September 28 What’s Going On With Karl’s Engine
Before We Talk Engine…
I am lifting a garbage bag half full of fresh veggies over Karl’s railing and of course
two of the tomatoes broke and successfully covered the rest of the vegetables in a slightly sticky and smelly juice. Probably not very surprising since I dragged them along from Portobelo on two bumpy bus rides, shoved them into a cab, a ferry and finally into my kayak. And of course my backpack is rather soaked as well because one of the incoming waves caught me when I departed from the beach.
But at least I made the 3pm ferry although I got there at 3.17pm. I guess sometimes the Panamanian laissez-fair also works to your advantage. And at least it’s not raining.
The greateness of boat life
When I used to live in an apartment in Hamburg, the first thing to do coming home after a couple of days away, would be to switch on the light, most likely drop my bag, grab a cold drink and sink into the couch.
The first thing I did today after coming home was to check if there were any snakes in my cockpit (I found a small Boa lounging underneath my cockpit bench about two weeks ago). And instead of switching on the light, I fumble around in the dark for one of my Luci solar lights instead, in the hope that it still has some charge left. The third one finally seems to have a little juice and I start searching for my meter to check my batteries. And of course they are nearly dead. Actually, I don’t remember ever having run them that low, which is a bit scary.
I was only supposed to be away for two days, so I left the fridge on the lowest setting, hoping the solar panels would be sufficient for those 48 hours and my cheese would still be good when I return. But because things almost never go as planned, I returned to Karl no earlier than ten days later and my batteries are now down to 5V and the fridge obviously gave up working quite a while ago and my solar charge controller seems to be dead, too. I wonder if I should check how bad the damage is but in the moment of undoing the metal latch, I already regret my decision and start writing a list in my head for the next day:
– Charge batteries (damn it, do I have any gas left?)
– Empty nasty fridge and clean
– Laundry
– Bomb cockroaches (yeah, they love it when I am not there and get a bit too comfortable)
The next thing to check is the one that always scares me most. Shyly I lift one of the floorboards to take a peek into the bilge. Dry. Wow, awesome, that’s great news, we are not sinking, that’s really good news. Did I really think Karl would sink? No, but don’t you always have this tiny bit of doubt in the back of your head purely due to the fact that your home is surrounded by water? Maybe I am just paranoid.
Back to being by myself
But why am I writing all this? If you own a boat yourself, then you know all of this, or have at least similar experiences, so there is no need for me to tell you about it. There is only one reason for me sitting here with my computer on my lap typing away: I am alone.
And I don’t think I have been by myself since…arriving to Panama, which was about three months ago. That is a long time! And yes, I was getting a bit twitchy during the last two weeks but when I finally came back to Taboga Island today and saw Karl on his mooring, I felt kinda weird. A little bit as if I had forgotten how all of this works all by myself.
My parents announced their visit
It’s not only that. Two days ago, my parents told me that they are coming to visit me for a week. This will be their first time ever to visit Karl and me. And I cannot even take them out for a spin because Karl’s engine is dead, finito, Endstation.
I am super thrilled about them coming but at the same time I am a bit terrified. Do you ever get that feeling when something means so much to you and you know it’s slightly different from what your parents might have had in mind for you but still you want them to see it through your eyes and understand? Well, it’s one thing trying to get the message across in words, pictures and I even have videos to show them what’s going on in my life…
But now they will come here, set foot on Karl, see him, touch him, feel him, smell him (need to add “vinegar rub” to my worklist for tomorrow). It’s a big thing for me. And I realize how much I am still a small kid when it comes to my parents, even with my 35 years.
Coming to the point of this post
Anyways, the main reason I am telling you all this is because of that engine issue. It’s pretty bad and I have to ask myself if it makes sense to fix this old engine whose spare parts are scarce and quite pricey, or if I look for a new / old engine to replace it. I am tending toward the new / old engine option. But no, there is no further information about this yet. And there won’t be any for quite a while…
After my parents leave, I will head to Colombia to meet my sister. We had planned to meet in Ecuador, where Karl was supposed to be by now. Actually, we were originally supposed to meet in the Marquesas (looking at that engine incident, I have to say that my gut feeling was damn right telling me not to do the big crossing yet). Having a cruiser in your family requests a lot of patience and flexibility from other family members…I think I stretched it quite a bit this time (I hear my sister mumble to herself “this time”, Nike?).
