It's time to move onward to the east
20 November 2018
Today was a good day. We were experiencing a annoying leak in our fresh water pressure system. It's hard to believe but we spent many days trying to discover the source while bailing the bilge each time we turned on the water pressure. We got so frustrated that we would turn on the system, use a little water, quickly turn off the pump and then depressurize the system saving water in gallon jugs. Arg!!
Well long story shorten I stumbled onto a small leak at the aft shower mixing valve. The water was running behind the engine room insulation and into a location next to the stove that had befuddled us for days. I tried tightening the fixture, it's a plastic compression type fitting that if tightened too much it could crack, so I tried to no avail, still water in the bilge. So I fixed it, temporarily, I cut the water feed hose and plugged it. No more problem but no more cold water to the shower. At least we can use the fresh water pressure system everywhere else in the boat, good for now, no more water in the bilge, LB is a dry boat.
Our engine issue is nearly resolved. A Yanmar mechanic, Billy, came by this afternoon and we decided on a path to solve the problem. A new longer pickup tube in the tank and a new Raycor filter unit, plus we will treat the diesel in the tank to dissolve any bacteria that may have grown while on the hard in Guatemala.
And finally our Single Side Band radio was having difficulty tuning properly. We depend on that radio to send emails, to listen to weather reports such as Chris Parker and to download GRIB files for weather routing. I expect to have that fixed tomorrow morning as well.
Today we gave LB a thorough wash down. Two plus hours and she looks just like she did coming out of the paint shop. Five and a half days of salt, gone. We took on water, all tanks full, tomorrow fuel and shopping and Alice wants to do laundry. After all that we will be good to go, Jamaica and beyond!!