Well...we've found another boat. A 1985 Albin 27, aft-cabin. It's going to work very well for us. Not quite as handy for beaching or sneaking into those shallow little spots we like..but there is always a trade-off.
We did a sea-trial and had a survey done. The boat was located in Green Cove Springs, FL. Once all the paperwork was taken care of we picked her up....Jim had modified our old trailer for the Albin and we'd decided to cruise down the St Johns River to Sanford Boatworks Marina. We'd haul out with their lift and set the boat in place to see if it would fit. That way we'd only be trailering about 15 miles and have 4 or 5 days on the water. If it didnt fit we'd have it in a marina near the house until the necessary changes were made.
We loaded up the dogs and bird...a few days supplies and bedding and set out on our trip. Everything worked good except for fueling. The vent was plugged..mud daubers..The ride across Lake George wasnt bad but the water was a bit rough. We were pleased with the way the boat handled....the sleeping quarters were comfortable..plenty of room to move around in the cockpit...we were really starting to like it. South of Blue Springs..in a "no wake" zone ..she quit..we coasted to the side and dropped anchor in a spot near a bunch of lilly pads out of the main channel...checked the fuel filter..it was a mess...changed it and tried to start it...couldnt get anything out of the fuel pump no matter what we tried to bleed it...spent a nice night on the water...couldnt believe the number of boats using the river. It was constant traffic both ways all day. Sunday morning we continued to try to start it but to no avail..finally had to give up and call TowBoatUS.....they sent a boat out of Sanford and took us to the BoatWorks Marina...
The haulout and trailer fit went perfectly..few minor adjustments and it fit like the trailer had been made for it ( actually it had.Jim had totally remodified the pads for the Albin)...Jim said he could hardly feel it behind him even going thru construction.
I called Jesco (engine is a Nissan LD28 and they have parts) and their tech said it sounded like the fuel injection belt was the problem. With plenty of tools and lots of cold water and a fan...Jim went to work..all the bolts were rusted in etc. but that was the problem...and with a new one in place it runs like a top...cant wait to get back on the water.
We need to add an inverter...hook up the fridge..rebed the rubrail...and a few other small things and then we'll be doing another trial.
The boat's old name: Onager (Wild Asian Ass)...thought it kinda fit except for the Asian...but we are changing it to Slow Motion...6 or 7 mph is fairly fuel efficient...she'll do 10+ but then we'd be spending our time looking for fuel..