My alone time is therefore down to a couple of days until I come back from Colombia, only to leave a few days later to head to Miami (more info about the “meet & greet” event later on this week!) for a week on my way to my “other home” in Germany. Yes, I am going home for some time again. Maybe two months, maybe three, I don’t know yet. Since I was supposed to be in the Marquesas by October, I had planned to spend a part of the hurricane season with my family and once you tell your mom you are about to come home for some time you cannot just take it back, that’s just not how it works with moms.
But I would be lying to say that this decision was only made to keep my mom happy. I had felt that I needed some family and friend time, more than just the two weeks that I had last Christmas with them. And yes, I am also happy to run away from my engine problem. More than happy, actually. It’s quite a big thing and I don’t know yet, how to tackle it. The time back home will give me a chance to do some research on second hand engines, maybe to reach out to some engine companies trying to get some sponsorship or simply to win the lottery.
Now you know why there is no update yet about the engine. I promise that I will keep you informed on the subject as soon as I have new info. And I also tell you with quite a lot of certainty that this is not the end of the journey. Karl and I are not done, yet, we still have many things to explore together!
Don’t feel bad about no new videos. That is for us fans to be upset about. By now we all should understand that things can and will go wrong or not as planned. Enjoy your time in Germany with family. Family is very important! I have wondered how you were dealing with being solo for long periods of time. From what you write I am confident that you are in good shape. Should you ever need a place to get away that is a little bit closer than Germany I would happily offer you a room near Houston, Texas at no charge. My wife is a very good cook and we would be happy to show you around. Good luck and smooth sailing!
Thx Rick, will get back at that if I should ever be in the area. But carefull, I love food…so you better stock up good before I come 😉
I have been looking in your area for boats and as I suggested a while back it still might be less to buy a boat for its engine. The very best of luck to you my dear.
I think that’s not too bad of an idea. Just have to get myself to do some thorough research on the topic 🙂
I’m so proud of you…, Just as a bad ass sailor. You’re awesome.
I’m a new sailor myself, coastal… on my O’Day 23, eager to sell her and get into a larger boat, eventually something closer to mid 30s.
I’ve got a fair, albeit casual background in racing cars and I well know the angst that comes with rebuilding or replacing the engine. The internet offers many things; not the least of which is the buhzillion opinions on ‘what you need to do’.
In my case, once I heard the buhzillion opinions, I looked at the results listed for those offering opinion and went to those whose results are what I was looking to do (go much faster) and nearly without exception, those guys came back with: do your homework and do what’s best for you, your budget and your goals.
So… that’s what I did and it always worked out. I would also add, that EVERY single time I got myself in a jam, it was because I rushed into something, allowing my emotions to get the best of me, causing me to pull the trigger on something that seemed like the best way to go, but usually wasn’t.
As a result, I see your instincts; to take your times to do your research and seek sponsorships, to be spot-on correct. I expect that the discussions with various sponsorship candidates will themselves, be fairly enlightening.
The rest is just figuring out the mechanics, which; having followed you now for some time, is something I know to be quite obviously dead-center in your wheel-house.
That said… here’s another opinion to add to your pile: Given the parts problem you’ve discovered, replace that engine with something you trust, within your power and fuel consumption requirements.
That way, you sleep easier and you’ve one less serious problem stuck in the ‘well completed’ bin.
(I’m curious, as to why you’ve never bought a portable Air Conditioner? That was the FIRST thing I bought for my little boat… it makes SUCh a difference. If it strikes ya, please let me know… )
Thanks for your Vlogs… I enjoy them immensely. (Also… I’d love to support your Patreon account, but I’m going through some tough times. If the universe ever sees fit to throw me another moment of breathing room, I’ll be sending you off a few shekels. )
Best regards,
Mike O’Conner
Naples, FL
Your motor has 1 or possibly 2 rubber timing belts that must be changed every 600 hours…..rebuild it and carry on….take it on a bus to your friend Tom….he will help you.
I begged you to stay in the Atlantic.,,Karl was old and neglected for too long. ,Chin up Nike, it will work out fine. Changing motors and transmissions is a nightmare you don’t need.
