At last we are working on the engine !!! Ben, a master engineer and then some -- came down from Portland and the little Westerbeke came out of the boat. It will be stripped down to its nub and cleaned within an inch of its life and put back in. There are problems with the Paragon transmission and we haven't figured out whether to rebuild, purchase a new one or go with a different transmission altogether. As the work continues, that decision will be made. However, by the time we are finished, we will have a more fuel efficient and quieter baby.

We are installing a new utility pump to make oil changes easier and a solenoid for the starter. Improvements will be made as well as drastic cleanup measures. All in all though, considering the engine is a 70's model she is in remarkably good shape. There are still ongoing discussions about whether we will repower down the road before we leave. So, we are ecstatic to alleviate some of our real engine concerns and know (not speculate) at last.

We are meeting our friends Jack and MaryAnne in Stockton in late April and that will be so much fun - more on that later.