Remember when our mechanic Richard jokingly said that he’d
drive down to Santa Cruz if the transmission crapped out? Richard is totally
driving down to Santa Cruz to go another round with the transmission. He hasn’t
been to Santa Cruz in 30 years. Half Moon Bay was a professional challenge.
This time it’s personal.
He has 42 years of experience, has a stellar reputation
throughout Santa Rosa, is the trusted mechanic of commercial fisherman from
Bodega Bay down to Half Moon Bay, and is the go-to diesel mechanic for one of
the largest agricultural outfits on the coast. Let’s just say he knows a little
something about transmissions. And he’s being taken to school by our 33-year
old hunka hunka burning junk.
At this point, the Captain is wondering if we just shouldn’t
bite the bullet and purchase a new transmission but in the battle of man vs.
machine, Richard will not tap out. He’s been reading and re-reading the service
manuals; has dismantled a similar transmission at his shop to compare the components;
is studying the email communications between Raven’s previous owner and Borg-Warner,
the manufacturer, in regards to this same problem ten years ago; has called
Borg-Warner to discuss said problem ten years ago; and has studied up on
exorcism rites in the remote (or not) chance that the thing is just possessed.
He fervently believes that the transmission is fundamentally
sound and if he can just put his finger on the straw, then we can save the
camel’s back. We appreciate his dedication and we know that he’s looking out
for us. After all, a new transmission is upwards of 4-5 boat bucks; if he can
work his magic, we’ll only be into it for half that. But the fact of the matter
is that we are running out of ports. There are no safe harbors between Monterey
Bay and Morro Bay—only a 100 mile slog between the two. We have to be able to
rely on our engine, especially if there is no wind or—worse—a wind that wants
to blow us toward shore (a very rocky shore). Monterey (the city) is our last
port before we embark on this 14-hour journey.
Though confident that he will win the war this time around,
he did say in jest that if we break down in Monterey, he’ll drive down
there…with a new transmission. Dammit, Richard, we told you not to say that!
Pictured: Richard Porterfield. Mechanic.
He has come to Santa Cruz to chew bubblegum and kick some
transmission ass…and he’s all out of bubblegum.
There's a great restaurant on the bluff above the Marina there!! Better place to be stalled for sure.
ReplyDeleteAnd then there is the Danish proverb: Don't sail out farther than you can row back. But that really does not help does it. Gosh -- you have Edgr your sea cat and that is supposed to be good luck -- well enjoy you the sunshine -- sounds like there is plenty to do there...deep breathing helps with stress we have found. Take care and enjoy the day!
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