RETURNED TO DESTIN....

I called my Dad to let him know what the problem was 

and his reply, "Destin might be your destiny!"

I got about a mile offshore and the Auto Pilot 'crapped out.'  The control head at the helm gave me an error message, "Hydraulic Ram Failure."  Well, with our first leg of the trip loss of steerage, i figured it would be SMART to return to Destin and try to see what's wrong rather than lose control and know.

I'm back at anchor in my reserved spot.  Dead center of the harbor in Destin, my destiny.

I'll report back here after i go disassemble the aft cabin and reach the hydraulic steering ram.

anchored Skip     10am

__________________________________
12:10pm

I am back in the 'Pit' working on the hydraulic.  i can see what the problem is.  

HUMAN ERROR.    (mine - duhhhh)    when we had the bad problems with steering before on the first crossing i left the bed out of the aft cabin and the bed frame removed so i could access instantly the ram, hose and steering should any problem present while going from Pensacola to Destin.  (none arose, i just had fuel filter issues) 

Well, when i got to Destin - before i put the room all back together i 'tried to tighten one drippy loose fitting.'  But i had to close a valve to access the fitting.  (the handle was in the way)  i tightened, but DIDNT open the valve back up.  So this morning the boat was trying to steer but i had closed the valve for the steering.  (the boat had one hand tied behind it's back)

I did it.  now i'm back in the PIT working to try to tighten that one dripping fitting AND to open that last valve....  i expect success since it's designed to have the valves open and i had closed it.  oops!  

First;  remove the mattress.  (manhandle this brute)  Second; drag said mattress to the front of the boat, to the v birth - out of the way.  Third; move mattress from the v birth to get to the tools needed. Fourth; reverse the process.

1:39pm it's time for a nap (in the cockpit since the entire boat is covered with tools) then afterward i can check for any hydraulic drips.  Lastly put the bed back together.  (or leave it till tomorrow to check again?)   *note:  it aint easy being a Pirate.          -Skip

It all checked out perfect.  I expect tomorrow to be a great travel day with steering!