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Repairs complete - Gentle Wind is on the move

P
paul@whooppee.com
Wed, Sep 21, 2005 11:37 PM

Well, we got our replacement hydraulic hoses for the Naiad
stabilizers on Monday afternoon, and got them installed on
Tuesday. After pouring in more than 12 quarts of oil (the
book
says it takes 10 quarts!) we finally got an indication on
the
sight gauge. It took two more quarts before we got to the
full
level. And then, after turning the system ON and starting
the
port main engine (with the hydraulic pressure pump) we had
to add yet another quart! In total it took 15 quarts to fill
the
system and all the hoses.

The good news is that once we got it full, it stayed full.
So it
appears that we have successfully diagnosed and corrected
the problem. The real test, of course, will be tomorrow when
we get under way from Raiatea heading to Bora Bora. It's
only
about 20 nm trip, but that will be enough to verify the
repairs.

Oh, and our crew is now full, too! Our fourth member arrived
on Tuesday morning, just in time to help install the new
hoses!

Diesel fuel here in French Polynesia is running at US$1.25
per liter, or almost $5/gallon!  Gasoline/petrol is 25%
higher!

Additional note:  if you're going to breakdown, don't do it
here!  Shipping parts in from the US is very expensive!  For
a 25-pound package of hydraulic hoses and fittings, we paid
$1000 for the parts and an additional $500 (yes, 50%) for
shipping via DHL.  And this is without paying for any import
customs duties!

Well, we got our replacement hydraulic hoses for the Naiad stabilizers on Monday afternoon, and got them installed on Tuesday. After pouring in more than 12 quarts of oil (the book says it takes 10 quarts!) we finally got an indication on the sight gauge. It took two more quarts before we got to the full level. And then, after turning the system ON and starting the port main engine (with the hydraulic pressure pump) we had to add yet another quart! In total it took 15 quarts to fill the system and all the hoses. The good news is that once we got it full, it stayed full. So it appears that we have successfully diagnosed and corrected the problem. The real test, of course, will be tomorrow when we get under way from Raiatea heading to Bora Bora. It's only about 20 nm trip, but that will be enough to verify the repairs. Oh, and our crew is now full, too! Our fourth member arrived on Tuesday morning, just in time to help install the new hoses! Diesel fuel here in French Polynesia is running at US$1.25 per liter, or almost $5/gallon! Gasoline/petrol is 25% higher! Additional note: if you're going to breakdown, don't do it here! Shipping parts in from the US is very expensive! For a 25-pound package of hydraulic hoses and fittings, we paid $1000 for the parts and an additional $500 (yes, 50%) for shipping via DHL. And this is without paying for any import customs duties!