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What a day!

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JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/23/2011 : 19:10:41

As RhythmDoctor noted, yesterday was pretty junky. Overcast, cold and too windy, and we were glad we spent it at home. Today, we packed up the kids and headed over to the boat one "last" time while she's in the water. My in-laws said they wanted to come see her, too, and we gave them the address of the marina. We cruised to the marina in little to no traffic and found a slightly cold but otherwise pretty day with a light breeze. We unpacked all our "stuff" (it's amazing how much stuff you need for a day trip with two kids!), and I started pumping out the bilge to see if I could get rid of some of the water that had accumulated. I had all the plates out of the floor, and my 3 year old was very anxious to get into the "cabinet" to play, so I was trying to make this as quick as possible. As luck would have it, in the middle of all this, my in-laws called because they were lost, and I had to figure out where they were (without a map, in an unfamiliar area) and guide them to the marina while trying to keep my little one from falling into the bilge. Once we got that squared away, I was able to pump out the bilges pretty well, though there was still some water in there. I noticed a few wet spots up near the V-berth, but it was hard to tell if it was from a leak in the hatch or 'just' condensation dripping from that general area. I'm anxious to go back and see what happened with the water levels in each of the bilges.

My father-in-law was getting antsy, but wanted to go for a ride. I had already pulled the main down last week (but brought it with me), so he opted for a motor tour of the bay instead. He took one look at our engine, though, and began to have second thoughts. I went through the process of swapping out the old gas in the gas tank for new stuff we bought on the way (an adventure on its own, invovling three separate gas tanks), then I slipped the bow lines free. I had a hard time getting the stern line to catch on the cleats at the tops of the pilings at the back of the slip, and was focusing on that when I looked up and saw a look of horror on my (new, 32' sailboat owning) neighbor's face. My bow was swinging over, and headed straight for the dock. I ran forward and pushed us off, trying to straighten her out and get us going backward. I hopped into the rather crowded cockpit, threw the engine into reverse, and goosed it a bit. And, of course, the engine cavitated. Repeatedly. Thankfully, it gave me the momentum I needed to swing clear of the slip, so I put it into forward and we motored our way out into the canal.

I had a feeling that my father-in-law wasn't that impressed with my seamanship at that point! But, he was impressed with the engine - it started on the second pull. The new gas seemed to help everything run smoother, which was what I'd hoped. We got out into the bay and I cut the engine, much to my father-in-law's horror. I then unfurled the jib, and we tried to sail. I should stress the "tried" in the previous sentence. Sitting at the dock, we had a nice 3-5 knot breeze, with the occasional gust at probably 6-7. Out on the bay, where we'd motored, the air was dead. The flag on-shore directly abeam of us hung limp. Of course, the flag about 1/4 mile away from our current position was flapping nicely, and you could see the ripples on the water over there. But not where we were. And the wind didn't want to come anywhere near us. It was actually pretty funny! So, we decided to pack it up and head back.

Pulling into the dock was relatively uneventful. I kept my speed nice and slow, and told my father-in-law that his job was to stand in the bow and make sure we didn't crash into the dock. As we neared the slip, the wind picked up again, in part to taunt me, and in part to help blow us over toward the neighbors' boat. They heard us coming and came running to the end of the dock to "help" us (I think they were, at least partially motivated by a desire to save their own boat, and after my departure performance, I can't blame them in the least!). I'm glad they were there, because my father-on-law couldn't quite figure out how to get low enough to keep us from hitting the dock. Now, mind you, I had the springline set before we would actually have hit, but it was still kind of funny to watch.

I'm going to have to figure out why the engine cuts off at idle some times. Once it is warm, if I cut the throttle back to the "shift" position, it cuts off. Not really a big deal, except when you're trying to wiggle around between some nice boats without hitting them!

Anyway, we got her tied off, and I managed to lower and stow the roller furling jib without a problem (I was a bit worried at first). I hope I remember how to put it all together again in the spring! We also pulled all the cushions, life preservers, etc. in anticipation of the boat (finally) being hauled. A quick hose-down (I need to add a "boat brush" and some cleaner to my Christmas list), and we were off. Over all, except for the show when we left the slip, it went fairly well. The real test will be whether my father-in-law will go sailing with me next season! :)

- Jim
Formerly of 1984 C25 named Dragon Wing

NOTE: In my case, PLEASE don't confuse stars/number of posts with actual knowledge. On any topic.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9076 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 06:35:37

"All's well that ends well..." Good work. Sounds like a clogged idle jet in the carb. Is it a Honda? Next year, a little Marine Stabil in the gas can help keep it clean, and an external filter/water separator (Racor) is a good idea these days.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 07:16:33

In our marina is it a common courtesy to help anyone who is going for a sail into and out of their slip. Some of the older guys prefer that you just hand them a line, and some of the newbys want to be dragged into their spot, but it is nice to know when you are coing up teh fairway that someone will be there to lend a hand.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 07:30:46

Prospector, that was the courtesy at our marina when I was a kid, too. I was (partly) joking about them wanting to protect their boat. And as you can probably tell, I'm not ashamed to ask for (or receive) help!

Dave, it is a Honda. I plan on looking at the jets once I get the engine off for the season. Thanks for the suggestion of marine Stabil, and the separator. I wasn't aware there were separators; that sounds like a good idea.

Edited by - JimGo on 10/24/2011 07:32:21

NCBrew
Captain

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USA
338 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 07:36:25

Try to turn up the idle stop screw. A few more RPMs should stop the stalling.

Edited by - on

NCBrew
Captain

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USA
338 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 07:39:54

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by NCBrew
 I don't think it is an old fuel problem since you said you changed it.
Try to turn up the idle stop screw. A few more RPMs should stop the stalling.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Edited by - on

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 08:29:54

Agree with Dave. My honda 8 exhibited the exact same symptoms (at the absolute worst times) and a cleaning of the idle jet was the ticket.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 17:52:14

Thanks guys!

Edited by - on

wegman
1st Mate

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USA
35 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2011 : 12:52:59

Sometimes the ethanol in gasoline can cause problems. There are "anti-ethanol" additives available. There also may be one gas station in the area that sells ethanol-free gas.

Edited by - on

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