Haul Out and Other Stuff

When I left off we were headed to the mooring field at Ft. Myers Beach to spend a few days while Kasey's Choice got hauled out at Gulf Marine to replace the cutlass bearings. We arrived Sunday afternoon and picked up a mooring ball. Normally this is a piece of cake but with a dozen moorings out of service it was a bit of a challenge to find one that would accommodate a 48' Tourist.

Monday morning arrived and by the time I awoke Kasey's Choice was already out of the water.

Kasey's Choice on the hard.

The hydraulic device that removes and installs the cutlass bearing.

The old cutlass bearing.

A couple of boats over was a Tiara with Volvo IPS drives in the yard for repairs caused by wrapping a crab pot float around the forward facing props. The bill for repairs was only $25,000.00!

Port side IPS unit installed.

Starboard side hole in the hull awaiting IPS installation. You can look inside the engine compartment!
The total process of haul out, new bearings and zincs installed and splashed back into the water was completed by noon. Just in time for lunch at Salty Sam's before checking out the shops and scenery around the beach.

We found the Pirate Greybeard threatening the shoppers in one of the stores.

Spring Break in full session.

Yikes!

Some other views in the mooring field.

Just before the fog set in.

If you know Pam you know how she hates birds chirping in the morning before she wakes up. I guess I need to be more selective of what boats are moored around us. She awoke Monday morning to the chirping of  a zillion birds perched in the rigging of the sailboats around us.

Look out below!

We're now back at Legacy getting ready for our first overnight guests of the season.

Underway

In my last post I was whining about the generator problem that was keeping us tied to the dock. My whining must have worked because later that day Rob the mechanic called and said the repairs to the pipe were complete and that he was on his way over to reinstall it!

The silver pipe is the culprit! Notice the patch.

With repairs now complete we made plans to break away on Thursday but not before dinner at Pignoli's in Cape Coral on Tuesday and at the Edison on Wednesday. Incidentally Wednesday night is ladies night at the Edison. Quite the meat market!

Thursday came and off we went. After a week of waxing and waiting Tourist was chomping at the bit to get out of the slip. We were joined by Kasey's Choice and Private Affair II. Our destination, Glover Bight. Not far but not at the dock!

Kasey's Choice and Private Affair II along with a couple other intruders.

It didn't take long for the party to get going on Private Affair II. Plenty of libations complete with music and dancing.

Sorry Pete. Pam likes to lead!

Some of the crew on shore leave at Marker 92.

We hung out at Glover Bight until Sunday soaking up the sunshine and exploring the canals by dinghy. While exploring we were found by John & Gail. friends of Donnie & Marilyn's from Nova Scotia. We followed them to their home on one of the canals where we had cocktails before returning to the boats.

While we were visiting another friend of John and Gails showed up in their 56' Viking.

Sunday we pulled anchor and headed down to Ft. Myers Beach to the mooring field to spend a couple of days and to get Kasey's Choice hauled out for some maintenance on Monday.

This guy was sitting on the side of the boat waiting for breakfast when I got up Sunday morning.

Under Repair

Here we sit at Legacy Harbour waiting on repairs to be made to our generator. The new exhaust pipe is on back order along with another minor part I want replaced while everything is accessible. Being the patient individual that I am I decided to scrap plans for the new pipe and get the original pipe patched and welded. Something the local welder said could be done.

While we've been laid up I've discovered 2 other 48 Sea Rays with the 13.5 kw Onan generator that have had the same problem. Hmmm!

Meanwhile Pam is loving being at the dock. We're doing "docktails" in the evenings, going for walks, hitting the Farmers Market on Thursdays, going to movies, out to dinner, and visiting with my parents when they come up from Bonita Springs. As for me...well. I have that wanderlust that has to be moving. I enjoy all the things we've been doing while in port but it's time to get out and explore! Maybe this week.

Yesterday February 13th was my son Ryan's birthday.

Happy Birthday Bink! Is that Coke in your right hand?

Temps have been in  the mid 70's during the day and anywhere from 45 to 60 at night. Not bad considering the past week back home.

OK. Pam's up now so writing gets a bit more difficult. Something about me not being able to walk and chew gum at the same time. I'll leave you with this picture of one of our sunsets. Enjoy!

Sunset over the Caloosahatchie.

Cheese is Stronger Than Steel

The Cheeseheads claim the Super Bowl title with a win over the tough Pittsburgh Steelers. When the Steelers failed to convert on their final play, the sound of beer caps popping off bottles throughout the Packer Nation was deafening! The Lombardi Trophy is going back to Green Bay! Way to go Pack!

The "Thrower Guy" Aaron Rodgers, as Pam calls him, holding the trophy while being interviewed by Terry Bradshaw.

Once again the party was on Front Page with plenty of snacks to go around. Thanks again Gene and Kathy for the hospitality!

Just part of the aftermath of the Packers victory celebration. Thanks Marv & Carol for being the recycle bin!

Earlier in the week Pam & I left the dock and anchored near Shell Point with the intention of staying out until Friday. We did manage to stay overnight but upon morning inspections I found sea water in the bottom of the generator sound box. Not Good! We were able to enjoy part of the day before we came back in.

The Coast Guard was quite active near our anchorage pulling boats over that were going a bit too fast through the No Wake area. Of course once stopped they received a full compliance inspection.

Once back at the dock we discovered a leak in a stainless steel exhaust pipe which is of course located in the most inaccessible place on the generator! Speaking of inaccessible places check out the picture below. I'm wedged in between the port engine and fuel tank trying to change a sacrificial zinc.

Can you see my leg? I have to disconnect the engine exhaust pipe so I can get back out. Where's the knucklehead that designed this?

I guess I shouldn't complain too much about boat problems. We could of been back home in Illinois shovelling snow.

Partially shovelled snow in our driveway at home. 15 inches with high winds followed by below zero temps. I think I'll work on the generator!

Of course we have to include a picture of Oscar. This one shows his response when asked how big the margin of victory will be for the Packers in the Super Bowl.