Recent content by brian_neale

My boat managed to fill its bilge during last season without me noticing - only found out when checking batteries which are under cabin sole. I would guess around 30-40 gallons, which made me start looking for a big hole somewhere. Turned out to be the rubber gland around the VHF antenna cable...

I have had something a little similar in the past on a 1GM, when it was air in the fuel. In my case, though, it would run roughly for maybe 10-20 seconds, recover a little if you throttled back, and then stop! Bleeding the thing was a quick cure, but it does not sound like the problem with...

Steffen - thanks for the pointer. I found the third anode! Having bought a really chunky 24mm socket, I was able to get the plug out on board - no need to remove the cast iron plate. Fortunately, the "engine room" on my boat is accessible via a big cockpit hatch and there is really good access...

Teflon tape = gasket and goo as far as conductivity is concerned. I think that the electrical circuit is actually made between the cover, nuts and studs and thence to block. Less direct, but no need for metal-metal contact of plate to block. <hr width=100% size=1>

Thanks for the comments, guys. My previous 1GM was easy - anode on small plate held on with a couple of bolts. Fiddly due to engine installation, but not difficult. What I found was that greasing the gasket well meant that it came off easily next time. These big plugs are something else! I put...

Last weekend I eventually managed to get at the anodes on my Yanmar 3GM. Not the easiest job in the world! I did it in the end by taking off the fuel pump and filter, leaving them hanging on the pipes to remove the need for bleeding later, and by bending an oil feed pipe (at least, that's what...

Re: Invitation .... My old sailing club always used galvanised chain, as I remember, and the main point to watch was never to use any stainless shackles or other components under water. The biggest problem (after the owners who used to moor using bits of old sheet, of course) was making sure...

Re: Hour counters? Thanks for the pointer to ASAP. I had not heard of them before, but have now seen two references to them this evening and have also tracked down their web site. Looks like a useful place!

There are two sets of prices for the SeaHopper - the list price and the price at boat shows. The owner prefers to sell at a good discount at the shows, build a good backlog of orders in the bag, and then buy materials in bulk and build a good size batch. Downside is that delivery depends on your...

Hour counters? John, what hour counter did you fit? I am looking for one to go on a 3GM, but have not seen anything in the catalogues. I assume that this is just a electronic counter fed from the "ignition" switch and they are all more-or-less interchangeable? thanks,

I have a heavy long-keeler with a biggish 3-blade prop, and get a similar effect (Ok at low revs or cruising, whistles/whines in between). The builder told me that it was cavitation, and in practice it is not an issue as I do not spend much time at those revs. Can be a nuisance if motor-sailing...

I have had a look at the specs and recommendations for autopilots for my new boat, which I plan to sail single- or short-handed at times. Gaff cutter, 28' on deck. That would mean that one of the larger Raymarine autopilots would do - except that with a displacement of 8.5 tons or so, it is way...

Cannot believe that the USS Enterprise turns up unexpectedly in Cherbourg and asks for a berth for the night - bet there was plenty of paperwork done in advance of any visit! Compared with the arrival rules at the average US airport ("cross the yellow line and we'll shoot you - have a nice...

Re: Setting a CQR What is "right way up" for a CQR? My understanding is that they fell on to their "side" as they are not really stable lying in plough position, the pivot and weighted tip then combine to get the point to start digging in, and with enough force and in the right conditions they...

I am reassured to hear that other people have under-optimistic logs! The amount of the correction seemed a lot to me, but seems like it is not unusual. Will try the measured mile in Soton Water some time - the ST60 has some funny mode that automatically calculates calibration factor after doing...