Big $$$ Repairs - Tough Choices

[Alexei]

Hola everybody.


Well CE came through with a less dire diagnosis AND a cheaper price. The valves worked for him, leaving the diagnosis to be a blown head gasket and/or maybe a cracked head. The job will be a bit less than 1/3 of the cost for a replacement A-4 job, so guess which route I'm taking?

It took me a little bit longer to come up with the $ than I thought it would, but now with cash in hand I've authorized work. Looks like she'll be ready to go by July, and I'll try the trip again around the 4th.



So as of right now, things are looking good. More to follow.


Cheers,
Alexei

PS - It really makes me wonder what those mechanics from the other shop did for 3.5 hours, considering it took CE all of 40 minutes to rule out the exhaust leak, check the valves, do compression tests, and diagnose the issue. Sheesh!

[imagine2frolic]

I have been in the muffler business for 33 years. Some of the people I worked for made me puke. I once worked for a family that indicated I needed to steal from the customers. I refused, and it led to some harsh words from both sides, so one day I walked out. Frikking people started stalking me, and making threatening calls to my new job. Finally I had to take them to court to get them off my back. It's just the way some people do business.

I guess soon you will be ready to whip the ICW's booty!.......i2f

[Fishman_Tx]

Originally Posted by Alexei

It really makes me wonder what those mechanics from the other shop did for 3.5 hours, considering it took CE all of 40 minutes to rule out the exhaust leak, check the valves, do compression tests, and diagnose the issue. Sheesh!

I think someone once called that....lying? fraud? Putting you over the barrel and ...............

[Alexei]

Well, CE says he'll have the engine done the middle of this week. So looks like I'll be back in business soon, and for a lot less than the sky-is-falling folks quoted.

Now I just have to re-schedule my ICW trip. Looks like late September or so at this point.

[Dune]

Originally Posted by Alexei

Well maybe I mis-stated which test it was exactly. I'm not a mechanic, just an engineer.

Well, there we have it.

[Hud3]

Late September is an excellent time to do that trip, as long as you keep your eye on tropical weather developments.

[Chief Engineer]

Tomorrow "we kick the tires and light the fires".

[Christian Van H]

Knock 'em dead Chief! Good luck to you both! C

[Therapy]

What a great place this is.

Best of luck Alexei.

Way to be good Chief!

[FrankZ]

Just make sure ya get all the O rings back in place.

[Pblais]

That makes it hard to justify spending so much cash on this repair, especially since I'd have to take out a loan. Of course, I do like Icefire a lot, but it's never been my intention to keep her forever and ever.

Sounds like you are thinking right and can do the math. You can love another boat and it's OK to tell your wife. Friends sailed Sabre 28's twice for many many years from two different locations. They sold the first one to go over seas then bought another when they got back. OK, they sold the last one for a Sabre 34 well after they retired. Make the money work and keep sailing. It comes down to what matters. Of course your life and family have to count for something too. As an engineer you can add and subtract.

I know I would feel worse if you didn't end up with a boat where you are. Your boating adventures have been fun reading.

[Chief Engineer]

Well...she is together....lit right off.....sounds like a sewing machine.......

The hot things are hot and the cold things are cold.....Yee-----Haaaa!!!!!!!!!!

[Alexei]

Well, it looks like we're in business. All's well that ends well, as they say.

Now it just comes down to working the trip back in. Hmmm...... maybe I can convince the Admiral to let grandma take care of the kiddies for a couple weeks, and we can make a second honeymoon out of it?



Nice thought, eh? Methinks she won't go for it, though. Maybe in a couple years.


Oh well, I guess I'll stay an armchair sailor for a month and a half or so, then try to get her down here again. Third time's the charm!


Cheers,
Alexei