My to-do list is shrinking.
BUT, it's a boat... '-it happens!'
First on the list: Helm Switches
During my inspection I noticed a couple of lights didn't come on.
Plus my roller furling jib needed a new furling line.
Better call my buddy Curt, with Keys Rigging.
Kato and Curt
Lights back ON
Kato goes up to fix lights
Rigging invoice: $290. (2men @ 1.5hr) Priceless
___________________
Next on the list: Hydraulic Steering crapped out
I have to steer Prodigal. BUT the Hynautic system is leaking fluid. At first it was a very slow leak taking weeks to lose pressure. For about two years I lived with it. Checked it, refilled the fluid and pumped up the pressure. Repeatedly. (about once a month) Last week when preparing for my sail North back to Fort Pierce for hurricane season I filled the fluid and pumped it up. Two days later the entire tank was empty, not just pressure lost. Oops. THAT'S a problem. I have to steer. So this has to be fixed. It's beyond my expertise and needs a professional. After several inquiries Marathon Boat Yard is the choice for the repair. But, how to get there without steerage? Call Sea Tow, my boat towing service. (like triple A for boats) I pay Sea Tow about $200 per year for insurance against any towing needs. Dustin from SeaTow arrived at 4pm and tied up to Prodigal. We motored over to the Marina and tied up there about 4:45pm Wednesday. Thursday the marina tech, Rodney came aboard and inspected the steering quadrant for about 15 minutes at 1pm, and agreed, "it needs to be fixed." They scheduled me for 9am Friday to rip out the steering RAM. The manufacturer was sold years ago and the new company does not make this model any longer. But they will still repair it. So it's sent off airfreight to their hands for Monday. I'm on hold awaiting news...
Moving from the mooring ball to Marathon Boat Yard ~ 1,200 ft.
SEA TOW fees $966. for Dustin to drag me. ~45 minutes.
looking down at the steering autopilot
 
The RAM (far right, long thing)
   I'll post the bill - when - IF - we get it fixed...  |
