[p] !OnMyBoat18!
[pos] 17 45.623S 177 11.968E
[s] Sioux arrived yesterday for her holiday in the Mananucas and Yasawas. Ms Murphy's engine mounts had started to deteriorate and it was becoming unwise to do much motoring. So, I was planning a sailing voyage using the motor only to charge the batteries while using the anchor windlass. (Sioux brought me a new set of engine mounts that I will replace after she departs.) Yesterday afternoon, we sailed north from Denarau to Saweni Bay to make a few miles of northing.

This morning after a leisurely morning, we set off north toward Waya Island. With no wind, I risked motoring a few miles to clear a couple of reefs. When I went to throttle back the engine, nothing happened. On she continued. I dashed down below to ensure the cable was attached. Sure was. A few jiggles and we got the motor off. Now, it won't start...

Following a process of elimination and a few calls to a diesel specialist, it looks like the fuel injector unit has a problem: no fuel is being pumped out. Bugger!! $$!!

Luckily, a specialist from Auckland will be flying up next week to Denarau to visit some friends and has volunteered to have a quick diagnostic look. He also is said to know who in this region might be able to repair it. (Better than sending the unit to NZ and back.)

So, in the meantime, we won't go as far and I will be forced to learn a bit more about how to sail...! Today, we sailed into the north side of Malolo LaiLai (Musket Cove) and will be here a few days, I think.

It's still lovely and warm, and thanks to a 12v fridge, the beer is cold.
[END]