to leave the boat. Which I did for a couple weeks. Thanks again to Mark for setting me up on the mooring...
Here's the boat on the mooring in Cape St. Claire...
I resumed the trip a few days ago and was joined by my good friend and sailor Mitch from Chicago. Our plan was to spend a few days heading south on the Chesapeake and make our way ultimately to Norfolk - for Mitch's planned return to Chicago.
Things started out well and we visited the quaint little town of St. Michael's on the Bay. After that we spent a night at anchor up a little creek on the Choptank River.
After that we headed out on a windy day with plans to continue south. Now - I have a lot of experience and know my boat well - but things did not seem right. The wind was blowing real hard, 20+ knots from dead ahead and there was some decent waves too - and the boat just was struggling to make headway. I assumed it had to do with the winds but I have experienced these conditions before and not struggled as much to make head-way. I thought that perhaps the propeller was fouled with a tangled line or some marine growth...
We made it to the Patuxent River and took a slip at Calvert Marina on Solomon's Island. I decided to investigate my issue further and concluded that the lack/loss of power against the strong winds was due to a transmission problem. The transmission on the boat (similar to a car transmission) transfers the engine power to the propeller. Well after 1,800 hours on the engine I concluded the trans was only partially engaging and effectively 'slipping' which is a common transmission failure... (I'm not superstitious - but in just my last post I talked about maintenance and how I have had no major problems to this point - maybe I jinxed myself. )
Unfortunately - what also appears to be a common problem is to run in to trouble getting someone to help diagnose, troubleshoot, and fix the problem. Where I'm staying in Solomon's Island has several marinas and boatyards - all of which told me they were too busy to even come to the boat and look at the problem.
What I've learned after countless phone calls and online searching is that the transmission on the boat is no longer made - so my best bet is to find someone who can re-build the old unit. Just a short while ago - after two days of phone calls I found a 'guy' who said he'd come to the boat tomorrow and remove the transmission - not a simple job. He works with a 'guy' who re-builds transmissions for a living and when I spoke with him I felt semi-confident that he might be able to do the re-build in a reasonable amount of time - if he can get the parts - a big IF. Then the re-built unit will be installed by the first 'guy' and I'll be on my way. How long this will take - is anyone's guess. You can't get a quote or a commitment until the faulty unit is inspected at the shop.
So, I'm STUCK until I can get this problem resolved.
Over the course of my trip, I have met and talked with many people who are also cruising and I've heard all sorts of stories. So, I've always known that something like this was always within the realm of possibility - so I'm taking it in stride - all as part of the cruising experience.
Here's a picture of the 'slipping transmission'... the transmission is attached to the rear of the engine and the propeller shaft is connected to the transmission...
Oh, by the way. Did I mention it's October 26th and getting a bit chilly??? I want you to meet my new best friend.
My new best friend is Mr. Buddy. He's a portable propane heater who generates a whopping 10,000 BTUs of heat...
Here's Mr. Buddy in action one night as I got ready for bed...
Hopefully - I'll be on my way soon and before it gets too much colder...
Love hearing about all your adventures—or miss. What a bummer. Hope you are fixed up soon. I had no idea what all it takes to sail a ship. M.
ReplyDeleteYou guys, your right, there is always something, like "Rosana Dana" Gilda Radner. Just keep on trucking. BJ
DeleteI have been commenting since you gave me your blog. Hope you got them all. Not sure if I signed into google right!
ReplyDeleteI have been seeing and appreciating your comments. Hope all is well on your end...
DeleteYou will be home for Christmas before I get my hole and cracks finished. Have to wait two more weeks for siding guy to patch with leftover siding from other building. Then wait for two rains. Inside after no more leakage. But am getting whole living room painted.
DeleteAll else good here. My sister Genie is coming for turkey.
Sooo glad Penny will be there as she watches her on Facebook and delights in her.