Voyage 2005-2006: Chapter 4

16 Mar 2006, Goodby Fort Pierce, 26 45.370 N/ 080 02.650 W

A little over a week ago, SV Moony's new motor arrived at the Diesel Shop. There were many things that had to happen before it was ready for 'prime time'. The motor mounts had to be moved, the water collector had to be modified, the shaft couple had to be updated, and there were a 'boat load' of problems with the compressor for the refrigerator.

A week later, it was fixed. The crew was anxious as the key was turned. Two cranks and the engine started with NO white smoke. Life was good. The next day saw a sea trial around the Fort Pierce inlet. No problems. After the trial, there were some minor adjustments to the compressor. We will leave Fort Pierce today at high tide around 1000 hrs.

We couldn't leave without a last Bailey fix. Allen brought Bailey to say goodbye to Jule III and Moony. He was happy to see us and told us to have a good trip and to come visit again. SV Moony left first with lots of bow thrusting. We were getting worried that we might have some problem getting out. However, we pulled out of the slip rather easily (thanks to a favorable wind), and headed out of Taylor Creek. Our first goal was Vero Beach as part of a shakedown. Wolfgang stopped about a mile out of Fort Pierce, jumped off his boat, checked his prop, and got back on the boat. Clean prop!

About an hour later we get a call from Moony on the VHF. "The motor is dead!". Apparently, there some residual problems with the compressor where the compressor belts slipped off and destroyed the motor's main belt. Moony asked for a tow which we promptly provided. However, Jule-III drove them aground. Not sure how it happened but they were aground! Time to call Towboat Larry. While waiting, Wolfgang installed a replacement belt and got the engine running sans compressor. It took Towboat Larry almost 45 minutes to arrive and less than 5 minutes to pull Moony off the shoal. On to Vero we go! We arrived at Vero Beach Municipal Marina and took mooring ball #05 at 1530.

21 Mar 2006, Anchoring at Lake Worth, 26 45.370 N/ 080 02.650 W

We spent the early morning last Saturday in Vero Beach. Wolfgang picked up his weekly "Der Spiegel" and we got our last coffee at the coffee shop. We dinghy-ed back to our boats and pointed south to Lake Worth. We got as far as Jensen Beach and decided to call it a day just west of R "220". It turned out to be nice and peaceful anchorage with birds, dolphins, and a few jet skis (oh well, nothings perfect!)

On Sunday, we left Jenson Beach for our Lake Worth anchorage. (Tip: don't travel on the water in Florida on a weekend!). The closer we got to Palm Beach, the more boats we encountered. To compound the problem, the boater skills seemed to diminish. We had a couple 'hot dogs' pull in front of us, slow down, call somebody on the cellphone, turn in front of us and stop. We were less than a boat length from him when Ann and Bob SCREAMED at him. He was clueless. Boats, boats, everywhere. Mega-yachts, sportfish, runabouts, cabin cruisers, a canoe, and who know what we missed.

Our weather for Monday and Tuesday vanished so we came up with a possible departure date for this Thursday. A marginal window may allow us to get to West End before the next of a wave of Lows travel though the area. Yesterday we dinghy-ed to Riviera Beach Marina and did some exploring. It appears that this marina and adjoining areas have been sold and soon a fancy development will be built. The loss of marinas and boat yards will surely hurt the recreational boater. No place to park your boat; no place to have you boat fixed. Sad.