Since Saturday afternoon we go again – Gott sei Dank !

As more and more clearly the Spanish era of the Germans over. Jose had said Wednesday night to us, he came Thursday at seven clock in the morning (!!!) to mask the water pass so then the new antifouling can be painted. This early time had already made us very suspicious. Um sieben Uhr am Morgen arbeitet in Spanien doch noch kein Mensch 🙂

And as expected, was also at nine clock, as we climbed down the ladder after breakfast, noch niemand zu sehen 🙁 Irgendwann im weiteren Laufe des Vormittags tauchte ein Eimer Antifouling bei uns am Schiff auf, followed by a roll of duct tape (to mask the water pass) and two paint rollers. So far away, so good…..but Dietmar had asked the workers remains a difficult task. He insisted, that the paint should be mixed thoroughly before application only by drill with a mixer. Such “strange” Procedures were here probably not standard. The mixer attachment had to be specially procured with, aber immerhin gab es schon eine Bohrmaschine 🙂

So we arrived just in time after lunch to two back, to become witnesses of the ordinary mixing the Anti-fouling. Two hours later, the first layer was then applied properly. It looked really good before. The time now missing “the only” two more paintings, then we would be finished with the hull.

Thus, it was clear, that we could forget our appointment on Friday evening crane. That fit in time so the front and back no more. So stellten wir uns innerlich schon mal auf den Samstag ein 🙂

On Friday morning we had to wait until, to the catamaran trip, lying next to us yesterday at the quay wall in the water, had invited all his guests. Due to the unfavorable Northwest wind-wave location with plenty of the tours started at the moment of San Miguel, right next to the SUMMER. Since it was safer, begin the painting only, if no one had to go past our boat.

A clock we had arranged to meet a nice couple from Gütersloh to eat. The two had many years himself a “Hallberg-Rassy” located in Neustadt an der Ostsee. So we got another new Spanish restaurant with good food and very cheap know and spent a nice time. The two spend the winter every year in Tenerife and wanted tomorrow 10 Weeks Canaries fly back to Germany. Sorry, we had met only in the last week, sehr schade 🙁

Gegen halb drei waren wir wieder zurück im Hafen und unsere SUMMER war tatsächlich fertig gestrichen 🙂 Jetzt musste sie nur wieder in den Bootslift, so that the supports removed and the lower areas also could be deleted 3x. So we set out, prepare everything. The alignment of the two belts was much easy than in the water ashore and soon we rocked again freely in the wind. Although still far too high above the water surface, aber immerhin etwas 🙂

But even the trickiest task stood before us: we had to install the rudder again. Although we have two people put the Marina this evening at seven clock available, we moved the action rather on Saturday mornings. Jose had promised, to come on his day specially just. We do this would rather deal with it, as he was also been to the expansion of this.

About ten clock we were ready to go. The rudder of SUMMER weighs good 80 Pounds and is a really cumbersome part with a total length of 3,20 Meters (Rudder blade with rudder stock). First we had the SUMMER by lift to more 1,20 Raise meters, be able to perform at the helm exactly perpendicular through the lower rudder bearing. With this amount we brought the travel lift to his constructive limits. It would not be two more inches in height have been possible. We were really at the absolute limit.

After the first step with three men (Jose, Dietmar and I) was well done, but it was even more complicated. First, we lowered the SUMMER again twelve inches from the stem and fixed so that the lower bearing. Dietmar swung with the shaky and short head back to the ship and ship-mounted in the various seals and the shaft. Means he was knocking us about it, if the travel lift the SUMMER could be re a little further down. After some time, we were then so far, that the 75mm thick shaft just had to pass through the upper rudder bearing, before it could be then finally fixed in position and secured against falling. But this last act which it had in it.

Although we could now communicate directly back since Dietmar now 4 Meter onto the deck, but it was not easy, the instructions of the captain is the direction in which to align the rudder, implement as desired. Because the precise alignment in the millimeter range of a 80 Kg rudder with a slightly rocking 15 Ton ship with only one man and one woman is not blowing cotton. Unfortunately, that went from always right digital. Either the rudder does not move or it was moving too much. So also rushed nor the driver of the travel lift for help, but also to third there was no child's play. Dietmar was on deck slowly but something restless: “What do the three down there? If not do everything yourself makes etc. pp” at least I heard him curse softly.

We have now changed our concept. Wir machten gar nichts mehr 🙂 Denn die SUMMER schaukelte ganz leicht im Lift und irgendwann stand das Ruder perfekt. “Only” more quickly pull up and……. nailed it! We really fell from the heart.

While Dietmar yet assembled, all other parts of the steering gear in the boat, I started out, to emphasize the still untreated sites with antifouling. Finally I was allowed with brushes. It was fun and I malerte the three layers in record time.

Three clock we had our appointment crane. Finally back in the water. The wind had our appointment calendar and notes in his time at a quarter to three, it blew again strong with over 20 Node. The really needed now nobody. Despite the adverse conditions we again safe water and made our SUMMER short time at our traditional fixed berth.

