Persephone...: Manly pursuits....

When "manly" cruisers get together for a sundowners, engines often become a prime topic. The main diesel on 'Persephone' (Westerbeke brand) has a serpentine timing belt. I mentioned to Mark (s/v Liahona) that the specs require replacing the belt every 1000 hours; and asked if this was critical. Mark (a mechanic by trade) asked how many hours were on the engine....I replied nearly 1500. Mark merely mentioned that if the belt fails, the valves and pistons would crash into each other ruining the engine (ie...why they call it a TIMING belt !). The Choice: replace a $125.00 belt, or risk a $20,000 engine. OK, the belt needs replacement !! BUT, the belt is inside the engine housing, and keeping the engine aligned and 'in time' while removing/replacing the belt is crucial.

'Liahona' was in need of new curtains in the forward cabin...'Persephone' was in need of a new timing belt. Barter Time: Mark would deal with the timing belt, and I would make curtains for 'Liahona'. So, Mark gathered up big wrenches, screwdrivers, and of course a hammer. I got out my sewing machine...Mark worked on tensioning the belt, I worked on tensioning the thread....