Surprise Tow and Arrival in Oriental, NC

As some may remember, right before Hurricane Florence, Banjo experienced some engine problems.  We later realized she has water in her oil, which has various possible causes.  After Hurricane Florence, and subsequently Hurricane Michael which came right on Flo’s heels, we investigated some of the possible causes of our mystery.  Thanks to some friends, and a couple local contractors, we were able to rule out a couple of the possibilities.  Unfortunately, this left Banjo in a pickle.  Since the issue was not due to the possibilities checked, it left us…

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Under This Wedded Jewel

Under this wedded jewel

In the distance, the whooshing hum of evening traffic is almost deafening, as rubber tires spin across hardened pavement. Those modern, mechanical carriages are so close to us, and yet we are invisible to them, mostly. The occasional traveler may catch a glimpse of us here in this place. We see you as you whiz by. We hear you as you move deliberately towards whatever destination you have selected. I wonder where you are scurrying, to and fro. We sit idle, calm, and patient, in this pool of mirrors with…

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Marine Diesel Repair: Perkins 4.236 Starter Removal, Rebuild and Re-installation

Perkins 4.236 Starter Removal

We recently attempted to start the 85-hp Perkins 4.236 Marine Diesel Engine on Banjo as directed by our hired marine diesel mechanic, Chuck Courtney. (EDIT: 2019Jun25: I was directed to over-crank the engine but not let it start.  Unfortunately, we have since learned this is never a recommended practice, but i didnt know it at the time and followed his instruction.  I was instructed to over-crank anywhere between 7-10 times.  See THIS POST for more information on the full damages incurred and the out-of-pocket cost to fix.) As the engine…

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Three Boat Flotilla, 1 Mantus Anchor, and 30 Knots of wind

Three boats, One Mantus

Yesterday, we had a couple friends come into the cove to visit.  The conditions were calm, so our friends rafted up to Banjo creating a cool three boat flotilla to spend a nice Saturday night.  Around 04:30 this morning, we awoke to significant wind gusts only to remember that we were the only boat anchored of the three.  The wind gusts were in the low-mid 30-knot range.  We found ourselves in the situation of a three boat flotilla all sharing one Mantus anchor. The specifics of the three boats were…

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Kings Restaurant Review: Kinston NC

Kings Restaurant Kinston NC

You have got to give RESPECT to a restaurant that offers fried pork rinds on its buffet. This is not your average bland, tasteless, mass-quantity buffet. Kings Restaurant in Kinston NC affords customers the luxury of a home-cooked meal, at a reasonable price, with fast, friendly service.  Kings Restaurant made it into our new favorite things category due to the outstanding, delicious quality of its food.  We learned about it while having our starter rebuilt on a recent trip to Kinston NC.   After speaking with our server, we discovered…

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Squires Automotive Auto Generator & Starter Service

Squires Automotive Auto Generator & Starter Service

There are times when recommendations fall short and times when they blow you away. Yesterday, we experienced the latter at Squires Automotive Auto Generator & Starter Service in Kinston, NC.  The recommendation came from one of the people helping with our engine problem.  We could not have been more thrilled.  So much so, that we have even added them to our new our favorite things category.  I guess when you have been in business serving customers since 1955, you get very good at it. Starter Rebuild Squires Automotive Auto Generator &…

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