There's Good News Tonight! (Well, Maybe)

SHIP'S LOG:

The "good news" that maybe regards the windlass - the large winch on the foredeck that raises the anchor. As you may recall, it was non-functional and I assumed (never a good thing to do, especially for a Catholic elementary school grad) that it being 33 years old and having been exposed to :the sea" and all that implies, that it had given up the ghost. At the very least, that the electric motor and/or the connections had shorted out and would need to be replaced and/or restored. This assumption may be, and I caution, maybe completely erroneous!

It was presumed that because one could hear the deck switch (the switch on deck that activated the windlass) engage when it was stepped on, that the system was functional, at least the electricity was making it to the windlass and that the fault lay there. "Au con trier!" It appears that I have juice at the switch but seemingly no where else along the line.It doesn't make sense because the switch is at the end of the line and activates the solenoid that operates the windlass, but that's what I have. It makes absolutely no sense whatever, but then I never did understand electricity. It is all mysterious voodoo magic!

I contacted Cliff Fisher and he tried to talk me through checking it out by phone. He came to one of two [possible conclusions: 1.) I wasn't testing the system correctly; 2.) my multi-meter was busted and was giving false readings. Both could be right but I will find another meter and try again. It would be nice to have a working windlass as raising the anchor, especially the one with the all chain rode can e be a real bastard of a task when you are doing it completely by hand, with no mechanical assistance!

I am waiting on the sails. At this time of the years, sail lofts are overwhelmed with work. They quite naturally put more into build new stuff ( more income) than repairing old stuff (less income), so the repairs are usually saved for this time of year and get done in a rush. Like everyone else, i can't understand why my sails aren't done yet.

MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:

It is surprisingly chilly down at the shore still. The wind off the water definitely is much cold than the land as its strength and intensity clearly indicate. It's all a matter of thermodynamics. Still i would like to get out on the water.

I have gotten no word on the readiness of the engine. There was a piece of tape over the ignition key slot on the engine panel. the other day. Obviously they didn't want the engine started. This weekend it was gone but I am not sure what it means and there is no one to ask. I hope that means good news, like the engine is working properly. I'll get down and check it out later today and hope for the best.