Back on the Water!!!

[martynwhiteley]

Two months almost to the day and my 27ft Birchwood's back on the water with its shiney new Mercruiser D1.7L DTI sitting proudly in a now-very-empty engine room. Considering I only worked on weekends, and had to convert the transom and mounts from twin to single, I'm well pleased with time timetable.

Mind you there's a 1001 small jobs still to do to 'finish' the project, but isn't there always on a boat!

Only had time to go 200 yds down the river this morning after the lift, before I had to get to the office, so my first 'real' trial still awaits.

First impressions are: It's very quiete for any engine, let alone a diesel, even when cold with the hatches open, and it does wander a lot more than the twin drive installation did when trying to go straight.

Anyone need a power steering kit for an Alpha drive? It steers beautifully with only manual steering, so don't think I'll fit it.

Now I just need to find out how to set the tacho to read correctly, it's currently ticking over at about 100 rpm according to the guage!......

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>Oh well, maybe next weekend....</font color=blue>

 

[dignity]

Tell me about it, bought a new boat two months ago, I knew it needed work but I'm now further behind than when I started (AND SKINT)!

I've got 3 weeks to get things finished before my hols!

I take it from the picture you cruise on the Humber? I might bump into you when the boat's finished! (Motor boat 'TEZZERA').

Regards

Paul.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Pollyanna]

Martyn - I've been moored directly in front of you since around the time the old engines came out. Glad to hear all went well and you are back in the water.

Sunday was fantastic. Motored down to Spurn Head, anchored up for lunch then headed back after a closer look at North Bull Fort. Very choppy until we passed Hull. The ladies did not appreciate their sunbathing being interupted by spray coming over the top of the cabin. Still..... it helped wash off the cement dust.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[martynwhiteley]

Hi Bob,

Small world and all that! I remember looking around your boat at NWBS Chesterfield a couple of years ago. I see you've got the same outdrive as my new one.

What with you, me, MedDreamer, and Paul, we'll be able to start a Humber District branch of the MBC forum!

Yes the weather was fab over the weekend, pity I didn't get it in a week ago!

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>Oh well, maybe next weekend....</font color=blue>

 

[martynwhiteley]

Some photos I hope (you can see Pollyanna in the background).

Can't seem to get the photo's any bigger!

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>Oh well, maybe next weekend....</font color=blue>

 

[martynwhiteley]

That's better!

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>Oh well, maybe next weekend....</font color=blue>

 

[Alistairr]

Is it not a bit dodgy being underneath it in that position?

Nice balls though!!!



<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.hamptonandmcmurray.co.uk>Hampton and McMurray</A>

 

[martynwhiteley]

I was taking the photo, It's the boat yard guy that's got the balls!

Just for info for anyone teetering on the brink of dieselisation, I have listed all the costs below:-

Net cost of new MerCruiser D1.7L DTI/Alpha package, after sale of two BMW petrol units - £6,000.

Payment for use of Forklift to lift out/in old/new engine(s) - £30.

2 no. 6mm grade 316 Stainless plates approx 1600x750mm, profiled to fit with new cut-out for alpha drive, for inner and outer transom mod - £260 (Springfield Profiles – Batley).

Additional gauges, soundproofing and fuel lines - £220 (ASAP Supplies).

2 new control cables for throttle/gearshift - £44 (Northern Powerboats).

Top ups for Trim-Tilt Oil and Leg Oil - £18 (Northern Powerboats).

Isopon P40 to fill old outdrive holes - £60

Steel channel to adapt engine mounts to suit new engine (Pinched from work!).

Scotchweld flexible epoxy adhesive to stick stainless plates - £30

Misc. stainless bolts, sealants, paint, tie-wraps etc. - £68

Hire of Mercruiser alignment tool (inc. operator) - £20 and a couple of beers (M J Marine Services, New Holland).

TOTAL NET COST £6,750

Not bad eh?, although it did mean doing pretty much all the work myself apart from help with one or two lifts etc.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>Oh well, maybe next weekend....</font color=blue>

 

[MedDreamer]

Great news Martyn, what a fantasic weekend to be back on the water - even for just 200 yards.

What are the plans for the rest of the year now?



<hr width=100% size=1>Martyn

 

[martynwhiteley]

Hi Martyn,

I plan on keeping it at South Ferriby for a month or so, to make sure it settles down ok, and get one or two of the more urgent finishing jobs done whilst it's not too far from home.

I then need to decide where to take it for the Autumn/Winter. Done Thorne and Lincoln, so I was thinking about your way. What's it like at Naburn/A'Malbis out of season? Another option may be Newark.

I must get along to the Ship one evening and then we can discuss! What nights do you frequent your local?

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>Oh well, maybe next weekend....</font color=blue>

 

[h4nym]

Martyn

Just to clarify- you've gone from twin petrol to single Diesel?

To complete the picture... how long would u say it took u?

H

<hr width=100% size=1>Life balance?

 

[martynwhiteley]

Yup, twin to single.

I guess it took me about 80 hours of work spread over 2 months.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>Oh well, maybe next weekend....</font color=blue>

 

[h4nym]

U must have spent your every waking hour! Two working weeks in two months - alongside your main job! Or was that your main job, with ur employment merely serving as banker to the project?

Congrats! Just read your other post - bet ur ear-to-ear!



<hr width=100% size=1>Life balance?

 

[MedDreamer]

Martyn

Naburn quiet in winter and if its been raining in the Dales is very prone to flooding with lots of debris and strong currents. Still a nice stretch of river if the weather is OK.

Available any time except weekends (on boat then) for "northern forum meeting" at Ship. Please feel free to PM me if you are in my neck of the woods - I have a feeling we may spend some time discussing petrol/diesel conversions

Regards

<hr width=100% size=1>Martyn