Small job - no chance - lift out

[iangrant]

What I though was a small water leak on the Generator was in fact the pump, turned off the seacock, (gate valve type round red tap handle) water still poured out of the pipe, no not me being daft it wasn't the wrong seacock, wound it in and out and again but no difference still water pouring out so bung in the end of the pipe, still a leak under the genny. PIPE RUBBED THROUGH!

Hmmm wound the seacock in and out yntil there was just a trickle and up the the office - err can I have a lift out please, 20 minutes later she was chocked up.

New seacock and just for safety a new one for the port engine inlet 'cause the wheel came off in be hand gov!

All's well that ends well, lesson learned check them seacocks actually DO turn off!

Ian

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Ian, it does seem you're getting more than your fair share of hassles with your boat, bad luck, hope you get it all sorted soon. Chin up!

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[Bajansailor]

Re the port engine inlet - you said 'the wheel came off in your hand'?
This implies that it is a gate valve as well.
I am amazed that a quality boat like yours would have gate valves rather than proper seacocks below the waterline, and especially for a fairly large diameter pipe like a main engine cooling water intake.

It is a good idea to check seacocks regularly - I suggest to folk to turn them off and on (if they leave them on all the time) every time they visit the boat or perhaps once a week - little hard shell critters love to find new homes up inside open seacocks.

My own take on the matter is that I always close all seacocks when I am not on the boat.
And it is ingrained now to turn on the engine inlet before starting the engine.

 

[PaulGooch]

Ian, it does seem you're getting more than your fair share of hassles with your boat, bad luck, hope you get it all sorted soon. Chin up!

Cheers
Jimmy

Ian is taking a crash course in practical powerboat maintenance and repair. He seems to be doing very well at it.

Ian, by the time you get finally sorted (very soon i hope), you'll know the boat inside out and be confident that both she and you will be able to handle any problems at sea.

 

[PaulGooch]

My own take on the matter is that I always close all seacocks when I am not on the boat.
And it is ingrained now to turn on the engine inlet before starting the engine.

Likewise. Boarding sequence is turn on toilet seacock, engine seacock and 12v power, reverse that when disembarking. As soon as we hit the open sea, toilet diverter valve to "sea", outlet seacock open, empty holding tank. All have become second nature.

I'm surprised people leave engine seacocks open, i doubt many boats would cope with a badly failed 1 1/2" engine hose, for long. Need some pretty substantial bilge pumps.

 

[iangrant]

Labour of love

I just keep working through the "challenges" - I must say I wouldn't feel comfortable not knowing the boat inside out so every time another bit leaks, stops, breaks off, I learn a bit more and carry another spare,

Just need to log where they all are or I'll forget I've got them!

Encouragement welcome - sailboat with no mechanicals oh my!

Ian

 

[PaulGooch]

I just keep working through the "challenges" - I must say I wouldn't feel comfortable not knowing the boat inside out so every time another bit leaks, stops, breaks off, I learn a bit more and carry another spare,

Just need to log where they all are or I'll forget I've got them!

Encouragement welcome - sailboat with no mechanicals oh my!

Ian

At least you'll never have any problems with torn sails Ian

 

[iangrant]

Sails, Ha

Oh done that too, mid Atlantic one of the headsails split down the middle in a squall.

Only problem on the sail boat in 5,000 miles was a blocked outlet on the water maker and a main fuse blown with no wind between Guagaloupe and Antigua - DEAD electrics due to an Alternator short.

Mind you it did take a year to get her ready to sail off including engine falling off the last engine mount etc.....

Saw a couple in a motor home parked up having a cold beer this afternoon and it did make me wonder!! Only kidding!


Ian

 

[fireball]

I hear the Wightlink engineers carry a few spares - might be worth getting close enough to them or haven't they twigged it's you yet?

 

[iangrant]

Bronze ones

Re the port engine inlet - you said 'the wheel came off in your hand'?
This implies that it is a gate valve as well.
I am amazed that a quality boat like yours would have gate valves rather than proper seacocks below the waterline, and especially for a fairly large diameter pipe like a main engine cooling water intake..

The seacocks are bronze ones not the cheaper brass/chrome, I could have re-faced the "gate" greased it up and stuck it back on but thought the way things have gone so far not to risk it!!

Ian

 

[Wiggo]

I just keep working through the "challenges" - I must say I wouldn't feel comfortable not knowing the boat inside out so every time another bit leaks, stops, breaks off, I learn a bit more and carry another spare,

Just need to log where they all are or I'll forget I've got them!

Encouragement welcome - sailboat with no mechanicals oh my!

Ian

Eventually, Ian, you realise you need a bigger boat to carry all the spares. Then the fun starts all over again...