Wintering in the PNW!
Aug 27th, 2008 by Elise
Let’s Just Stay in the Pacific Northwest…
North to Alaska Seattle Series 2008
25 August 2008
Lat N48.07.008
Lon W122.45.050
As mentioned in the last entry, I was reluctant to draw conclusions about our future and the causes of our mechanical challenges…and to make any further blogs because of things kept changing. Well it was no more than five minutes after I hit the Publish button when we took another twist in this bizarre summer of ours. We’re back to the fuel as we now sit in Shilshole Bay Marina n Seattle awaiting some serious work on our fuel system and a trip up to Lake Washington where some more aggressive digging (literally) into the fuel tank will take place. Better access is needed to rid the Cutthroat of the cancer that plagues our fuel tank. Since we’ve replaced just about everything on the engine…we’re left with that explanation.
Let me back up and explain. Our mechanic from Seattle was on his way to Port Townsend to resume work. Just before driving onto the ferry, he called and asked that we change the main engine fuel filter again (we had just changed it three weeks earlier, so we didn’t really think much of this suggestion). Never the less Roger did so, we started it up, and voila…everything seemed to be working fine again. No more smoke…high rpms’s. UNBELIEVABLE!
So now we’re back to the fuel theory. But with the engine running fine now that the injectors, pumps, turbo, etc have all been fixed, and of course don’t forget the filters…this makes sense – I think. We made it back to Seattle to link up with the Seattle fuel guru who is certain that can fix this problem once and for all by purging the fuel tank. The Island Packet has 10 baffled compartments in the fuel tank, making it difficult to access for cleaning. Now it’s surgery time. The woodworking guy is going to cut through our sole…no, not our soul…but into the flooring in the salon so they can cut numerous access ports into the top of the fuel tank to be able to clean all the nooks and crannies within the baffled compartments. I know I’m baffled! In order to accomplish this we are taking the boat through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks into the Lake Washington Ship Canal and into Lake Union to the shipyard to perform this work.
So if you think we’re going to get the boat to San Diego before Rob John’s wedding on the 20th of September…think again. We look forward to spending next summer cruising the Pacific Northwest…and hopefully without daily engine worry. Now that we have hope for the engine…and a slip to leave the boat in for the winter at Shilshole Bay Marina, I feel much relieved. It seems like the last month all we have done is move from one location to another in hope of some “engine salvation.” What is funny about all this is that we have still been able to continue exploring new places, meet new people, and generally have a great time…so, it really hasn’t been a terrible burden. And I’m already planning next year’s cruise! There is so much to do and see up here that another summer of “gunkholing” is very appealing…at least to me. Poor Roger is still a bit on the fence and I’m going to have to keep a sharp eye on him – he might sneak over to the broker’s office and put the boat up for sale (he talks in his sleep). A few months back in Florida will enhance the true value of the boat putting those evil thoughts out of his head.
Tonight the rain continues as it has for the past couple of days. We’ve gone for long walks each day, exploring the town of Ballard, WA. It’s a quaint little town with a very robust seaside community that lines the entrance to the shipping channel into Lake Washington. The bus system is very accessible – our plan for the weekend is to head downtown and explore. There are coffee shops EVERYWHERE! Go figure.
I’m confident that as soon as I post this, the fuel sample will come back telling us that the fuel is okay – and it’s back to the engine. Oh, say it isn’t so! I think my patience would absolutely expire at that point.
Meanwhile, we’re watching the Democrat Convention…so much drama for a known outcome. But next week we can watch the Republicans do the same thing.
Anyway, we’ll keep you posted and look forward to getting this work done; getting the boat back out of the lake and testing her out before we head off for awhile. We’ll keep you posted!
Love to all,
Roger and Elise
Roger is thinking properly, sell the boat and buy an airplane. (We know where you could get a very experienced pilot for cheap — perhaps even free if you feed him)
Keep the boat - I can watch it while you and Steve fly around getting parts for it….
Living Vicariously,
Mike
Hey, no one is buying boats right now so you might asell keep it and enjoy.
Dave and Cyn
I just find it difficult to advise you as I’m the Mother and neutral.
There are so many great things to do in life and I had my boating years. I pray you do what best for you and Roger and know you will make a wise deciision for your future enjoyment as you have both worked hard for what you want. I know one thing that there is a time for everything in life.
I love you, Mom
Good investigating! There really is an answer to all your problems. Keep the adventure going but do come back to San Diego, we miss you.
Nemira and Joe
You have the whole world in your hands and there is much to do if you make changes, that make you both fulfilled. Have fun as long as feasible -time flies !