So, our 2012 launch date is set - May 3rd. I think that is the earliest we have ever splashed. It is a bit tight with the house move taking up so much time. I have gotten to the boat once this spring. That time I did get all the V belts changed out and also started to look into the wiper motor repair. Finding it was a challenge in itself. As I continue to find out, access for servicing items like this wiper motor was not high on the priority list when Plan B was designed. I finally found out how to access the wiper motor – behind the electrical panel. Ah, simple enough you say. Well, simple if all you want to do is stare at the thing with a flash light. I could even manage to touch the motor with my finger tips although I scraped my arm up pretty bad in the process. But to remove it………there is no way to even figure out what fasteners actually hold it is place. Let alone get a tool on them. I have decided to leave this till we are launched and get George to give me a hand. But I am figuring I have to create an access panel or hole to get at it. Now, I like Sea Rays but that is really poor designing when the part is nigh on impossible to remove to repair or replace. I am sure one way or another we will get it but what a pain.
I think I mentioned in an earlier blog that the V belt removal was difficult. Well, I finally figured out the trick is to remove the 4 bolts on the circulating water pump pulley, spray a little WD40 on the shaft poking through and then tap at the pulley with a rubber mallet …and presto, it comes off, allowing the easy removal of the belts. Easy when you know how!
So, the good news – we have completed our house move and all went well with no hick-ups. The movers showed up on time and none of the items got broken – the lawyers did their thing at huge expense and a snails pace but nonetheless we are now in the new place.
Now the bad news – on the Saturday we moved, after the movers had finished and left I tool Sea Ray puppy across the road for a pee (we don’t have grass yet around us). So mindlessly walking along as she picks the perfect blade of grass to pee on I stepped too close to the edge of the curb and my foot slipped off and twisted 90 degrees at the side of my foot contacted the road. I just new it was bad as I fell like a wet bag of cement. But I got up and hobbled home and continued to hobble Sunday and Monday. Monday evening it was obvious even to a person in denial that this was not good so off to ER. We timed it right at University hospital (5 mins away) and were in and out in about an hour. Out with a boot cast, crutches and a diagnosis of a broken foot and strict instructions to not put weight on it. Sounds simple enough but how debilitating. Work at home unpacking and organizing ground to a halt. Work on the boat looked grim.
The current situation. I see the orthopedic surgeon on the 24th April and we will see what he says. I have gotten a bit used to crutches and am managing but it is still so frustrating. Wayne came by last Saturday afternoon and helped organize the garage so we can now get the cars in.
Boat update: April 14th - Will and I got to the boat (yes, with the crutches) with plans to ensure it was ready to come outside some time the following week. We met Ed (marina owner) and he asked if we minded staying in the shed for a bit longer. Most of the boats have been moved out already in preparation for launch when the weather was summer-like in March. Then April came and the weather was crappy so no one wants to splash. So he has boats all over the place and really no where to put a boat our size right now. He offered to move the boat away from the wall so we have 360 degree access to polish inside the shed and we can have the big doors open for light. Sounds good to me – don’t have to rely on decent weather to get her ready. I think the cripple (me) can take care of the bottom painting. Sea Ray girl and Mary-Liz have offered to wax since Will is away competing for Canada at the 2012 Pan-American Championships – will have to add a note on that once he gets back.
