the reverse curve of time

It’s been a long time since writing about what was up with the Crow and crew.

The winter and spring were dark times this year for various reasons, but looming large was the realization that the Crow needed a new engine, and the best time to do it would be this summer. There went the plans to go north! And there went living aboard for a while, and sailing, and and and…

Feeling distant from the Crow put me in a bad place. The closeness to the water the Crow allows, the appreciation of craft and Northwest vibes, the way it makes me slow down and be present in my environment… these things have become major parts of my life and happiness. Being removed from that hit me hard.

But the haul out came at the end of August and turned things around completely. Instead of last haul out’s loneliness and dusty sleeping aboard, Coop and I worked hard, enjoyably together every day, with daily retreats to the sanctuary of Oceanna’s property near Discovery Bay.

In exactly one month, we removed the old engine and its accompanying systems and thoroughly cleaned the deepest recesses of the bilge, some not having seen the light for nearly 40 years. The gross consistency of the sludge was offset by the rewards of getting to see the depths of the Crow and marvel at how well-built she is, and how cool it is to have the idiosyncrasies of a hand-built boat. The new motor (a Beta 35 diesel) was dropped into place and fit remarkably well, requiring only a few small spacers to fit the incredible iron rails from the old Chinese Diesel. With consultation from an excellent local mechanic and another mechanic friend, we designed and installed new and significantly updated/upgraded systems: exhaust, fuel, raw water, fresh water, and electrical. We also replaced all through-hulls below the water line with true seacocks, a major safety improvement in the form of some very dear bronze hardware. Baby got some brand new shoes, indeed.

The work was hard, rewarding, and extremely educational. It’s very fun to know every hoseclamp, hose, wire, screw, through-hull and backing board. It is massively motivating to know we’re giving the Crow pretty much as good of upgrades as she could get, biting the bullet and doing things the right way to ensure her best years are ahead yet!

The projects only happened because of incredible support, including my family buoying me during the lead-up, Ev’s reassurance and incredible capability to make it all happen, Chris’ patient lessons, Osh’s generous welcome, friends giving us an actual social life, and many other PT tradespeople who made cameos throughout the month. We feel more connected to Port Townsend than ever and are full of gratitude for a place that can help us give the Crow what she needs.

So what’d we do once we got back in the water? Go sailing a bunch, then get to the San Juans as quickly as possible, naturally…