Engine Installation Day 1 & 2

Life is good....Yesterday, the engine entered it's new home!  I have posted the pics below and Guy has written the technical part of the blog......it may be understandably boring for some but interesting and helpful for any boater/cruiser that may someday find themselves in this situation. 

I cleaned up the mess of the old engine and painted with White Bilgecoat. If the new one leaks oil I want to know about it! You will notice that the motor mounts are off. The mechanic took them to modify them for fine adjustments.

The Dripless shaft was rebuilt with a new bellows and "o" rings. Notice the rope to tie the shaft so that the shaft won't move and allow water to enter the boat when we get towed.

After over 2 months sitting and not moving in salt water, I expected more growth  on the hull but the CSC Microlon bottom paint did it's job. Unfortunately there were a few barnacles growing on the shaft and line cutter. The 2 things that weren't painted with 'bottom paint' or 'prop speed'. Time for a short haul(1 hour). In that time we changed out the bellows for the dripless shaft . Power washed the hull and then reset the pitch on the Variprop to match the new torque specs of the new Beta Engine. Had it all done by the time the launch crew returned from lunch. $773!!!!  Expensive lunch hour! Yikes...Our Sarnia Yacht Club fees seem like petty cash compared to these charges!

Without an engine the crew pulled me around to the work dock with a tow boat at the bow.

This is the new Beta. The mechanic is removing a few things to make it easier to get down the companionway.

The yard used a crane that they have on hand for mast removals etc.

One more mount to remove!

I removed the dodger and swung the boom out to the side to allow more room.

Don't drop it now!!!The crane operator was so good!

The guy in the Bert "Jabin's Yacht Yard" jersey directs the crane operator with hand signals. An Inch at a time!!

Finally through the companionway and on the bottom step resting while the mechanic, Rob Nixon, sets up the u shaped jig to swing the motor into position on the mounts. He placed the mounts using a plywood jig that he made to align with the engine.
The engine was put in place shortly after this. Frustratingly, the motor mounts are too high and need to be taken to a welding shop to be modified. 

Some of our recent land activities!

On Saturday November 17th, our friend Ed Shumaker of Annapolis, was kind enough to take us to Washington DC. to tour some famous U.S.A government buildings and the National Gallery of Art. I have posted these random pics to give you a sense of what the city looked like.
Guy and I really enjoyed our tour of the city and the art gallery is amazing.

The Canadian Embassy

At the National Gallery of Art

  Tuesday November 20th, we went to a Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler concert at the Verizon Center with Ed and a friend he runs with most mornings. To avoid the intense Washington DC traffic,we drove a while then jumped on the DC subway which took us a block from the concert. We grabbed a bite to eat and found our seats just in time for Mark Knopfler at 7:30.  We enjoyed he and his band for about 1.5 hours. Fabulous to see live. He truly is a master of the guitar.
After a short break we were treated to Bob Dylan and his band (Not "The Band") for 2 hours....A very entertaining evening.....

 The next morning, Nov 21st, we left Annapolis to spend Thanksgiving weekend in Charlotte N.C. with my family.

Guy has always wanted to ride a motocycle....here he sampled a bit of that feeling ....in the garage LOL!

A meal out with my Bros and Sister in laws!
at Cabo Fish Taco in Charlotte NC

We drove back to Annapolis ( a 7-8 hour drive) on Sunday Nov 25th. Our friends Holly and Brad came over for a nite cap , a few stories and laughs to finish off an already fun weekend.

On Monday morning, Nov 26th, we became proud grand parents  of a  7 lb 3 oz healthy and beautiful baby girl.
                            Teagan Olivia Mathany.
Her parents, Erik (our son) and his wife Natania are fine, elated and tired! 

On Wednesday, Nov 28th, the Engine installation finally begins. Stay tuned.......

The Beast is gone!

We (well Guy) was been busy on Tuesday taking the old Westerbeke Diesel engine apart to ease the removal process. He has cleaned up some of the more sought after (good parts), I have photographed them along with the many spares we had onboard and will be posting them on several marine sites to sell and ship before we leave Annapolis. 
Today , Thursday Nov 15th, "The Beast" was removed from the engine room after powering this vessel for more than 6000 hrs overall and 270  hrs since the re-build last summer in Sarnia.  May it RIP.....
We got confirmation yesterday that the new engine will be here on the 20th.  Some modifications need to be done on the 21st due to the dual alternators that are specific to us.  It is the U.S Thanksgiving here on the 22nd and most places are closed on the 23rd.....So the installation date begins on Monday the 26th of Nov. 
Miss Ellie, will be towed to the lift area early next week. 

The diesel timing injector pump portion of the engine

Newly rebuilt injectors anyone?

More parts

This cruising lifestyle cannot be all work and no play (my rules) so on Wednesday, we went for some retail therapy!

      He did well...3 pairs of new slim fit jeans.....woo woo!

      

 At 9:30 a:m as scheduled Rob owner of Dependable Marine  services arrived to remove our troubled 500 lb engine with his wife Michelle to assist in getting him whatever tools he needed while he was behind our stripped out engine in a tight spot as it was lifted out of the compartment's doorway.

While still at our dock, a motorized hoist was attached to the boom.

Rob sets up the adjustable aluminum "U'' bracket that he fabricated  to enable the engine to be lifted vertically off the motor mounts and then swung over and out of the engine room.

Guy is eager to help

 It's out of the engine room and at the bottom of  the stairway ready for it's lift up

So far so good...

                                           

Don't mistake this for a smile.....it could be a nervous    grin....or maybe it's a "shit this is expensive" smirk!  or a "this is a Fuc...g  lot of work " sarcastic facial expression!

    

It's out...one hour and not a scratch on our varnished woodwork!  Notice Guy's hand as he happily pushes it out!

              It's ready for transport (I don't care where)

           

 Now....this afternoon Guy is scrubbing and prepping the engine room floor for the paint he will apply tomorrow morning.

And I will put the inside back together.....can't wait for a shower and that cold late afternoon beer!