Spoke with my friend Daniel, who is the Dock Master for the free docks at the Mid Atlantic Bible College where my boat is currently tied up. He has offered a free slip to Otter for “as long as we need it”. Thanks Dan. These docks are rather unsuited to the majority of cruisers heading South which are considerably larger than Sea Otter. They have remained nearly empty throughout the Fall migration in spite of the demand for dock space. Yet another plus for the small cruiser. Even Sea Otter at just under 30ft, barely squeezes into the largest slip. In reality, this is not a permanent solution. There is more than cost to consider. These docks are somewhat exposed to winds from the North East where the stronger, more sudden storms come. Also, wakes from boat traffic puts a strain on lines and fittings and there is no electric power. Still, it’s free and will at least give me time to find something more suitable.
Temps have begun to dip below 40 at night. The lower limit for comfort that my wood stove can manage. I have a diesel heater that I could install in it’s place but I’ll need to install fuel lines and a low pressure pump to feed it. A good diesel heater would keep Otter warm and dry in the coldest of temps so having a slip without power wouldn’t be a problem. Also, it could make travel later in the season possible once my engine is repaired. The docks exposure means that I’ll have to keep a weather eye and be prepared to head out and anchor if things turn snotty.
OK, this could work. So it seems the order of operations will be to install a diesel heater, and then repair the head gasket. Isn’t it interesting how one small change in circumstances can affect another. Like redirecting a domino in a lineup. Some may think that my engine troubles have stopped me from cruising but the reality is that this is just another part of the cruising experience.