Well, it has been a while since you've last heard from us. To bring you up to date. Last Tues. November 10, we were towed to Deaton Yacht Service due to starter issues. On Thursday, John Deaton came aboard and conducted a dial test and determined there was no significant deflection of the Flywheel or the Ring Gear. He also took pictures of the chewed teeth on the Ring gear. Later that afternoon, he had Ron come over to the shop to look at the pictures. He then showed Ron a flywheel from an engine that is the same as ours and pointed out that the angle of the teeth on the ring gear are facing the opposite directions from what ours are. Ah Ha- after nine years of intermittent grinding, three starters, and thousands of dollars later, we now know the source of the problem. Needless to say, a new flywheel with the ring gear facing in the right direction and a new type of starter(a gear reduction starter) has been installed in Scheherazade.

Over the next few days, we had a new oil pressure alarm switch installed and modifications had to be made so that the engine and drive shaft would be aligned properly. To do that they had to take a reciprocating saw and cut out a grove for the bell housing which enabled them to do the proper engine alignment. This morning (Friday) at 8:00 AM we took Scheherazade out for a sea trial. The engine started like a champ and she purred like a kitten. Everyone, including Tim (our mechanic) had smiles on their faces from ear to ear. It was a good day.🌞

Now as we look back upon our stay here in Oriental, we not only were very fortunate to find an outstanding service yard, but had the opportunity to meet many new cruising friends who are in the "same boat". Most of them are stopping here for repairs on their way south. To take advantage of the outstanding workmanship of this boatyard, we will have a few other minor issues resolved before we cast off.

In the meantime, we have been enjoying our morning runs, going on bike rides, and happy hours with our new friends.