The four day weekend came and went. Rained out Thursday. Friday I pulled the other two batteries to have them tested as they were not holding a charge. Had them tested. Two more bad batteries. All three were bought in Baltimore three years ago. I suspect they went bad while at the last marina. No place to plug in and it did freeze a couple times. Mary Lee now has new batteries...again. It was not my favorite chore switching them out.

I have to exhale to get my chest through the opening. It hurts to be in the cockpit locker as I have to assume the shape of a pretzel to reach the batteries. I also have to get into that shape and out of it while lifting batteries into and out of the "hole".

I complain, but it needed done. This was Friday. Could not finish until Saturday as we needed to find a new latch for the battery compartment and a couple tools I had left in the garage. We stayed in Myrtle beach again. We arrived Saturday with plans to get the last of the big projects finished. Alright. I will admit that I had not repitched the engine yet. I was feeling a growing concern that I should not ignore this job. I was right to be concerned. The pitch was not off much at all and likely would have been fine........If the nuts would still have been locked down on the fourth motor mount. The two locking nuts on top were missing. I had more. You cannot see that mount unless you are laying on top of the engine intending to work on it. They are all good now.

Look familiar? This is picture taken in Baltimore the first time I pitched the engine. I have to lay on the top of engine while up on my toes for 2 to 3 hours (depending on how easy the job goes)just to pitch the engine. Takes longer if there is anything else needing done while you are there. It sucks!!! All this because I had a bent prop that shook everything loose until it broke. The exhaust had broke the third day out of Baltimore. When I put together a new piece, I left it a turn loose (I used inch and a half pipe fittings to build it) to negate any stress until I was sure I had vibration gone.

Long story....but it left me with an exhaust leak. I fixed that Sunday. Final analysis of the big weekend???
  Working parties are over. I am pleased with how well my old neglected boat has come together. Very happy that my first Mate has been so understanding. Vivian has been a real trooper through all this. Half the summer is over before she will really get to go sailing.
   The marina Mary Lee has been at this month was good for the work we needed to do. Not much breeze and quiet. Not to mention the dark walks to take showers in the evenings and the sand and dirt that got drug back to the boat no matter how much you tried not to. The water smells so we have not filled the water tank. So next Saturday Mary Lee moves down town. Closer to stores. Closer to bay. Better facilities, etc. etc.

Last but not least.....well not last, except for this post. Needed a new horse shoe. I also got a new book on knots. I am enjoying the splicing of lines and the new group of knots I have been learning are excellent!

You know how much I like my books.
   Vivian did manage to get a sunburn while I pitched the engine. Poor First mate. She just doesn't believe the work is finally done on Mary Lee :-) We will check in to the new marina next Saturday morning and then do nothing but sail all weekend. I really am quite pleased with myself. I really have revived Mary Lee and myself. Sure....There are small things that will need done in time.
 
 Mary Lee is mechanically sound and as such, she is ready to be enjoyed. See you on the water :-)