Thursday 2 May They say things come In threes

A couple of days ago the generator overheated when a bearing seized. David was able to buy new bearings at the chandlers and we were working again very quickly.

This morning the alarm went off before dawn as we planned an early departure for Pancake Creek, 60nm north, aiming to arrive at high water. We'd had a cup of tea and turned on the engine. Jackster always starts well, but today the familiar, swhish swish of water from the exhaust was ominously missing. No water ejecting from the engine means no cooling circulation means stop now and investigate. I called our handy mechanic, David, who leapt into the engine room and found the coupling of a shaft which is turned by the impeller had failed. Exactly the same problem we had when we were half way from Tonga to New Zealand three years ago which was why David knew what to look for. Then David used the electric pump from the deck wash suspended over the engine to drive water through the engine and then we were able to source the new parts when we arrived in Opua.

This time we were still safely on anchor close to a marina and close to resources. An internet search for the nearest Volvo Penta dealer and a phone call when they opened at 8am and the parts were on order from Sydney for delivery tomorrow. A seemingly easy fix.

When Chilli Heat and Circe heard of our problem they generously offered not only to delay their departure but for Sue to borrow a car from her sister twho lives nearby for us to collect the parts from town tomorrow. Aussies are generous and helpful people. Sue and Bruce even said staying another night or two was better than being at anchor when a predicted big blow comes through tomorrow night. 

So three water pumps in one week! It's a boat.