Fuzzy’s step is built, the boat is cleaned, the wash is done and we’re ready to try and leave for the third time. If the weather is as predicted we will leave in the morning.

Yesterday, we made some phone calls to find out if using a single nut on this prop is OK. The good news is that our Max Prop (assuming it was the standard one for the Norseman 447) had a standard taper and thread and so the taper on the spare prop should be a match. We had to call PYI, the makers of the Max Prop to find that out. The shop that built our new prop shaft said he would have built it to match the Max Prop, but that there are models of Max Props that don’t use standard tapers and threads for their shafts. He did say that he knows some people use a single nut with a cotter pin on their props. You could tell that’s not what he thinks is ideal. We don’t need ideal; we just need to get back to St. Augustine.

I am getting pretty discouraged with all of the problems. I do not like constantly wondering if the fuel is okay (bubbles are still with us), if the zincs are okay (we ate through two prop zincs so for, now we’re running without a prop zinc, but with two zincs on the shaft), if the alignment is okay (you still can’t turn the shaft by hand). And now there is the additional worry that the prop might not be okay. Honestly, I just want to be back in Florida and I don’t want to take this boat offshore again until all those issues are resolved.

I hope I am able to at least enjoy the trip back.

And I shouldn’t complain, we’ve been stuck in this beautiful marina, with great facilities, including this nice billiard room, and very reasonable rates. Things could certainly be worse (and that’s what worries me!).