Although most of us will almost always sail without using our engines when time and weather permit, most of us at one time or another rely on the old “iron genny”. We use these noisy, smelly, expensive devices to get us to and from our slips and sometimes to push us through narrow, current-intensive areas that would otherwise be impractical to navigate under sail. But like anything else, things can and do go wrong. Do you prepare for the unexpected and have contingency plans in case of mechanical failure? Share with us some stories of unexpected breakdowns and how you handled them, then vote in the Quick Quiz on the home page. (Discussion topic and quiz by Trevor MacLachlan)
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murphy's engine
nothing overly innovative here... i've got your high powered jumper (for the dread dead battery discovery)... i carry a full assortment of tools and spares (filters, hoses, hose repair, clamps, oil, impeller, belts)... and i subscribe to vessel assist... i gotta say, good usable ground tackle is a must too... sometimes it's easiest to just find a suitable spot and drop the hook so that repairs can be made... the thing that's actually come in handy though, has been finding two very 'landable' spots in my marina (a very long 'inspection' dock and the easy to get to pump out station), and ACTUALLY sailed/docked to them in practice... so in a pinch, i don't need to sail into my slip... Lynda '78 Islander 36'
nothing overly innovative here... i've got your high powered jumper (for the dread dead battery discovery)... i carry a full assortment of tools and spares (filters, hoses, hose repair, clamps, oil, impeller, belts)... and i subscribe to vessel assist... i gotta say, good usable ground tackle is a must too... sometimes it's easiest to just find a suitable spot and drop the hook so that repairs can be made... the thing that's actually come in handy though, has been finding two very 'landable' spots in my marina (a very long 'inspection' dock and the easy to get to pump out station), and ACTUALLY sailed/docked to them in practice... so in a pinch, i don't need to sail into my slip... Lynda '78 Islander 36'
Hey Trevor!
I was going to ask before the first response; You don't expect us MEN to admit to engine failure here, do you? That's like admitting our ----- is too small! Of course, the first response was from a lady.
I was going to ask before the first response; You don't expect us MEN to admit to engine failure here, do you? That's like admitting our ----- is too small! Of course, the first response was from a lady.
Always Attach Anchor and All Sails
Been there, done that. I will never again leave port with anchor unattached and sails stowed below! Engine died and left me in high winds blowing me directly to proverbial lee shore. If I had anchor attached, no problem. If sails were not below, no problem. Never again. Ended up going under peer!
Been there, done that. I will never again leave port with anchor unattached and sails stowed below! Engine died and left me in high winds blowing me directly to proverbial lee shore. If I had anchor attached, no problem. If sails were not below, no problem. Never again. Ended up going under peer!
Trouble
I have lost my engine a number of times and have relied on sailing the boat up to the dock, fixxing the engine and continuing, and using the anchor in a hurry. The unexpected is always upon us and it is a good idea to play the mental game of what you would do if.... My last adventure found me with a split water hose. Therr was enough wind to move me at a couple of knots, but I was able to fix the split hose with that rubber, non sticky tape that clings to itself and backing it up with, what else but, duct tape. I keep lots of stuff like this on board.
I have lost my engine a number of times and have relied on sailing the boat up to the dock, fixxing the engine and continuing, and using the anchor in a hurry. The unexpected is always upon us and it is a good idea to play the mental game of what you would do if.... My last adventure found me with a split water hose. Therr was enough wind to move me at a couple of knots, but I was able to fix the split hose with that rubber, non sticky tape that clings to itself and backing it up with, what else but, duct tape. I keep lots of stuff like this on board.
You only need a few things
Multi-tool, duct tape, WD-40, and hose clamps. I think you can fix anything with these 4 items. Anything!
Multi-tool, duct tape, WD-40, and hose clamps. I think you can fix anything with these 4 items. Anything!
