Can't believe my bad luck (or should that be stupidity)

[wattsn]

I've been having an ongoing problem with an orange fault indication light on my S38 and been unale to get a fault sequence from the EVC panel. Living 2 hours drive from the boat has meant I have not been able to spend the time diagnosing the issue as I would like.

Today I made a special trip to the boat to take her out during marina freeflow (1700-1900 hrs) so got here early to check some of the simple things like coolant levels (again), hose clips and raw water strainers. In checking the latter I noticed a small amount of weed in the strainers which would certainly not cause any issues but seeing as the strainers were open I might as well empty the weed.

Took both strainers to the back of the boat, grabbed the first, turned it upside down and tapped it on the edge of the pontoon to remove the offending weed. As I did, splosh, the seal flew off the top of the strainer, plopped in the water and promptly sank. Bang goes my chance of taking her out to replicate the fault condition and start diagnosis.

Tried splitting a bit of fuel hose and running it round the edge of the strainer but no joy. What a plonker. You can guess how I'm feeling tonight. Rather stupid Unlike;ly any of the local agents will have one in stock tomorrow morning so bang goes my chance of trying to identify the fault for another week at least.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

No possibility of jumping in with a torch and snorkel to try and retrieve?

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[wattsn]

7.8m of murky water. I doubt I'd ever find it. Did think of dropping a line with weight and big hook but can't see I'd ever get it.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Too deep for a snorkel; do you have any scuba gear? Is your marina tidal? Here (Brighton) we get a couple of tides to get stuff back before it gets buried by the silt. Diving in a marina is not the most pleasant environment, but needs must etc. If you do dive for it, I'd drop a weight and line straight down at the point where you dropped it, and then use this as the centre of your search patten once you're on the bottom.

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[wattsn]

No scuba gear unfortunately. And whilst there are loads of rig divers here (Milford Haven) I don't think it's worth the trouble. Liklihood of fidning a black rubber seal in that depth of water is very very slim I would think. Marina is not truly tidal as lock gated but levels do go up and down throughout the day following access and exits.

Great ideas though. Thanks.

 

[markdj]

You can buy seal kits for making up seals to any size but I'd say your best bet is Keypart - arrives next day.