Starting To Re-Install Steering....

Well, I finally have all the pieces I need to re-install the hydraulic steering system...  As you saw from the previous post the lower helm went pretty smoothly.  This week I started on the upper helm and wouldn't you know it, everything isn't going a smoothly as I hoped...  When I re-did the decks I planned to re-locate the steering lines that went from under the seat to the binnacle (steering wheel).  originally the hoses were hidden under a triangular channel that all we ever did is trip over.  We have now run the lines along the header of the cabin under the cockpit.  when I calculated the length, I thought there was enough hose to make it.... Well, who knew, I was wrong again...  Now the hose comes up about 6 inches short...  A quick call to my friends at the Hydraulic Store tells me I should be able to extend the hoses without too much trouble...  I will try to order what I need this week...

Just so the day wasn't a complete waste, I re-installed the hydraulic pump for the auto-helm...

I was so happy I found a small electric motor repair place that was willing to re-build the motor...The price was great and now I may not have to replace the auto-helm... Lets hope...

The Toronto Boat Show was good to us... We found 2 toilets and connected with a stainless guy who we think will do a good job making our transom arch.

Next week we will head off to the mailbox and pick up 50' of waste pipe and plumbing parts...  While we are there we will be picking up our repaired wind generator.  The people who distribute it in the USA are located just down the road from our mailbox, so they sent it off to Germany a few months ago to repair it...  It turns out they covered the repair under warranty!  Even though we aren't the original owners... What a great bunch of people...  We will pick up a new set of blades while we are there and an electric brake switch...

Today I took over Shelley's kitchen again and sorted out about 6 boxes of miscelaneous screws and hardware...  A BIG job, but now that the stuff is sorted out, I hope I save time not taking 10 minutes every time I need a fastener... I also have removed every slotted screw from my inventory of spare parts.  I did not throw them out, but I now have all the phillips (star) and Robertson (square) screws all sorted and ready to go...

In Canada, we celebrate something called Groundhog Day on February 2nd.  The legend goes that if "Wiarton Wille" sees his shadow, we will have 6 more weeks of winter...  GOOD NEWS! he DID NOT see his shadow, so apparently that means spring is just around the corner...  I can't wait!!!  We sailors really do depend on sophisticated weather forecasting.....