Been There
Like most, I don't leave the slip without ground tackle ready to go, and sail cover off, sails ready to hoist if needed. I also have a pretty complete set of spares and tools on board. I'm probably going to jinx myself here (but I've got all winter to wait it out), but I've only been out once where I couldn't start the engine. had been single handing on a beautiful summer day and was even out flying the spinnaker solo. Of course I had 'Otto Pilot' helping me at the wheel. Well, I made the mistake of leaving the battery switch on ALL, and wouldn't you know it, Otto went and used up so much juice, I couldn't crank the engine. What to do? What to do? I'll be honest and say that it was time spent here at HOW that taught me about lifting compression levers, getting the engine spinning easier that way, then releasing them to start. The challenge in front of me was that my engine (and the 3 levers) are down in the cabin under the stairs, my starter button is up in the cockpit, and I'm out by myself. So, all powered items off, lock the wheel and trim sails to hold a steady course, go below, lift stairs, lift levers, tie string around each of the three levers, climb over hole where stairs normally are, cross fingers, push button, engines spins, count to 3, pull string, pop, pop, pop, she starts right up, and away we go! I haven't missed the battery switch since.
Like most, I don't leave the slip without ground tackle ready to go, and sail cover off, sails ready to hoist if needed. I also have a pretty complete set of spares and tools on board. I'm probably going to jinx myself here (but I've got all winter to wait it out), but I've only been out once where I couldn't start the engine. had been single handing on a beautiful summer day and was even out flying the spinnaker solo. Of course I had 'Otto Pilot' helping me at the wheel. Well, I made the mistake of leaving the battery switch on ALL, and wouldn't you know it, Otto went and used up so much juice, I couldn't crank the engine. What to do? What to do? I'll be honest and say that it was time spent here at HOW that taught me about lifting compression levers, getting the engine spinning easier that way, then releasing them to start. The challenge in front of me was that my engine (and the 3 levers) are down in the cabin under the stairs, my starter button is up in the cockpit, and I'm out by myself. So, all powered items off, lock the wheel and trim sails to hold a steady course, go below, lift stairs, lift levers, tie string around each of the three levers, climb over hole where stairs normally are, cross fingers, push button, engines spins, count to 3, pull string, pop, pop, pop, she starts right up, and away we go! I haven't missed the battery switch since.
Engine...
Need to use my engine about 20 minutes to get out every day I go sailing... and again coming back in. Our mooring is in an area of stong tidal current; lobster bouys; flukey winds. Radio, anchor, and Sea-Tow are all I need. Sails do little good.
Need to use my engine about 20 minutes to get out every day I go sailing... and again coming back in. Our mooring is in an area of stong tidal current; lobster bouys; flukey winds. Radio, anchor, and Sea-Tow are all I need. Sails do little good.
Lucky?
I guess I've been lucky in that I've never had engine trouble on the water. Of course - I maintain the engine (a venerable Universal M-18) by the book and carry a spare belt & impeller in addition to the usual tools, oil, & tape. What trouble I've had on the water was because of weather rather than mechanical breakdowns. Bill on STARGAZER
I guess I've been lucky in that I've never had engine trouble on the water. Of course - I maintain the engine (a venerable Universal M-18) by the book and carry a spare belt & impeller in addition to the usual tools, oil, & tape. What trouble I've had on the water was because of weather rather than mechanical breakdowns. Bill on STARGAZER
Outboard quit
Several years ago with our first boat, a Benny 235, a buddy and I went sailing out on the ocean for the day. Normally we just sailed the back bays of New Jersey but conditions were calling for a nice breeze so out we went. The breeze continued to build and we decided to head for home after some awesome sailing. To get back we had to enter Great Egg Harbor Inlet. The seas had built enough that they were large and breaking most of the way in. Somewhere about the half way point one biggie got us and we surfed it for several moments. When we came down the force of the water tried to punch the outboard off the transom. Fortunately I had tighented it down that morning before departing. While it was now on a 45 degree angle and had shut off on us there was no way or time to reseat it in those conditions as we had breaking seas all around us in a narrow and twisting inlet. We unfurled the genny as fast as we could and used it to beat in the remainder of the way. Time seemed to stand still as the best we could make was about 2-3 kts and still had to navigate past a channel marker and shoal that seemed to move with us. Once in calmer waters we were able to reseat and start the motor. Oh yea we also found a nice little spot to drop the hook and recharge ourselves. I cannot recall having my mouth be so dry or being that stressed before or since. I took a number of lessons from that experience. Head in before you think you should, always have a contingency plan, have faith in yourself and your boat and always be prepared for anything. Had we not had the genny ready to go we'd have been in deep trouble. To this day I make sure I can hoist sail or drop anchor at a moments notice. Mike
