I got to go sailing today! Or maybe I should rephrase that as, I had to go sailing today. It was only for a few hundred yards, and maybe I didn't have to do it, but it made everything a little more comfortable while I worked on my conked out engine. The engine died after I had again just passed through a bridge. Where else would it die?
The engine's starter motor has been on the fritz for the past few days. It just makes a clicking sound when I turn the key. So, I've been using the rope pull to start the engine. Of course, the time for the rope to break would be when I'm in a channel just past a bridge, not in the morning at anchor.
Over the years I've used numerous small engines with pull starts, and yet somehow, I've never had to replace the rope on one. The boat engine manual has instructions on how to do it, but I think it's one of those things which is easy to understand if you see it done, but hard to describe in words. It took me a number of tries before I was able to figure out how to replace the rope, rewind the spring mechanism and get the rope pull mechanism reattached to the engine.
Yesterday, I was bitching in the comments about not being able to go sailing, and how the blog has turned into a cooking and football blog. Well, I got what I wished for, some sailing today. The pic is of a newer Gemini which went through the bridge with me. They didn't have any engine trouble.
Maybe I'll start a small engine repair business when I get done with this trip. I'll certainly have the experience.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Be Careful What You Wish For
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
11 comments:
So I've enjoyed following your adventures down the ICW over the last couple of months. It is a welcome diversion from my (boring) research. But recently, none of your photos have been visible on my computer. It ends up that SonicWall--an internet security filtering company--is blocking your photos on me! Just so you know, I requested that they rate your website as travel content and not block it. What a hassle just to procrastinate!
Hey Jen,
Glad to have you aboard. I do get blog hit counts from Google, but otherwise I have no idea who is reading the blog, other than from the comments. Sometimes, I think it's just Amy, my dad and me.
I don't know why a firewall would be blocking the pics. They're just pictures that I took with my digital camera and uploaded to Google's blog server. I went to SonicWall's website. They have a bunch of different products. Which one are you using?
Anyone else having a problem with the pictures not loading? Or does anyone have an idea why a firewall would block the pictures?
Thanks, Scott
Scott, sometimes the pictures don't load, but load later on next visit to the blog. This might have to do with just the speed of the connection, activity on the host server, or maybe your pictures were in the process of being uploaded from you, while the text was faster. It has happened several times.
Now might be the time to search for your engine manufacturer and see if he has a replacement starter motor. Alternatively, you might find someone who can rebuild it. Sounds like the solenoid is working, but the motor isn't. But, it may be something as simple as the brushes need replacement.
I'm hoping that it's as simple as a battery problem. I haven't fully charged the batteries since the last time I was at a marina. Recently, I've had to charge them everyday. While earlier, I only charged about every other day. I've gotten a little more profligate in my electricity use, but not wildly so.
I tried the old trick of giving the starter a good whack, hoping that the motor was in a dead spot, but no luck. I'll replace it in January, if I can't fix the problem myself.
The pictures are uploaded before the text, so that's not the problem. I don't know why they wouldn't automatically be displayed with the posts. I haven't had any problem on my computer. hmmm.
Hi Scott,
Just so's ya know, we follow your blog daily! The pictures load immediately btw. Paul and I also have a Gemini (hull #639) named Isla. We just got her in August, and are looking forward to passages unknown ourselves. You may have seen our posts on the yahoo groups under "crackernoon@yahoo.com". That's what time we get going... Crack of noon! I just today figured out that we can comment on your daily progress! Don't know if that's going to be a good thing for you, but at least you'll know people are reading your blog. Keep it up!
We live in Cocoa Beach, FL. That's due East of Cocoa, FL, Just south of Canaveral. We can hook you up with hot showers, cold beverages and we know where they serve the killer "Paradise Burger"! Try to plan a stop here on your way through.
Carla & Paul Stewart
crackernoon@yahoo.com
Hey Jen,
Grampa, I'm sure has lots to say about Cocoa Beach. I haven't been there since I was a kid. I have very fond memories of time spent there. When I make it down there this Winter, I would love to meet up with you and Paul.
I seem to be more of a crack of midnight guy, so please don't be offended if I retire early. Perhaps we can find some intersection in our schedules in the afternoon and evening.
Congratulations on your new gem purchase. I am enjoying mine immensely, as I am certain you are too. Good voyages, and happy to have fellow gem owners aboard the blog.
Scott
Oops. Meant to address my comment to Carla. Sorry. Wish this whole blogging thing was easier.
Hey Scott,
Fred and I have been reading your adventures and have been enjoying them alot. I am quite in awe of your repair skills and determination. I think I would have a mile long worry list if it were Fred and give alot of credit to Amy. I really enjoy reading your blogs and then print them out for Fred to read. If I find time, I might figure out an easier way to go back and print out all the comments for him to read.
I think this whole adventure would make a great book. Do you have an thoughts to do that after your back? Also, will you be sailing/motoring back in the Gemini?
I wish there was a way to send you a care package. Fred and I received a ton of grapefruits and neither of us are allowed to eat them (conflicts with meds). Also, we bought a bread maker and I have been making some mean breads.
Not too much to report on our end. Fred did play Santa yesterday at the nursery. We are just getting ready for Christmas and plucking along.
I will get with Fred and have him post something soon. I love your blog and enjoy reading about each day. Its like being there except from the comfort of home.
Take Care,
Rose
I didn't even know I was using a sonicwall product. At any rate, the photos are visible now. What beautiful crabs!
And don't for a minute think that it is just you, Amy and your dad on this blog. It sounds like there are a whole lot of us regularly checking in on your progress and adventures! I especially like your food entries. Ramen noodles and mac & cheese with hot dogs are two of my favorite meals!
Hey Jen,
I Reprovisioned at Harris Teeter yesterday. It's an upscale supermarket. I think it's mainly a southern chain, so I don't know if you can fine it in New England. I wasn't sure if I would be able to find my white trash favorites, but you'll be happy to know that I'm stocked up on ramen, mac & cheese and hot dogs.
Scott
Rose,
About the repair issues, so far I've found that when there is a will, there is a way. Whether it's replacing a fuel bowl gasket with a toilet bowl gasket, or bungee cording the engine so that it can be turned with a single rudder.
(If I hadn't had the right size gasket on board, I could have cut one from one of the inner tubes on my bike. But while I've got pretty good improvisational skills, my buddy Glen is the king of MacGuevering stuff.)
As to the book issue, the blog is already a book. You printed one for Fred! But seriously, my dad says the same thing, but I don't know if that's just the enthusiasm of friends and family. I'm not a good judge of my writing skills. If someone wants to make me a book or magazine offer, who am I to say no.
I do miss selling xmas trees with Fred. Nothing like hanging around the fire barrel cooking brawts and accidentally setting couches afire.
Scott
Post a Comment