A Short Delay

Our engines are strong but lately we have had an engine alarm sound on occasion.  While in Cape May we wanted to have this checked out but because it would be warranty work we found no one to take on the job.  We found there was a Regal dealer along the way and put this information aside in case it was needed.  Departing Cape May on a gorgeous morning and heading north along the coast, sure enough, we experienced an “engine pull back,” the exact problem the aforementioned alarm was warning about.

A Beautiful Day on the Atlantic Ocean

 We headed into Little Egg Inlet, NJ to the Regal dealer who we knew could diagnose and solve this problem.  From previous experience we knew this wasn’t serious but because we will be in some remote areas on this trip we felt it was prudent to check it out.  Our tide tables told us we were entering Little Egg Inlet at ½ tide, it turned out we were closer to low tide and the channel into Sheltered Cove Marina in Tuckerton, NJ was VERY shallow.  We proceeded along our planned course and there were buoys leading in all directions.  We stopped to ascertain which buoys were applicable to our destination, it was quite confusing.  The direction we thought we should go was obscured by a very visible sand bar!  A passing fisherman observed our dilemma and kindly led us through the winding channel toward the marina. “Local Knowledge” is imperative in some of these instances.  Once close, he went on his way and we continued on into the marina.  The area was very flat and we realized immediately it had been severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy.  Houses were in every state of disrepair and the marina was in a state of reconstruction.

Sheltered Cove Marina

The technician, Vinny, met us at the boat and diagnosed the problem as a bad throttle sensor.  We knew we had a short weather window, if the problem couldn’t be fixed that day we would be there for several more.  The required part was not in stock, it would have to be ordered and since it was Friday, it would be Tuesday before it arrived.  Not what we wanted to hear!  There wasn’t a blade of grass for several blocks for Hali and the prospect of spending several days was unappealing; we were here so we would make the best of it.  Saturday morning we rented a car which gave us many more options.  We did some shopping, found a Costco, a Starbucks and a nice park for Hali among other things.  We checked out the area and drove out to Long Beach Island on a rainy Sunday.  On Monday we attempted to fill up our gas tanks, this would seem a simple task but it took three trips to the fuel dock to accomplish! We finally completed this on Tuesday morning. 

At the Fuel Dock

That same morning we were advised that the part was on back order!  Vinny was as surprised as we were and as upset; he set about to find a solution.  He found a part not too far away and with instructions in hand we set off to retrieve the part.  Two hours later we returned and Vinny completed the job in short order. 

Ready to Go Once Again

Our weather window has again opened up and we are ready to proceed, we hope to reach Staten Island tomorrow. We owe a big thank you to Joey Cannon and Vincent Yeo from Sheltered Cove Marina for working so diligently to get us on our way again so quickly.