Several years ago with our first boat, a Benny 235, a buddy and I went sailing out on the ocean for the day. Normally we just sailed the back bays of New Jersey but conditions were calling for a nice breeze so out we went. The breeze continued to build and we decided to head for home after some awesome sailing. To get back we had to enter Great Egg Harbor Inlet. The seas had built enough that they were large and breaking most of the way in. Somewhere about the half way point one biggie got us and we surfed it for several moments. When we came down the force of the water tried to punch the outboard off the transom. Fortunately I had tighented it down that morning before departing. While it was now on a 45 degree angle and had shut off on us there was no way or time to reseat it in those conditions as we had breaking seas all around us in a narrow and twisting inlet. We unfurled the genny as fast as we could and used it to beat in the remainder of the way. Time seemed to stand still as the best we could make was about 2-3 kts and still had to navigate past a channel marker and shoal that seemed to move with us. Once in calmer waters we were able to reseat and start the motor. Oh yea we also found a nice little spot to drop the hook and recharge ourselves. I cannot recall having my mouth be so dry or being that stressed before or since. I took a number of lessons from that experience. Head in before you think you should, always have a contingency plan, have faith in yourself and your boat and always be prepared for anything. Had we not had the genny ready to go we'd have been in deep trouble. To this day I make sure I can hoist sail or drop anchor at a moments notice. Mike
A prudent mariners float plan
should always include thinking through the "what ifs" What if my fuel filter clogs? What if my batteries go dead? What if my engine overheats? What if there is smoke in the cabin, oil in the bilge, what if there is excessive noise and zero oil pressure? After reviewing the "what ifs" you will probably be like me and do your engine maintenance, and inspections early and often. Still, on the way out of the Emery Cove channel one day, my dad came up the companionway and informed me that our C36 had water above the floor boards! A quick glance at the gauges showed water temp and oil pressure OK. No bilge alarm was on. I traded my Dad the helm and rushed below to check the situation. Turned out to be the fresh water pump spraying coolant under the engine cover. Now a less cautious crew might have gone sailing anyway. Might have gambled that the wind would hold for the ride back home. We turned tail, unfurled the jib retreated back to the marina. Now, I know all you awesome sailors out there wouild have deftly sailed right back to you slip, but my skills are more modest. We started the engine for some criticle turns and again so we had brakes when docking. Running only for short spurts we kept the temperature down. My dead battery story has already been covered in this thread. Suffice to say you should know where your compression release is and how to use it. Mark Wieber
should always include thinking through the "what ifs" What if my fuel filter clogs? What if my batteries go dead? What if my engine overheats? What if there is smoke in the cabin, oil in the bilge, what if there is excessive noise and zero oil pressure? After reviewing the "what ifs" you will probably be like me and do your engine maintenance, and inspections early and often. Still, on the way out of the Emery Cove channel one day, my dad came up the companionway and informed me that our C36 had water above the floor boards! A quick glance at the gauges showed water temp and oil pressure OK. No bilge alarm was on. I traded my Dad the helm and rushed below to check the situation. Turned out to be the fresh water pump spraying coolant under the engine cover. Now a less cautious crew might have gone sailing anyway. Might have gambled that the wind would hold for the ride back home. We turned tail, unfurled the jib retreated back to the marina. Now, I know all you awesome sailors out there wouild have deftly sailed right back to you slip, but my skills are more modest. We started the engine for some criticle turns and again so we had brakes when docking. Running only for short spurts we kept the temperature down. My dead battery story has already been covered in this thread. Suffice to say you should know where your compression release is and how to use it. Mark Wieber
Lots To Do Over The Years
