The decal for our hailing port(Denver, CO) was shipped to our house instead of the boat here in Port Townsend. They used our billing address and not the existing shipping address. Another is being done and shipped out. With the holiday this weekend, we don't expect it till Tuesday.
The "pad eyes" to hold down the back stays for the mast were installed yesterday. Lots of through deck screws with lots of sealant. Gordon had to cut big holes inside Zephyr to gain access to areas where the bolts would go after being screwed through the deck. They are place were it is virtually assured we will stub our toes on them. They are huge as the load on them will be considerable. Gordon says they could probably be used to lift Zephyr they are so big. With their placement just outside the cockpit, we aren't sure how we will be able to have a swift entry and exit of the cockpit. The lines that will be attached may hinder our egress. We'll see after the lines are all attached.
They should be finishing the transmission today or tomorrow depending on how much they get done today. The primary installer is having problems with his dog. Fourteen and not in good health. He took off early this morning to go see how he is doing after a call from his wife. It's never good news when they call about your pets.
Jack-the electrician--is catching a cold. Or, he is having a really BAD allergy attack. He was at Zephyr till after 5:15 trying to get more thing done and sounding horrible while doing so. Lots of sniffles and sneezes. Add a few coughs and you've got it. I tried to stay out of the boat and away from him. That is the last thing we need at this point.
The word is out all over the boat yard that we are dead set on getting launched on September 8. We are quickly running out of a weather window to get back South. Since we still need to stop in Astoria to get the DuoGen (wind & water electricity maker) installed, our deadline becomes even more critical. If we launch on the 8th, we will still need to spend several days testing and pushing every system and of course the transmission. We don't want to break down after leaving here.
We spoke with another cruiser yesterday evening. They have some equipment that we have been considering adding to our inventory. A Hydrovane auto pilot. It bolts onto the stern and will self steer the boat in all forms of wind. BIG bucks!! The second is a carbon fiber spinnaker pole. This is a space age edition of the typical aluminum pole that hold the spinnaker or genoa out from the boat so it can gather more air. Again, BIG bucks being carbon fiber. It only weighs about 34 pounds which is its biggest advantage.
I spent the morning on odd jobs. Trying to inspect the mast and boom. Not painted yet, but in the booth. Talking to one of the transmission guys about extra parts we will be needing to take with us. He highly encourages us to pack extra impellers--they pump water through the engine. Made of rubber, they have a good chance of failing. The other thing he recommends is a spare water pump. We've heard of several boats having problems with theirs. It couldn't hurt to get spares ordered in. The tough thing is finding more space to store them till needed. One boat we follow has had two instances of it failing in the past 3 years out cruising. A second boat had theirs die on the way from Tahiti to American Samoa. The engine will overheat really quickly with out it.
I drilled special holes in our new zincs. They attach to the rudder to keep ocean water from "eating" the other metal on the outside of the boat. They have to be custom drilled to allow them to be place over the bolts hat help attach the rudder to the boat. It takes four to do it right. We have tat many hand ordered eight more for backups down the road. As they disintegrate, you need new ones normally at the worst time. Better to have them as we haven't seen the type we need anywhere before getting to Port Townsend.
The kids are still upset about being kept in confinement during the day and really want out after the workmen leave. Shadow really likes the stern cabin and Snowshoe just likes being out in any cabin. Blue just wants outside. At least when it's raining, she will stay in the cockpit where it's dry.
Beef fondue is on the docket for dinner. YUM!!!
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