The above photo demonstrates how a vessel floats happily on the water.  Alas, Arkansas Traveler requires serious work and it will be several weeks before she again tugs at her anchor.

On Friday morning we left Prince Arthur Landing Marina and cruised 9 miles to the Thunder Bay Yacht Club where we hauled out on their Travel Lift.  We thought that the folks from McKellar Marine Centre would pull the prop, set the spare propeller in place, and splash her back into the water. We would be on our way!

We were mistaken.

Note the severe folding of the propeller blade

In addition to the damaged propeller blade, the strut that supports the shaft has a slight bend to port.  The compromised strut took the shaft out of alignment and added to the violent vibrations.  Bill Zeleny, from McKellar Marine will remove the strut.  It will be heated, and bent back to true.  While the strut is in a machine shop, Bill will check the cutlass bearings and the shaft.

There is a slight bend to port on the strut. It is difficult to see and that is a good thing.

The pressure from the damaged strut prevents the shaft from entering the bearings evenly.

Further inspection will reveal whether the shaft is damaged.  In the meantime, we will take the prop to Duluth to be straightened and balanced and then head home to visit family, friends and cats.

The Canadians that we have met through this process are amazing, hospitable and gracious.  The Thunder Bay Yacht Club opened their clubhouse to us and shared fabulous stories about their sailing adventures.  They pacified the captain by telling their personal horror tales of boats and rocks.  The club is letting us keep the boat in their yard during the repair process and several members are keeping an eye on her.  The  unique array of boats belonging to club members is amazing.  There are many old classics, lovingly cared for.

The Canadians that we have discussed politics with find Donald Trump horrific and yet entertaining.  We love Canada and her friendly people.

McKellar Marine Centre is a top-notch boat yard.  Bill, Tracy and Steve represent generations of boat mechanics.  Arkansas Traveler is in good hands.

Up on stilts in the yard. We stayed onboard for two nights, accessing the boat via a ladder to the swim platform.  Our rental car looks really tiny next to the trawler.

Moonrise. Hope that everyone enjoyed the summer solstice.