In January, on our way south through the Abermarle Sound, we discovered our port scupper hose was leaking water into the bilge. Checking with our Island Packet brethren, we received advice that Daytona Marina and Boatworks was a reputable place to have repairs made and was along our way. So, here we are finally in Daytona Beach.
Our plan was to anchor in the Halifax River outside the Boatworks until they could take us in the following Monday. But after seeing this view and looking at the weather forecasting brisk winds, we decided to pull into Halifax River Marina and stay there until the weather let up.
Halifax River Marina was recommended by our nephew Johnathan who keeps his boat there - we checked it out to ensure all was well - which it was.
Preparing for the boatyard to replace our scupper hoses (and exhaust hose at the same time since it was also dripping) we had to empty all the contents of the cockpit lazerettes and aft cabin. This was alot of gear to fill up the salon and front bedroom.
When we arrived at the boatyard, the mechanics were waiting for us and started work immediately. They had the scupper hoses out in a couple hours. I was really impressed since I had surveyed the task at hand and decided it was not one I wanted to tackle, hence my long delay in addressing the problem. They had to remove the autopilot to get to the starboard hose which was one of the main reasons I passed on the job. The hoses were in worse shape than I expected and should have been replaced a while ago - but its one of those quite difficult jobs that are easy to put off. The service from Daytona Boatworks was absolutely top-notch and they charged us the minimum fee. I was very happy with their job and glad I paid them rather than tackle this difficult job myself.
Unfortunately (or, as it turned out fortunately since it allowed us more time sightseeing), they were unable to obtain a replacement 12ft exhaust hose locally and had to order it from Ft Lauderdale, so we ended up having to stay in the boatyard for 2 days. Our friends from New Smyrna drove up and we had a wonderful reunion. Rivah was the hit at lunch at the Yellow Dog cafe.
Rivah had a good time in Daytona at both the Yellow Dog and the Daytona Beach Dog Park. But not all was uneventful. One time getting back onboard she jumped for the boat early surprising Sue who still had tight hold of the leash. Rivah was stopped mid-flight and fell in the river. Fortunately, there was a work raft alongside which she could swim to and we could lift her out. That earned her a good bath and scrubbing to get the salt water out.
Later in the day the job was finished and it was time to continue on. But the tides were not cooperating. Our boat sits on the bottom at 3.2ft on our depth gauge (with a 1.5ft offset so actual depth of 4.7ft). So, our keel was sitting in almost a foot of soft silt. At 10am the next morning we finally had water deep enough to get underway. Off for New Smyrna and more time with Carol and Tara.
Our plan was to anchor in the Halifax River outside the Boatworks until they could take us in the following Monday. But after seeing this view and looking at the weather forecasting brisk winds, we decided to pull into Halifax River Marina and stay there until the weather let up.
Halifax River Marina was recommended by our nephew Johnathan who keeps his boat there - we checked it out to ensure all was well - which it was.
Preparing for the boatyard to replace our scupper hoses (and exhaust hose at the same time since it was also dripping) we had to empty all the contents of the cockpit lazerettes and aft cabin. This was alot of gear to fill up the salon and front bedroom.
When we arrived at the boatyard, the mechanics were waiting for us and started work immediately. They had the scupper hoses out in a couple hours. I was really impressed since I had surveyed the task at hand and decided it was not one I wanted to tackle, hence my long delay in addressing the problem. They had to remove the autopilot to get to the starboard hose which was one of the main reasons I passed on the job. The hoses were in worse shape than I expected and should have been replaced a while ago - but its one of those quite difficult jobs that are easy to put off. The service from Daytona Boatworks was absolutely top-notch and they charged us the minimum fee. I was very happy with their job and glad I paid them rather than tackle this difficult job myself.
Unfortunately (or, as it turned out fortunately since it allowed us more time sightseeing), they were unable to obtain a replacement 12ft exhaust hose locally and had to order it from Ft Lauderdale, so we ended up having to stay in the boatyard for 2 days. Our friends from New Smyrna drove up and we had a wonderful reunion. Rivah was the hit at lunch at the Yellow Dog cafe.
Rivah had a good time in Daytona at both the Yellow Dog and the Daytona Beach Dog Park. But not all was uneventful. One time getting back onboard she jumped for the boat early surprising Sue who still had tight hold of the leash. Rivah was stopped mid-flight and fell in the river. Fortunately, there was a work raft alongside which she could swim to and we could lift her out. That earned her a good bath and scrubbing to get the salt water out.
Later in the day the job was finished and it was time to continue on. But the tides were not cooperating. Our boat sits on the bottom at 3.2ft on our depth gauge (with a 1.5ft offset so actual depth of 4.7ft). So, our keel was sitting in almost a foot of soft silt. At 10am the next morning we finally had water deep enough to get underway. Off for New Smyrna and more time with Carol and Tara.
