Talk About a Yard Bill

[John Stone]

A whale watching boat from California is in the hard near my boat. Have no idea why it’s here in NC. It must be 100’ maybe bigger. Anyway, I walked past it this afternoon. That’s going to be an expensive job.

[Jim Walsh]

Since the aluminum skin was not removed exactly the same from port to starboard I’ll guess it was localized corrosion. It would seem they are relocating this vessel to the east coat so they chose an east coast yard. If she were to remain on the west coast there are many capable yards close at hand, no need to travel to this coast for yard work.

[John Stone]

I never thought she would go back to the west coast but I would be surprised if she stayed here. Perhaps she’ll base out of NE....

I never considered corrosion. Most of the cutting is above the waterline so I was thinking it had to do with access to either install or remove equipment. But, perhaps you're right. I’ll ask the next time I see people working on her.

[billsimmeth]

Small world! My family and I took an excursion on that very boat 3 years ago to see the whales out in Monterey.

[gonesail]

a few aluminum panels .. a bit of welding .. she will be as good as new.

[Bill Goldsmith]

That's quite an aggressive approach to improving engine access!!

[John Stone]

I chatted with a guy at the boatyard tonight about Princess Monterey. He did not know the details of the repair but said she failed inspection by the Coast Guard—she is an inspected passenger vessel and “it is a nightmare.”