Thursday, July 17, 2014

Out In The Atlantic

Yesterday we took the boat out on the Atlantic from Port Everglade. It started as a real nice sail. We had between 15 knots and 18 knots of wind and we were cooking. We were doing 6.5 to 7 knots. It was great. We took it out about 5 miles then turned around. Coming in we saw there was a thunderstorm coming. Not too big a deal but the wind was rising fast. I thought about reefing in the sails a couple of times but didn't do it. Then I remembered what Ryan said. If you think about it - do it. The wind quickly got to 25 knots and I didn't feel comfortable sailing with that much wind in my sails. So I headed up wind and took in the jib and the main. We were almost back to shore at that point, but it was a good lesson on how fast the wind can change.
Today I solved my shorting problem. It was one of the wires in the bundle coming from the circuit breaker. It was shorting inside the wiring harness.  So I ran another wire around the outside of the bundle and now I have both engines running great. I'm very happy I found that. Part of my problem was that I didn't have all the tools I needed to make a diagnosis. I stopped at the Parts America two days ago and bought a bunch or connectors and jumpers and the like. That made my diagnosis much easier.
Today Karen and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary. So we are going to a nice restaurant.
Other than that we are waiting on my son to come down tomorrow at 6:30 tomorrow morning. We will take him out on a short three day cruise.
 While we are waiting we are sitting in between a couple of 4 to 12 million dollar homes.
Here are a couple of pictures.
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5 comments:

  1. John DJuly 17, 2014 at 8:23 PM

    Wes and Karen - good to hear that you were able to fix the engine issue! Have fun with Matt tomorrow. We're headed out to the Shenandoah mountains tomorrow for vacation. - John, Jen and family

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  2. UnknownJuly 18, 2014 at 2:58 AM

    Wes,

    I'm glad you were able to isolate the problem. However, that wire you bypassed was shorted to SOMETHING (perhaps several SOMETHINGS). Therefore, I am suspicious of the rest of the wires and the circuit breaker. Inasmuch as sea water can get into EVERYTHING, and I would not want to deal with it again in a pinch - like your heavy weather story, I would replace it all.

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    Replies
    1. UnknownJuly 18, 2014 at 3:36 AM

      ...imagine being at the mouth of a marina or harbor when the starboard engine cuts-out - within sight of safety but about to be dashed against the sea-walls.
      With that thought, I would also consider replacing ANYTHING electrical having to do with the starboard engine that could have been compromised in that lightening strike (I was surprised when you said you already had to replace the oil pressure sensor. That lightening strike was serious. Be glad that the starboard engine took it all - It could have been YOU!).

      Hows that for a bunch of unsolicited advice? :)

      Double check it with the local experts. But, consider this: a lightening strike is not your normal wear & tear. Your repair may have to go 'above and beyond' just to be sure.

      Ray Warren

      P.S. May this adventure meet and exceed all your dreams - and may God bless you in doing it.

      Delete
  3. UnknownJuly 19, 2014 at 1:50 PM

    Happy Anniversary a few days late!

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  4. tropcal diversionJuly 20, 2014 at 4:39 AM

    Ray: Thanks for the advice, I did check the wiring harness and the short was to the motor itself. So I think I'm good. But thanks again for the advice. It really helps.

    Wes

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