1. I had an Johnson 6hp that literally rotted away, but ran like a champ until the end. 2, I replaced the Johnson with a Chrysler 15 that would hardly start and ran like a dog. 3. I replaced the Chrysler with a Suzuki 6hp which was a gem of an engine. 4. I had a Sears Gamefisher 2 hp dinghy OB that weighed about six ounces, would run a week on a half-pint of fuel, would wake the dead and absolutely REFUSED to start after sunset. (Ideas Fred F.?) It is hanging on the garage wall. I once overhauled it after a salt-water dunking with a pliers and screwdriver and used suntan oil for lubrication. 5. I have had two 3.5hp Tohatsus that are wonderful engines. Had to replace a cap on one, a fuel shut off on another and had to overhaul the carb twice because of stale gas (my fault). Did it in the dinghy. Takes two beers. 6. I had an atomic four gas in a Columbia 28. It would stall in the damndest places until I figured out it had water in the fuel and it fouled up the carb. One last cleaning and a BIG filter/water seperator and all was well. Great little engine. Quiet, no odor and no vibration. A real pleasure. 7. Had an 8hp Yanmar single in an O'day 27. I think it had an ten gallon tank and it had a range of about 300 miles if I recall correctly. It vibrated loose it's exhaust manifold and was always blowing starter fuses. It would vibrate your eyeballs loose, but ran forever and hardly used any fuel. 8. I had a 27hp three cyl Yanmar in a 32 Hunter Vision that liked to clog up an exhaust elbow a lot until I figured out I needed to run her hard. She was rebuilt after tossing a rod when a defective rod bolt broke. $375 fifteen years ago to get towed to my slip 150 yards down a narrow channel. Glad I had towing insurance and that there was plenty of wind to sail back from Catalina. Put 1000 hours on her. 9. Current aux. is a 50 hp four cyl Yanmar on a Hunter Legend 40.5. Good engine. Replaced the anti-syphon valve on the intake. Has a problematic oil pressure sending unit. I have put 1500 hours on her. 10. Also have a four cyl 22hp Grey Marine gas engine in a 1915 launch. That puppy is a PITA. I just replaced the second set of valve springs in 20 hours and am mystified as to the cause. (Any ideas Fred? She's a side valve Continental block.) I keep a spare set of belts, filters, gaskets and impellers aboard along with a pretty full set of tools. I do most of my own service work and find that often helps me to discover some things needing attention before they become a problem. Oh, always carry some tools in the dinghy too with some shear pins! Rick D.
1. I had an Johnson 6hp that literally rotted away, but ran like a champ until the end. 2, I replaced the Johnson with a Chrysler 15 that would hardly start and ran like a dog. 3. I replaced the Chrysler with a Suzuki 6hp which was a gem of an engine. 4. I had a Sears Gamefisher 2 hp dinghy OB that weighed about six ounces, would run a week on a half-pint of fuel, would wake the dead and absolutely REFUSED to start after sunset. (Ideas Fred F.?) It is hanging on the garage wall. I once overhauled it after a salt-water dunking with a pliers and screwdriver and used suntan oil for lubrication. 5. I have had two 3.5hp Tohatsus that are wonderful engines. Had to replace a cap on one, a fuel shut off on another and had to overhaul the carb twice because of stale gas (my fault). Did it in the dinghy. Takes two beers. 6. I had an atomic four gas in a Columbia 28. It would stall in the damndest places until I figured out it had water in the fuel and it fouled up the carb. One last cleaning and a BIG filter/water seperator and all was well. Great little engine. Quiet, no odor and no vibration. A real pleasure. 7. Had an 8hp Yanmar single in an O'day 27. I think it had an ten gallon tank and it had a range of about 300 miles if I recall correctly. It vibrated loose it's exhaust manifold and was always blowing starter fuses. It would vibrate your eyeballs loose, but ran forever and hardly used any fuel. 8. I had a 27hp three cyl Yanmar in a 32 Hunter Vision that liked to clog up an exhaust elbow a lot until I figured out I needed to run her hard. She was rebuilt after tossing a rod when a defective rod bolt broke. $375 fifteen years ago to get towed to my slip 150 yards down a narrow channel. Glad I had towing insurance and that there was plenty of wind to sail back from Catalina. Put 1000 hours on her. 9. Current aux. is a 50 hp four cyl Yanmar on a Hunter Legend 40.5. Good engine. Replaced the anti-syphon valve on the intake. Has a problematic oil pressure sending unit. I have put 1500 hours on her. 10. Also have a four cyl 22hp Grey Marine gas engine in a 1915 launch. That puppy is a PITA. I just replaced the second set of valve springs in 20 hours and am mystified as to the cause. (Any ideas Fred? She's a side valve Continental block.) I keep a spare set of belts, filters, gaskets and impellers aboard along with a pretty full set of tools. I do most of my own service work and find that often helps me to discover some things needing attention before they become a problem. Oh, always carry some tools in the dinghy too with some shear pins! Rick D.
