We arrived at Grand Mariner Marina this past Sunday with plans to stay 2 nights and then continue our search for warmer weather. So much for planning. As we came down the Tombigbee and through Mobile we noticed the starboard engine was emitting a plume of white smoke which usually means a coolant leak. Things that immediately come to mind are head gasket or cracked head. Both expensive and time consuming. We arrived at the marina and inquired about someone to come and check out our problem. Much to my surprise they made a call and said he would be here the next day (Monday). Monday came and so did the mechanic who immediately recognized our engines as Cummins M-11s'. A good sign! Over the next 3 days he performed several tests all which indicated there was no leak. Finally he checked the sea water impellar and found that it was shot! There was no indication of this since the temperatures remained normal at all speeds. (see new and old picture of impellars) Since I had only 1 spare we had to get another and of course that took another day to get.
With both new impellars installed we finally departed Grand Mariner at 1 pm Thursday. We crossed the remainder of Mobile Bay seeing dolphins along the way, and entered into the GICW. one of the places we wanted to stop was LuLus restaurant at Homeport Marina (http://www.homeportmarina.net/). We arrived at Homeport around 4;30PM. had a cocktail on the back of the boat and then dined at LuLus' which was very good! By the way, LuLu is the sister of Jimmy Buffet. Tommorrow we continue heading East. It's good to be moving again!
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