Best Wishes
Hate to hear about your engine problem, but it’s inevitable that most old boats will need a replacement auxiliary system at some point. I’ve re-powered two boats and my good sailing friend on a Hinckley Bermuda 40 is currently having his engine and transmission rebuilt. It hurts a lot financially, but where there’s a will there’s a way, and you will be ecstatic about the end result. When that replacement/rebuilt engine fires up and you weigh anchor you will be all smiles, broke but all smiles. Looking forward to hearing about the replacement plan.
Hehe, broke and all smiles sounds better than the other way round 😉
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
Nike, did you have a local mechanic look at your engine? There are some absolute magicians down there. When I went thru the canal, I rented a car to explore the back country. Well first I lost the A/C due to a hose rubbing, then the fuel tank fell off. I used some line to tie it back in, the lost a head. I found a local mechanic in a little village who welded it. Have you tried to see if someone could weld the head back together?
Hi Carlos,
that might be possible…There are two things that make me tend towards a replacement:
1) I have had so many engine issues…I really want to feel safe and good about it, especially because I dream about finally doing the big jump next year. And I know that most issues with my old engine were caused by me (as this one was, too ;)), but still, the engine is old and parts are hard to find and expensive
2) if I ever do think about selling Karl, it would be good to have a new/old engine, especially with all that history 😉 So why not get it now and at least enjoy it a couple of years before I sell Karl (if I ever will…don’t let him hear this)
But…right now I don’t have the money to replace it. And I have not 100% decided about what to do. I know there are many people here that could most likely fix anything 🙂 It’s just the question if I want to go that way…
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
Sorry to hear about your engine, i totally could relate to the post being a boat owner (a 1952 vintage wooden boat to boot, so multiply those things by 100!).
Last year a hose broke and all the oil drained from my engine, seizing the engine. When it was pulled, it was obvious that the engine wasn’t worth rebuilding. I was devastated, as by all accounts replacing it was going to be big bucks, bucks that i didn’t have. There was also the question of putting that kind of money into a boat that wasn’t worth a lot $$ wise. But to me invaluable in it’s sentimental worth… there was a lot of thinking, and avoiding going on.
In the end, with a lot of persistence, and a mechanic who i could trust, and who wasn’t super expensive, and who would work with me (letting me take on the stuff i could handle) I am back on the water. I found a newer version of my engine on craigslist, still old but in good shape. I actually put an ad in craigslist to see if i could find an engine, as my searching for what was available was not producing any results.
So all that to illustrate… don’t give up hope, be your persistent, creative self, and all will unfold.
(and yea, maybe buy some lottery tickets!)
Hi Kim,
thx for ur comment and ur beautiful annecdote. Sounds familiar, yes. But so glad to hear you figured it out! In the end, something will always come along and I am confident to find a solution for this problem sooner or later as well. Persistence and patience are often the key :).
Lottery tickets don’t hurt, nevertheless (unless it gets out of hand…)
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
Hi Nike,
I think I agree with Redds, above. There are so many tired boats with still good engines, I imagine you could pick one up for a song. The only problem of course is what to do with the leftover fiberglass boat carcass?
Look for something with a 3 cylinder Yanmar in it, 3GM series or newer. They seem to run forever, and still have a very good parts supply network – you can get Yanmar parts anywhere.
Thanks again for taking us all along for the last couple of years.
Ritchard
Nike- I know of a fellow Hans Christian owner that is repowering his boat in Panama. I think he may be pretty close to where you’re moored. I sent him a note to contact you.
He has a working Yanmar that he is pulling out. More importantly, he can give you some sage advice on repairing and/or repowering. He’s a good guy, and experienced cruiser. He and his wife Shannon are a nice young couple.
Hi Brandon,
thx for your message, that sounds pretty interesting! Do you know where he is at? You are not talking about the guy that just bought LIBRE, are you, cause he is right next to me in the mooring field ;). Well, will be looking forward to hear from him, whoever he is.