MURPHYS LAW
DID YOU EVER THINK A BAD EXPERIENCE WAS PLANNED FOR YOU BEFORE YOU WERE EVEN BORN, SORT OF LIKE A NOSTRADAMUS THING. I DO. HAPPENED TO ME AND MY FATHER 50 YEARS APART. WOW HOW COULD THAT HAPPEN. WELL DID YOU EVER HAVE AN INTENSE HUNGER TO GO SAILING, YOU KNOW HOW IT HAPPENS, A BAD DAY AT WORK, OR NO DAMN WINDS FOR 3 WEEKENDS IN A ROW. I LEFT PORT ON A BEAUTIFUL AFTERNOON, JUST FOR A QUICK SUNSET CRUISE. NO TIME TO CALL FOR COMPANY, AND THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GOING TO MISS THIS ONE! I DIDNT MENTION MY THROTTLE CABLE WAS SLIPPING, BUT WHO NEEDS IT IF THE OCEAN IS AS SMOOTH AS A BATH TUB WITH NORTH WINDS AROUND 6 KNOTS. I HAD THE 150% UP AND I WAS RELAXING WITH THE LAST WARM GLOW OF THE SUN ON MY FACE IN JANUARY, AND THEN SUDDENLY WINDS PICKED UP TO 20 KNOTS FROM BEHIND. THE BOAT TOOK OFF LIKE A ROCKET TOWARDS THE INLET JETTY 300 YDS BEYOND. I WAS OUT OF CONTROL, AND TRIED TO START THE ENGINE. IT STARTED UP OK BUT THE TROTTLE WAS SLIPPING AS I TRIED TO GET OVER 1000 RPM. NO DICE. QUICK THINKING MADE ME LOOSEN THE SHEETS, SO I COULD TURN UP WIND TO ROLL UP THE JIB. I GOT IT 1/2 WAY ROLLED UP AND IT TANGLED WITH THE SPREADERS. NOW THE JETTY WAS 100 YDS AT MY STERN AND GETTING CLOSER. THE EXTRA WINDAGE WAS DEFEATING WHAT PROP THRUST I HAD AT 1300 RPM NOW. VERY SCARY IMAGES WERE PASSING THRU MY MIND WHEN FEAR TRIGGERED A BETTER IDEA. HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF IT YET. NO, THERE WAS NO TIME FOR THE ANCHOR, TOO STEEP A SCOPE TO HOLD. I LOOKED UP AT THE HEAVENS AND SAW MY MAIN WAS STILL UP. INSTEAD OF FIGHTING THE WIND AT 0 DEGREES, I FELL OFF TO 45 AND SAILED AWAY FROM THE JETTY. BECAUSE OF THE ANGLE, I BEACHED IT ON A SANDBAR FOR 3 HOURS BEFORE I GOT OFF, AND GOT BACK TO THE HARBOR. ALONG WITH THE GREAT RELIEF OF SAVING THE BOAT, I LEARNED A GREAT LESSON. WHEN SOMETHING ISNT RIGHT, THINK ABOUT MURPHYS LAW.... MY FATHER HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE 50 YRS EARLIER WITH A BROKEN KEY FOR THE IGNITION. HE MUST HAVE TOLD ME 100 TIMES... IT ALL STARTED THE SAME WAY. IT WAS TOO GOOD A DAY TO SKIP, AND WHEN HE COULDNT FIND A SCREW DRIVER FAST ENOUGH TO RESTART THE ENGINE, HE DRIFTED INTO A DRAW BRIDGE HE JUST PASSED THRU, AND BROKE THE MAST. ILL NEVER FORGET THAT STORY NOW.
