Working on cats is always double the pleasure, for many reasons. Besides having to do everything twice, you get to learn on the first side and always do better on the second attempt. The downside is that the tool you need is invariably on that other side, or you’ve only got one part and you need a second part to match the first side repair or installation.

Dragonfly finally got two much needed new engines in preparation for it’s South Pacific adventure serving the Sea Mercy Mission. The old engines had done well over 100,000 miles and untold hours according to Capt’n Al. It’s a testament to Yanmar that they held up so well. The new versions have one more cylinder and almost 30 more horsepower or 40% power, not to mention 15 years advanced design. It will be fun to watch Al’s face when he finally gets to open those throttles up to 3,600 RPM.
One thing nice about pulling an engine is that you get to clean and paint the entire compartment without working around 500 pounds of engine in the way. That was my job, the clean-up Johnny, the step- ( or rather climb) and-fetch-it. Some days, I told Al, I felt like Sancho Panza helping Don Quixote fight windmills, especially when trouble-shooting inverter problems.

All in all it was a very productive 14 days. Lots of wiring restoration, a number of bilge hose and pump replacements, a completely new freezer evaporator and condenser, a new 12v frig, replacement of the infamous windlass along with new batteries for same. Pulling the fore sails for repair and general preparations for the up-coming voyage. Seems like more work than when you see it in text, but I can assure you we put in 11- to 12-hour days the entire time. Nothing goes easy on a boat unless it’s the owners money.

One thing of note was that the travellift “notch” where Dragonfly has often been hauled is considerably narrower. Donny had hoped to have it replaced by now, but the current width is not enough to even allow straps around the hull. Notice the 3/8″ plywood fenders on the starboard side of the hull. At low tide that boat wouldn’t even rock in the river’s wake.

The port side wasn’t any better and sported it’s own plywood fender. A good time working with Al, and also getting to see Helen and Joe on DejaVu before they departed for the winter in the Bahamas. BTW I’ve never seen Deja Vu looking so fine. It would be a great time to make them an offer.