Bringing her back to life ...

[Andy Bav]

Would appreciate some pre-start advice.

Boat was commissioned in July 2013 - engines D4 260 on legs. Due to (wifes) health issues the boat has been siting in the Med since late September last year. SCM bertholders will know that growth is an issue, and whilst I "bagged" the lower part of the drives (the part below the "shelf" that the anode sits on) when we left her, I know that she has gained a fair degree of growth on the exposed part of the legs and bar joining them. She will be towed for a lift and scrub, and back to her berth, in April and 5 days later we will board her to prep her for the season. Shore power was disconnected before we left, but we will re-connect mid afternoon on the Saturday and leave connected until first outing. So when we arrive she should have a clean hull and legs, and batteries ... I dont know.

Questions as follows.

1. Engines. I am not convinced that they will spring to life on the first push of the button - they work off an ignition key fob - but do you think I should prime the fuel manually before her first, or just hit the start buttons and let the electronics sort it out. I am hoping that by bagging them, the props and inlets will be clear.

2. First outing. Any suggestions for bringing her out of hibernation carefully, or again, just go for it - Sea Start is many miles away (!) - ie just get on the plane after usual warm up procedures.

3. Batteries. With no charge being applied for some time, and no drain other than the bilge which I know is dry, I have a feeling they will be OK, but any suggestions for nursing them back to full fettle would be appreciated.

Any other recommendations ?

 

[Whitelighter]

Funnily enough I walk past your boat about an hour ago.

The drives are covered but not terrible (I've seen worse)

Assuming your batteries are topped up I reckon she will probably start on the button.
With the D series there is a tap below the fuel filter, might be worth opening that to drain off any water than may have condensed before first start

 

[Andy Bav]

Funnily enough I walk past your boat about an hour ago.

The drives are covered but not terrible (I've seen worse)

Assuming your batteries are topped up I reckon she will probably start on the button.
With the D series there is a tap below the fuel filter, might be worth opening that to drain off any water than may have condensed before first start

Thanks - forgot about the fuel but we have been fastidious about fuel treatment since we got her, but this has been the longest she has been left untouched, so good advice.

I thought your pontoon was over on "Millionaires row".

Have sent you a PM on SCM

 

[jfm]

I'd expect engines will be fine. Batteries might be ok but might have self discharged too much over such a long period. Pity you didn't leave shorepower and trickle charger on. I would charge them for a day and hope they survived; if not then buy new. But I cant see any reasons for diesel engines to be unhappy with a mere 7 month rest period in a mild climate

 

[Whitelighter]

Thanks - forgot about the fuel but we have been fastidious about fuel treatment since we got her, but this has been the longest she has been left untouched, so good advice.

I thought your pontoon was over on "Millionaires row".

Have sent you a PM on SCM

I just like to go and identify with the common man every now and again

I'll log into Scm chat and reply there.

 

[Otter]

Many boats are left untouched for 6 or 7 months but check growth at the raw coolant water intake - may not be fully cleared by the jet washing.

 

[Andy Bav]

Thanks. Hopefully the bagging will have protected the raw water intake. I was told that there was a lightening strike a few years ago and "zapped" a pontoon so gambled between leaving plugged in or not. In the UK no choice as needed dehumidifier to do its job so 3 new batteries may be relatively cheap.. Thankfully #1 son is coming out in April and has a masters in electronic engineering so he should be a big help on that score

 

[benjenbav]

I think the OP is talking about the boat being left since July 2013 rather than since last July so maybe more issues?

 

[Andy Bav]

Thanks. Just to be clear, used regularly until September 2015, but left since then...

 

[vas]

Andy,

MiToS was left without even bothering to crank the two engines for 4yrs, fired up on the first turn (the one) the other one I'd done a lousy job removing the air from the diesel circuit (as I've replaced the small 8lt pre-tank and made new hoses from the tank to the engine) and took a bit of effort. Seen a 60ft with 1200hp engines left for 3yrs fire up on the first turn as well, so wouldn't expect to see any drama there.

cheers

V.

 

[rbcoomer]

As long as she doesn't get wind that you've possibly had eyes for another, all will be fine! Tetchy about such things these females...