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Published: January 6th 2011
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Off Our Rocker in the slings
looking kind of naked and embarassed Yesterday we were up early heading over to Marathon Boatyard to have the boat hauled out and some leaks repaired. Our appointment was for 9, but we got there around 8:30. The guy who runs the big lift didn’t get there until closer to 10. So we waited. Okay, no big deal. Once “Off Our Rocker” was in the sling and clear of the water, they moved her onto big blocks of wood and metals supports so they could get to work. The sea strainer was mounted through a piece of marine plywood that had degraded to a sponge-like consistency. They mounted a new strainer with a fiberglass mount and replaced a sticking seacock. Then they discovered the cutlass bearing had slid out so they repaired that. Where the exhaust exits through the transom had become loose and leaky, so they reseated that. They replaced zincs on the shaft and rudder. So now we’re good to go, right? No. It has to set up overnight, do we have a place to stay? No, we live on our boat. Call the Blue Waters Motel, they’ll give you a discount.
The Blue Waters Motel was built in the 50’s, an old motor
Bay side
from the Blue Waters Motel court style place. Kind of cute and very comfortable. Even had a television and a great shower. And a king-size bed. Couldn’t sleep, too much room, I guess. And the room didn’t move, just sat there. All this and only $90 a night.
So this morning we were back at the boatyard. Are we ready to go? No. There are two boats ahead of you for the lift. Should be noon or one o’clock. So we waited. We got to use the marina’s wifi and they gave us a cup of coffee. Very nice people really. At lunch time Kerry went to the Cuban joint down the road and got us a Cuban sandwich and a Pepsi. A passing iguana entertained us while we waited by doing a little dance across the parking lot. Then they said it was our turn, come in and we’ll go over the bill with you first. Uh Oh. Does that mean they won’t put it in the water until we pay, because we might get scared by the size of the bill and flee in our boat at our top speed of 8 mph? Actually, the bill was only a little higher that
we’d expected (hoped, feared, whatever.) So then we got to watch them maneuver the lift over our boat (between two other boats with only inches to spare,) put the slings back under it, and maneuver it back into the water. Amazing stuff. Before they lowered it all the way, they carefully checked to make sure nothing was leaking. It wasn’t! Dry bilges! And we were back in the water again.
Tonight we’re back at our mooring ball, enjoying the scenery and tranquility (and dry bilge.) By the way, the weather is glorious, with temps in the 70’s and a light breeze.
Tune in Friday for the rest of the straight poop.
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Barbara
non-member comment
All I can say is OMG.......you have already had quite an adventure! By the time you get back home, you will have a "new" boat!