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
Nike, I enjoy wearing my white spot pirate t-shirt most of all, it reminds me that people face and overcome challenges everything from alone time to financial decisions and in the end it all works out. Never having sailed I have no advice, having spent 22 years in the US Navy, I understand being alone and things happening beyond our control. All that to say you have many people who recognize your intelligence in decision making and people who lift you up in prayer, never feel bad for taking care of you, give your mom a big squeeze and enjoy some time away, I would buy you an engine if I could but first I would have to win the lottery 😉
Hi Jeff,
I am working on that lottery thing, too ;). Will surely give my mom that hug, we both need it!!!
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
Maybe it’s time to add a couple batteries and switch to an electric drive?
No matter what you choose I know you will get it sorted. Your drive and charisma are one hell of an inspiration!
I’ll be cheering for you up here in Washington!
i have a boat 1958 bounty 2 41 feet and after 2 old engines i bout brand new one i hope no more problems considering to crusing like you in the near future spend your money and have a peace of mind good lock
Have been following you since the beginning also going through all your ups and downs. Lots of boats out there you should be able to find a nice yenmar out there. Wish the wife and I knew where you will be doing the motor swap we would love to help I’m a good mechanic. We live in NC but could make the drive to Florida to help.
chin up Nike
i feel for you i just had to rebuild my own gearbox because i couldn’t afford a new one and the mechanics were charging the price of a new one to repair it. after a month or two of waiting on parts and getting the courage to put it all back together it was done then 5 minutes into the test I blew an old rusty oil line on the engine and was back to step 1. i had a quick search around and there are some great priced second hand engines around but choose wisely! if you cant see it running walk away!!!!!
what model engine do you have in Karl?
Nike,
There was a gentleman selling a used Yanmar Diesel engine on cruisersforum.com yesterday. He has pictures and is located in Panama as well. Maybe it would work for you. He was asking $1500.
I don’t know if it’s in your price range..
Good luck and fair winds
Nike,
like how this reads.. perhaps a book or series of books ? videos are great and perhaps some sort of travel with nike could be a blog or even serialized to some magazine for monthly pay? well anyway as always if you need help we re in the business. and yes get a new engine. sponsorship would be ideal.. not sure what is a natural fit inside Karl but there are even Volkswagen diesels that are seaworthy. I favor Yanmar… hope your miami thing goes well.. when you are ready for management met me know. we can add you to the roster. g
thanks for the update. I see your dilemma and don’t have an answer either. I just wish I could help but i’m far away and land locked. If I understand it right your engine overheated and got a crack (or more) in the cylinder head. That’s indeed a big problem even if someone welds the cracks they also need to machine the mating side to the block otherwise you might as well not do it at all. The slightest warping causes leaks. But you knew all this already.. You are however a smart and resourceful girl and you’ll find a good solution. I’m convinced..
The other thing: being on your own and desperate is more difficult. You are never alone. All your fans are with you all the time. We are all chomping at the bit to come and help you
1. Find a local welder and attach a kicker off the back for a 25 hp outboard.
2. Get a 2 stroke OB.
3. Keep making videos/generate income online.
4. Move back to the Caribbean, and keep living the life you dreamed of on Karl.
5. When the opportunity comes up, and adequate funds are available, replace the motor on Karl.
You have rebuilt Karl almost completely, except for the engine, don’t give up on him. Where you are NOW is not as important as being on Karl with the ability to travel, even if it is only short distances on motor power. A 25 hp motor will lead Karl, and you, into most any place in the Caribbean. French Polynesia is not going anywhere, and you are not old enough to have to worry about getting there in one year or ten. There is a very real possibility that you can find an engine on the Caribbean side, very cheaply, or free, while you continue to “live the life”, while just cruising around – safely; You will likely find nothing stuck on a mooring ball on the Pacific side of Panama. No one is going to ship a motor to where Karl is now, and who would change it? In the Caribbean, and Eastern America, you can travel to the thousands of places any motor may be to have it installed. Bonus! You will have a forever mount for your dingy motor, and back-up if things ever go wrong with your new primary. There is absolutely no reason a kicker has to be mounted in the center of the boat and interfere with the wind vane. I know it is a backward step but, weigh the value of being able to continue in the right direction, even if it isn’t toward the right place. You know, there is much you did not see in your haste to get to where you weren’t ready to go. You have come far, but you are apparently not in the right place to move forward. The first rule of sailing, and life is to never be afraid to turn back for safety.
