Another Problem to Overcome

When you are getting ready to go cruising, there is always another problem to overcome. And we have our problems too.

We were backing out of the slip down the fairway against 20 knot winds when we started to lose speed. Elaine did hear an unusual noise when we started to back out of the slip but it was just momentary. As I increased the throttle the boat still slowed down. I then placed the shifter into forward and the boat began to move forward normally. I then tried reverse again and did not have any reverse even after increasing the throttle. I was able to safely return Barefoot Babe back to the slip with only a small bump and a small black mark on the hull. I then checked the transmission and determined that the problem was internal.

Now was time to remove the transmission from the boat and take it to a repair facility. On our Irwin I have a direct access door from the aft cabin. But the access door, exhaust hoses, and wet lift muffler still has to be removed along with a vanity seat from the aft cabin. The prop shaft has to

be pushed back to give clearance for removal without sinking the boat. And of course the engine room is only big enough for a very small person. I was finally able to remove the transmission and get it to Land & Sea Marine.

After getting the gear checked at the repair facility I determined that it would be more prudent to order a brand new unit versus a rebuilt unit. So today 5/24/13 I ordered the unit and hope to have it delivered at Land & Sea by next Friday. It will take me about four (4) hours to install it and test it to insure it works properly.



Once the marine gear was removed, I was able to access the bilge area. I then was able to paint the area with bilge coat making it nice and white and bright.

We have been removing all of the charter supplies from the boat that have accumulated over six (6) years of chartering. I even think we have gained an inch of waterline. So now we have a lot of room that we can fill again with cruising supplies. We even have room for the new water maker.




I have started to install the lifeline netting and hope to have it finished in a day or two. We are still expecting to leave on Monday June 3rd for Florida. But depending on the delivery, installation, and testing of the transmission, the departure date could be later.

In The Shipyard

We had Barefoot Babe hauled out at Clear Lake Marine to have Jose at Simpson Yacht Service do a bottom job on her. We had found a few blisters and decided to have all of them repaired. They were ground out, dried and then re-glassed. Jose's team did a great job on the repairs. I recommend their service. The job was done in a timely manner, repair and painting of the bottom was very good.
     

While Jose and his team was working on the bottom of the boat I was busy on the inside. I replaced some ball valves and exercised and lubed all the rest. Re-piped the A/C intake and the refrigerator cooling intake. I then checked every hose clamp on the boat and replaced any that had rust or corrosion on them. I then manufactured and installed stainless steel safety rails along the outside of the Bimini on each side of the boat. Just a few more things on the list left.