Wild Horses is Looking Less and Less Like a Sailboat!

On our way to getting our engine up to snuff, more and more of Wild Horses gets stripped off. It is unnerving but necessary!
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When our Westerbeke engine’s heat exchanger blew last spring, we knew it was going to be the start of something big. Our engine had failed a few times as we headed south to Grenada and it was the cause of much angst for Captain Mike. Every time our engine had to be fired up (arriving or leaving anchorages, no wind, or wind from the wrong direction), he held his breath. Inlets and narrow passages seemed to take years off his life. The stress was very real.

On the contrary, Mike never worries when we are sailing. In fact, that is when he is having the most fun. Strategically playing with the sail trim to get Wild Horses in a strong run while also managing the balance of the boat so that his first mate (me!) is comfortable and happy. He loves it!! Unfortunately, sailing isn’t always possible and the motor needs to be fired up every now and again. Even before our heat exchanger blew, Captain Mike’s main objective for our off season was to feel as confident in Wild Horses when motoring as he does while sailing.

From my vantage point, last Spring, it looked like a tall order. Mike wasn’t entirely sure that he didn’t want to just slap a “for sale” sign on Wild Horses. Yikes!

Then we found Al from Al’s Mobile Marine Service. A straight-talking guy with a jersey coast accent who overflows with knowledge of marine mechanics and all things boat-related. He came well-recommended and, truly, every interaction we have had with him tells us why people love him and his work.

He is doing a bang-up job. All parts of our red Westerbeke engine have been removed and inspected. Parts that test well are being cleaned, serviced and repainted. Parts that fail are being replaced. Every inch of the engine is getting some love.

Our mechanic Al is an awesome guy!

Al's work space in the back cabin of Wild Horses

Buckets of pieces of our engine

Our bare engine block

Even the muffler was removed!

Al loading up his truck with all of our engine parts, ready for servicing!

While we are at it, we had him inspect our propellor and shaft, and also look at replacing our dripless shaft seal (stops water from entering the boat through the stern tube) that sits on the propellor shaft. Getting a new dripless shaft seal isn’t an issue but the propellor shaft was showing some signs of wear. We decided to remove it and get it milled back to perfection. Great! Except, removing the propellor shaft is only possible by first removing the rudder. This is a semi-big job that we could do ourselves (with the help of some awesome friends) and we were happy to do it as it gave us a chance to fully inspect the rudder and to replace the bearings that keep it gracefully steering our boat.

Al discussing the propellor shaft with Mike and the yard crew chief John

Mike doing the pre-work of loosening the rudder

Our boat had to be lifted in order to have the room to remove the rudder and its long shaft

Our friend Steve worked tirelessly to try to bang out a stubborn pin from the rudder shaft

John the yard crew chief waiting for the pin to be removed so that the rudder could be removed

2 hours later the pin is finally out!!

And the rudder could finally be removed!!

And our silly Ocean, who took on the job of making everyone smile!

So, that is where we are as of yesterday. We remain high and dry at Green Cove Springs Marina. Our engine is reduced to just its block. Our propellor shaft and rudder have been removed and are lying peacefully on the ground next to our boat. No engine, no rudder, no prop, no sails and no water beneath us. We are stripped bare of steering and propulsion. But, we are headed in the right direction and getting closer and closer to happier times on the water.
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I see a little bit of stress leave Captain Mike’s face every day. Awesome.

Our rudder

Our prop shaft

Our very naked hull!

And a very happy Captain Mike!