DID YOU EVER THINK A BAD EXPERIENCE WAS PLANNED FOR YOU BEFORE YOU WERE EVEN BORN, SORT OF LIKE A NOSTRADAMUS THING. I DO. HAPPENED TO ME AND MY FATHER 50 YEARS APART. WOW HOW COULD THAT HAPPEN. WELL DID YOU EVER HAVE AN INTENSE HUNGER TO GO SAILING, YOU KNOW HOW IT HAPPENS, A BAD DAY AT WORK, OR NO DAMN WINDS FOR 3 WEEKENDS IN A ROW. I LEFT PORT ON A BEAUTIFUL AFTERNOON, JUST FOR A QUICK SUNSET CRUISE. NO TIME TO CALL FOR COMPANY, AND THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GOING TO MISS THIS ONE! I DIDNT MENTION MY THROTTLE CABLE WAS SLIPPING, BUT WHO NEEDS IT IF THE OCEAN IS AS SMOOTH AS A BATH TUB WITH NORTH WINDS AROUND 6 KNOTS. I HAD THE 150% UP AND I WAS RELAXING WITH THE LAST WARM GLOW OF THE SUN ON MY FACE IN JANUARY, AND THEN SUDDENLY WINDS PICKED UP TO 20 KNOTS FROM BEHIND. THE BOAT TOOK OFF LIKE A ROCKET TOWARDS THE INLET JETTY 300 YDS BEYOND. I WAS OUT OF CONTROL, AND TRIED TO START THE ENGINE. IT STARTED UP OK BUT THE TROTTLE WAS SLIPPING AS I TRIED TO GET OVER 1000 RPM. NO DICE. QUICK THINKING MADE ME LOOSEN THE SHEETS, SO I COULD TURN UP WIND TO ROLL UP THE JIB. I GOT IT 1/2 WAY ROLLED UP AND IT TANGLED WITH THE SPREADERS. NOW THE JETTY WAS 100 YDS AT MY STERN AND GETTING CLOSER. THE EXTRA WINDAGE WAS DEFEATING WHAT PROP THRUST I HAD AT 1300 RPM NOW. VERY SCARY IMAGES WERE PASSING THRU MY MIND WHEN FEAR TRIGGERED A BETTER IDEA. HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF IT YET. NO, THERE WAS NO TIME FOR THE ANCHOR, TOO STEEP A SCOPE TO HOLD. I LOOKED UP AT THE HEAVENS AND SAW MY MAIN WAS STILL UP. INSTEAD OF FIGHTING THE WIND AT 0 DEGREES, I FELL OFF TO 45 AND SAILED AWAY FROM THE JETTY. BECAUSE OF THE ANGLE, I BEACHED IT ON A SANDBAR FOR 3 HOURS BEFORE I GOT OFF, AND GOT BACK TO THE HARBOR. ALONG WITH THE GREAT RELIEF OF SAVING THE BOAT, I LEARNED A GREAT LESSON. WHEN SOMETHING ISNT RIGHT, THINK ABOUT MURPHYS LAW.... MY FATHER HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE 50 YRS EARLIER WITH A BROKEN KEY FOR THE IGNITION. HE MUST HAVE TOLD ME 100 TIMES... IT ALL STARTED THE SAME WAY. IT WAS TOO GOOD A DAY TO SKIP, AND WHEN HE COULDNT FIND A SCREW DRIVER FAST ENOUGH TO RESTART THE ENGINE, HE DRIFTED INTO A DRAW BRIDGE HE JUST PASSED THRU, AND BROKE THE MAST. ILL NEVER FORGET THAT STORY NOW.
