New Engine Insulation

While we waited for a coolant system hose to be shipped to the island for our engine, we decided to tackle a job that we have put off for over five years:  replacing the sound insulation on our engine box.

Engine box after grinding down to the wood and glue

The engine box had foam insulation with lead backing and a nice shiny aluminum front at one time.  As it started to deteriorate, we tried taping it on and then just had to start ripping it out.  Finally we scraped the insides and just left it that way.  The sound of the engine was considerably louder when we were under power, and there is a greater risk of fire spreading more quickly through a wooden box.  We used the drill and a couple of different grinding wheels to get the rest of the crumbling insulation out.

A messy job

Once it was down to the wood, we took the box over to the boatyard's carpenter, Pedro.  He installed new insulation.

Pedro in his workshop, working on our new insulation

Pedro is the friendliest worker amongst a congenial crew here at the boatyard.  Being the only carpenter, he is busy all the time.  Schooled as an artist in New York, he came into carpentry by working at furniture-making to put himself through college.  He brings an artist's eye to some of the loveliest works of wood I have ever seen.  We are very happy to have Pedro to finish this project - and our voyage home will be quieter if we need to motor for some time to make our goal.

Meanwhile, back at the boat, we made use of a borrowed vacuum cleaner to scrape off the rest of the engine insulation on the stern wall.  This crumbling mess had deposited black, diesel-sodden bits over the top of the engine, which all had to be cleaned off.  Then I went after the engine's rusty bits with light sandpaper, Q-tips and Corrosion Block.  While we had the vacuum, we went over some of the far reaches of the boat, down into the bilge, behind the stove, all places that have not been fully cleaned for years.

Perhaps the best news is that our engine coolant hose came in.  We installed it, along with new hose clamps all over the cooling system, with a minimum of fuss and bother.  Best yet, no leaks or drips!  We have propulsion again!