Well, Day #2 didn't quite go as planned. At the end of Day #1 the starboard gauge cluster went kapoot. Mark checked the engine temps and we weren't having any mechanical issues. Once we got settled down in Florence, we re-started the engines and it was working again....The consensus was to motor to Aqua Yacht Marina in Iuka Mississippi which has a large service bay. It was only about 45 miles and we made it there with no problems.
Ryk and Mark coordinated with the service department to get it checked out and we ended up having to pull the alternator and take it to a dude with a little shop about 20 miles away. We got the call in the afternoon that he needed to replace the voltage regulator, of course, not a stock item. We are having it overnighted, repaired then installed back on the boat - hopefully all happening today.
While the boys were handling engine issues, I borrowed the Marina's courtesy van (an experience in itself) and headed to the nearest Wal-Mart for tennis shoes and a few other provisions.
Lessons learned on Day #2 -
* Don't panic when the Captain says "uh oh"
* The refrigerator freezes everything in the back, on the middle shelf - lost all the salad
and vegies
* The washer and dryer work, but take a loooooong time
* It is awesome to have an oven on the boat - made baked chicken for dinner
Today (Tues, 15th) we are just hanging out on the boat, in Iuka Mississippi (had to sing while I typed that) - Ryk is catching up on some work stuff, Mark is puttering with engine stuff and I'm going to clean out the frig/freezer and try to finish putting stuff away. I am down to one tub to unload! If I can find the vacuum hose, I may start cleaning carpets. I think we're going to explore Savannah Tennessee (about 15 miles) for a dine-out evening.
Morning sunrise at Florence Harbor Marine on the Tennessee River, Florence Alabama (photo courtesy of Mr. Mark)
Cruising down the Tennessee River - like glass
We haven't seen a lot of commercial traffic on the Tennessee, but here is one of the tugs.
Made a left turn off the Tennessee River onto the Tenn-Tom (Tennessee - Tombigbee). Passed by Grand Harbor Marina - looks like a place we may need to revisit when we are leisurely retired boaters :)
Aqua Yacht Safe Harbor Marina - huge marina with full services, right off the Tenn-Tom in Iuka Mississippi
Our view while waiting for the repairs - could be worse :)
When is the voltage regulator due in?