hello from chatondefoi

[chatondefoi]

Hello Fellow Cruisers,

Walter and I are overjoyed to have our 33 foot Nauticat back after 6 months of agonizing over her fate and wondering what to do next. Now we are trying to keep from being overwhelmed at the expense and the enormity of the task before us. We are thankful for the opportunity to restore our "Kitten of Faith" and re-establish our cruising and live-aboard status. We had hoped to bring her to the east coast of the US to spend a few years on the ICW, but now our plans call for an extended stay in Hawaii where we can "put her back together." We would very much appreciate any help with contacts and resources to facilitate this massive undertaking. Right now Walter and "our home" are at Gentry's Marina in Kona. We hope to get the engine repaired/replaced and sails and rigging redone so he can get the boat over to Oahu ASAP. We look forward to input and interaction from our extended family--you the members of this cruiser's forum.

With humble thanks, Walter and Cristina Teper

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Walter and Cristina,
Welcome Aboard this forum. I posted your story a week or so ago and many of the members here have heard of your plight.
I live on the Hilo side of the Big Island and you have many more marine items and suppliers there on the Kona side but if you ask me for specific recommendations or for specific items I may be able to call the suppliers I know to see if they have what you need.
What is your engine make and model and what type of work do you need?
Kind Regards, --John--

[chatondefoi]

Dear John,

Thank you for reaching out. I am in Jacksonville FL. Walter is in Kona. He has been in touch with two "prima donna" diesel mechanics neither one work on Ford Lehman 90 hp. One of them wants Walter to buy a new Izusu for thim to install. But can't even get a price on it. I guess they are holding out to see how desperate Walter gets. Do you know any diesel mechanics that will work on a Ford Lehman 90 and give us a fair shake? I will post a listing of the things that we need. Everything seems important--but I think the main thing is to get the engine running and sails and rigging replaced, so he can get the boat to Oahu where I will join Walter and look for work to help finance this project. Walter has so much to deal with. I am grateful for any help extended to him.

Truly, Cristina

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Cristina,
Ford Lehman is a good engine. I'll try to find someone to work on it and post you when I have a name and number.
Kind Regards, --JohnL--

[chatondefoi]

SkiprJohn,

That would be fabulous! Thanks again! Walter doesn't have internet access right now but I let hime know that I'm in contact with you. He said the yard is going to pull the engine so he can work on it with greater ease. Still has not been able to get it to turn ever.

Truly, Cristina

[Saildude]

Christina,

I find it hard to believe that someone would refuse to work on a Lehman. They have been used extensively in all types of sailboats and powerboats such as Grand Banks. I have a Lehman 90 in my boat and it is a work horse. They are essentially a marinized tractor engine and have a strong reputation. I am no mechanic, but it seems to me that you need a change of mechanics rather than engines. Besides, if I were repowering, I'd do a Yanmar long before an Izuzu.