Trouble Comes in 3s

Thur Feb 26, 2015
Plantation Key
Islamorada, FL

Today was a problem solving day. We had brisk winds last night in the teens and for the first time since we anchored here we got rocked to sleep. Did not bother me, felt good, but think it disturbed Lee a little. It was brisk all day until almost sunset then it calmed to 4kts. We are expecting some light rain tonight and tomorrow. Still low 70s to 80 for our temperature range, but humidity has picked up.

I decided to see if I could tell why my one big drawer in the galley was sticking so hard I could not always get it open. When I took it out I saw the wood above and beside the drawer was very wet. It appeared to be coming from our freezer. We emptied the freezer and saw no cracks or any where water could have gotten out except the drain which should not be a problem. We ran the drain and not much happened. Replaced all the frozen food, we could eat for 3 month. Then Lee decided he wanted to see the wall behind the freezer which meant looking behind the master suite door. When he moved the door back the wall, mirror, and floor were all wet. It would appear this is a major condensation problem. I have insulated the bottom and top of the freezer with additional insulation but do not think that should have caused any issues. We are leaving the drawer out and the door away from the wall and going to see if it gets better or worse.

The bilge pump has an automatic setting and a manual setting. It does not cut off when it is on auto so we have been running it manually everyday. Lee talked to the folk at Water Witch, which made the electronic bilge switch. They say that the switch that is installed is not sufficient for the pump that it is running.  They think that the contacts welded together and that is why it will not shut the pump off when on auto.  A call to Island Packet got the usual voice mail menu without an option to talk to a person.  We left a message requesting a call back but they close at 3 on Thursday and are closed on Friday, so I guess it will be Monday before we hear anything from them, if then.

There is still the mystery of what is happening to the propane. It was so bouncy and windy we did not try to hunt the leak, will tomorrow if it is calm enough. We will try the old soapy water makes bubbles where there is a leak routine. In the meantime you never know if you will have enough fuel to get to where you are going and back in the dinghy.

We never left the boat today. It would have been a wet trip the way the waves were kicking up.