Exposing Our Props



Checking Underneath



Kelp and Debris on Props



While at Port Hardy, we took advantage of the “haul-out” service to inspect the props on “Got d’ Fever.”  Getting the straps in the right place to lift the boat was a little un-nerving; but after several adjustments, she was gently lifted above the water for inspection.  We found large chunks of kelp and other debris wrapped around both props, which accounted for the unwanted vibration.  The attendant at the boatlift helped us free the debris from the props and we were “good to go.”  While “Got d’ Fever” was out of the water we also checked the zincs which protect the boat from electrolysis.  The zincs appeared to be sufficient for the rest of our summer cruise.  Back at the dock, other maintenance projects included an oil change for the main engines, cleaning the sea strainers, taking on fuel and water; and of course, Lorena’s cleaning and laundry chores plus defrosting the refrigerator, ugh.  Because of energy requirements, it's almost unhead of for boats to have frost-free refrigertors.  Another interesting maintenance issue that needed to be addressed arose over a week ago.  While out in the middle of “nowhere,” Leonard discovered one of the two engine blowers had seized up and was overheating.  Leonard was able to disconnect the bad blower which was shorting things out so we could continue operating with the remaining blower.  Several days later when we had cell phone coverage, Leonard phoned ahead to Port Hardy knowing that we would be there in a few days and ordered the part to be shipped to the Marina.  It’s all about self-reliance and being able to solve the issue of logistics when traveling in unpopulated areas.  Leonard seems to enjoy discovering what’s needed and enjoys this on-going learning experience.



Checking the Straps



Engine Blower