Autopilot sea trials and hole in boat - 2012

 Debbie was working on replacing a cockpit scupper. She did replace the scupper but had not re-connected the hose yet at the hull or at the scupper.

 When we went out she said she was concerned about the scupper but I said no worries we will not take any water over the rail as I did not think about the hole in the hull not having a hose on it.

July 2012 - Currently at Marina Kona Kai  Shelter Island San Diego, CA  

 The wind was blowing about 18 knots and more with the seas being whipped up with the power boaters and tour boats at the mouth of the harbor. We were taking some spray over the bow here and there.
 We probably would not go out just for an auto pilot test but we needed to go to pump out (on a schedule).

 We got to 2200 rpm about 4.5 knots I was looking at the engine and saw water coming in by the cutlass baring. I immediately thought that is what it was and we came in. It turns out the water was coming in the hole in the hull where the scupper is (no hose connected to it)  and then drained into the engine room by the cutlass baring.
 I was really listening just not hearing it right. I just did not have the big picture on the scupper as I was only thinking of the cockpit part. really??

 We stopped at pump out and Debbie got us docked with a thud as the wind was blowing us into the dock. There was a big power boat in ahead of us.  Debbie had to not hit but yet get us into the dock without breaching at the end. Also the dock has big boards like on top of a telephone pole sticking out at the end pilings. These could possibly smash into the solar panels\bimini or other gear on a broach.

 As we were circling the dock another power boat came by and was going to go for it but decide not to try it.
 We did our thing there and the power boat left, using bow and stern thrusters. Just went out sideways. Jerk!
  There was no way we could push off against the wind and using a line and the engine to get the bow or stern out was not going to work against the wind. We tried turning the wheel a bit and backing out with out broaching. Debbie did the helm again and got us out as I tried with out any luck to push off. The fenders were flying around and scrapping off sea life but we got out safely without any damage and we did not broach on the way out.

So let's just say that the sea trials will take place later😔

 We did take a spin around the anchorage on the way back to the slip and saw some cool blow up rock for the kids\adults to climb and/or jump off.

 We then tried to get into our slip with me at the helm but I missed the slip and another Catalina 40 or so was not looking and decide to come out. This created some anxiety as I finally got turned around and headed out. The wind was still howling and the Catalina broached into their slip.
 While we waited for the Catalina to come out we practiced backing up, did OK surprisingly, in open water😊