April 28, 2008 (The Evening)
Once back on the boat from sending the latest update, we just sat around and talked, and talked, and talked. The conversations continued well through dinner and into the early evening when it dawned on me, I need to charge the boat’s house batteries by starting the engine. The engine would not start. Nothing. I tried multiple options I had thought I had known over seven years ago but that failed and then I remembered the old jumper cables. I figured it was worth a try to jump the house batteries to the ships batteries and with only a little bit of hassle, it worked! We charged the house batteries and refrigerator cold plate and I hoped the engine batteries. After an hour, I shut the engine down, tried it again and it worked…..barely. The test will be in the morning.
April 29, 2008
In the morning we awoke to pouring rain but we remained dry. The indication from the engine is, it will not start without a little help from its friends. If all else fails we can sail to VIP and they can tow us in but it is painfully obvious the new alternator did not do the trick. After a discussion with Sheri, we decided we would end this trip one day sooner than anticipated in order to give them time to work on the boat. What a shame, but as Sheri said, everything has to be right for the delivery trip. We’ll wait for Kelly to wake up, eat breakfast, and sail on to VIP.
Clearing Customs was a breeze and even going through Customs was painless this time! We arrived back at VIP a little after 11:00 AM and caught a quick ride to Emerald Beach Resort where we’ll spend the night.
In the morning Sheri and Kelly fly home to civilization while I shift to Sapphire Beach Resort and wait for Mindy, Tris and the remainder of the crew.
This ends the shakedown cruise.
Pete
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