PD's been pillaged.

BruceK

BruceK

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Saw a pirate today. Marginally faster than Seastoke. Hightailing it from PD to IoM.

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Well that image got bits stolen. Can't trust anyone now days. Last seen consorting with Kwakkers. Says it all really.
 
BruceK said:
Saw a pirate today. Marginally faster than Seastoke. Hightailing it from PD to IoM.

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Well that image got bits stolen. Can't trust anyone now days. Last seen consorting with Kwakkers. Says it all really.
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Have you forgot ,I won the all Wales 100 metres dash, a few years back and where was you sitting on your arse drinking my beer.
 
Well everyone….a little tail.

Bought another project boat from deepest darkest North Wales so called upon my dear friends to help. They weren’t available so got stuck with @kawasake and @BruceK. The boat was at Port Dinorwic and hadn’t moved in many years. Lots of positives and of course negatives but the deal was done. Next step…get her back to IOM.

Headed back to PD Monday late afternoon with 2 suitcases full of tools and set to fixing stuff needed for the trip. I needed to be going 30 hours later back to IOM so race was on! Not small stuff…things like starboard not starting due to power and not charging, steering not working (someone drilled a popper fitting through a hydraulic line) and gearbox was low on oil (took 2.5 litres). Oh…..fuel was last added 3 years ago.

After frantic efforts, sos rewiring, hammering Kwackers next day Amazon prime, a lovely lunch with Bruce and Kwackers (who I discovered wouldn’t be able to agree on the colour of the sky 🤣🤣),and much asking myself….is this a good idea….I where ready for the off!

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The plan was an hour trying to break it in the Menai with Kwackers at the helm
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Got a proper Kwackers group send off and rightly so

Things went surprisingly well on the testing. Fluids stayed in roughly the right places but she did try to sink herself via a stern glad which was nipped up. Decision was made to go for the IOM. Dropped Kwak’s off after his expert navigation (and history lesson) via the Swellies and I headed out to Puffin Island

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It was there the 2nd pirate arrived to make sure I left!

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With the VHF talents of a pilot, he escorted me for 10 miles of the 54 mile trip back home. It was very reassuring that’s for sure. Frequent stops for checks and frequent tightening of that pesky stern gland followed but along we went at 20 knots, using 3 year old fuel and 6 year old engine oil.

He then left me to it and off I went. Every rattle, knock, vibration and sound change was monitored intently but she carried on for another 2.5 hours without incident! I’ve got lots to fix and lots to improve but if you start with a solid boat…even if unloved….suprising what they can do even when not perfect.

Many will likely say I was fool hardy…they might be right but sea was glass, required safety measures in place and it’s not my first rodeo.

With all that said, I can’t thank Bruce and Kwackers enough for their help and support. @volvopaul needs a big shout out for his ongoing remote support that we all agree is legendary and @LBRodders for his moral support. My thanks to Seacock for leaving the area too

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Top job @Mr Googler .

Apologies I was of absolutely of no use. But at least that meant you were here and gone in a blink of an eye with little drama.

Just think, you've done more sea time in that boat that you've had for hours than @Seastoke who has had his for decades.

Look forward to the updates on her. She looks lovely!
 
Dear Mr Google thank you for calling me your dear friend , and so sorry I could not help with boat because of my recent hip replacement . Also now I am running the Torbay arm of Volvo P . It was very sensible to ask the wife of LBRodders to do your passage plan , as he is a SKATE and has no idea. Looking forward to your project ,so the question after you sell the boat what will you change your name to. Ye mate Seacock.
 
Mr Google we all new Bruce would leave you after 10 miles as his mooring lines only reach that long , his Audi TT can only travel that far as well.
 
Mr Googler said:
Indeed! Had an earlier version (square windows in the gunwales) so know them well. Front of engine access nearly put me off…bad memories 🤣🤣🤣
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I agree, very tight at the front. I’m sure you’ve already seen on this new one, but for impeller access on the STBD Eng there is an access cut out through the bulkhead in the twin side cabin. You remove the bedside storage drawers.
When I owned mine, I also did a similar access panel by making the galley steps removable for the PORT Eng impeller. These access panels, and using a proper Impeller puller tool made changing the impellers a fairly straightforward task. A phrase not often used with boat maintenance 😁.
All the best with this new boat. I look forward to seeing the updates. You always do an amazing job on your boats 👍👍
 
sharpness said:
I agree, very tight at the front. I’m sure you’ve already seen on this new one, but for impeller access on the STBD Eng there is an access cut out through the bulkhead in the twin side cabin. You remove the bedside storage drawers.
When I owned mine, I also did a similar access panel by making the galley steps removable for the PORT Eng impeller. These access panels, and using a proper Impeller puller tool made changing the impellers a fairly straightforward task. A phrase not often used with boat maintenance 😁.
All the best with this new boat. I look forward to seeing the updates. You always do an amazing job on your boats 👍👍
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Both are already in place….thankfully!
 
If you need new fenders go BruceK.com they have made a rubber mould of his Belly , and work really well.
 
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