Of course, this is just my opinion.
God bless and fair winds.
Und wir freuen uns schon auf Dich!
what size and type motor do you need? you have a lot of friends maybe we can help look
Hi Nike – greetings from New Zealand – totally support your rationale. It’s good to reflect on tough calls; and not make them too hasty. If Karl has a safe place to be, leave him happily and you will be stronger for the interval. Sailing is a way of life, but it’s just one part of a rich tapestry. No need to feel anything other than a huge sense of personal achievement …. if I were your family I’d have nothing but admiration and pride for a human like you. Aroha …. Roy
The price you paid for Karl didn’t include a new engine…so, you put now an other (new/refurbished) engine so you have LESS worries.Any cruiser uses a lot of engine and having a reliable one makes you feel less stressy knowing that if you gone need him he Will be there Functioning.and the money….. Well make a deal with your parents and sister,in your later life ….why not marry a whealthy men?Cheers.
Hey Guy,
plenty of good advice there ;). You are right, about the purchase price of Karl and his engine…I had hoped it would last a little longer still :). I do love the idea of a brand new engine, who doesn’t. Would make me feel much calmer…
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
Hey Nike,
I’ve been following your adventures since the beginning and I have to say there is no vlog that I find more interesting and no ones story that strikes more familiar chords with me. I have just launched my own sailing dream this past spring after 35 years of on and off building. She’s a 42 foot steel cutter rig, 9 tons displacement, with a Volkswagen Marine 4 cylinder auxiliary diesel. I love my Volks engine. You should consider going after them for a sponsorship.
Hey James,
congrats on launching your sailing dream, that’s awesome!!! I actually did come across the Volkswagen engines in my research but I read that they stopped them because they had too much electrical issues or sth. But I did not read much in detail…Looking at the Beta engines a bit more in detail at the moment, they seem quite interesting.
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
I am with you in this time of great indecision, My wife and I are also unable to make up our mind to go full time RVing or just continue with the status quo. We hope to commit soon. I hope you can commit to Karl soon as well.
As followers of your travels, we all long to hear news from you. You’ve become a friend without you even knowing us, how cool is that?
Your update here has let us know you are OK and that the engine is still out of action, hence being stuck back in Panama. It seems to me that many of your subscribers want to help financially with the engine purchase – I for one would like to know you have a nice brand new Yanmar engine to safely get you places in the middle of nowhere!
I like the idea of each subscriber donating $1 (or £1 in my case) and raising enough to buy a new engine, but I also understand you not wanting to “beg” for help. So, I will beg for you, anyone reading this message please comment saying you would like to donate towards the engine replacement. If enough of us feel the same way, perhaps we can set up something to get things moving? I know people can donate via Patreon but they might not or cannot afford to pay out for every video, but a one off few dollars would be easily affordable. It’s the same as Patreon, but just a one off to get you back out there sailing and making great videos for our entertainment and pleasure! Here’s hoping! x
Hey Ian,
the idea about a brand new engine defenitely sounds beautiful :). And thank you so much for wanting to gather some money for that, that’s really sweet of you. Don’t worry, I will try to figure something out in the next two weeks or so. By the way, one can also just support once on Patreon and I also have a PayPal link that works for single time use 😉 http://whitespotpirates.com/support/support-the-project/
I just heard of a fellow cruiser who paid way less than 10.000$ for a repowering…including transport, import and spares…so that sounded quite exciting…Still a lot of money, but maybe I can find a way.
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
Nike, I say replace the engine with a used one this way the replacement parts can be easier to come by. then also you will feel much more confident with a newer/used engine and then no more stresses.. you should not be stressing.. Enjoy your holiday with your family and clear your mind. You will find peace among friends and family and be able to make a better sound decision with out the stress hitting you during alone times.
Christina.
Love your videos of your adventures.
A lot of solar charge controllers stop working when the batteries get below 5 or 6 volts. I learned the hard way a few years ago. Charge the batteries with some other method and check the controller output again. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Hey Steve,
thanks for that hint. I put a new one in and it works way better than the old one anyways. I did charge the battery up but still there was no sign from the old controller 🙁 But maybe I was not patient enough.
