Boat Safety Scheme, newbie

[rafiki_]

This is my first post, so apologies if you have seen something like this before.

I am struggling to get a BSC on my Sunline 31, as the fuel filters on the diesel engines have a water-in-fuel sensor at the base of the fuel filter. This is not metal, therefore the BSS inspector assumes that the sensor will melt. I have involved CMD as they are now responsible for the Mercruiser (1.7l) diesel, and they do not have a fix yet, although they are now engaged with BMF and BSS.

Any thoughts on an easy solution?

 

[Sneds]

By pass the filter temporalily (?)

Check with the inspector if he will accept this.

Mike didn't like the auto bilge pump, so I pulled the hose off and he gve me my ticket!

 

[Seadee]

I agree with Sneds - this is the lunacy of the BSS. I had to jump through the same loops with my MF805 for the Broads. My advice is replace the bowl with a metal bowl, don't worry about connecting up the sensor. Let the inspector see the boat and give you your ticket and once he's p1ssed off, remove the metal bowl and re-fit your plastic one. It's mad but it's perfectly legal. If you want help on Racor fuel filters and madness like that, I got solid advice from BSC Contracts on 0121 557 4651. Can't remember the contact name but website is www.bsc-contracts.co.uk

Regards

CD

 

[Moody]

Firstly I am assuming you're talking about the engine mounted fuel filter, as you refer to CMD.

Spin the filter off and take it to the nearest auto factor, and ask them to match it up with a similar unit without the sensor.

Leave this on for the duration off the examination, and once you've got your ticket replace it with the original.

I would not normally encourage short cutting but I am amazed at the inconsistency of the BSC.

My last boat had this type of filter, and passed two BSC examinations, by different examiners without question.

Neil

 

[rafiki_]

Many thanks for your comments. I am making up a pair of metal covers just for the re-examination. Cannot use them in practice as they will foul the throttle linkages.

I agree the BSS system is quite flawed, and will fall further into disrepute if this continues.

I would like to know how many lives have been saved through this scheme and will try to ask the CEO's of BWB and EA who sponsor the scheme.

I hope to post some pictures of Rafiki when the weather pep's up.

 

[Sneds]

I wouldn't upset them if I were you, just get your ticket and go in peace /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Seadee]

I agree with you Sneds - pick the right fights to have.

CD

 

[rafiki_]

Again, stupid question, but how easy are the filters to change? I assume they have to be re-primed after removal? How much fuel spills out when removing?

Sorry, but I am new to this.

Many thanks for your help.

 

[Elessar]

Easy, not much put the in a plastic bag when you spin them off and it will catch the splillage.
I had a metal bowl and a glass bowl for the filter on my bayliner, the metal one for inspection day only was the intention.
The BSS is a good idea, especially as many old boats retire to the river and may get into a state of disrepair. However the rules were clearly drawn up by comittee which is a shame.