After sitting in Coinjock for two days waiting for winds to die down we headed out across the Abermarle. As we departed the marina, winds and seas were dead calm. That was not the case in the Abermarle. Seas were still 2-3ft and very close together. Sue commented she was getting her seasick training in. Winds were down to 15kts and just enough abeam to let us motor sail. We made good time but a bit uncomfortable.
During the crossing we noticed the bilge pump was working overtime, something we had never experienced before. We were taking on water somewhere. My first thought was it was the water coming over the bow down the anchor chain openings. I checked the fore bilge and it was bone dry. Next culprit could be our new cutlass bearing and packing gland were leaking. We emptied out the aft stateroom (big job) to get access to the shaft. No problems there but I could see water coming in from aft of the stern tube. That means emptying the lazarette to investigate.
Its hard to believe all this stuff was in the one lazarette but they are pretty big on the Island Packets. Mystery solved. Our port scupper hose that is meant to drain the cockpit was leaking. With the wind and seas heeling us to port, the sea was backing up the hose and leaking into the boat. We could also see signs that the exhaust hose and starboard scupper hose were dripping and would eventually need replacing. We stuck a wooden plug from our emergency bag in the scupper hose and I grabbed our rescue tape and wrapped the exhaust hose. That will get us to Florida where we can reassess when to make final repairs.
Anchorage for the night is at the end of the Alligator River just before the long canal. No heat tonight but is was only in mid-40s so not worth getting the portable generator out to heat up the boat. We donned pajamas and jumped into the cozy bed. It was quite comfortable (after a few minutes of warming up). Tomorrow it is off across the Pamilico River to Hobucken, NC.
Big news is that Rivah is quickly back into the swing of boat dog life. Sue took her up to the bow before bedtime and she promptly did her business. Check out the fancy lighted collar, Christmas gift from the Nashville Lawrence's.
During the crossing we noticed the bilge pump was working overtime, something we had never experienced before. We were taking on water somewhere. My first thought was it was the water coming over the bow down the anchor chain openings. I checked the fore bilge and it was bone dry. Next culprit could be our new cutlass bearing and packing gland were leaking. We emptied out the aft stateroom (big job) to get access to the shaft. No problems there but I could see water coming in from aft of the stern tube. That means emptying the lazarette to investigate.
Its hard to believe all this stuff was in the one lazarette but they are pretty big on the Island Packets. Mystery solved. Our port scupper hose that is meant to drain the cockpit was leaking. With the wind and seas heeling us to port, the sea was backing up the hose and leaking into the boat. We could also see signs that the exhaust hose and starboard scupper hose were dripping and would eventually need replacing. We stuck a wooden plug from our emergency bag in the scupper hose and I grabbed our rescue tape and wrapped the exhaust hose. That will get us to Florida where we can reassess when to make final repairs.
Anchorage for the night is at the end of the Alligator River just before the long canal. No heat tonight but is was only in mid-40s so not worth getting the portable generator out to heat up the boat. We donned pajamas and jumped into the cozy bed. It was quite comfortable (after a few minutes of warming up). Tomorrow it is off across the Pamilico River to Hobucken, NC.
Big news is that Rivah is quickly back into the swing of boat dog life. Sue took her up to the bow before bedtime and she promptly did her business. Check out the fancy lighted collar, Christmas gift from the Nashville Lawrence's.
