Quick update on our status in Singapore!
Without mechanical knowledge previously tested or "required to date" - we have replaced, refitted, removed and just about re greased everything attached to the propeller shaft all the way back to the engine... On the positive- we now have knowledge about bearings, sheaves, splines and of course the various composites making them up which I must add a non-industry person should never be exposed to. This intimate experience also includes various installation techniques of said bearing, not limited to but definitely including: pressing, heating, pounding, tapping and just pure hard driving never before nor ever "again" to be attempted by the himself. The good news is the entire drive line, v-drive, transmission, hydraulic pluming, water system and not to mention the mounting, adjusting, removing to adjust again.
This of course just helps us get to the really fun part...the ever simple "ALIGNMENT PROCESS" HA! - Well our heads are still spinning over counting the planetary gears - no kidding - We have removed sun gears, moon gears and just plain old planetary gears - WOW! Like celestial navigation all over... It is just that the universe doesn't make crunching/rattling noises while they ellipse - must of had a good mechanic - (note to self: need to get him on the problem)
After real effort, time, money and knuckle cracking it has been concluded that there is a real problem and it required additional professionals.... Wow! #*@#%!!! - OR- SON OF A GUN!
Not a very exciting time on old Bluemoon... Christmas keeps screaming closer as if the pages on calendar were the odometer on a formula race car... The ripping of the pages just a constant reminder of friends and family afar and dollars tearing from our bank account.... We believe there is an end in sight - just holding onto hope and a constant positive outlook.
Just to top off the situation the immigration department will not issue us another extension without a written estimate of repair time and this needs to be from a locally recognized marine yard... Yippee! This was great news as we wasted 3 hrs getting out to their office only to be kicked back. Fun being on a boat sometimes - Arrive by bus or plane get 90-days - Arrive by boat get 14-days - get a one time 30 day renewal and then put up $3000 or who knows what..... So we have to hurry to get a letter explaining our problem on local letterhead...
SO - Now we need to return to the Raffles Marina Yard - not the people we ever wanted to deal with again- let alone ask for assistance... But we need to set the drive train correctly to insure the costly yard repairs were done correctly before departing... What luck!! All else is great! No cruisers in sight and the locals are to busy trying to out purchase the entire world for x-mas, if you think the economy is in trouble - Singapore will keep it rolling.
Enough for now! We will keep fighting the fight.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment