On the heels of a very warm week, with temperatures in the eighties, a cold front pushed through on Friday. It brought rain on Friday and left winds and much cooler weather in its wake. We were greeted with these conditions when we woke on Saturday morning. Hoping for some improvement, I pushed forward with plans to practice some of my engine maintenance skills (from my recent class) on our 2-stroke outboard. Somewhat reluctantly (based on the cold temps), Sheryl joined me to assist in the process of changing the spark plugs, fuel filter, impeller, and gear oil. The disassembly of the lower unit (to access the impeller) was the most challenging, as the drive shaft did not pull out from the gearcase as was suggested in the service manual. We managed to get the impeller off over the top of the driveshaft and reassembled all associated parts and pieces. Then came time for three tests:

Test #1: Does the engine start (with new fuel filter and spark plugs)? Several pulls on the starter cord...Answer: YES

Test #2: Does the new impeller pump water through the system? Place the lower unit in a bucket of water and watch for flow of water out of the overflow outlet...Answer: YES

Test #3: Does the prop still turn after our messing about with the driveshaft? Briefly shift the engine into gear, while trying not to throw all the water out of the bucket and onto Doug... Answer: YES

With cold hands, we gathered our tools and decided to celebrate with a hot shower. Unfortunately, our sense of accomplishment was slightly diminished when (following that hot shower) I walked past the engine to discover oil leaking from the exhaust water drain hole in the lower unit. Rats! Late afternoon reading of the service manual suggests that the gearcase should be able to hold up to 18psi under a pressure test with air. Obviously, some seal has been compromised.

Oh well, enough boat chores in the cold for one day. Our focus shifted to a little late afternoon rest in a warm boat, then dinner. In attendance at the dock were Stefan (aboard Layla) and Chuck & Karen (the surrogate keepers of Motivation). Since five is the perfect number to sit around the table aboard Prudence we invited everyone to join us for dinner, where we shared good food and good conversation. Above all, it was warm, gloriously warm, in the belly of Prudence.

On Sunday, we were in no hurry to do anything outdoors. The morning was sunny, but the air was still cold and windy. Nick & Janette had just returned from a vacation in Mexico and Texas, and Nick came aboard to regale us with stories of their time away from the marina.

Sheryl spent the morning turning one of the longer lines we had purchased at the nautical fleamarket into a huge mat, while I read and drank hot cocoa. My cushion in the v-berth has a noticeable divot from previous owners. After pricing new foam for this oddly shaped cushion, we decided that perhaps placing this mat under the bedding may provide support in the midregion and save our kitty a bit of expense. It also makes for an efficient storage solution for this extra line. I will see how well I sleep next time we are back to the boat.

Unfortunately, the next trip to Whortonsville will be two weekends away. Next weekend we will be in Annapolis taking a Safety at Sea seminar. We hope that it will prove to be both a valuable learning experience and a good social opportunity to meet and interact with other cruisers.

Until next time, enjoy some photos of Sheryl creating this large mat...CLICK HERE (viewed in 'Slideshow' mode, it is almost like being there...only much faster)