4 years stationary, what to do ?!

[Alexhi]

Hi all,

I've recently purchased a Hunter Pilot 27, moored in South Dock Marina in London.

She's been here for 4 years or so and her last survey was 2019, and within that survey I've a good list of mostly minor tasks to be getting on with.

However, since that survey, she's not been moved or used at all. The previous owner stayed here a few nights each week, but made no use of the sails, heating, engine, water heater, water pumps, nav, lights, spare outboard, etc etc !

I've tested some of these systems and will start to troubleshoot, replace light bulbs, fill up diesel tanks and such. Should I be worried about having a go with the engine? It's not been winterised as far as I can tell, just unused for 3 years. I've found a maintenance schedule, I assume I should do as much of it as possible, for example the 1 & 2 year items.

What about the Webasto heater? If I've inspected all the ducting should I be worried about giving it a go?

I'm trying to avoid damaging anything that might have been sat, unused, for 3 years and needs some TLC before working again, at the same time I want to try all the system to see what is and isn't working ! Any advice on what I need to look out for to bring her back to her former glory would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Alex

 

[fifer]

I wouldn't fill up the fuel tank too quickly, you'll want to see if there's any diesel bug in it after having sat for that length of time. If there's any in the system, lumpy matter would be pulled through into the pipes/filters. Make sure you open the engine seacock before turning the engine over as well!

Has the boat been connected up to shore power, or have the batteries otherwise been kept charged? You may find these will need to be replaced as a first step ahead of trying to start the engine.

Fresh water tanks on board probably need to be emptied, cleaned and the pipes run through.

I would double check the exhaust piping on the webasto for any signs of corrosion. Any small hole in this could leak fumes into the cabin which is bad news.

 

[jwfrary]

Carbon monoxide alarm would be the first thing I would replace.

Exercise the sea cocks.

Check the levels on the engine carefully.

Once runming inspect the area for leaks and what not.

after 4 years the impeller isn't likely to be of much use so replace that.

Good advise on the tank. Run on what's in there or add a small amount and then see what the fuel filters looking like.

Dont have too much water in the tank when you try the pump....its likely there will be a leak! At least you wont fill the boat up while your discovering said leak!

 

[dolabriform]

I would suggest getting quite a few primary fuel filters, and swapping out the one that's there before doing anything. If it's been sat there for 4 years with crud in it then it's probably no use. As jwfrary said above, change the impeller, check and probably change the oil, check the belts, coolant etc.
Have a good look at the back of the engine, exhaust elbow, is there waterlock? If so can you see any holes in it? Check the gearbox oil.
Then if you have power in the batteries, give it a blast!
As the quality of the fuel is unknown, you could always rig up a jerry can full of fresh diesel and take the feed from there.

 

[Alexhi]

Thanks dolabriform, jwfrary & fifer,

Lots of suggestions there to have a go with, much appreciated !

Will report back, cheers
Alex