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
You might want to check out: https://www.dieselenginetrader.com/ .. I repowered my last boat with a refurbished Yanmar and it worked out ok. The engine came from Schooner Bay Marine – US, Michigan. There is always risk involved with going used or rebuilt, but the cost was less than half of a new engine and I was able to get an engine with the same footprint, so no additional structural work was involved.
Hello Again Nike, I agree with Eric Gaston. Return to the Caribbean and South Florida. Having lived in Florida half my life I can attest. There are dozens of opportunities for re-powering Karl there. And you and the mechanics can get anything needed quickly and locally. I’m sure I could even get my father talked into a sailboat engine installation if you could make it to the Port Charlotte area. He’s a 45-year engine mechanic. Plus, there are dozens of boat manufacturers in the area for extra boat parts. I once offered any information I have to you in support of your travels. Contact me any time. You have my email. Rick T
Hey Rick,
that is a really sweet idea…but unfortunately, I would have to cross the Panama Canal for that again and a) it is hyper expensive and b) is there NO way they would let me do that with a non functioning enigine. The required minimum average speed is 6kts…and I doubt I could hold that with an auxilliary outboard engine :(. So I guess that is not really an option unfortunately…But thank you for the thoughts about it!
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
Hi Nike,
Sorry to hear of your engine problems, but we all knew it was only a matter of time. I repowered my 35′ with a beta marine for well under 10k several years ago, has not missed a beat yet. Was an easy install, maintenance is easy on it, great value.
Buying used is always a risk, you are often buying someone else’s problems. Whatever you decide, go with more power than what you now have, you will never regret it. Also new motors are much more fuel efficient, lighter and come with a warranty!
Good luck , will see if I can make the drive down to Miami if my ankle heals up, banged it up and is twice as big as it should be. Keep up the great videos when you can, enjoy your home time with family and friends.
Richard
S/V Riptide
Hey Nike – why not run a one-time kick starter among your loyal armchair sailors. We need something to take our mind off the upcoming election.
Hey John,
for me, I do not like the idea about a crowdfunding activity for the engine issue. The way I see it is this: I earn money with my documentary, if someone “consumes” and enjoys my videos, they can voluntarily pay for watching. But it is my duty to keep the boat running and to ensure that I can travel with the boat so I can produce the videos. Now any costs that I cannot cover with what I earn through the videos, I need to figure sth else out. If my work does not cover my costs, then I need to either stop my journey or get another job temporarily or get some sponsoring (which is also a business contract basically) to ensure that I can keep on going.
But I do apprichiate a lot that you and some other people here are so awesome in saying you would be willing to give your support. Thank you for that! It is really great to see that lots of people would be willing to help to see the joruney continue!
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
Hi Nike, you may have previously mentioned the make & model of your engine but I can’t remember and I don’t have the energy to look back through everything you’ve ever posted, sorry 🙂
Post multiple times on all your websites, Cruisers Forum etc. the details of your engine’s make/model, what exactly has failed and what replacement parts are needed and maybe someone who can help will see it.
Many engine types used in our little boats are based on industrial engines. There are sometimes more secondhand parts in scrapped forklifts, diggers, generators etc. than in boatyards. Hopefully someone will also know which plant manufacturers have used your specific engine.
Fitting an expensive replacement engine in an old boat is usually just money down the drain, sadly.
Perkins 4.107 and 4.108 are worth considering secondhand. Replacement aftermarket parts are more available – and available more cheaply – for those engines than for any others of which I’m aware.
My engine is a Bukh DV36 so when it fails I’ll need to either rob a bank or buy an old 4.108.
Good luck whatever you decide!
Hi David,
sorry for the late reply. My engin is an old Ford XLD 418, 49 HP, four cylinders. The timing belt slipped and the pistons smashed into the valves and broke the cylinder head. I talked to a mechanic and he told me it was not worth to invest the money to rebuild this old engine with expensive spare parts and lots of trouble in the past. I decided to repower with a new engine…since I don’t want to buy someone else’s engine problems with a used engine and I just want to have this stupid engine topic off my list…it’s been a bit frustrating the last years and I would like to sail to the Marquesas and maybe up north from there so a reliable engine would be sth that would give me some peace of mind in that area (and for my parents, too ;)). So it is not always purely the economic figures that are the base for a decision. And I will try to get some sponsorship, maybe that will lover the costs a little bit, let’s see. Fingers crossed 🙂
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
Hi Nike. Jake here. (Youknow, the guy who made you fix the back window). Im trying to find in your blog what is exactly happening with your engine. Is it a problem with the engine itself (compression problems, low oil pressure) or something auxillary (fuel, air, electrical).? I alwas figure anything is fixable but I guess i think like that as a mechanic.
