After a lot of debate we decided a few weeks ago that we would give up with trying to get the autopilot fixed here on the Gold Coast and just enjoy ourselves. In order to get rid of the frustrations of our notorious outboard, we bought a new electric one (epropulsion) and it has been an absolute delight to use. It’s lightweight and so can be loaded and off the dinghy easily and it’s completely reliable. No oil, fuel or fumes to worry about and it starts every time.
So we have cruised around visiting South Stradbroke in a few different anchorages and also Macleay and Peel Islands. We also had a few days in the marina at Manly and headed into Brisbane to meet Gillian and visit the Banksy exhibition.
Over the last two days we have picked our way back south through the shallows and the islands to Southport. The plan is now to use a weather window tomorrow to head back south to Coffs Harbour, using Harry the Hydrovane to steer.
