Overdue for an update

It has been pointed out by a few people that I'm getting pretty lazy with this blogging thing.  Truth is the engine repairs are sloooooow and I've been sulking about it. Here's the update:

The engine I bought in Punta Gorda was no good.  The gear case had been damaged (in a different spot than mine) so was no good as a replacement (the man who sold it to me gave me half my money back and I can still pull all sorts of other parts from it to use as spares).  My mechanic and I spent some time brainstorming ideas and putting calls in to Westerbeke.  We have finally settled on welding my original gear case which was always an option but a better repair would have been replacement.  Unfortunately replacement is off the table right now.

My mechanic, Carl, looking annoyed with the engine.

The welder has been on the case (punny, right?).  It was supposed to be finished on Thursday but he didn't get it done so I had to wait (impatiently) over the weekend.  My mechanic is due on Monday to put everything back together.

The broken corner of the case

Reg and the boys have been at home this whole time.  They are heading back here on Tuesday morning and should be back on board by Wednesday night.  I'm really excited about having everyone here again.