In episode 3 of our Princess Charlotte Bay trip (click here to go to the beginning), we spend a few days cruising the barrier reef.
The weather window fell in the last few days of the fin fish closure.
So in this episode we travel up the coast beachcombing, snorkelling and fixing breakdowns!
The fin fish closure only affects certain species, so we can still chase GT’s and Fingermark on the headlands.
Cruising the Barrier Reef.
In this episode we visit the Turtle Group, cruise through the Howick Group, and stop at Coombe Island (part of the Howick Group) to stretch our legs.
For a full run down on the day visit our Ships Log > here.
Otherwise sit back, relax and watch the video as we go cruising the Barrier Reef between Lookout Point and Combe Island.
The joys of owning a boat.
We named Mood Swings because she really is a roller coaster of emotions.
Case in point our first night at anchor.
Lost power at 4.30 am.
The full report is in Day 3 of the ships log.
Cut a long story short, we were prepared to turn around as the genset failing was a critical issue.
Turns out there was some weed in the intake under the boat.
No-one offered to jump over the side and clear it (in the pitch black) – but we managed to clear it by blowing through the hose from the inside out.
Managed to get her cranking but were then taking on water.
Due in part to a design fault in Mood Swings when she is full of fuel the rear bilge exit is partly underwater.
This is exacerbated by sloshing around in a bit of swell.
Of course there is a one way valve on the hose, however this had ceased to operate and was impossible to reach.
Nothing a rod butt jammed up the hole won’t fix.
That said, we wouldn’t change it for the world.
Despite the tribulations, the trip thus far was amazing.
To find out what gear we used on this trip, check out our gear and tackle cheat sheet.
