As we were leaving Barber Marina, we heard a sound coming from our engine compartment that wasn't right. We had to turn back and investigate the source of the noise. After we tied back up in the slip, I removed the companionway stairs. I listened, as Robyn revved the engine. I could hear the noise, but couldn't determine the source for sure. The alternator seemed like a good possibility, so I removed it. The bearings didn't sound right to me, and my dad just happened to call while I was checking out the alternator. I held the phone to the bearings while I spun it and let him listen. Dad thought i was on the right track, so we went to the marina office to find someone that could rebuild the alternator. We were referred to a company, and we took the alternator to them. Robert, the owner of the company, told us he thought the alternator was ok. It was only going to cost $45 to rebuild it, and I thought that would be money well spent. That would also allow us to rule out the alternator for sure.

When we returned to the boat to await the return of the alternator the next day, I called dad to let him know what Robert had said. Dad told me that I could run the engine without the alternator, and see if the noise was still there. Well the noise was still there! So now we need to find someone that might be able to listen to the engine and determine the source. The engine man wouldn't make it till the next morning, so I tore into the engine compartment. I couldn't find where the noise was coming from, but I did find a HUGE leak in our exhaust elbow. We found a man to repair the elbow, and the engine man came the next morning. Within just moments, he found the noise source. Our starter was just barely hanging by one bolt. Awe, with a little work, we'll be back in shape, and ready to travel again. Next stop, Pensacola