Sailing to Cuba

4 posts / 0 new
Last post
caprice 1050
Offline
Joined: 7/1/07
Posts: 345
Sailing to Cuba

__/)__/)__/)__Capt Mike__/)__/)__/)__
Punta Gorda Florida
1990 Std WK M35 Hull #1050

caprice 1050
Offline
Joined: 7/1/07
Posts: 345

Let's try try this again.  ​On April 19, 2016 we left Puna Gorda, Florida on a cruise to Hemingway, Cuba with a stop in Key West. The sail to Key West is about 130 Miles. Forcast was 10 to 20 N/W. By night fall it was 20-30  with wave height of 3 to 5. I know you guys from San franciso will say that is average out there.  We made the 130 miles to Key West in 28 hours. Stayed an extra night in Key West until the weather got better then continued across the Streights of Florida to Cuba. I figured it would be a 20 hour for the 100 mile trip, but we mde it in less than 18 hours. We waited outside the sea bouy till daylight then after calling in for docking instrustions we went into the Marina. It is an easy sail in with a well marked channel. Outside there is rock on each side of the channel. We stoped at the Gaurdia Cubano station for a check in and inspection by the Guardia, doctor and Agracultue inspecter then onto a slip assignment. One or our crew speeks excellent Spanish so we had no problem with the language.

We were treated cordually by the officials as well as the civilians. The docks are all concrete so plenty of fenders are needed. Wes toured Havana and had a good visit. On our return to the U.S. our engine stopped at 3:00 am. One of my crew is a retired Navy ships engineer who quickly found the problem, not enough voltage to the fuel pump. He made up an extention from the cigarette port directly to the fuel pump and the engine ran again. Our only problem in Cuba was there is no toilette paper in the toilettes in the marina and most restaurants and other public places.

 

 

 

 

__/)__/)__/)__Capt Mike__/)__/)__/)__
Punta Gorda Florida
1990 Std WK M35 Hull #1050

HowLin's picture
HowLin
Offline
Joined: 1/12/12
Posts: 355

Not enough voltage to the fuel pump?  I'd like to know a little bit more about that...

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

caprice 1050
Offline
Joined: 7/1/07
Posts: 345

The wire had 13.5 volts at the key ignition switch and less then 10 at the pump. The volt/ohms meter showed some resistance which was lowering the volts. Replaced the 26 year old wire with new wire and the pump works fine.

__/)__/)__/)__Capt Mike__/)__/)__/)__
Punta Gorda Florida
1990 Std WK M35 Hull #1050

Log in or register to post comments