Corvette 32 - A tale of one owner’s upgrade

[Latestarter1]

Trevor,

#1 and very easy engine upgrade for your Thornycroft Cummins, if they are still in place remove belt guards now.

Good luck

 

[Tranona]

Well that's a worry... ! I'm 60. I hope to get at least another 10 years before I succumb, so when should I start my exit planning? I'd hate to think my kids or SWMBO having to deal with a sad and tired neglected family member. To say nothing of the boat.

"Old man" is primarily a state of mind rather than age in years. You will know when to get out when it happens - but as suggested may not accept it!

 

[Sticky Fingers]

"Old man" is primarily a state of mind rather than age in years...

So I feel 40, that's pretty good then!

 

[Wavey]

For several years when I moored on the Thames, a Corvette moored astern of me. Whenever it rained sizeable puddles appeared on both side decks, the larger of the two being on the port side. It would have annoyed the hell out of me if I'd been the owner. She didn't appear to sit more bow-down than any other Corvette I've seen, nor did she have any noticeable list to port. I assumed she must have been an early model and that the moulds were revised at some point to stop this happening, or is this a general trait of the Corvette design?

 

[superheat6k]

I haven't noticed any significant puddles when it rains, apart from a small gathering in one corner of the flybridge, but this could be a partially blocked drain.

The flat vee belt has no guard on either engine.

I haven't sussed out the fresh water system yet, but when I filled her the other day she took a distinct list to stbd. I have discovered a fairly sizeable tank on the stbd side aft, so whether this has extra wing tank/s for fresh water I am not sure.

Found my way down the side of the engines today, whereas I could never have done this on my Turbo, I reckon working in this area will be a challenge, and for the stbd engine a distinct risk of shoulders getting stuck.

 

[superheat6k]

Chapter 3


The learning curve


Ok so I have owned Coolavin / soon to be Boadicea for about 5 weeks, and in that time I seem to have done as much to her as I did to Ocean Belle in a whole Winter.



I haven’t taken enough photos, and available time has been tight. But we have had the delivery trip plus two weekends out, and I am now starting to get to grips with her.


As mentioned last week She has suffered from OMS (Old Man Syndrome), and this caused her seller some difficulty with her sale, as it continues to affect many other boats of this marque. However, I can fully understand why Corvettes falls into the situation. I just don’t see me selling her.


This is my sixth boat, but is the first where I do not see her ownership a transitional thing, with a change to the next boat at some point in the future say 3 or 4 years away. Yes she has a few warts, and is by many a measure is quite a small boat, but then again is she ? In hindsight I am surprised I opted for the Turbo 36, like many modern Motorboats a hefty but narrow bow. So 36’ hull LOA, but due to the bow overhang, internal space actually around 30’. If I make the measurement on the Corvette, I reckon I still have 28’ of useable length, and crucially the Corvette’s 32’6” is the actual hull LOA, indeed the boatyard have already commented on the 35’ of pontoon they have measured her occupying, including the swim platform and bow rail.


She is a fat boat, and although the side decks at ~ 20” wide are relatively spacious and easy to walk along, the main cabin still feels spacious. A point not to be understated is that the kids and dogs can walk right around the boat fenced in by a substantial stainless double 1” rail.

<a href="http://s448.photobucket.com/user/superheat6k/media/IMG_5212_zpsi7acypd1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq209/superheat6k/IMG_5212_zpsi7acypd1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_5212_zpsi7acypd1.jpg"/></a>


We have a reasonable forward deck, a flybridge, and a raised patio or what we are calling, our Poop Deck.



So what have I found wrong or unexpected. Well so far, far more good than bad.


Generally the boat was best described as a shabby presentation, and in particular the teak decks were a dirty grey / black appearance. Green algae all over the fly helm cover, and a layer of blackness coating the entire bilge right under the engines. The carpets were a solid blue mass due to the level of walked in crud.


The surveyor had condemned the exhaust pipes as they were apparently failing where they pass adjacent to the shaft seals, indeed this was the most expensive task revealed by the survey.



So here is the defect list so far …


From the Survey


Exhaust hoses failing (they weren’t)
Fire extinguishers out of date (replaced)
Bonding system break in continuity (Winter job)
Windows seized / stuck closed due to moss build up (getting there)
Hatches crazed
Gas hose perished (done)
Electrical trip switches require replacement (done)
Liferaft past due test
Oil level on windlass requires topping up


My own discoveries


Black crud layer coating the entire bilge (jetwashed now gone)
Teak deck very dirty and borderline knackered (or perhaps not)
Freshwater pump borderline useless (renewed & upgraded)
Aft heads horrible generally (done)
- shower a nasty pull out of the taps Carry on Camping affair (new shower installed)
Sump Pump out not working (done)
Trim tab pump hanging on by a few threads of one screw (done)
Steering stops heavily corroded mild steel
Carpets dirty beyond dirty (getting there)
Sofa upholstery shot and starting to perish
Smell of rotten eggs apparent throughout the boat (gone with the dirty bilge)
No freshwater level gauge
Unable to open the lockers on the flybridge - no key (new panel kicks fitted)
Cabling to key nav instruments a fire waiting to light (sorted)
Hatch clips missing
Curtains disintegrating (material ordered)
Head door fouling door frame (done)
Front window hinges broken
Dash woodwork in poor condition
Seacocks tired and some virtually seized
Stbd fuel gauge sender not working


Now when I review it that’s it
OK the woodwork and the carpets / upholstery will take a bit of effort to sort, but not big a deal.


