Sea Start - Again

[terryw]

Went for a blast to the Needles with some friends on Sunday, the first real chance to try the new boat out, although we bought her in December. Fuel guage read just over 1/2 tank which means 200 litres +. Get to Needles, stop for guests to take pictures, and head back to Southampton.
On return journey I noticed that the fuel guage had plummeted, and started to wonder. Just past Yarmouth Starboard engine stops, which means no power steering, and five minutes later the other died. After last post about Sea Start I decided to join. Tried to find my details, but I had left them at home. Call to directory of enquiries, and connected to Sea Start. Within 20 minutes they were alongside. 5 gallons of diesel poured into tank, Port engine primed and running. Starboard was more difficult as we believe the outlet from the tank must be a few mm higher.
Started to follow them back to Lymington to refuel, when starboard engine died again. Eventually got a tow to fuel berth, filled tanks, Sea Start bled air from system, and away we went back to Southampton.
Bottom line is what a fantastic service, fast, polite, efficient, and I did not have to do a Pan Pan for all to hear, and we did not get charged for the initial 5 gallons.
Thank you Sea Start, although I hope I never have to use you again.

ps whilst drifting in the centre of the Solent 4 raggies passed within 10 metres of us. Did they enquire if we were ok, did they F*#K. What is it with them, just because we have engines does not mean we have SARS. I will still slow down and ask anyone if everything is ok if they are stopped in a strange location, even the raggies.

<hr width=100% size=1>If your nose is running, and your feet smell, you are upside down.

 

[Dave_Snelson]

Isn't it wonderful to hear of an organisation that sets out to exceed customer expectations. Rare indeed!!

<hr width=100% size=1>Madoc Yacht Club
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk>http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk</A>

 

[lyc]

<ps whilst drifting in the centre of the Solent 4 raggies passed within 10 metres of us. Did they enquire if we were ok, did they F*#K>

I was told a smashing descriptive name for some of the raggies out on the water this weekend........WAFI's........Wind Assisted F***ing Idiots.

Made me laugh

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BroadsandEastcoastBoating/>Broads & East Coast Boating</A>

 

[Eudorajab]

>>ps whilst drifting in the centre of the Solent 4 raggies passed within 10 metres >>of us. Did they enquire if we were ok, did they F*#K.

This may seem a bit silly but did you give any indication that you may require some assistance ?? As a raggie I have both assisted and been assisted by stinkys on the odd occasion, similarly I have been told in no uncertain terms that my assistance was not required in a very similar situation to what you describe. Whilst this has not stopped me asking if in doubt, I can certainly understand that some people, rggies or stinkies could take offence and not offer unless it was indicated that help was required. Ultimately if everyone on board a drifing boat (yatcht or powerboat) is behaving normally, why would anyone ask if things were okay ?

Totally different story and totally unforgivable if you indicated that assistance was requred and none was offered.





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[tcm]

Re: agree - helpful does not equal useful

A recently-stopped powerboat or sailboat isn't immediate cause for concern. You would have to signal you wanted help or for it to be somehow obvious. In any case, not all sailboats (or any boats) will carry 5-10 galls of diesel and know how to bleed your fuel system. Ahelpful yet useless person on board "i know, lets dismantle the ...!" can be more troubkle than help? I mean, seastart alongside in 20 mins - how much better can it get? And yes, the occassional rebuff makes many wary of offering help unless it is pretty obvious.

 

[gcoulson]

>>Did they enquire if we were ok, did they F*#K. What is it with them, just because we have engines does not mean we have SARS

As a 'raggie' I do wonder whether this sort of comment might inflame rather help heal the differences, perceived or real, between two groups that have more in common than more that separates us.

Gerard

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[Guest]

With regard to seeking assistance was flag 'V' hoisted or other recognized international code?

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[terryw]

I was not trying to suggest that all sailors are inconsiderate, but 4 out of 4 was a little upsetting. We did indicate to one which was heading straight for us that we were disabled. This caused a sudden tack on his part, but no question regarding our circumstances. I also agree that a boat drifting may not be too much cause for concern if in the right situation, but drifting dead centre of the Solent, on the main shipping channel, and no anchor (due to depth), must surely raise a question or two, even if it was only to doubt my sanity in performing such a manouver in this location.
Anyway the main topic of the thread was to sing the praises of Sea Start, and I apologise for any disrespect to those boaters, raggie and stinkie, who do care about the safety and well being of fellow boaters.

<hr width=100% size=1>If your nose is running, and your feet smell, you are upside down.

 

[Happy1]

Seems that Seastart was a good investment /forums/images/icons/wink.gif Just out of interest, why do powerboats not have reserve tank, mine doesn't.

I remember back to the days when I had an old Triumph Herald convertable, it had a lever in the boot that gave you an extra gallon or so, perhaps this would be a good idea, especially as marine fuel guages seem a bit hit and miss.

I had better get some spare fuel cannisters for next weekend for my trip to Yarmouth /forums/images/icons/shocked.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>

 

[Freebee]

how much does sea start cost?

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[Renegade_Master]

Reserve tank no good as if you only time you realise you need reserve is when your engine stops then its too late you have to bleed (diesels of course) No, better option audible alarm which tells you that you either have 5 minutes to switch to reserve say or that you have 10 galls left.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A>

 

[Renegade_Master]

Re: Terry

Full marks to Sea start Terry they sound great. Just a suggestion though , fuel gauges are not that accurate, but a ships log is. Fill her up work out the max range from full tanks with 20% reserve, log each journey in terms of miles, and subsequent consumption, then you always know how much is left.

When you next fill up record such in log (say tanks filled 15th May) then start fuel log again.

I did this successfully on my last boat, transfered the paper log to computer when I got home, or on board, always knew how much was left, and NEVER ran out.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A>

 

[terryw]

It depends on the type of boat, and the number of engines.
For mine with twin diesels it was approx £140 per year. Best investment I ever made.
See www.seastart.co.uk for details

<hr width=100% size=1>If your nose is running, and your feet smell, you are upside down.

 

[terryw]

Re: Terry

Now that she is full I will track the consumption so I know better what the range is. I was told she started with a full tank in December, and had no reason to disbelieve the guage. It showed over 200 litres, and I knew I would be using approx 100, so no need to panic. A new guage and sender is on order, but I will use paper or mental log in future, or until new guage proves its worth.

<hr width=100% size=1>If your nose is running, and your feet smell, you are upside down.

 

[Eudorajab]

Little things obviously amuse little minds

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