Captain’s Log – Wed 4/23/25
Hula Girl needed some attention today. Just when we thought we had everything taken care of, something else came up.
First, I had to repair the windlass. When I said I dropped yesterday I meant that literally. The windlass free spun. I had to take the front wall out if the forward cabin to access the motor. It appears that the clip that held the shaft in the motor assembly was missing and nowhere to be found. The shaft had slid out enough for the key to fall out, letting the shaft free spin. Lacking any specialty hardware, I made the farmer’s baling wire fix to hold it in place until I can find an appropriate c-clip.
It’s not ideal, but at least I won’t have to muscle up a couple hundred pounds of anchor and chain.
We made 20 gallons of water while I was working on the windlass. I also installed the wired remote for the windlass while I was at it. It had been on the list, just hadn’t got around to it.
Feeling satisfied with the morning’s project we took the dinghy over to the sandbar for lunch. In route, the motor died. Had to replace the fuel filter again. Seems to be every couple of weeks. Must have got some dirty gas somewhere. 🙁 We finally get to the beach bar to find they were closed today. That’s the Bahamas for ya. 🤷🏼♂️ We went back to the boat for lunch instead, then went to the Pig Beach on Meeks Patch near where we anchored. I really don’t get why every island seems to have a pig beach but whatever.
After a delightful nap, Hula Girl wanted more attention. It seemed the solar panel breaker tripped, so back to work it was. It appears there wasn’t a strain relief on the wire. I’m guessing the rough passage yesterday pulled on it enough to loosen the connector. It will need replaced. Hopefully I can find a replacement in port tomorrow when we go into Spanish Wells.
About that time the bilge pump started cycling. No water, just a dirty sensor. About 5 o’clock somewhere Hula Girl finally let me off work for the day.
✌️❤️⛵️
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