Sous Mechanic For A Day

Here goes something I thought would never happen in my lifetime. Most that really know me know my inability to handle tight and confined quarters. This day would put it to the test as the captain was changing impellers on both engines. Admittedly I have NEVER walked or crawled through the engine room since the first time I laid eyes on Paradigm Shift. It is not something I was anxious to do and really did not see the need as our captain needs his space too, right? Well from the looks of the rest of the crew, I guess the captain is going to have to rely on me for handing him tools or ”fetching” the next item he may need.

Hearing Greg call from below deck reminds me somehow of my mother or grandmother hollering, ”Glenda Leigh”. Yes…..it brings a smile to my face in spite of the fact I know what is coming next. ”Can you get………?” Well, can you get…..really means can you find it and then bring it to me. So nervously I step into the lazzaret and find the tool that is needed and make my way into the engine room. While you cannot stand up in the engine room, it is very spacious and easy to maneuver in a crouched position. Inhale…….and in a moment, I am there. There Greg is tucked behind the starboard engine trying to work in a tight space and all I have to do is deliver the parts. Bless his heart this is why they call him ”captain” and I am just the ”mate”.

He asked if I could pass him the pliers, then the hammer, then the small screwdriver and then the silicone. So with all the requests, I sat on a step and looked out at my surroundings. I was seeing for the first time our generator, our battery bank, our water maker and our two beautiful John Deere’s. And there is a walkway or path down the center of the boat! This isn’t too bad. With the second impeller now out he is working to get the new one in on the starboard engine. They both needed changing and I am glad we did this now rather than wait and ”have” to do it do to a failure.

Very thankful to have a captain that is ”hands on” with repairing and/or replacing things as needed. He never complains about this kind of work which can be so tedious at times. It is a good day when you know you have new impellers on both engines and the water output is great! And by the way…..the prior owners took meticulous care of this vessel including this beautiful engine room….thank you Robert and Carolyn!

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