Seastart ?

[rogerroger]

Recent engine probs have prompted me to think about spending £130 on Seastart membership.

There's no real point asking "is it worth it?" as I'm sure for those who've broken down and used them it is, and for who haven't it wasn't.

But generally would members recommend them ? Any notable experiences ?

My main concern about joining is becoming complacent with engine maintenance...

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[Guest]

Roger

I would put the money towards a good engine service,also it depends on your boating river,canal,offshore!
I use mine offshore and would always recommend twin engines,if your river cruising and break down call a friend or you can get a long way for £130 in a taxi for help!


Take care happy sailing

RLM MIKE

 

[bedouin]

I can't believe it pays. If your engine fails while at sea then you have to be able to get yourself to safety without relying on seastart. Once safe a local mechanic is likely to be able to fix any problem for a fraction of the annual charge.

I seem to remember hearing about a similar service operating on a 'call out' charge basis. That might be worth considering as you can then choose on a case-by-case basis whether to call them out.

 

[Chris_Stannard]

I sailed a boat owned by a company for corporate entertainment. That had a Seastart membership and when needed Seastart always responded and were good. However i have to say I carry my own spares and tools in my own boat and reckon if I can't fix it they won't be able to. Mind you I do my own top overhauls etc so I may have had a bit more training than you.

Chris Stannard

 

[Guest]

If you are operating on the south coast then I think you will find them well worth joining. How many of the contributors to this thread have AA or RAC membership? I regard them as the AA of the sea. OK, so some may be machanically minded but we are not all grease monkeys or for that matter interested in working in the confines of an engine bay. It is not only engine failure which they will come out for, what about picking up a fishing net and fouling the prop?I have been a member for 2 years now and have had to call them out. Nick and the boys offer a great service and if they can't get you going then a tow back to home port is very comforting (paricularly for the family who not your not a mechanic!). As far as I'm concered its an added insurance and frankly has been worth every penny. They even offer home start - as for finding an engineer who will sort out a problem cheaply, can I have his/her name?

 

[LadyInBed]

Very good if you run a motor boat. I wouldn't have thought it necessary for a sailing boat. Invest in an adequate tool kit and get the mechanic to show you around the engine when you get it serviced, and point out probable areas of failure.
A wetsuit, mask and sharp knife will free you from a pot buoy.

 

[rogerroger]

Well I think perhaps that makes the most sense; that and putting the money towards a decent service as someone suggested.

When the engine failed on Sunday we sailed her back onto a pontoon so I'm confident doing that - but I was lucky in that I had a good crew and favourable conditions.

What I'm dreading is an engine failure where I can't sail into Chi harbour against the edd and northerly wind for example when my girlfriend who hates sailing is with me ! It would be re-assuring (for her of course!) to drop the hook, put the kettle on and wait for the cavalry!



Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[LadyInBed]

Surely if things get that bad, drop the hook, put the kettle on and a shout to a passing yacht would get you a tow.

 

[rogerroger]

I'd better read that article in this month's YM about towing and salvage again then !

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[iangrant]

Hmm - no wind or a Northerly into Chichester - rope round the prop, not in imediate danger -the coastguard have been heard to reply to the message with "do you belong to seastart?" To be responsible we should have cover, too many people look upon the RNLI as a tow in service. Oh BTW I'm and offshore member as well as Seastart!!

 

[david_e]

It might be worth checking the small print if there is any. At Pwllheli in the same situation you can call the marina who will come out and tow you in for about £20 or so, from memory, which is alot of tows for £130. The spend on servicing sounds a good idea and at least you get something tangible for your dosh.

 

[LadyInBed]

Re: towing and salvage

I used to think that getting a tow would make me liable for a horrendous salvage claim, but there are lots of decent yachties about that will help just for the experience, and it gives them a tale to tell in the bar.

Poll the Forum and ask who would expect payment.