Great Loop: Sea Water Pump Incident

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Sea Water Pump with Failed Seals and Bearings

December 1st, 2021

On our way to pickup a new antenna for our Icom handheld VHF, the seawater pump started complaining about doing its job.  This is an important piece of equipment as without it, the engine will overheat.  We needed to get after this right away.  We reduced speed and arranged for a slip back at the Wharf. 


Here's what a new pump looks like

We called Charlie’s Diesel, and they had a mechanic already in the area.  He verified the seawater pump was failing.  They got a pump, new belt and a new intake air filter on order.  It took 4 business days for the parts to arrive.  The day after they received the parts, one of their mechanics brought them by and had them installed in 2 hours.  Well worth it as the pump was in a difficult to reach location.  It was installation by Braille.  One downside to smaller boats is the reduced space makes maintenance tasks more challenging.

The Mechanic and I conspire on removing and installing the new pump


The problem was resolved, and we are now able to get back underway and continue our explorations of America.  Lot’s more country to see! 

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