Hi Jake,
oh yes, I remember that window story, always makes me smile when I look at the fixed window ;).
Well, the timing belt slipped and the piston smashed into the valves and cracked the cylinder head. I talked to a mechanic and he said considering my engine age / expensive spare parts / quite some issues in the past he would not recommend to rebuild it but repower. So right now I am back home, trying to earn some extra cash and trying to get some sponsorship, fingers crossed :).
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
I have to agree with Rick, Somehow, install an outboard bracket and power thru the canal and on to Florida. I am here and there are tons of deals on engines. We are launching in St. Augustine on December28 and setting sails on Jan. 2, 2017…heading south.
Hope to see you out there (with Karl)!
Ken
Go electric! Seriously, it is worth investigating, an electric motor is easy to fit, batteries can be problem to find a good location on the boat. it will all probably cost the same as a diesel replacement, but you end up with a virtually trouble free means of propulsion. Your old engine and gearbox, even if not working, will sell for a good price.
Good luck !
Ford XLD 418 – have you tried Lancing Marine, 51 Victoria Road, Portslade, Sussex BN41 1XY, United Kingdom Telephone +44 (01273) 410025 – Fax +44 (01273) 430290 for a rebuild on your engine or to purchase a rebuilt engine? http://www.lancingmarine.com
Nike,
I hope you see the recurring theme here. We all want to help. And for those of us who can’t be there in person, we can always spare some extra cash to help speed you and Karl on your way. Maybe a Kickstarter or something similar isn’t a bad idea. Just for a new engine. And a good one. After all this time, we’re not strangers anymore. We all feel more like friends.
I can’t wait to see what Karl gets for power….!!
Rick T
Hello Nike
We have been following your adventures since the beginning, and we are huge fans. Your guts and determination are thrilling, and we always enjoy the times you get to go to a beautiful place because no one deserves it more.
My wife and I are cruisers, about to take off for good next fall. BUT if ever you are in the Houston area (I know you have another offer too, so you can stay for a long time) please let us know so we can host you. We have children who are adventurers (Cat on Nat Geo “The great human race”) and so we can get you better than most.
Have a great stay in Germany
Nick and Sue Bigney
Hi Nick and Sue,
thank you for your message and for your kind offer. Wow, I just watched your daughter Cat in that show, that is crazy stuff. She’s got some guts!
I wish you all the best for your departure next fall 🙂
Ahoy, Nike & Karl
Thanks so much. We are eager to go. Cat’s statement to her Great Human Race co-star to “stand your ground” in the episode when they ran up on the Lions was kind of like wrapping your head with a shirt and grinding the bottom of a Karl in the heat, day after day, endlessly. Kind of like braving the kingdom of mold, or like single handing in rough weather. It all takes guts–something you can’t be taught. It’s who you are. Cat told me she was scared spit-less of the Lions, but like the rest of us, doing things that take courage comes naturally for her, so she did it. Sue and I will continue to watch you, perhaps to adopt you without your knowledge as one of our kids, because like our Cat, and the rest of our children, you continue to “Stand your Ground”, against motors, fear, holes in the hull, and anything that gets in your way. Looking forward to your continued adventures. Nick and Sue (and S/V Rubicon)
Seriously, like mentioned breefly above, look into electrical propulsion.
Do the math. The technology is fast advancing because of the car industry.
You will also be steps ahead of the masses. And the spinnoff from your exposure
might work to. (sponsorship elec. propulsion related like batterys solar etc etc.)
Hi Nike, hope you will have a new engine soon, the Pacific will embrace you and Karl smoothly, and we will no longer have to wait sooo long for new adventures. Have a nice 2017 !
Think it is usual to say: “Mast und Shotbruch” ! Alles Gute