Fairline Mirage 1979

[Alondonboy]

Not sure if this is the correct part of the forum to post this but if it isn't apologies and any direction would be appreciated.

My new marina neighbour has just purchased the 1979 Fairline Mirage that has been sitting next to me unused for about 4 years, during the summer. It is in immaculate condition and the story is that the owner died and left it to his nephew who didn't want it. All I can say is the old boy must have adored it. Unfortunately the nephew has now gone of traveling the world without forwarding on any of the paperwork to my friend. It's located in a marina on the tidal part of the Thames, UK, and on Sunday my friend asked me to take her out for a short fun as although he's had the engines running regularly he'd not had her moving and didn't have the confidence to take her out himself. For an old boat that had not been used for a while she went like a dream. Controls a bit stiff and creaky but I guess we'd all be like that after a few years without moving. We moored up briefly in Twickenham for some quick refreshments and whilst I was bring her alongside we lost the port engine (Twin Volvo Pentas), wouldn't start again but I'm guessing this is not a major problem, probably a fuel issue. Traveled back comfortably on the starboard engine and all in all was a rewarding day and my friend was chuffed.

Anyway apologies for the ramble but now for the question. Does anybody have, or know, where I can get a diagram, drawing or information on the helm of the boat? There are many switches on there that we cannot identify and also some irregularities that I'd like to clear up. My friend has little knowledge of using a boat and whilst I'd like to help him as much as I can I want to make sure I am giving him the correct information. Anything on a twin engine 79 model would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance and if any of you wonderful people are in London feel free to join up Brentford Boat Club on Facebook

Scott

 

[Momac]

Petrol engines?

 

[Alondonboy]

Yes petrol

 

[Momac]

Failure to start probably carburettor gummed up with old fuel?
If fuel was old it will have gone stale.
If fuel was fresh the carburettor may be worn . My neighbour had the same boat and it would start fine on cold but if stopped on a hot engine it would not restart .New carburettors probably required.

 

[Alondonboy]

The owners started it on numerous occasions and it's run fine. Even the day we took it out it started ok, left it to warm up and had it out on the river for about 45 minutes. Was only when I dropped back in neutral to put it in reverse it cut out and wouldn't start again. Also after leaving it for 5 or 10 you can hear it try and start again, turns fast for a while then just back to normal turnover. There's much that needs checking and mates going to give it a full service as is well overdue so not overly worried at the moment. Also there's a strong smell of fumes, exhaust I think, which isn't right so that again needs investigating. Probably right about petrol though as been sitting there for ages. Possibly water in it was my initial thought. Bought with a full tank as well :-/