Holding Pattern

 

Stones Marina & Boatyard

Today we called Stones Marina & Boatyard in Nanaimo to schedule a haul-out for inspection of the props and shafts on Got d’ Fever.  Our appointment was scheduled for 11:45am based on the draft of our boat and the tides.  Stones Boatyard is located in a shallow bay off Newcastle Island Passage at the north end of Nanaimo, a short distance from our anchorage. 

We had also called Paul, our contact at Port Townsend Bay Marine in Washington, who had done previous work on Got d’ Fever.  Paul is always a great resource and told us what to expect and what to look for when hauled out at Nanaimo.  We made our way through the narrow Passage just prior to our assigned time for haul-out and stationed ourselves just outside the boatyard entrance.  We were held up for about 40 minutes since other boats first needed to be launched.  Wind and current required some maneuvering to stay in place and away from boat traffic in the channel.  

Got d' Fever ready for the Sling

The anticipated phone call soon came telling us it was our turn to approach the dock in front of the boatlift.  Boatyard employees were waiting on the dock to take our lines.  Once tied-up and engines shut down, we were off the boat and Got d’ Fever was moved forward into the sling.  

Got d' Fever being moved over the Sling

Up she went; we got our first look at her underside.  

Haul-out

Upon closer inspection it appeared that the shafts were not damaged, however, three blades on the starboard prop were slightly misshapen.  Exactly what Paul had anticipated when we had described the symptoms.  Many thanks to Stones Boatyard for getting us into their busy schedule for repairs.  We are on the docket to come back on Wednesday at 1:30pm for haul-out with assigned space in their yard.  The prop will be removed and sent to the shop for repairs with an anticipated launch date of Friday afternoon, not bad.  In the meantime we will enjoy our anchorage at Newcastle Island, I am sure Java will be pleased.  We might even go back to the Dinghy Dock Pub for some more of that “sex in the dinghy” dessert.