Once on board, everything was put back into operation and reliable work, the watermaker had something refilled the tanks and the dishes was rinsed in the closet, we went to celebrate the day to Los Abrigos fish to eat.

It is a strange feeling, that our SUMMER rocking motion and when you look out the window, then you look once six feet in depth to the water surface.

Yesterday and today were days of work and dirt. The paws are constantly full of goo, Color, Dichtmasse und die Fußsohlen sind am Abend so schwarz wie Stempelkissen 🙂 Daran beißt sich sogar ein Schwamm aus Stahlwolle die Zähne aus :-). Have accustomed myself since Monday, evening to go with shoes in the shower. Then I can imagine me at least, that the black broth of the shoe sole is. Das hilft 🙂 Unsere SUMMER hat sich in eine echte Baustelle verwandelt und um dem geordneten Chaos etwas Ordnung einzuhauchen, we vacate the evening all the tools again neatly back to the place, where we have also hergenommen.

Jose wanted to come yesterday and start sanding the hull. The poor lad but was constantly sent to other ships and at noon it was clear, that it would be nothing more. Does not matter, dann eben morgen 🙂 Wir nutzten die Zeit, reduce the partially decomposed strongly sacrificial anodes, To polish stainless steel mesh, to procure new sacrificial anodes, to overtake the propeller of the bow thruster and clean the SPW-rotary-wing propeller and fill with new grease.

For lunch Katja had once again conjured up something delicious on the table. After such a meal you right back in the mood, to plunge back into the labor.

A small problem but we have already, because we can indeed be no more water running. Probably the others would thank us, wenn plötzlich aus den Ventilen über Ihren Köpfen irgendwelches Abwasser herauslaufen würde 🙂 Man muss es sich schon gut überlegen, how much one evening nor drinks, because “Pischbox” is yes 150 Meters. In addition, one would have in the night even climb down the ladder. Da sollte man besser richtig wach sein 🙂 Die Nummer mit der Flasche im Bad ist auch keine wirkliche Option wenn man den Frieden an Bord bewahren möchte 🙂 Also, who drinks much just have to run too often. It's that simple!

At noon today it finally went with the grinding of the old antifouling down to business. Jose had brought a colleague and together they ground like champions. At times, the boys had disappeared in a cloud of mist of blue sanding dust. One could get the impression, that there were two Smurfs dabble along. It's a really hard job and for this we have the two rewarded with a decent tip.

Without Words! On the rest is our SUMMER. Arbeitssicherheit auf kanarisch 🙂 Bisher ist aber noch kein Schiff von den Böcken gefallen, I've heard….

Today, we have dedicated ourselves fully to the bathing platform. The thing was so so rusted and the screws partially rotted, that it was a real slog to remove all the screws, to remove rust and reinstate. The bathing ladder, we have completely disassembled, the welded brackets and beams were to remove rust and polish then to preserve the end it all together with the preservative wax TECTYL. Das Ergebnis lies sich aber sehen und dieser Schandfleck ist endlich beseitigt 🙂

Against 15:00 Jose and colleague was also done with the grinding. Jose seems to be a very happy man despite the many and hard work. He is 45 Years old and the father of four children (it works as a forensic pathologist). He wears a black belt (third DAN) in TAEWONDO and trained after work 2 Hours 5 Days a week. It may also two minutes to hold their breath and dive with a harpoon to 15 Meters deep for hunting. Und singen kann er auch ganz gut wie man heute gehört hat 🙂

On Friday, the work should be completed. Then you have “the only” yet the rudder reinstalled and the SUMMER back into the water. But we have a good run and are quite optimistic, that luck will hold us.

Promptly at 9:00 waved the Marinero over to us, thus giving the sign, that we should get ready, to position our SUMMER with the stern first under the crane. Katja and I had discussed the maneuver before, and we both knew, what to do. Without haste and bustle of the SUMMER was also soon occupied at the four mooring and swam centrally aligned under the lift. The wide straps were already under the ship and were now in position to the crane brands (Markers, where the belt should lie) brought. It's a huge difference, whether it makes each year on the yacht service his ship, then spend it in the winter period or if you have to do everything yourself J. But man grows well known with his duties.

After a thorough inspection, we went up slowly and after about five minutes our deck was level with the quay. Now it was time, to leave the boat. Our SUMMER was liberated with steam from algae and other vegetation, before it was then transported to the final parking position.

Now only really came the moment, who had given me in the last few days the biggest headache. The rudder had to get out, because we had a problem with the rudder stock. Again, we were well prepared. Meanwhile, I dismantled the rudder quadrant of the massive rudder of the ship, Katja had made a device made of linen and two pulleys and placed around the rudder. Katja lifted the good 80 Pound part with the help of Jose a piece and I was able to solve the last bolt on deck, still fixed the rudder. Katja device kept the weight and lift lifted the SUMMER slowly in the air. With each additional centimeter the rudder slipped further out from the camp, until it was free after one meter. Jose was amazed, as we were carrying away the hard part, because with so much weight he had not counted on J. But precisely because of its solid construction and quality we have opted for a yacht of the SCHÖCHL shipyard. After a further 45 Minutes into our SUMMER on all sides supported on their parking lot. We noticed in any case a large stone of the heart, because everything had gone much better than expected!