motor breakdown
I was motoring up to the mooring and went to back down. Nothing happened, so I tried more throttle, still nothing, so I tried forward, still nothing. Well this is good! Drift onto rocks or crash other boats. Extra long lunge, with rapidly extended boat hook snagged it by a fraction of an inch. Last minute lunging and overreaching are bad ideas, so I tried not to overdue it. I stayed on the boat. One-year-old Honda 9.9 shift cable had popped off the shift arm inside the motor. Somewhat feeble non-positive locking clamps on arm, could not handle the slightly out of line force developed by a somewhat bent cable from the factory, it was a new H260. Now clamps are held positively in place by that really good stretchy rigging tape. What did sailors do in the days before motors when they couldn't sail out of trouble? Reading up on this subject, I found that there is this device called an anchor that they found very useful for more than lunch. Now the anchor is on the roller, with it arranged so it can be deployed from the cockpit with ease
I was motoring up to the mooring and went to back down. Nothing happened, so I tried more throttle, still nothing, so I tried forward, still nothing. Well this is good! Drift onto rocks or crash other boats. Extra long lunge, with rapidly extended boat hook snagged it by a fraction of an inch. Last minute lunging and overreaching are bad ideas, so I tried not to overdue it. I stayed on the boat. One-year-old Honda 9.9 shift cable had popped off the shift arm inside the motor. Somewhat feeble non-positive locking clamps on arm, could not handle the slightly out of line force developed by a somewhat bent cable from the factory, it was a new H260. Now clamps are held positively in place by that really good stretchy rigging tape. What did sailors do in the days before motors when they couldn't sail out of trouble? Reading up on this subject, I found that there is this device called an anchor that they found very useful for more than lunch. Now the anchor is on the roller, with it arranged so it can be deployed from the cockpit with ease
For some things, you need Roses
We all know that Duck Tape is like "The Force", it has a dark side a light side, and holds the universe together. Multi-tools, hose clamps, WD40 (Starts stuborn diesles great) BUT, as far as fixing "everything" you need to include Roses I also liked the idea of fastening specific tools to items that you might have to change in a panic. A spanner for my salt water intake screen. The wreches required to change the fuel filters. Etc.
We all know that Duck Tape is like "The Force", it has a dark side a light side, and holds the universe together. Multi-tools, hose clamps, WD40 (Starts stuborn diesles great) BUT, as far as fixing "everything" you need to include Roses
I also liked the idea of fastening specific tools to items that you might have to change in a panic. A spanner for my salt water intake screen. The wreches required to change the fuel filters. Etc.Tempted
to sail into our slip, when the wind is right, and I am confident, even when singlehandling our Catalina 34, the "wind power" approach to our slip is a manuever first learned with engine running, geared in neutral, ready to help if needed. As confidence grew ( someone once told me if you can sail in the lightest of wind you can sail ) I would wait until making the last turn to slip to start the engine to help arrest forward motion. Last time doing this, I realized ( were the engine not to start ) that committment to sailing without the engine validates recognition of really sailing ( without the engine. ) Get it? It works! A wind that cooperates, a main sail that falls freely and a head sail that rolls quickly and dock lookie loos helping make it work. Someone told me at their dock one was not allowed to sail into the slip. Not allowed, you say? I'm glad I allowed myself the learning experience. Maybe more people could better learn to sail if they did not always depend on their engine. Allowed themselves real sailing experiences?
to sail into our slip, when the wind is right, and I am confident, even when singlehandling our Catalina 34, the "wind power" approach to our slip is a manuever first learned with engine running, geared in neutral, ready to help if needed. As confidence grew ( someone once told me if you can sail in the lightest of wind you can sail ) I would wait until making the last turn to slip to start the engine to help arrest forward motion. Last time doing this, I realized ( were the engine not to start ) that committment to sailing without the engine validates recognition of really sailing ( without the engine. ) Get it? It works! A wind that cooperates, a main sail that falls freely and a head sail that rolls quickly and dock lookie loos helping make it work. Someone told me at their dock one was not allowed to sail into the slip. Not allowed, you say? I'm glad I allowed myself the learning experience. Maybe more people could better learn to sail if they did not always depend on their engine. Allowed themselves real sailing experiences?
Jib
I have sailed in and out of my slip just to practice in case. Mostly I motor out and set sail depending on the winds. Before I leave the slip, I always uncleat my furler line so I can deploy the jib immediately if required. I spent many a sail under the foresail alone and learned how the boat handles. I also had an occasion with my last boat, 74 Catalina 27, when I was moving it (solo) from Bay St. Louis, MS to the new home at the Keesler AFB, MS marina, This is a 34 mile trip. My 9.9 Evinrude died 4 miles into my planned 7 hour trip. Winds were scheduled to be favorable 5 - 10 but were actually light and variable. 16 hours and one tow by a fisherman under a bridge where the 3 knot current opposed my 0.7 knot sailing speed, and I was home. The morale - know how your boat sails under any condition, especially very light winds, be prepared to either stop or use the sail.
