Work in progress

[mireland]

I organised for my boat to be lifted out to check and replace the mechanical stern gland and undertake some other work. She was to be held in the sling over the weekend and then set down and chocked for a month before going back in the water. A day's work broke the back of the job on the stern gland and I went home feeling well pleased. Sunday is a day of rest - so I did. On Monday I made my way slowly back to the boat anticipating an easier day but imagine my horror when I arrived to see the boat in the water! She was taking water through the gland and had over a foot of water in the bilges. I stemmed the flow and rushed off to find the man responsible. It transpired that the boat had been back in the water for just one hour. Had I not arrived when I did there is little doubt she would have sunk on her mooring.

I would be interested to know how other yards, marinas and clubs manage this process to ensure that boats are safe to go back in the water. My guy just saw it as a bit of a misunderstanding!

 

[sailorman]

Hang a Really Big, Sign / Notice on the prop shaft or rudder

" DONT LAUNCH"

 

[mireland]

Yeah - with hindsight a notice would have saved the day. On the other hand the guy had my written instructions and that should be sufficient!

 

[jonathankent]

The yard I use have a diary with all the work booked in by boat name, i.e. lifting in, out, mast stepping, etc, etc and then they just follow the diary. Seems to work for them, I've never had a problem.

It seems to me you were just unlucky and didn't have a fully competent yard/operator.

Insurance claim now against the yard?

 

[mireland]

Well I must admit it has cost me in time and money to rectify things but as it is a club, albeit with a large marina operation, I decided against a claim. I have however asked for the lifting and yard fees to be waived as a gesture on their part. I await their decision on that.