Make & Mend Day
'Sarf & West mate, Sarf & West'
Pete Bernfeld
Tue 12 Jan 2010 11:06
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From a repair /maintenance point of view, yesterday
was a productive day. First thing in the morning I back-flushed the water maker,
so that's OK for the next ten days. We tackled the gear-selector problem on the
outboard, which in the end led to a major disassembly, but I think we've cured
the problem, JB-welding the plastic gear lever back onto the spline (after
freeing- of the mechanism). I say we, Simon did most of the work whilst I
supported the engine.
We 'borrowed' a poo-pump diaphragm, so hopefully
that problem is now fixed. There was a very very slight 'weep' on pump-out. I'm
hoping that was a seal in the front access panel drying out. Lots of salt water
today to flush the pump through and I'll check!
We removed the thigh-support from the helmsmans
seat and found the wooden cross-beam had almost totally crumbled away, so the
search is on for a replacement 'lump of wood'.
There was 'high drama' (Part One) when a very ratty
Swedish boat dragged its anchor and bore down on Delicado. To make a short story
(and blog entry) the owner was tracked down by phone (as were Pam & Jim who
were ashore at the time). Using dingies, we dragged the Swedish boat clear and
deposited him in shallower water. He had no working engine, apparently
restricted rudder movement and the anchor chain is very badly corroded. The
first 'rescue team' that went aboard had to bash the chain with a hammer to get
enough rust off it to let more out. Apparently this is the second time in two
weeks that the boat has dragged and everybody is fed-up with the guy. It can
happen to anybody and of course we all pitch in to help, but the boat is in a
real state and at the very least needs a bigger anchor & new chain. Oh yes,
it doesn't have a windlass and has been here for six years!!!
High drama (Part Deux). An unoccupied American
registered ketch dragged just after dark. The American community launched an
effort to recover it (nowhere near us) but unfortunately then re-anchored it too
close to 'one of their own' which led to much wingeing and complaining over the
radio. Apparently, a total of about five boats dragged at one time or another
yesterday. Granted the wind has been just over 20kts most of the time for the
last couple of days (since we got here, in fact) but this does not exactly
inspire confidence to leave the boat and go sight-seeing. A pity really, because
the little wander-around I have had showed Cartegena to be an attractive place,
but what with the water-taxis passing at high speed much too close to the
anchored boats a la Trinidad, I just want to stock up with fresh fruit, veg and
meat and get out of here ASAP.
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