B.O.A.T.

-is a well known acronym for Bring Out Another Thousand.  This is our most recent experience to prove it is really true.   The thru hull in the forward head was changed out when we moved on to the boat 15 months ago- it had to be as the lever broke off in Milton’s hand during annual maintenance.  Exit Strategy was pulled out and on the hard at the time to paint the hull, so the procedure was easy.
   The problem with the aft head thru hull valve was first noticed about a year ago during a week’s cruise with Joe & Julie around St. Thomas and St. John- USVI.  Dan “fiddled” with it and the problem appeared to be corrected until our daughter Becky’s family sailed with us a month later.   Once again, it seemed to be working after more tinkering (not tinkling) by the Captain.
     Now, a year later our son Bob’s family boards the vessel and the aft head goes on the fritz once more.  Luckily, ES has two heads, so the cruise proceeded fine.  It was also fortuitous that Dan had anticipated having to change out the aft thru hull and had discussed it with some Old Salts (Capt. John of s/v Antillean and Capt. Gene of s/v GeWil).  They assured him that the task could be done while in the water using bungs and working quickly. 

     Well, first Dan dove into the water and banged a bung into the thru hull opening.  Then he came back on board and tried to loosen the fitting by applying extensive elbow grease and massive amounts of “French”.   Tah-dah, the fitting broke off in his hand!  More loud “French” ensued followed by, “Rose come here and put your hand on this hole!”  I did as commanded while Dan jumped back into the water to bang the bung in deeper.  I watched as the rate of seepage dwindled to a trickle and then it finally stopped!  (THANK GOD!)  

   

     So, we chose to have the boat hauled out for a day to be on the safe side AND had the marina’s expert mechanic finish the job. As frustrating as boat repair can be at times- we’re not ready to sink the vessel yet.