I sat at my computer working today, while others worked on our boat. With the clock ticking, two projects need to be completed. Our depth gauge needs to be installed and our engine exhaust needs to be fixed.

Project #1:

The installation of the display, transducer, and wiring was a bit more challenging than we had originally assumed. First, due to the location of the thru-hull and the weight of our boat, switching the blank plug for the transducer was a very soggy transaction. Then, it seemed as though they would never be able to remove the old displays units from the bulkhead (someone fitted them into mounting holes very snuggly). Finally, they realized that the transducer was not seating correctly on the threads of the thru-hull. The bad news: We are going to have to go back to Deaton's and haul out AGAIN in order to fix this final problem. {Arrrggghh}

Project #2:

Our mechanic arrived and in short order determined that the exhaust elbow had, in fact, cracked. In all of his experience, he has never seen this happen before. He removed the exhaust pipe and took it back to his shop. Hopefully, he will be back tomorrow with a repaired pipe and we will once again have an engine. We are going to need it in about 60 hours.

Morale here aboard Prudence is wavering slightly. Rather than being able to focus on the excitement of the final countdown, we are bogged down with these less-than-enjoyable issues. Hopefully, we will see the end of them soon. Wish us luck, dear Reader, wish us luck.