Caution: Leaking Knotmenter fittings for ST60 series

[artboas]

In all due respect...

Wouldn't it be a grand idea to just pull the transducer/s and or plugs and leave the hole open for the winter? Allow any water out and air in to help keep the boat dry. Just saying

It 's a horrible idea. I can guarantee you that out of 100 people doing this, 5 would launch, and forget to put in the dummy plug. It's because firstly, we're all human, and secondly launch time is usually a big rush with lots of stuff going on at the last minute.
Which brings me to a really good tip for everyone.

Ok.., everyone reading this put up your hand if you've done the following: (no fibbing)
Clean your water intake strainer, and then forget to open up your water intake through hull, untill you reach the "oh sh*t" moment when you realize your exhaust isn't putting out water.
Well, here's a great tip:
Every time you shut off your engine water intake through hull, tape your ignition key to the through hull handle.
You'll either spend 2 weeks trying to remember where you left your key, or you'll go "oh yes, good thing I did that"
Either way, it is an excellent procedure for aging memories (such as mine)

 

[artboas]

Just spoke to Aimar again

It 's a horrible idea. I can guarantee you that out of 100 people doing this, 5 would launch, and forget to put in the dummy plug. It's because firstly, we're all human, and secondly launch time is usually a big rush with lots of stuff going on at the last minute.
Which brings me to a really good tip for everyone.

Ok.., everyone reading this put up your hand if you've done the following: (no fibbing)
Clean your water intake strainer, and then forget to open up your water intake through hull, untill you reach the "oh sh*t" moment when you realize your exhaust isn't putting out water.
Well, here's a great tip:
Every time you shut off your engine water intake through hull, tape your ignition key to the through hull handle.
You'll either spend 2 weeks trying to remember where you left your key, or you'll go "oh yes, good thing I did that"
Either way, it is an excellent procedure for aging memories (such as mine)

Had an excellent chat with Airmar, and they want to do everything possible to ensure this situation is avoided in the future.
They totally agree that placing a very noticeable tag right on the transducer handle is the best way to alert owners, and are planning to institute this ASAP.
Rarely do I have such a supportive dialog with a manufacturer (except Hunter of course), and it was a pleasure to deal with them.
I suggest that everyone, as stated, drain the water from these fittings right after haul-out in the fall.

 

[robertsapp]

Re: Just spoke to Aimar again

I am constantly amazed by the problems I read about that are directly related to living where the water gets hard - things that would never occur to me in a million years to worry about. It definitely confirms my conviction to only do tropical cruising when we retire - no cold weather sailing for us! It introduces too many problems that we thin blooded dwellers of the southern climes are not equipped to handle. Plus we don't have the wardrobe for it.

 

[Rick486]

I am constantly amazed by the problems I read about that are directly related to living where the water gets hard - things that would never occur to me in a million years to worry about. It definitely confirms my conviction to only do tropical cruising when we retire - no cold weather sailing for us! It introduces too many problems that we thin blooded dwellers of the southern climes are not equipped to handle. Plus we don't have the wardrobe for it.

Hear, hear. Well said. A sailor should never live north of the first palm tree