Ship's Log 07/05/09

Its getting tricky to type and focus on the laptop screen. SW swell has rolled in and the forecast is calling for slowly deteriorating conditions. Low pressure system is moving down the east cost and it will drift off Cape Hatteras. I have decided to alter route to let hte 25-30Knt SW winds blow by ahead of me. I am at 31N 79W. In stead of heading Northeast I have decided to head N-NW towards Charlstown, SC, and then up the coast. The local NOAA forecasts call for 15-20kts instead of 25-30 offshore. Also, making a wider turn, I am sort of taking the scenic route, and letting the bilk of the blow move off to the North East.
Heat exchanger on the engine blew up last night. So this morning I converted the engine to raw water cooling. That one I had served me well since 2003. It is time for a new one. Thank god I was able to rather quickly and painfully convert the hose routing. I tested the engine, and it runs very cool now. Hopefully that will further help prevent the alternator from overheating.
So the plan for today is to stay comfortable, head more inland, and prepare the deck for 5-7 foot seas. Hopefully I only get the tail end of it.