Here are the Easter Eggs I found …


Fuel Tanks unexpectedly 2/3 full
Teak deck furniture set of tables and four chairs
Raymarine C120


These make a considerable contribution to the costs I shall have to meet to sort out the above.


This boat was poorly presented, so no one wanted to buy her, and I allowed for a considerably higher list of defects in assessing the price. In hindsight the cost will be a lot less than I had estimated, and for a boat that those in presented condition are asking and will achieve ~ 1/3 higher than I paid for her.

 

[rustybarge]

Nice.

Which engines do you have?

 

[superheat6k]

Nice.

Which engines do you have?

Cummins 6BT5.9M 6 cylinder turbos. Widely used as a truck engine, simple and very robust.

 

[Flynnbarr]

Good looking boat.Congratulations.
What are the decks,teak or veneer on ply?

 

[superheat6k]

Good looking boat.Congratulations.
What are the decks,teak or veneer on ply?

A fairly thick Teak layer on ply, rather than just a veneer. My job yesterday was to start cleaning several years muck out using the Wessex 3 stage system. I can see already that this will transform her appearance.

 

[rustybarge]

Cummins 6BT5.9M 6 cylinder turbos. Widely used as a truck engine, simple and very robust.

The best of the best; its very reassuring to know you will be able get cheap spares and reconditioned engines for decades to come. I believe there are millions of these engines the Dodge pick up trucks in the states.

Do you know what HP version you have?

 

[kmboxers]

Excellent write up, I enjoy this type of renovation/getting to know your boat type of thread the most! Primarily because I have been doing the same thing with my Boat (Fairline Targa) although I really must post up pics/updates done over the last 12 months since I got her.

 

[jamie langstone]

I must agree i enjoy reading people story's of there renovation of there boat and also gaining knowledge along the way . My very good friend has corvette 32 -99 model and over past few years i helped him do plenty of jobs ie fuel tank leaking common i am told , sea inlet valves and outlet , shaft seals oh and the good old servicing of his perkins sabre engines. Look forward to more of your projects.

 

[Latestarter1]

View attachment 53971View attachment 53971

The best of the best; its very reassuring to know you will be able get cheap spares and reconditioned engines for decades to come. I believe there are millions of these engines the Dodge pick up trucks in the states.

Do you know what HP version you have?

Not just U.S, designed by a Brit, built in Darlington and plenty about except not always obvious ........

 

[rustybarge]

View attachment 53971View attachment 53971

Not just U.S, designed by a Brit, built in Darlington and plenty about except not always obvious ........

Aha!

What is the most common make of coach/bus to have Cummins engines in the UK?

 

[Flynnbarr]

A fairly thick Teak layer on ply, rather than just a veneer. My job yesterday was to start cleaning several years muck out using the Wessex 3 stage system. I can see already that this will transform her appearance.

Once clean,after heavy rain or a good soaking with a hosepipe see if the deck dries uniformly.If it doesn't,takes time to dry around caulking etc you will have water getting underneath the teak.Having seen what this did to a friends trawler(not Corvette),rotten deck core and all that that entails I would be wary of that deck until it's been studied for a bit!They weren't great when new,a lot of owners sent Corvettes back to the factory to have those decks redone.

If I'm telling you how to suck eggs my apologies,happy cleaning,well maintained teak looks great

 

[petem]

Excellent write up, I enjoy this type of renovation/getting to know your boat type of thread the most! Primarily because I have been doing the same thing with my Boat (Fairline Targa) although I really must post up pics/updates done over the last 12 months since I got her.

Yep, please start a new thread and post pics.

 

[Latestarter1]

Aha!

What is the most common make of coach/bus to have Cummins engines in the UK?

Alexander Dennis, Optaire, Scania, Wright, about 50% of total new bus market, however in service far higher percentage as majority of MAN powered chassis some older Volvo buses have been re-powered with Cummins and of course there is the London Borisbus....

 

[rustybarge]

Alexander Dennis, Optaire, Scania, Wright, about 50% of total new bus market, however in service far higher percentage as majority of MAN powered chassis some older Volvo buses have been re-powered with Cummins and of course there is the London Borisbus....

Thanks for that info, Now I understand why there is so much enthusiasm for Cummins engines; cheap, reliable , unlimited Spares avalability, and I believe I'm right in saying you can buy a brand new non electronic version manufactured in Mexico, classified as 'reconditioned' to get around the emissions legislation.

Do you know if the big brother, the C series 450hp, is as good as the B series?

