So….change of plans. Looks like we are staying in Hatchet Bay longer due to engine troubles again.
Last night after dinner, very late, after finishing with all the crab mess, computer work, IRS forms complete, urgent internet todo (since we thought we were loosing internet) then got the boat ready for big passage today, Mike then did the engine checks at 11pm….and found a LOT of diesel fuel had leaked into engine oil…even while we were just sitting not even using the engine at all. Mike has been closely monitoring it since we left FL and while there was still a leak he was managing it. This was a significant change though from last 2 weeks. The pump and injectors that Mike fixed in Florida did not entirely fix the problem. We need that high pressure pump that we dropped off in Fort Lauderdale to be rebuilt right before our gulf stream crossing (which is done, paid for…but in Florida).
So we set alarms for 6am this morning (After going to bed after midnight and had Henry up at 2am with us) and the wind was very light (forecast change)….not enough to get us to Exumas…and not wanting to use the engine at all…..we decided the more prudent thing to do was to stay put and not leave today.
Mike worked all morning to try and get that refit pump that we left at the shop in Fort Lauderdale…onto a plane tomorrow to north Eleuthera. They only fly once a week and we got lucky the flight is tomorrow. Mike’s friend Aaron Mullins saved the day AGAIN to get the part from the shop to the executive airport, while mike was on lots of calls and worked on all the paperwork.
We were all tired, and discouraged and second guessing all our decisions. Mike spent the rest of the morning removing and checking every injector on the engine – thank goodness they are all still good. Only Henry had energy as he slept in till 9:20am!!! Totally won the “sleeping award” that we joke about. Kids got some of their Christmas thank you cards written and then we got in a snorkel trip midday. Got to have some good phone calls with family. Bliss did end up leaving today but just went a few hours away and we hope to meet up again later this week.
Mike and kids got a conch horn made – a must have on every sailboat. Traditionally people blow the conch horn at sunset each night. The technique is similar to blowing a trumpet. Emma got it very quickly – I was impressed and she was very proud of herself! We enjoyed an early, quiet family dinner in cockpit trying to keep Emma awake past 5:30pm to keep chewing! A big change from last few nights of late nights partying it up with Bliss family.
Tomorrow – fingers crossed – by midday Mike will meet the plane (30km away) and get the engine part cleared from customs. Then I guess that makes Wednesday a boat engine work day for Mike.
Will take each day as it comes. Tonight it’s early to bed for everyone.
Fun Afloat 