Tenterhooks
26 May 2020 | Day Seven to St. Augustine
Tuesday 26 May 2020
While charging batteries Fischer (Fixme) Panda generator has been intermittently
flashing its little red "temp engine" light and consequently trying,
occasionally successfully, to shut down. Cause could be restricted water flow,
pump cavitation from air in system or bad sensor input. Spent a hot, sweaty
afternoon bleeding water lines and cleaning sensor contacts after which it ran
perfectly for an hour. Although it performed as well on one previous occasion,
a slight chance exists that this latest cycle was associated with preceding
procedures. Awaiting future developments for confirmation.
Meantime having theoretical capability to charge new lithium battery with new
Victron charger/inverter at up to a hundred twenty amps DC, actual maximum had
been closer to thirty. Long generator runs were thus necessary (refer previous
paragraph). Charger confirmed set to proper output, but meticulous
investigation revealed that AC input could also be adjusted and further that
default is fifty amps, but actual setting was ten. So, who's the imbecile who
changed that? Adjustment back to correct setting worked wonderfully during
flawless Panda run. Awaiting future developments for confirmation.
As we proceed northwest up Exuma Sound and approach that part of Grand Bahama
Bank between New Providence and Eleuthera, TROF ahead is causing squalls to
forty knots. It may lift north this afternoon but we must transit Bank in good
daylight or delay nearly a day. Hope it gets butt in gear and moves off to
begin mistreating Georgia and Carolinas. If able to keep moving can potentially
make mainland landfall Friday afternoon. As shoaling causes constant movement
of entry channel, day visibility also necessary for St. Augustine Inlet.
Awaiting future developments for confirmation.
Jack & Jan