IN THE SOO.. AUGSUt 12

AUGUST 12 --IN THE SOO:

SO, we are sitting here contemplating our options. The mechanic from Eagle Marine was here this morning. It must be a reputable marine place because Purvis (the tug company) recommended them.

We explained our perception of the problems. We started the engine and he said, “Ok shut it off.”  He figures either a pin or piston sleeve... not something we can do. It will require removing the engine and transport to the shop; strip down and rebuild. Not sure of the timeframe but they are swamped according to the mechanic.  Ballpark rebuild is $3500-$4500. Does this include parts at retail?? Rick can get parts at cost but will they accept this?

Here’s our dilemma: this Yanmar engine has been out of production for 13 years. Parts are accessible but we still wouldn’t have a modern engine. Rebuild warranty is one year, whether or not its run. We also need a boom truck to lift it out of here.  And we have to pay to stay in Marina...it closes Labour Day. Then we still have to get back south.

We might get it back to Georgian Bay. It seems to run (so it’s probably not a crankshaft) and we brought it up on only 1 cylinder 10 years ago. If all else fails we can get the dinghy to push it.

We can get a new Volvo / other engine $10-12000. With all the bells and whistles and a 2000 hour warranty. Much better. . But 3 weeks to delivery and where would we go to get it put in? Tobermory is closer and we would be travelling during waiting time, so two birds with one stone?? Or a new Yanmar at 25% off retail.  And we could sell this one

Any opinions would be welcome. We are still waiting to find out order time on Yanmar.  And we paid up for two more days here in Marina.

Its pouring rain and windy right now, can’t see across the river ... sort of matches our mood.

ON a lighter note, we had a visit today from a man who met us up in Gargantua. He was kayaking with his wife. He saw us when we pulled in because he keeps a pontoon boat in this Marina. He came by to see how we were doing and happened to mention that he is the RCMP officer that runs the local RCMP boat and works with the US coast guard. He also knows our RCMP friend in Sask...he used to be the officer in Fort Frances when our friend was in Kenora.  He texted Pete to tell him he was visiting us on our boat and got his phone number and email address for us.    6 degrees of separation???

Hope y’all are having better weather!