All week long we have had people swarming the boat. The rear arch holding the solar panels has been reinstalled with the new changes, davits to hold the dingy underway in calmer waters plus other minor modifications by Sergio Galindo. Got most of the electronics online, still have a bit more to do but getting there. Had a few problems getting two new wires into and through the mast. Several things last week made for a couple of very frustrating days! Then Thursday and Friday made for some great progress and we took Avatar out for her first run with the new motor on Saturday.
We got delayed from an early departure but underway just after 12 noon. Ran her easy up the bay with a local anchorage just north of us the destination. Watching gauges and motor like a hawk! Resetting the packing around the propeller shaft as the packing was new as well. After a half hour or so we ran her up to make sure no overheating or other problems. Motor runs like a sewing machine and is very strong. Full throttle brought her up to 3200 RPM and cruising speed around 1800-2000. No smoke from the engine from injectors and absolutely clean exhaust! No leaks below, OK, one tiny one that required a hose clamp tightening but all in all very good.
Went to Caleta Lobos for the afternoon. Swam, had lunch and generally goofed off. Shelly had to make sure the new windlass control from the cockpit worked and she was giggling with the result. After a relaxing afternoon we started back to La Paz and brought her back to the slip around 6pm. Great shakedown and relaxing afternoon.
Today, Sunday, we are taking a well deserved day off after many many hard and long days. I felt like a Service Manager again at points and a traffic director with scheduling work and making sure that we did not overlap the workers so they could stay on course. Without especially Edy we would not be this far along and this old body would be worse for the wear for sure!
We still have bunches to do but the light is definitely on at the end of the tunnel and a lot of pressure is off with the new motor installed and running. One day we had a bit of tension as the Genset would not start. It had been sitting too long without being run as we were at the dock and part time it was out of the boat while the motor and new fuel tank were installed. Seemed we had an intake valve stuck and had no compression. Rob came to the rescue with a magic spray that went into the intake and we left it sit for a few hours. After retrying it she fired right back up and ran like a charm.
We are off today,Sunday, relaxing, regrouping and finalizing the move from the house and trying to finish things so we can go check all the new stuff and equipment installed. One big help was Kim is very familiar with our electronics package and the two girls were playing with them and Shelly learning like crazy. Considering Avatar had not a working depth sounder for years and now has darn near every thing we are light years ahead.
Avatar and her new paint job looks great and runs great so we are happy campers. Many many Thanks to all those who have been helping make her into what she is becoming. She is gorgeous and solid. More needed but the huge parts are done. Edy has been with us almost every step of the way and we can not thank him enough. Pedro the Carpenter has helped make her solid and safe with all his masterful carpentry skills. Pedro Alvarez I helping with the cosmetics. Rob and Kim from Cross Marine for the motor itself and helping with the installation. Jeff Wilson for the Electronics and Kevin for installation. Sergio Galindo for the Stainless work. Beto for the beautiful prep work on the hull paint and the Abaroa Yard for the bottom job and their Beto for the excellent spray job of the new hull paint.
Avatar is turning into a safe solid cruiser that will take us off to new adventures and places we only dreamed of before! The old saying goes and is true. Be careful for what you dream, it just might come true! Stand by for the next chapter in life! Mike
Edy is helping Mike fasten the cockpit floor back down while one of Sergio's guys is mounting the solar panels back on the arch.
Working on getting that wind gen pole mounted just right.
Ready to weld pole in place.
Cleaning welds with acid before polishing.
Mike checks out the welding and now you can see the pole.
First boat ride in over a year. The boys look happy! Mike, Edy and Rob.
Kim and Shelly
Shelly and Mike
Rob and Kim Cross of Cross Marine
Dolphins want to play
Dolphins riding the bow wake with the new motor pushing us strong!
Avatar keeps her eyes on the dolphins!!