I have sailed in and out of my slip just to practice in case. Mostly I motor out and set sail depending on the winds. Before I leave the slip, I always uncleat my furler line so I can deploy the jib immediately if required. I spent many a sail under the foresail alone and learned how the boat handles. I also had an occasion with my last boat, 74 Catalina 27, when I was moving it (solo) from Bay St. Louis, MS to the new home at the Keesler AFB, MS marina, This is a 34 mile trip. My 9.9 Evinrude died 4 miles into my planned 7 hour trip. Winds were scheduled to be favorable 5 - 10 but were actually light and variable. 16 hours and one tow by a fisherman under a bridge where the 3 knot current opposed my 0.7 knot sailing speed, and I was home. The morale - know how your boat sails under any condition, especially very light winds, be prepared to either stop or use the sail.
My experience was not as exciting as some but I
learned a few things. I was headed out to the course on race day with our 280 and got about 300 yds when the temp alarm went off. Oh Crap! Quickly shut it down and dove below and opened the engine cover. No obvious signs so I started at the raw water intake. Valve open - check; hoses clamped and no visible splits - check, but the strainer looked odd. I pulled the intake-to-strainer hose off the strainer and nothing came out. Blocked intake. Tried blowing through the hose - no dice. I tried harder; got real red in the face - no dice. Asked the admiral if we had a coat hanger . . . nope. She suggested our float pump (yea right). Not having any other immediate ideas, I located it, pulled the little nozzle off and saw it had a perfect fit into the hose. Pushed hard a couple of times on the pump handle and whoosh/gurgle the plug (of whatever) blow out the thru-hull and was clear. Hastily put everything back together and all was fine. We got to the starting line about 10 minutes late but had a go at it anyway.
learned a few things. I was headed out to the course on race day with our 280 and got about 300 yds when the temp alarm went off. Oh Crap! Quickly shut it down and dove below and opened the engine cover. No obvious signs so I started at the raw water intake. Valve open - check; hoses clamped and no visible splits - check, but the strainer looked odd. I pulled the intake-to-strainer hose off the strainer and nothing came out. Blocked intake. Tried blowing through the hose - no dice. I tried harder; got real red in the face - no dice. Asked the admiral if we had a coat hanger . . . nope. She suggested our float pump (yea right). Not having any other immediate ideas, I located it, pulled the little nozzle off and saw it had a perfect fit into the hose. Pushed hard a couple of times on the pump handle and whoosh/gurgle the plug (of whatever) blow out the thru-hull and was clear. Hastily put everything back together and all was fine. We got to the starting line about 10 minutes late but had a go at it anyway.
Slocum couldn't do it
Everyone on here that says they sail into the slip when the engine is down must have a lot more room than any of the marinas around here. Mine is 1/4 mile down a congested and narrow channel, turn 90 degrees, 50 yards between the docks lined with slips, 90 degrees again to a slip with 2 feet of clearance between me and the next boat. OK, maybe Slocum could do it on a calm day if he had his sculling oar and a kedge anchor available, lol. I would sail near the marina and get my money's worth from the annual SEA TOW insurance.
Everyone on here that says they sail into the slip when the engine is down must have a lot more room than any of the marinas around here. Mine is 1/4 mile down a congested and narrow channel, turn 90 degrees, 50 yards between the docks lined with slips, 90 degrees again to a slip with 2 feet of clearance between me and the next boat. OK, maybe Slocum could do it on a calm day if he had his sculling oar and a kedge anchor available, lol. I would sail near the marina and get my money's worth from the annual SEA TOW insurance.
I have an end of pier north facing slip
with an approach posible from North , South or West. Maybe I could sail into my slip if the wind was out of the NNE at about 5. Sometimes I have trouble getting into that slip with an engine. I back in so I would make an approach from the west, turn hard into the wind and hope we stopped with a backwinded main. Then I would hope that we drifted bact to where we could manhandle the boat with the breakwater and piles for push and pull points. I can come along side a dock under sail but even that is tricky and the wind has to be right.
with an approach posible from North , South or West. Maybe I could sail into my slip if the wind was out of the NNE at about 5. Sometimes I have trouble getting into that slip with an engine. I back in so I would make an approach from the west, turn hard into the wind and hope we stopped with a backwinded main. Then I would hope that we drifted bact to where we could manhandle the boat with the breakwater and piles for push and pull points. I can come along side a dock under sail but even that is tricky and the wind has to be right.
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