My re-built transmission crapped out.
My transmission has been giving me some problems since i arrived in the Bahamas. It has finally crapped out. It wont go into forward gear. Now, I know, I know, "why does a SAILboat need a transmission? You should be sailing".... Truth is, I have not used the sails yet since I left Florida. Also I need to motor into and out of docks, diesel stations, Harbors, and anchorages, even if you sail all the time. So bottom line - I need a new Transmission. Now to deal with the Foreign Boat and the 'how to.'
I went to shore yesterday, to meet a Customs Officer to inquire about "a boat in transit and replacement parts." But the customs guy threw me a wildcard. I need a customs broker to work the transaction through. I cant just order the part and ship it... So I found a customs broker and got all that info and paperwork. *The Manufacturer in Fort Lauderdale will hand over the part to the customs broker, who will then SHIP it to Marsh Harbor. Then I will go to the customs agent here and bring my $$$, passport, cruising permit, copy of the invoice. Whereupon I will fill out reams of paperwork, pay a 7% tax and collect my part.
TODAY - this morning, I called the manufacturer in Ft. Lauderdale to order a 'NEW' in the box Transmission. $2,300.US. but, it will go into forward gear! (*and has a warranty) A re-built unit was $1,500.
The customs broker guy says they ship via boat to arrive twice weekly. I doubt I can make the Friday boat, but hope for the Tuesday boat. Pirates!
So I have to slide back the drive shaft, drop the transmission, then somehow get it out of the engine room. Receive the new one and reverse the process. Easy Peasy. It sits way down at the bottom of the engine, where you can barely reach. Weighs about 40 lbs and is something you must have.
So, whats up with ya'll? -skip
I went to shore yesterday, to meet a Customs Officer to inquire about "a boat in transit and replacement parts." But the customs guy threw me a wildcard. I need a customs broker to work the transaction through. I cant just order the part and ship it... So I found a customs broker and got all that info and paperwork. *The Manufacturer in Fort Lauderdale will hand over the part to the customs broker, who will then SHIP it to Marsh Harbor. Then I will go to the customs agent here and bring my $$$, passport, cruising permit, copy of the invoice. Whereupon I will fill out reams of paperwork, pay a 7% tax and collect my part.
TODAY - this morning, I called the manufacturer in Ft. Lauderdale to order a 'NEW' in the box Transmission. $2,300.US. but, it will go into forward gear! (*and has a warranty) A re-built unit was $1,500.
The customs broker guy says they ship via boat to arrive twice weekly. I doubt I can make the Friday boat, but hope for the Tuesday boat. Pirates!
So I have to slide back the drive shaft, drop the transmission, then somehow get it out of the engine room. Receive the new one and reverse the process. Easy Peasy. It sits way down at the bottom of the engine, where you can barely reach. Weighs about 40 lbs and is something you must have.
So, whats up with ya'll? -skip
