Sometimes writing these posts is difficult. Other times, they write themselves. This is one of those.
Yesterday was a day when electricity and I were not friends. First, I had to run a new electrical wire through a bulkhead into another compartment for our Starlink dish. Guess what else was in that compartment? The circuit breaker for our 110 volt shore power service. Guess what I was using to fish the wire? A metal wire. Guess where the wire went? Oh yeah. There was smoke. When I pulled the wire it was glowing red. How exactly I didn’t electrocute myself, I am not certain, but I am just going with “Jesus loves me.” Fortunately, Kim was running an errand. Unfortunately, our project manager was on board to witness this.
Him: “And THAT is why I don’t like metal wire for chasing cables”
Me: “YOU GAVE ME THAT WIRE!”
Him: “Well, yeah, they work great but I don’t LIKE them.”
Me: ………………
Fortunately, no harm done to me or, more importantly to the boat.
So I moved on to the fridge/freezer. We’ve been having trouble with the water pump for it so I was testing the circuit to make sure there was power. Evidently my multi-meter touched something it shouldn’t have because I blew both fuses on the unit. I figured “hey, replace fuses-how hard can it be”. I replaced the 7.5 amp fuse and then pulled the other one. It is an “E” fuse. I googled it. They are electronic fuses often used in fridges and HVAC systems. I called West Marine. I called the local hardware store. I looked it up on Home Depot. No one had “E” fuses in stock. So I texted our project manager.
Me: “The other fuse on the unit is an “E” fuse. Where can I get one of those?”
Him: “An ‘E” fuse? Send me a pic.”
Me: “Here you go.”
Him: “Turn it over.”
Me: “I’m an idiot.” (Goes to insert 3 amp fuse)
So that’s how my day went, pretty much. But the fridge works again!
In other news, we got our washing machine yesterday as well. It’s a mini-washer (no dryer). The challenge was figuring out where to put it. We finally decided to put it in the forward head. On top of the toilet. When we have guests, we’ll have to move it to our cabin, which will involve moving it out through the foredeck hatch and then to the other end of the boat-convenient.
The good news is that now, if I fall asleep on watch and awake to find a cargo ship bearing down on us, I can either relieve myself or wash my shorts, depending on how it works out.
Kim and I want to thank all of you who subscribe to our blog, read our posts, and comment on them. It’s great to have people “out there” interested in this stuff. Happy Thanksgiving!
T-minus 8 days
Happy Thanksgiving! I love reading your posts.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving blessings on you both! And, Bob, SO thankful the electrical ‘mishap’ wasn’t worse and that you weren’t hurt!
Thanks!
Goodness!!! What a day of adventures!!!
Hope your Thanksgiving is a calm and restful day!
Thanks! Same to you!
I can attest (multiple times over) that 110 won’t kill you unless you don’t let go. Still, it’s scary when it happens unexpectedly.
That picture of the washing machine on top of the head is going to become an internet-famous meme someday.
Grateful you are still around to regale us. Can’t wait until you are under way!
I’m going to try and avoid testing your assertion.
Happy Thanksgiving Bob and Kim! You have much to be thankful for!
I hope you’re able to find a TV from noon – 3:30 on Saturday and enjoy THE GAME.
T-8 days! Is it getting real yet?
Oh it’s real. Frighteningly real.
! ⚡️🦃 ⚡️I thought you were finding a new way to roast the turkey🤣
A washing machine- fancy!
Happy Thanksgiving!
We’ll see how fancy when we actually try and use it.
Happy Thanksgiving to you both! Craig and I love the adventure you’re on!
Thanks! Saw the pics of your recent trip-looked amazing!
Grateful for your friendship and that clearly someone is watching out for you!