After an incredible amount of running around and chasing behind workers, Magnet started moving over the Rattana Chai railway just after lunch. Unfortunately Jeff picked up a stomach bug and was hurting since yesterday afternoon. Getting the money to pay the yard here cash (yard accepts no credit cards) was a major effort by itself. My parents had to make a road trip to the nearest Western Union office (GWK in the Netherlands), 35km away (thanks mom and dad!!!!!!). Magnet went into the water and as always there was some boats sailing up the river to make the backing out of the slipway a nightmare, but it all worked out and we motored to Ao Chalong where we picked up a mooring. This message is sent via SSB (shortwave radio) so I have to keep it short. We might be about 2 days away from departing for our Indian Ocean crossing.
Been busting ourselves to get Magnet ready. Crazy stressful times.
Over the past weeks a new thing has developed. Due to sad circumstances, a beautiful sailing yacht is on the hard in Rattanah Chai which needs to be sailed to Turkey. Now, the plan is to sail the yacht across the Red Sea, I will be the captain and I am looking to find a second crew member for the trip. So far I have already had a few potential crew members show interest, but I am still keeping an eye open to any potential crew member.
During this trip Morning Light will be docked at Telaga Harbor. I am trying to make things move fast (the weather seasons are going to change) without going to rush. I will keep you updated on this site.
This was a project I hope I will not have to repeat for a while. Did find some dead bodies in the closet. Finally got all the mounts installed, and the engine aligned right. And, it runs like it used to. Phew…… feeling very good about this. Special thank to mr R., who prefers to remain nameless but gave me an incredible amount of advice in resolving this problem.
To get away from the engine stress we (Gerben and me) have been doing some nice bike rides. Including a ride around the whole of Langkawi (unplanned, we missed a turn somewhere). Riding here is nice, not too much traffic, hills and trees. Sometimes a little steep for my untrained legs.
Have another day left here in the marina, might go up the mast to sort out things there. With the engine problems solved, I feel like I can finally start thinking ahead and make some plans.
The engine mounts replacements has been a work in progress for the last two days. The front mounts replacement was an easy task. Rear engine mounts became a major struggle because of tough access, and on the starboard side the locks nuts were frozen. Ended up
taking the mounting bracket off the engine, to find out that there was plenty of play between the two lock nuts: the bottom lock nut had created a groove in the mounting bracket (looks like it had been doing that for a large number of years). Had to cut through the old engine
mount to get it off the bracket.
In between this work I have done two great bike rides with Gerben, and we are planning a few more. The scenery is nice, the roads are not too busy, and except for the last bit near the marina the hills are not too steap.
Hopefully the new mounts can all be installed tomorrow. After that a new exhoust gasket has to be put in place (had to take the exhaust off the engine anyway to be able to lift up the rear of the engine) and the battery fluid levels have to be checked. Then the major task is to accurately allign the engine with the drive train (shaft). Luckily I have plenty of help and advice near by.
One setback is that we now have the weekend of Chinese New Year. Allmost all business here are ran by the Chinese and are closed for that occasion. This makes shopping for parts and even basics a bit of a struggle.
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