Realizing the rudder is the issue

Recognizing the issue

There are a lot of twists and turns to this saga of the rudder, trying to keep it short and sweet is a challenge. After we moved the boat from Skip Jacks Marina in Sarasota to Madeira Beach Marina, we still had a constant bilge pump activation in the starboard side. Where was this water coming from? So concerning, Carlos took a much closer look and found a constant stream of water coming from around the rudder. So, this was the root cause of the starboard side filling with water while moored in Sarasota. OK, now that we know, we can’t undertake a coastal trip. The questions is, how to find a reputable boat repair service that can do this job well and in about a week? We booked with Progressive Boat Yard in St. Petersburg for a week out. Every other place was like, “call me in four weeks” - not the timing we wanted.

Someone that might be able to help?

Meanwhile, we met a man at the Easter church service who was a boat fiberglass repair specialist - Johnny A.  He agreed to come look at the rudder situation.  He said that rather pull the boat out, he could do a hot patch and repair in place.  Sounded like good news. Although he tried for many hours, this was not the case - his repairs could not stop the leak.  The rudder shaft was completely compromised and in order to fully repair this properly, the boat would have to be hauled out.  Going back to Progressive now delayed our job start until Thursday of the following week.  It was a lesson for us - it is much better to do fiberglass work out of the water - otherwise, it just cannot cure like it needs to.  Johnny A did give us some other pointers:  get a 50-30 amp splitter cable, so that workmen can use their tools and not affect your boat service and the rust stains on the boat could be removed with a rust inhibitor, sold at Cost-Plus Marine.

Sleeping on the boat to expedite travel

The morning at Madeira Beach

Getting a new window for boat repairs was good, but we now needed to sail from Madeira Beach to Pinellas Park, where the Progressive boat yard was located.   We decided to spend the night on the boat, in order to get an early start. We continued to clean and put away items that had been shipped to Carlos’ sister’s house.  We completed oil change, filled propane tanks, and reviewed the sailing route with 5 bridges to the boatyard.  Got up early to head for for Progressive Boat Yard.

Travel to Pinellas Park under or through 5 bridges

Had to pass through a multitude of bridges on this trip.  The fixed bridges bridges are definitely scary. They do have a marker outside of the bridge that shows what is ostensibly the current passing height....If you are brave, you can believe it, although what is your choice??  The opening bridges were easier to go through, but timing is everything as the only open at certain times during the day. 

Getting through those bridges can take your breath away….

This rig is worth about $1 million (without the boat :-))

Getting to the diagnosis and estimated delivery

We left Madeira Beach at 7am, and were at the Progressive Boat Yard in St. Pete by 10:05am.  They were ready for us and had an impressive machine for lifting our Bubista II out of the water safely and easily.  

After a couple of days, the diagnosis was in.  The aluminum sheath around the rudder shaft had galled and literally stuck to the shaft itself. Instead of working its way in and out of the sheath, the water came up around the outside of the sheath and into the engine locker.  It was going to cost a bit to repair, but even more damaging  was the time - at least two weeks :-(((. 

What about our crew?? and staying busy

David changed his plans - twice.  He would delay his flight for a week, giving him time to get his 2nd COVID shot, but also had to delay the second time because the boat wasn't ready.  I fell into a routine of working on my school project while Carlos hung out with the family.  Thankful I had the opportunity to do the school work.  It was rewarding in that I can use it towards Outschool Classes.  Also, there was time for some R&R - get nails done, hang out with my sister-in-laws, visit Cheryl's neighborhood and a lot of walking through Pinellas Park.  Still didn't get to ride a horse, though....

Just these few parts to stop the leak

A few parts, a lot of work

The folks at Progressive, Mike, Rachel and the crew were all very open and honest about the size of the repair and the timing.  In the end, the estimate was a little over, due to the previous work done, but it was within the range.  They provided us with a parts list and the spare parts.  They also said they would send pictures of the work they did on the boat, but we have not received that as of May 14th.  Work was completed on April 23rd and we picked the boat up - sailing back to Madeira Beach Marina until we had an opportunity to pack, move the rest of our stuff from where we are staying and to get David.

In our next blog, I'll give some details and learnings about our overall preparation.......