ozzie
Well-Known Member
Today we had the survey done and the sea trial on the Beneteau Monte Carlo 37 HT. The weather was perfect. Matt the surveyor was there first thing and got the exterior checks done before my engineer and myself got there. Shouldnt have been a problem, but she was craned in early so no indepth check on the legs. As she is a dealer stock boat they engaged the services of a skipper for the sea trial -John Mendez. First time I have met him and what a great chap! Very friendly and knowledgeable, pleased he was onboard. The dealer has just spent a significant amount of money on the engines and drives, but we still had issues. There is a vibration at 1600- 2000 revs which needs further investigation, and secondly we all but lost steering! It wasn't right when we left the berth, but it was put down to air in the system, and seemed to clear. Coming back in after the trial the engineer noticed the oil level was dropping and excessive play in the steering. I handed the helm to John to berth her and went up on deck to do lines. As we reversed in I noticed a lot of oil on the water. Closer inspection showed it was from the steering rams and a quick check in the engine bay showed the reservoir was empty. Not good. The dealer is now arranging for her to be lifted and the problem sorted. Considering they have just had all this work done it is a bit disappointing. On the plus side what a boat! We were 9 up with virtually full fuel tanks yet she still pulled strongly, planing very quickly and touched 35 knots! No complaints with that. Looking forward to getting back onboard!!
