The Basics
August 20, 2013
After being aboard as long as we, one can tell the good sounds from the bad. For the past three days, I have been hearing the tell tale sound of the generator impeller dying. Not wanting to be so quick to judge that as the reason, I watched as the flow continued to subside. That should be the warning to change the thing at the first available time without waiting for it to fail. Honestly, I was planning to get it before failure. Did not happen. As Bear was making breakfast, the generator died suddenly. I already knew the cause. OK, so open the lazarette, dig out all the contents and let the whole compartment cool off seemed like a good idea. Just enough time to take a nap. Being the sharp guy I am, I did not check the strainer first. I replaced the impeller and sure enough some of the ears were broken. Good call, huh? When I tried it the flow was not good. How long has it been since I checked the strainer? I took the cap off and could hardly get the basket out due to a heavy weave matt of sea grass. Should have checked that some time ago since it is most likely the cause of the failed impeller. Note to self: check the strainers, all of them, every few days. I put the whole thing back in operation and the flow was outstanding, at least for an hour. Back to the strainer to find the basket completely clogged with a jelly fish who was not having a good time. Ok, so he is dead, right? No need to be careful or wear gloves. It was lucky that I did not get stung on my hands, but I am now feeling some stinging from the stuff that splashed on my feet. Note to self: use precaution since even dead jellies can sting.

It is dark and the WDS has started. It has been quiet all day but for now, some fool thinks he is doing a good Garth Brooks on some boat nearby. Oh no, now he is doing Woodie Guthrie. Gonna be a long night.