Once the tank was dropped off we shifted to fun mode and loaded up the dinghy to head to Thunderball Grotto! We really like snorkeling there. Low tide is late in the day right now so we went a little earlier than would have been perfect, but we all still had fun!
Thunderball Grotto
On the way back, the dinghy engine all but died. It’s like the prop was spinning, but not much. We limped back to the boat at idle speed...a little research revealed that it was likely a blown propeller hub. Grrr...one of the only spares we don’t have onboard! The next day, we moved the big boat over closer to town so we could retrieve the filled tank and work to find a prop. With none to be found, we placed our order and will stay here to receive one via Maker’s Air. One of the local guys at the yacht club also said he’d look for one for us.
There are worse places to be in this predicament. There are daily flights to Staniel and Maker’s Air does this stuff all the time. We have food, a protected anchorage, and clear water all around! The kids and I had some fun and even met a new friend!
Fun at anchor
This morning we got a call from Chubby at the yacht club—he had a prop we could try! Frank set off on the long, slow journey only to have the hub fail even more so he busted out the oars. It’s a LONG haul from the anchorage! Luckily a mega yacht tender took mercy on him and towed him in. Unfortunately, the prop didn’t work so he started rowing back. This time, a local named Larry in a flat bottom boat towed him in. We happily passed him some cash for fuel and have resigned ourselves to hanging right around the boat until the part makes it to the island. At that point, we may try to hitch a ride in—even with moving the big boat we can’t get super close to town (draft) without being at the mercy of currents. For now, we wait. Kalik! Kalik!
Thank you, Larry!
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