It is just a small leak....

[Tandem]

Noticed a small leak from the shaft seal when last at the boat, not major, pumped out the bilge, thought to address it when she comes out, as usual, in April.
Hmmm.
Last pumped out 2 weeks ago, so, I guess it needs to be done again soon, but now there is no access/travel.
Anyone else out there with a similar problem, or worse?

And, yes, at the end of the day she is insured, so, why worry? That is a separate question from the above.

 

[ctva]

Saving property damage would in my opinion be a good and valid reason but as always it’s about interpretation.

I’m lucky/unlucky as boat is on the hard still but we should have been getting to our berth today actually.

 

[vyv_cox]

In some places marina staff will do this for you, but assumes the boat is accessible.

 

[Tandem]

In some places marina staff will do this for you, but assumes the boat is accessible.

Swinging mooring....

 

[Scarboroughsloop]

Your own mooring? I'm on a swinging mooring but the boatyard are carrying on working doing mooring maintenance etc. They are also checking on boats waterlines etc......

 

[Boathook]

Swinging mooring....

It seems like you will have to visit then unless someone else can check. At least you will then know how much she is taking on every two weeks.

 

[Tandem]

It seems like you will have to visit then unless someone else can check. At least you will then know how much she is taking on every two weeks.

But, COVID-19 guidelines...?

 

[Tandem]

Your own mooring? I'm on a swinging mooring but the boatyard are carrying on working doing mooring maintenance etc. They are also checking on boats waterlines etc......

It is a club mooring and the site is closed.

 

[Tandem]

Your own mooring? I'm on a swinging mooring but the boatyard are carrying on working doing mooring maintenance etc. They are also checking on boats waterlines etc......

Sometimes it just needs a comment to 'nudge' you in the right direction. I will make some calls and see if any local boatyard are still working and will do this for me. Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

If it was me and I thought the stern gland was more worrisome than just a weep, then I would consider that essential and drive to the mooring and row out to check the boat. If that's what you feel, then go and check.

 

[Old Harry]

If it was me and I thought the stern gland was more worrisome than just a weep, then I would consider that essential and drive to the mooring and row out to check the boat. If that's what you feel, then go and check.

And take a tool kit & "nip-up" the gland

 

[Stemar]

+1 to both of the above. There's nothing to stop you tightening it down hard to be sure you stop the leak - though I'd still go back in a couple of weeks to check, but put a big sign on the engine start key or you'll forget to ease it off when it's all over!

 

[prv]

But, COVID-19 guidelines...?

The law ( http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/350/pdfs/uksi_20200350_en.pdf , Section 6 ) is that you need a "reasonable excuse":

6.—(1) During the emergency period, no person may leave the place where they are living
without reasonable excuse.

Subsection 6 (2) gives a list of things that are presumed to be reasonable excuses, but it's not an exhaustive list ("includes the need...")

Ultimately only a court can say what's reasonable, but to me a trip on your own, to a place where there are no other people hence minimal risk of infection (certainly far less than going shopping) in order to avert a substantial risk to property, certainly sounds reasonable.

Of course, on top of the actual law you have to layer what various Police forces have decided to do in practice, which varies widely. Depends where you and the boat are.

Pete

 

[Laysula]

Not forgetting the serious enviromental issues should she sink.

 

[rotrax]

Wot - no auto bilge pump..........................

 

[Tandem]

Wot - no auto bilge pump..........................

Obviously not, but there could be a whole other thread on their issues, but I am guessing you are being 'ironic'.

 

[langstonelayabout]

This is my pet paranoia (leaky stern gland straight after launch) and I've been wondering how long it would be until someone had a concern with theirs.

I'd consider a trip to stop a boat sinking and causing pollution and damage a reasonable cause. In fact I'd probably be caught for speeding on the way to the boat...

 

[Wansworth]

Why not contact local police for confirmation of your action?

 

[Alfie168]

Wot - no auto bilge pump..........................

My boat has no bilge as such..but that didn't stop it filling with water (on its trailer luckily) from rain getting in through a failed hatch seal. Needless to say I was extremely upset so understand the OP concerns. As well as repairing the seal I did rig up a float operated bilge pump for less than £25 that just sits on the cabin floor when I'm not there and has a hose leading through a hole in the temporary ply washboard I use when the boat is on its trailer The tiny 20w solar panel I already had is enough to keep the battery topped up.

Email the owner of the yard first and if you can make contact see what they can do. I suspect it can't really be classified as a justified trip, and whilst you might ring the Police for guidance, I don't see you getting much change there....but that wouldn't stop me asking.....at the risk of an ear bashing.

I hope it is less serious than you imagine

 

[Tandem]

Why not contact local police for confirmation of your action?

As per Alfie168, I think the 'interpretation' they would give would be dependent on who answered the phone. I think it is that unclear exactly what the 'rules' are even to them, no disrespect intended. I have been quietly staying at home as is the majority of the country and doubt if I will come into close contact with anyone in the course of going there, but there is that nagging thought that in the course of an 800m dinghy trip each way, something goes wrong and I need 'assistance'.... Tis a conundrum.....