The Wait Is Over

I'm sure everyone has been waiting and wondering what happened to Carol and Dave? The wait is over...we are floating! New Horizon is doing well for its age and all systems are up and functioning...so far.

We left Daytona early on Monday morning. Since these are small planes and there were only four of us on the flight, we left half and hour early. Dave got to sit in the right hand seat once again.

The flight was smooth and we bid farewell to Ponce Inlet.

The ocean was rough, so we were really glad we were flying.

I always enjoy seeing the water colors as we approach the sandbanks, and then on to Treasure Cay.

Down on the ground, the wind was howling, making our ferry trip across the Sea of Abaco to Green Turtle Cay exciting. I couldn't even take photos.

Once we arrived at the AYS boatyard, it was time to get on board and start working. Peaking inside, I was pleasantly surprised to find not a speck of mildew! Everything smelled a bit stuffy and musty, but all that breeze aired the place out.

Our most important job was to get the steering fixed, and Dave's custom-made parts fit and work perfectly.

Dave scraped  all the encrusted intakes and strainers, plus the props, shafts, and trim tabs. The engines should cool much easier now, and we should move through the water easier too.

Then it was time to put some bottom paint on.

We had one interesting problem develop with our water system. We couldn't get the freshwater pump to pump up any water. First we checked to make sure that there was water in the tanks (it would be horrible if our tanks had rusted through!) and that the filter wasn't clogged...no problem. Then he thought maybe there was rust in the line, but he couldn't get any to come out. While exploring the system in the lazarette storage area, Dave made a discovery. There are two water tank valves we didn't know existed. The one for the port side accidentally got turned off somehow and this was the culprit (lots of water now!). The starboard side valve has apparently been broken closed, so we have actually been using only one tank (100 gallons) the whole 10 years we have owned the boat. We really must be frugal with our water use. Some time this winter we'll fix that valve and drain that tank...yuk!

Two days of hard work and we were ready for our 7:45 A.M. launch today.

Philip gets the travel lift in place.

Then Dave had to quickly paint the spots where the stands were on the hull.

Splash time.

 The AYS crew is so efficient and it takes a lot of manpower to pull New Horizon against the wind.

Even the skiff is happy to be back in the prisitne water. It's ready to take on water skiers and tubers!

Yes, it certainly is great to be floating again, as we wait for the wind and sea to calm down.

We are on the right side of the Gulf Stream, but the wrong side of 'The Whale'. It sure is peaceful and quiet here in Black Sound though. We'll soak it up before the bustle of Hope Town, and get New Horizon ready for our grand entrance.