Back to reality

Last week the open seas: this week the captain is back in the bilge , an enormous project ahead of him. Our hot water tank had

The captain in the bilge...half way!

developed a fatal leak. We've done without hot water for some time now, awaiting the arrival of the tank from the States, then the return of the captain from the States.  Then I got sick and as I was recovering we made the decision to go up into the Sea of Cortez... no matter what!  Well now we are back after a wonderful few days and reality has set in: it's time to install the hot water tank. The problems are many and here are but a few.  The current 6 gallon hot water tank was installed 12 years ago. Unfortunately a huge Northern Lights generator was installed at a later date....blocking access to the hot water heater.  Now it must be said that local workman cringe when we mention any work that needs doing in our bilge and claim it's the most difficult bilge to work on in La Paz. Nice reputation we've got without even trying.

Some of the "stuff" on the deck

Over the years that I've known the captain he has used nights and sleep time to find solutions to problems and difficulties, and this problem was no exception. He tossed and turned many a night while trying to come up with a solution. One of our experienced sailing friends, John,

More stuff on deck

has offered to help as well.  Of course "help" in this situation means sitting in a chair and offering advice as only one person can get down in the bilge at a time. Larry worked for two days moving wires and  cables and removing small parts which now litter our deck. Finally he was ready for the final steps. The two guys brainstormed and figured out a way to move the very heavy generator using a turnbuckle and an eye bolt screwed into the structural member above.  And it worked.  Supposedly it would be an relatively easy task (hah!) to remove bolts and pull the tank out.  Not so much.
As the tank refused to budge John suggested dismembering it, tearing off the the outer box-like structure, then pulling the tank out. The guys debated the merits of this method and finally the captain began tearing the box apart. And this time it worked.
Now one might think we are near the end of this story and the new tank had already been installed.  But that's not the way the captain works.  Now that everything had been cleared out he has decided to clean and paint the inside of the bilge, replace hoses, rewire the throttle and probably a dozen other things before installing the tank.  The thinking is that when the job is complete everything will have been inspected and refurbished if not new.  I applaud the concept but can't help feeling sympathy for the captain.  When he has finished this job, probably a week or more, he still must address the engine overheat (he's got that one diagnosed), install our air conditioners, bring the water maker up to speed, and most likely other stuff I haven't considered.
I have projects, too, but nothing of the scope of his jobs.  My regular duties still remain cleaning, cooking, laundry, shopping and a few on deck duties. So I'll feed him well and make sure he has clean underwear.

 

From the cockpit in the marina 3/20/11

From the dock next to Milagro,3/20/11

But we can't complain; no really, we can't complain! If you have to work on a boat...what better place than La Paz, Mexico.  It's still a great  place to live...and work.