 

[superheat6k]

Chapter 4


Close up and personal - detailed familiarisation


With any boat for me this aspect is the most exciting, and daunting when unexpected, less than pleasant / expensive to sort out discoveries are made. This is where you find the contingency costs (perhaps) factored in pre-purchase were possibly insufficient !


So how do you decide what needs doing first - safety, vanity, or just plain common-sense.


Really a combination of the above. Clearly safety issues including items brought out by the Survey and other issues I have found are of some importance, but also ‘Safety’ issues can be open to interpretation, and a good dose of common-sense is also needed.


So just because the fire extinguishers are past some arbitrary date, but are clean and in good condition, with good pressure indicated, means I am in less of a hurry to replace all of these. That said prior to sailing from Jersey I had aboard two new 1.5litre AFFF (foam) extinguishers. I don’t like dry powder, as they are next to useless on many fires, and can wreck a running engine, whereas gaseous drench (halon) and Aqueous Film Forming Foam I have seen for myself work, and when it comes to fire aboard a boat, getting it out quickly and effectively is my clear priority.


Boadicea has aboard her the following extinguishers - Engine bay 2 x Halon gas 1kg; Fwd cmpt 1 x 1kg Halon gas; Main Cabin 2 x AFFF 1.5lt; spare 1 x 1kg Dry powder; 1 x Fire blanket.


Other safety equipment - Flares (2 sets 1 expires 2018; 1 expired 2014). Better out of date flares than no flares (must leave ashore if I visit France); Liferaft - Avon 4 man valise - past due test but in good exterior condition; Life belts - 2 on Poop deck - seen better days; Life jackets, harnesses & harness lines; Bilge pumps.


Critical to safety, however, is a good knowledge of the boat and all her systems. With any boat getting to grips with this will take a while, and means lots of looking, taking photos and learning. This also reveals the sins of the prior owners, which for some reason always seems to mean the electrics, and whereas Boadicea is not the worse I have owned in this regard, hardly an advert for electrical safety !


So what do I need to know about the boat’s systems ?


Where and how many seacocks and do they all move freely (one found very stiff - renew this Winter). are there any bungs (no); are the pipes attached to them OK (yes) - any visible splits (no) ? are they all double clipped (yes) ?


The engine systems are important - where does the fuel flow from, through what filters and back to where ? What isolation valves are there (none) ? Are there tank drains (yes)? Where are the lift pumps so I can prime a filter, and where are the bleed points ? Where are the filler points ? Are the caps free - better to learn this before arriving at the fuel pontoon ?


Other systems are equally important - Steering hydraulics (even if you don’t understand them you must be able to look for leaks and know where / how to top up); Electrics 12vdc & 240vac; Shore-power connection and cable, RCD (is there one - yes), ditto for Galvanic isolator (no), MCBs and Fuses, are they labelled (MCBs - yes some but not pretty, fuses very few, and none labelled). Any electrical nightmares - the wiring imitating a bowl of spaghetti in the storage cupboard beneath the radar / plotter was mine on Boadicea - what a mess - amazingly the critical nav instruments actually work.


Do the electrical services work (mostly yes) ? Boadicea’s fridge wouldn’t work on 240vac - not surprising really as there is no 240v connection !


Bonding circuit intact - connected to -VE at the engine blocks and Shore-power earth (a bone of contention this one, but I am a firm believer they must all be connected). I have observed some breaks in the bonding circuit connections, and have added some temporary links, with replacing the entire bonding circuit a Winter priority task.


Throttles and gear linkages. Boadicea has a strange change over cable handle that seems to change the designated steering position priority for the gear selection linkages. At least I think that’s what it is for ! I received no feedback on anything from the prior owner apart from lots of manuals, so I have been completely on my own working out how she functions.


Shaft seals, stuffing boxes and rudder stock glands - find where they are and inspect them - I found a couple of small water feed ball valves adjacent to each shaft seal. The rudder stocks each have a small cup greaser - not sure when they were last turned !


Is the windlass working - Boadicea only has an ‘Up’ switch, down is (apparently) by releasing the cone clutch. Is the chain cable free to run - Boadicea’s cable is fighting for space with loads of other deck equipment - fenders, boat hooks scrubbers etc. Having the chain free is critical for safety. If the anchor needs to go down in a hurry there might not be time to clear a locker out first, and getting this locker sorted is an early priority for me. There is also some heavy rust on the chain, so this will need cleaning off to see if some of the chain requires cutting out.


How long is the chain and are there any useable depth marks ? For a 32’ boat then the same dimension in metres is the minimum useful scope. I still have to tackle this task.


Is there a Kedge anchor ? No - sixth boat for me with no kedge at purchase.


I have been fortunate so far with Boadicea - a thick crud layer in the bilge, and a blocked forward head poo outlet pipe (yuck). The distribution electrics MCBs for both 12v and 240v have been replaced, and the wiring has been tidied up, plus an AC Volt / Ammeter has been fitted with prominent warning LED which lights if shore power is attached and on. I will explain further on the initial defect sort out next chapter.