A cock and ball story? Once upon a time Hunter Marine sent out in August 2006 a recall on all seacocks and ball valves for some Hunter boats. We left home in August, so whether Hunter have notified us or not we don't know, they haven't emailed us.. However we have been informed by the owner Bob Bowden of our sister Hunter Legend here in Las Palmas that there is a  recall. We checked out the Hunter website on Friday, and sure enough our boat is on their list. Apparently the shaft between the handle and the ball is prone to corrosion and failure, and the US coastguard have issued a recall for replacement, We have actually had one fail already, fortunately it's in the open position, but it does mean we can't close it if we had a burst pipe.

 

I spoke to Hunter (Opal Marine in the UK where we bought the boat) and they didn't know or care too much but they did find us a US phone number for me to ring.

I managed to find the person to speak to thanks to Bob Bowden and Hunter confirmed the replacement parts and promised to send them the same day. Hunter are paying for all our out of pocket expenses, it's just a bad time for us to be hauled out, one, because the travel lift is very busy with all the ARC boats and two, we are busy provisioning the boat and attending seminars and the odd 'happy hour'. Still, better to get it done now.

 

I'm here at the top end of the boat fitting a new pulley so we can pole out our twin head sails, it's our own version of a tried and tested 'Twistle Rig' I think it will help with our down wind sailing.

 

Things are hotting up here in the Marina, the ARC office opened yesterday, which is bringing a bit more organization to the chaos, shame they weren't here a couple of weeks earlier. More boats are arriving, the ARC office now giving berthing instructions and organizing passes,  seminars, lifeboat drills and flare demos etc. They also arrange a meetings with reps from various equipment suppliers in case you have any doubts about your electronics or radios, and also arrange a safety inspection on board every boat taking part in the rally. We had our inspection today, they check we have all the necessary safety equipment, see if its in date and working, check for example that our batteries are strapped down, because in the event that our boat is knocked down we don't want these heavy items breaking  loose and going through the roof hatches or windows. Our inspection went well just need some white flares but they on order.

 

Rolnautic a local  chandler has arranged a welcome party tonight for all its customers, so we'll pop along there  for a sample of their offerings, we're beginning to get the impression that the sailing is arranged solely so we have three weeks to dry out and sober up!     

 

Susie and Billy arrive next Monday, can't wait to see her ------------------------------------------------  (she has some DVD's, magazines and Tea bags)  

 

Just joking Sooze.

 

Hopefully our boat will be hauled soon and we can relax.