Friday 14 April We handed the car back to Mike and Sophie on Wednesday night. It was great having a car, but there is also a bit of pressure to make the best use of it. Now that we no longer have the car, I feel no pressure to get everything done and finished. It is nice to have onl the boat and bikes as transport – and public transport if required. We stayed Wednesday night in Rotterdam and then caught public transport back to Harderwijk. Everything was very efficient and we got back to the boat in about 2 and half hours. "Lumpy" - friendly swan at Harderhaven We got to the boat at 10am because we wanted to speak with Jacob, our electrician, and find out more about the electrical systems on the boat. We are very happy with the work he has done to date and he was able to answer all our questions. Frederick (mechanic) was also there – helping Jacob fit the sensors to the engine. We also asked Frederick to have a look at the throttle and he said it will probably have to be replaced. Later Martin arrived to set up the AIS. After Frederic and Martin left, Jacob worked on calibrating the instruments. This meant starting up the motor which we were a bit nervous about given the problems that have been reported. So we added 7 litres of water and started her up. Once we got the cooling water flowing again she seemed to go quite well – although there was a lot of smoke coming out of the crank case. We were unable to start the generator so that will need to be looked at. Also the batteries for the Bow Thruster are dead so will also need to be replaced. Jacob finished at about 3pm so we cycled into Harderwijk and did some shopping and got our mobiles topped up, and did some further investigations about the internet we should get for the boat. As we are still waiting for our BSN (Citizen’s Number), we cannot yet get a bank account or a mobile plan. In the evening we went to the local restaurant, and set up our laptops to order our bikes which will be delivered to Elburg within a couple of weeks (we hope). In fact we are expecting Howard’s on Tuesday. Deb at the helm - dressed for the cold. Today is Good Friday in Australia, but here is the Netherlands it is just another work day. Monday though is a public holiday. We still had hot cross buns for breakfast. This morning we got the boat ready and then went to say goodbye to Robin (the Harbour captain) and Raymond – the local mechanic who has been looking after our boat and found the problem with the gasket. Then we set off for Elburg. We were a bit nervous given all the problems we have had reported, but she chugged up here without getting too hot, but (of course) with some smoke coming from the engine. Because of the smoke we had the engine room door open and the doors in the bathroom and hall, as well as 2 of the three wheelhouse doors. It wasn’t bad, but is was cold. 12 degrees C. So we were rugged up. The biggest mechanical issue we had was that the throttle was not working very well and was almost impossible to keep at constant revs. In the end I steered and Howard managed the throttle. Not something we’d like to do every voyage. Also the rev counter didn’t seem to be giving consistent readings. At first we were going 7kph at 1500 rpm. Then something changed and at what felt like lower rpms we were doing 5kpm at 2000rpm. This changed a couple of times over the journey, so we’ll have to get that looked at as well. A couple of boats we passed on the way So we expect to be here for probably about 2 weeks. That should give us plenty of time to get established and do a lot of small jobs around the boat and do some touristing. We are hoping our bikes arrive quickly so we can do some longer rides. Our Dutch bikes are fine for smaller trips and shopping. Moondance back "home" in Elburg
5 Comments
Ian McCauley
15/4/2017 10:48:41 pm
Remind me please - bikes. Are the new ones electric? Congratulations on the successful, if cold, cruise. Very smart helmswoman!
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Sue Veal
16/4/2017 03:45:18 am
What an amazing journey! Looking forward to the next instalment. Xx
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Cheryl Poustie
16/4/2017 04:31:07 am
So exciting! Underway...if 'coughing and belching' along in the cold. Keep up the patient work:) and 'Happy Easter' across the waves.
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Yasmin
16/4/2017 10:04:00 am
Deb I'm so happy to see you and Howard fulfilling your dreams and your plans. You guys are just amazing. I love your beautiful photos and sharing in your journey. Moondance is just gorgeous and you've done wonderful work on her. Happy Easter with love from down under.
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Rachelle
17/4/2017 02:02:41 pm
Fascinating journey - love how it's all coming together. Keep the commentary and pics coming!
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