We continued on the canal with a stop at Sylvan Beach then across Oneida Lake and arrived in Brewerton on June 24th. We took a slip at Ess Kay Yards for a week. I had removed the injectors and the injector pump at Stansbury and had the pump overhauled and the injectors tested. It ran smoothly after reinstalling them, so I called it good and we headed north June 11th. Still, the engine started running a bit unevenly since we began our run up the Jersey coast, so we decided to stop over and do some troubleshooting before continuing toward Lake Ontario and Canada. Brewerton was close enough to parts and repair shops, thus our stop. I removed the injectors (again) and had them tested at D&W Diesel in Auburn. Despite accumulating only 80 hours, 2 of the injectors tested bad, and 3 were marginal, ended up with 5 being rebuilt. Not typical.
We enjoyed our stay at Ess Kay. It’s a family-run yard, very friendly and helpful folks. I spoke with Kim, the owner about the engine issues, and she said she was heading to the injector shop Monday, and would be happy to take my injectors along. They regularly do business with D&W, so it worked out very well. Molly enjoyed being able to just hang out with Zemma, the marina dog, on the lawn in front of the slip, and made lots of friends in the marina and the local neighborhood on evening walks! They provide a courtesy van, so we took advantage of the opportunity to stock up on provisions and refill propane. The marina hosted a cookout on the 3rd followed by the Brewerton fireworks display. I installed the rebuilt injectors July 4th, and after a test run that was successful, we resumed our northward travel on the 6th, engine running much smoother! We highly recommend Ess-Kay, you’ll enjoy your stay!
A stopover in Phoenix where we were greeted by the Bridgehouse Brats, and enjoyed a stroll around the sleepy small town. The Bridgehouse Brats is a community organization that was begun to provide activities for local kids. They provide services for transient boaters, serve free coffee in the morning, run errands, wash boats, and other chores. They work for thanks and tips, and the program has entry requirments. The older kids mentor the younger ones, and it’s hugely popular with the youth in the community as well as the visiting boaters. It’s a well-known stop to “loopers” and cruisers in general. This area is on the main route of the “Great Loop”, so nearly every looper passes this way. We’re seeing and meeting lots of them.
Our next stop, Oswego NY on the shore of Lake Ontario.