The inspection of the rudder camp revealed, that it was in excellent condition. No visible corrosion on the bearing body or significant traces of wear on the moving parts of the camp were observed. Also there SCHÖCHL has probably done a great job too, Jose J of Marinero was impressed by the quality generally visibly excited. The positive judgment would be the owner of course very, after all, some ships see the boys so over the years and have an eye for, what works and what does not.

Finally, we sat in the evening satisfied in the salon of SUMMER. The damage seemed to be only a few faulty seals in the rudder stock restrict. After more than eight years may happen like once. We were very happy, that we were not in the South Seas on the go. Because there would certainly have been less funny, after each trip 30-60 Pumping gallons of water out of the boat and have no yard with lift near. From the lack of specialized tools and spare parts too, of course. According to Internet shipment tracking, we had the last few days checked again and again, should the new seals already arrive tomorrow with UPS here.

For months now we have the problem, that we more or less every day of sailing much water in the bilge (lowest point in the ship) have. At high waves and strong winds are up to 60 Liter pro Tag. What we have not tried everything, to determine the cause. Little by little, but I have identified and corrected all possible options for me and causes. Every time again, I was certain, that the bilge would remain dry now, after the work was completed. But the nightmare just wanted to no end and slowly I got my own private trauma closer, when I pumped ten liters of sea water as on our last trip every two hours.

During a routine inspection of the autopilot I really had difficulties, me on the high seas, hanging upside down in the space under the beds, hold with one hand. In the other hand I held the "Maglite" (Flashlight for MännerJ) and inspected the rooms deep under the lockers. Here, my eyes fell on the lower rudder bearing. Whenever the autopilot fought the waves and the rudder turned by brute force, to get back on track to the boat, I saw water flowing from the massive screw squirt. What a shock! "This will be a greater number" was my first thought. After 10 I had but again somewhat sorted and sent me a video clip using the iphone Schöchl shipyard minutes, with a request for advice and support.

The lady in the office must have thought, that we were about to drown. Probably my dramatic portrayals were to blame, because I really good at J. Anyway, I had a few minutes later the shipyard owner Manfred Schöchl personally on the phone. It was not the last conversation that day. Both the shipyard boss and a number of its experienced staff provided us with their words and deeds since and were all very cooperative and helpful. At the end of the day the action plan was then created and spare parts for the repair by express delivery on the way to Tenerife.

One fact was irrevocably fixed but. The rudder stock, including the integral inner bearing sleeve in the fuselage must be removed or. be renewed. This requires that the boat out of the water and the rudder must go also. Each sailor, I told the repair, looked with pity and wished me good luck.

Since old brings back memories! The father of my girlfriend at the time I had promised the age of 21, to change over the weekend, the clutch of his van. Greatest despair came on, when he failed even after four hours, install the gear again. But in the end succeeded but then. On the next morning I called my girlfriend, that your father had broken down on the way to Hamburg for the wholesale market the car under the butt, since the clutch was again defective. Gott sei Dank, he could his goods (Flowers and Plants) nor sell, before the truck stopped. As an excuse for him, I painted the old part with white paint and put a cactus in the middle. It was hard, to contact him with your eyes and take the whole to himself shame.

Next Monday we have a date, cranes to our boat. The last 3 Days I had nothing else to do, as in the evening to study various technical forums on the subject and then to go on the day with a rental car in various tool shops in search of special tools. From each of the required parts I have made with my ipad a screenshot, pictures say more than 1000 Words. Especially, if like me you do not speak Spanish, made it easier to communicate enormously. A particular challenge was the special hook key to screw up to 120mm diameter and very special adhesive SIKA 292i with the matching primer.

To make matters worse, that one should not trust many more "experts" on the way. In a Yacht Shop, run by a Dutch, I was offered an adhesive primer, the derogation was specified by the manufacturer's recommendation and the shipyard. A call to Sika explained everything very quickly. The primer offered was specified for Plexiglas and the adhesive did not show the necessary strength to. This "expert" but had assured me, that he 20 Years of experience, and would have wanted to start a discussion, why the other adhesives would be needed at all. Soon after he disappeared behind the counter and was seen no more. Probably he had heard, that I said Katja, he should just play his dues lassenJ. Some say it myself Canary Islands, that is closer to Africa than Europe. So study, drive a lot, many questions and always be nice and fluffy. After three days of driving and 350 Kilometer route criss-crossing the island, we had it all together, what we expected of tools, Materials, Equipment and replacement parts are required.

We have decided, during the time, if the SUMMER stands on the land, continue to live in the boat. Is certainly a strange feeling, at night when it is no longer Rocks. On this occasion we will deregister the underwater hull also the same with new antifouling. The feathering propeller I will get them ourselves and change the sacrificial anodes also equal. But one thing is already certain: The next week will be a real challenge!