Magic at Maggie

We got our parts back from the workshop and we got the motor going again. There was some water in the engine which caused all the problems to start with. We flushed out all the sludge and put new oil in. After a quick test run there was water getting in the oil. We worked out that it was getting in through the water pump, so after we bypassed that we went for a test run out to Magnetic Island, Maggie to the locals. We had a glorious time there with perfect weather but we had developed an oil leak. We tried to reseal some gaskets but no luck. Then as we were about to leave the starter motor wouldn’t work. After an hour or so it was going but it was enough for us to decide to get another motor. So now we are at the Breakwater Marina at Townsville waiting for a new Yanmar 29Hp. The motor now is a 20 Hp so there should be a bit of extra to spare and it’s got to be quieter.

Yesterday we pulled out the old motor. Altogether the motor and gearbox weighs 200kg but after taking the flywheel and gearbox off the weight was reduced to 150kg. It was a 5 person job. We used the halyard and toping lift to take the weight and slowly inched it up. Then today we degreased the bilge and pumped and scrapped out all the crap and lost tools that have fallen in over the last 20 years. Kathleen jumped in and got the very bottom as she was the only one who could fit.

Pull harder Wendy!!

Kathleen fits in the keel.

A productive day.

This houseboat belongs to Bob on Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island. He has been here for 22 years. The people that own water front properties are making it uncomfortable for him so that he will move, but I don’t think he is going anywhere. He has got to know the local wildlife intimately and feeds Whistling Kites, spangled Jacks and any other birds that come down.

With sunsets like these I know exactly why bob is staying put. That’s Daniel and Amy. Michael took this photo with Hayden’s Nikon D2X, a very expensive professional camera. We have some great shots of the Whistling Kite with this camera.