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<\/a>\u00a0Then I POUNDED away some more. \u00a0Still, nothing moved. \u00a0Not after two days of beating. \u00a0What’s a grunt to do…?<\/p>\nThe “chief thruster guy” had mentioned that, if all else failed, I could cut some parts and take the pieces to his shop where they would press them out with hydraulic ram. \u00a0However, that would cost plenty as the a replacement for the “cut” parts would have to be fabricated. \u00a0 There had to be a better way.<\/p>\n
Here’s an idea. \u00a0How about a gear puller, a tool that I have used to remove propellers over the years? \u00a0So, after consulting with the “chief”, I constructed a modified puller, or in this case a “pusher” that would allow me to put tremendous pressure on the frozen\u00a0shaft. \u00a0Put a wrench on the black threaded shaft and crank away. \u00a0And let me tell you… I cranked away plenty and then some, using my feet to apply pressure and turn the screw.\u00a0 So, today the sun is out and I am optimistic. \u00a0Now that there is some movement, I should be able to\u00a0pull it the next 4″ and remove the shaft, once and for all. Fingers crossed. \u00a0I still have a few ideas if that doesn’t work, but one way or the other, I am sure I can get it out as the modest movement yesterday seems to suggest that I have finally gotten things headed in the right direction.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, “back at the ranch” I have also been assembling provisions for the winter. \u00a0The pantry is filled and this is the stuff that was left without a home. \u00a0 So, I looked around and made room in one of the lockers.\u00a0 However, given the way that things are going, I am reassessing things and am now thinking that perhaps I’ll just delay heading to Hampton till later in the month as it will save me from renting cars twice. \u00a0 It will certainly make finishing up Pandora’s prep much easier as she’s less than ten minutes away.<\/p>\n Well, if it isn’t contrary winds, it’s something else. \u00a0I guess it will be clearer later today if I am successful, OR NOT, \u00a0in getting things back on track. \u00a0All of this also assumes that the “thruster guys” can get back down to Pandora and finish their repairs and upgrades. \u00a0 ChaChing, ChaChing…<\/p>\n<\/a>“So how did it go Bob? \u00a0Get to the point! You sure can go on and on about things.” \u00a0 Well I was able to move the shaft by 3\/4″, and it only took two days! \u00a0Yahoo! \u00a0And let me tell you, any movement at all is a VERY big deal. \u00a0So, I left it last night for another 8-10 hours of soaking with my “cup and clay lube contraption puddle thing”.<\/p>\n<\/a>Voila! \u00a0It all fit. \u00a0 Now, isn’t that tidy?<\/a>So now, with days ticking away I am thinking hard about when I’ll run Pandora to Hampton. \u00a0The original plan was to take Pandora to the marina in Hampton, \u00a0visit the boat show in Annapolis, come home and then head back to VA around the 24th to begin preparing to leave with the rally to the BVI.<\/p>\n