What a hectic few weeks it has been since I last wrote up my progress. I have had the hull antifouled and new through hull fittings fitted as well as new anodes and the toilet valve repaired. I felt great when I was motoring Susan back to her berth after having all this work done in a few days however it wasnt to last long. Just as I was slowing down on the approach to my mooring, I knocked the engine out of gear and heard a peculiar pinging noise and when I tried to reengage gear, the morse level went into the position but the drive didnt engage. Luckily I had a small bif of way and managed to coast into my berth very slowly. Thankfully one of my work colleagues was there to assist with the manouver. After an investigation it transpires that the flange from the back of the gearbox, where it connects to the propshaft had sheared. I didnt look at the joint when I bought the oat initially and done know what was there but now I know that I need to replace the pins to get her operational again. The prop also pulled out of the flange and was very difficult to get back into position again. I also think that the stuffing box has been affected as she is leaking water badly after this problem. I'll need to get it looked at snappy as I dont fancy finding her sunk. I think that because she had been left for so long the material in the stuffing box had got old and whilest the guys tightened up the stuffing by a turn it may have tightened around the propshaft and caused additional drag ultimatly leading to the flange failure. I think that a new stern gland and new stuffing box is required.
I also need to get my a into g and get the electric bilge pumps replaced and the bilges painted. Ah well somehting to do over the Christmas Holidays. I am also getting quotes for painting the hull, hopefully whilst still floating on the jetty.