Pensacola FL Sailing Blog – sailingnightwatch

My mechanic showed up the other day with the bill for cleaning out the heat exchanger. We talked about two things I need to do in the short run. First was to get a new light/horn for my instruments. The light died several years ago and the horn died for good last year. The old cost of this little circuit was ridicules and therefore I did not replace it. Well he said he would get me one for 1/4th the price. That I can do.

The second is a new alternator, and using my old one as a spare. I have a spare that puts out about 40 amps. After it warms up, it puts out about 10 amps. With 480 amp of house batteries, I would run out of fuel before getting recharged. My current alternator, when it warms up puts out about 40 amps. At least it is covering more then normal cruising usage. It would still take 8 hours to catch up to two days of usage. I know, I use to much electricity. It’s the refer. Stand up type, like you would find in an apartment. The lady of the boat loves it. End discussion.

My mechanic has a real hatered for a major brand of high energy charging. My previous mechanic felt the same way. I only have only had first hand experience through one friend and his experience was very expensive and not satisfactory. Therefore I now have a new 108 amp Delco alternator. I need to talk to my mechanic on how to wire it up and then we will give it a try. More to come.

Saturday the wind is 10 knots moving from the NW to the SW. Not bad. It is the temps. I have lived here for over 20 years and do not remember a hot streak like we have had the last 2 weeks, this early in the season. It has been in the mid 90’s every day. Thank goodness for the sea breeze. It has been around 100 inland and those poor people do not get the sea breeze. Well Saturday was no different. We did go for a sail and the wind shifted about 11:30. During the shift it all but died. That was OK because a friend of our has moved to a house in Little Sabine. This gave us the chance to motor by and check it out.

After sight seeing, we went back out into the bay and was greeted by 8-10 knots from the SSW. Perfect. I must admit, I did drink a lot of water. With the temps dipping to the low 80’s for the night, we new we would be plugged in by cocktail time and enjoying the air conditioning. It is days like this that the generator moves up the list.

As we headed east to go home the wind shifted to the WSW and increased to about 12 knots. This big ketch was not meant to run straight down wind. The first mile or so east of the beach bridge, one is restricted from going SE because of shallow water. By the time we get past that area, we are starting to bring in sail and put the boat to bed. Better out in the sound with a good wind then in the canals with a greatly reduced wind. Got in, had a docking beer while relaxing in the pool. The pool water is getting to be like a bath water. Oh well, life in paradise.

If you recall, I started this project a few weeks back. Well after soaking the pin down with WD-40 and other penetrating oils, I took the trusty Dremel and cut the pin off on the inside part of the hinge of the port. It was made of aluminum and I had a piece of round aluminum stock the same size, so just made a new pin. Works like a charm.

As mentioned in an earlier segment, the glass seemed to be held in by a ring that screwed into the frame. Wrong. It had a notch that allowed it to spring against the frame. To get it out I had to knock out the glass and pry it out. Then I had to clean out the 30+ year old calk. This turned out to be an all day project.

My dock lord’s boat has ports made from Lexan. He had a small piece left over replacing his ports and suggested I give it a try. After paying a fortune for high strength glass, I was ready. My only complaint about Lexan is that it scratches easily, and will become etched from many chemicals. I have a door on my main hatch made of Lexan and it has the imprint of a leg from a guest that had lots of sun screen on. Thank goodness she had a nice looking calf. At least Lexan cuts easy.

It is installed and looks so good that my wife wants the other round port light replaced. Thank goodness I do not have any Lexon left.