Well…, we are here in Port Antinio Jamaica, and it is GLORIOUS!!
The Bad news is that I unknowingly got a fishing net caught in the prop and fried our transmission. I dont know what we are going to do. We have stamped in for 3 months with a possible 6 months. I dont have the money for a new tranny and I’m going to have to figure out how to fix the one I have or find a used one for our Perkins 4108. Real bummer eah?
It took 26 hours to sail 60 miles often doing .5 of a knot, really frustrating. I radioed ahead and friends met us 3 miles off shore and towed us in. Big thanks to Britta and David on “Anam Cara”, and Roy and Michelle on “Dream Odessy”. Thanks to Russel on “Aspara” also. They came to get us after midnight so we didn’t have to spend another few days at sea waiting for wind to sail in here.
Well all I can say is I don’t know what our plans are. I know the tranny is fried and I want to leave for San Blas as soon as possible. Time will tell eah?
Peace from the crew of the good ship “Splendid”.
Sail far, live slow, and stay out of fishing nets!
– Alex
Real bummer Alex. We had the same problem crossing back from the Abacos 2 weeks ago only we busted out Sonic Leg. Glad I had a spare in storage.
Good luck getting your tranny fixed.
Barry & Barb
Hey Alex,
My girlfriend and I had a similar problem when we arrived in Nicaragua. I was able to have a rebuilt transmission DHL’d to Managua. We waited about two weeks and had to pick it up at the airport. More than likely you have a borg warner transmission that would readily be available, at least they are on the West coast.
No I have a PRM Transmission
http://www.prm-marine.com/home.php
They are out of England so I dont have a chance to speak to them until monday. I drained the oil and it was a white as milk, I must have melted something???
Alex
Hi Alex
Sorry to hear what happen.
Which model number is the transmission? I will try to download the manual and see if I can help.The milk color in the oil is because it got mixed with water. If you have the manual email it to me if not I will get it. We are glad you arrived safe. Thanks, Luso
As I was watching your spot and saw that fast turn to port I knew something was up. My Spot has freaked out a few people on land too. Anyway, I’m glad your safe in port. Now it’s time to be flexible and take care of stuff. I’ve got faith in you mate.
Give my best to the family and enjoy the adventure.
Capt. Paul
s/v Panacea
Luso,
Thanks for the help. It may not be as bad as I thought. I need to get my hooka togeter today and get in the water to cut everything away, it is quite a mess. I’m also taking in some water from the packing and need to deal with that as well. Once I get everything free and change the oil I’m going to deal with how water got into the oil. I’ll keep in touch. How is your boat comming?
Peace.
Alex, you likely have a transmission heat exchanger which is most likey the culprit for water intrusion. I just chnged my engine oil and tran oil heat exchangers and the tranny cooler was ready to go from internal corrosion, mostly from old age but also because it doesn’t have a pencil zinc. Hopefully a few oil changes will get you back in business. Fingers crossed in the Sea of Cortez!!!