Removing the log

[ashtead]

After a winter afloat last being on board in December I removed the Airmar speed log today and clean off the resident marine squirts etc. now to my question which is how to address resulting water ingress short of sponging out into a mixing bowl. I’m sure I had read of ice cream containers being used to create a dam around the Airmar socket but anyone practical photos maybe of how this might work . Epoxy the ice cream tub to deck maybe?

 

[johnalison]

I don’t know the Airmar but I assume that it is similar to others. The only good answer, short of changing to a log with a valve incorporated, is to build a box around it to contain the ingress. It doesn’t have to be very big, but it helps if it allows easy access to the log. There are several techniques recommended for taking the log out and replacing with a blank. I was most successful by sliding a sponge across as the log is withdrawn and quickly moving it out of the way when putting the blank in. Others use a hand instead of a sponge, but no more than a moderate slurp should get in, no more than a sponge can get out with one squeeze.

 

[jlavery]

My process is

1. Have the blank and sponge/cloth ready around fitting.
2. Remove log and start sinking!
3. Insert blank
4. Mop up
5. Clean or whatever
6. Reverse process

No need for dams etc.

 

[LittleSister]

Consider the mopping up the water with a sponge as saving you the trouble of having to separately periodically clean the bottom of the locker or wherever it is!

 

[neil_s]

A lot more than a sponge-full comes in! I have a shallow plastic wash-up bowl that I place strategically where the fountain lands on the cabin sole while doing a quick transducer out - plug in. I have an old Stowe towed log that is a lot more accurate than the through-hull for going longer distances.

 

[Neeves]

Have a blank handy. Loosen the retaining ring, remove the log and in one swift movement replace with the blank, tighten ring. Should only take seconds. If the locker is deep and the head of water causes a spectacular fountain a towel or sponge may be needed to stem the flow of water. I would not epoxy a dam as it will restrict access to remove the log in the first place. If its an issue make a temporary dam using a towel as a ring round the hull fitting.

I confess it is easier if the log is only fitted shallow without much of a head of water.

 

[jaminb]

i have a dedicated sponge and a 1.5 litre empty ice cream tub left under the cabin sole. i can change from log to blanking plug or the other way round with less than a tub full of sponging before emptying in the heads. Delegating the task often results in more than one tub being returned to the sea.

 

[ashtead]

Thank you all -maybe a sponge over the inlet before putting the blanking plug in -it’s just the access from the forecabin sole is not exactly large that the replugging is slow. I haven’t painted the wheel thing in the Airmar with anything to inhibit growths so no doubt soon be more opportunities to try the sponge over approach. If the hatch in the sole was larger might make it simpler I guess.

 

[LiftyK]

My airmar log hole came with a built-in valve. Alas it disappeared after just a few uses. I now use the a) remove b) seal with sponge c) insert cap method that others have mentioned.

As I insert the log each time I leave my home berth, I made things easier by finding a second hand (cheap) Pela vacuum pump, normally used for oil extraction. Using a weight taken from a kitchen tap with a tube-connect rising head, I stuck the intake pipe to a bulkhead with the bottom held on the floor by the weight. Now a quick pump followed by a final wipe with a sponge and I’ve removed the influx of water. The log hole is at full reach from where I stand, and I have to remove a sail bath to get to it, but I manage.

I also find a collapsible silicone bucket is very handy to transfer the water back to the sea then pack flat to live under the sail bath. With a plastic handle, it remains free if rust.

 

[Refueler]

I have a sequence I developed over years .... I have no dam or container round the log.

I have blank cap ready at hand.
I unscrew ring of log till its only just on about half turn of thread with my right hand.
I then take blank cap in right hand ready
I then unscrew and pull log out with my left hand
Instantly slap on blank cap and screw on with the right hand.

Why change hands ?? When I used to try with my 'cack-hand' .. the left - I usually ended up cross threaded on the cap ...

I use a sponge to mop up ...

The only time I revert to right hand to pull log - is when its been a while sine last pull and its 'stuck .. then right hand wiggles it out till that last tiny bit - then change to left hand.

Even now having pulled logs many times - I still don't like doing it ... there will come a time that something will go wrong !! Luckily if it goes wrong in my home channel - boat will only settle on her BK's about 20 - 30cms more than her normal draft ...

When I had a leak on the log fitting ... I used an Aquarium pump into a bucket to clear the water ...
Aquarium pump with filter removed actually pumps water right down to a small amount that a sponge can remove ..