Launch checklist for newbies

[symondo]

Hi there

My family are very new to the boating world, dispute an incredibly steep learning curve over the past year... that's maybe for another thread.


Anyway... we have a airline sedan 32. Its been on a stand since purchase as we noticed 1 of the bellows of the outdrive was leaking, so we have had the drives removed and refurbished for peace of mind.

This is due to be complete soon so we have been doing other jobs and finding out any little Niggles aboard.

We have wired up our new Garmin 750s chart plotter, made sure all other instruments are working at the helm.

I've to do the same on the flybridge but I've already laid out the wiring within the dash to do that.

We have also checked bilge pumps, switches, interior and exterior lighting, nav lights.

Currently to do is we need to connect our windlass back up and check that works and look to measure the chain on the anchor as we don't know how much chain there is.

Is there a simple checklist of things to check? Or have we got most of it covered?

The 1 outstanding item we would like to resolve, is the erberspacher. It seems to be a common issue of not working properly I've found but it makes all the right noises but the light in the middle of the dial just flashes. We have only tried it while on shore power so it gets a full 13volts.

Anyone with some pointers of what to check on these heaters?

Really looking forward to getting the boat in the water and get some use and photos of her!

 

[David2452]

The 1 outstanding item we would like to resolve, is the erberspacher. It seems to be a common issue of not working properly I've found but it makes all the right noises but the light in the middle of the dial just flashes. We have only tried it while on shore power so it gets a full 13volts.

Count the number of flashes and report back with that and the model number, the number of flashes relate to a fault code. Also try pulling the fuse for a few seconds in case it has previous fault lockout, depending on the model that will reset it.

 

[symondo]

I'm sure its a d2 and the flash count is 5.
All of the fault finding codes I've found are for the newer control panels.

I've not found the fuse for the system yet but will face it down and give it a go

 

[mad_boater]

Eberspachers are well known for not working unless they have been serviced regularly. The problems could be coked up ,spark plug needs replacing filter in line blocked ect ect.Over the years they have cost me a fortune in repair bills.If you are handy with tools you can do it yourself I have seen many step by step intructions how to do it.I have found a local dealer for them and it cost £200 2years ago.It sounds like a lot but parts are expensive and buying a new one is not on.Any thing German is costly.When you come to reinstall it you will need exhaust paste to seal up exhaust from leaking.
I hope you enjoy your new boat and sort out any problems.The people on this forum are very helpfull.

 

[symondo]

Thanks!
I've the fortunate position where my parents have bought this for all to share, so I've the fun of reading up, taking apart and playing with it but not as much of the costs. I just contribute my skills and knowledge where I can.

I've not really been afraid to take on projects in the past by taking stuff apart, I may have an initial look at the easier parts before going much further.
Its definitely required in our area though, we are based in the Scottish west coast in the highlands, already its pretty nippy outside!

 

[SgtColon]

#1 on checklist. Does it float.?

Sorry, sorry ... I couldn't resist.

Re heating. Appreciate shore power connected but are the domestic batteries fully charged. Mine will not fire up if batteries too low. Also in case you have been frantically pressing buttons to try and get it to work (my normal first response to try resolving anything) might you have set a programme. Try clearing all programmes and then start it on the 60 minute instant setting.

 

[symondo]

#1 on checklist. Does it float.?

Lol here's a little story as to why this comment is quite apt...

My dad spring the surprise that he intended to get our family into boating last year, about august. After a lot of hunting, he purchased our first boat, a princess project 31. We had all the things you'd expect in the way of surveys, engineers etc.. do their bit, we had a load of parts fitted prior to having it brought up the country to its new home.

In April of this year, we took delivery of our new family 'toy' which caused great excitement, however upon checking her over things which were meant to be done... weren't.

I ended up re wiring the batteries which had not been secured down, totally shattering the battery tray. Among many other things which needed re fixed.we did this at a different marina as to where the boat was being kept, and it was on a pontoon, which made it easier to sort out and work on.

After 2 weeks, my dad, relatively new to boating of this level had to make a 15 mile trip to where the boat was to be kept on a swinging line, we hired a professional tutor who we were hoping to book the whole family for a course in using our new boat properly.

He left it on the mooring, pleased with himself and headed home. We all headed to the boat the next day to find it was missing...
We went out in the tender to check, checked with the yard, and the guy who helped get the boat there and after further investigations.... it was 60ft underwater!

Luckily all insured as per, but in short it turned out to be faulty 'non return valves' had decided enough was enough and turned the aft into a sieve.

The sedan is our new replacement so 'does it float' I hope so! I'm sure of the history of the vessel, it came from a family who have used it all year until the week it was bought and been to sea etc...

We've tested everything we can think of which may cause issue including tracing all drain holes, and checking all jubilee clips. To say 2nd time lucky... its a nerve wracking prospect. To add to this, I swayed the decision on this boat so I cant help but feel partly to blame if its not quite right. But so far so good with a bit of a scrub and tidy up.

As for the heater, will see how I get on at my next visit. We had our first snow of the year on the hills today so its just gone up a notch in priority