Well, I'm back at the desk safe and sound, and in one piece from our trip up to the tip of the Bruce peninsula in Ontario on Lake Huron. All in all Lesley and I had a good time, but things got pretty scary twice. I thought some of you would appreciate hearing about our experiences. Earlier in the summer I experienced engine trouble which I traced to the fuel/water separator being full of water. Also the filter on the engine was waterlogged, so I emptied all, put in new filters and chalked it up to poor maintenance by the previous owner, and myself as a new owner. Engine ran great after that, until... Tuesday we were out in four foot seas in ten knot winds headed to an anchorage about an hour away when suddenly the rpm's dropped. I went below to check the separator, and sure enough it was full of water. I emptied it and got the engine up and running again but the rpm's continued to fluctuate as the water still in the lines was used up. I found that the only reliable position that I could maintain without the engine dying was to keep the rpm's at 3100. Well, as fate would have it what should happen along at that very moment but a large thunderstorm. We were about two miles out on a lee shore so I decided I'd better head out into the wind until the storm passed. When the waves reached 8' with the engine turning 3100 (which I couldn't reduce) the prop cleared the water a couple times, so I made the decision to risk a run into the bay, which by that time I was directly upwind of. I had anchored in this harbor a few nights before and had a bread crumb trail on my GPS to show me the exact course until I reached the channel marks. Running down those eight foot waves with their short sequence made for some more than interesting helmsmanship. Again I had to keep the revs up or risk stalling the engine. As we approached the bay the waves got even more interesting as the water became shallow, but the mouth was big enough to get through safely. Once inside we got to our anchorage and because the wind was blowing decided to set an additional anchor. I keep the spare anchor in a stern locker so once we got the main anchor set I brought it forward and manouvered the boat to have Lesley drop it. I had stupidly put it's loop over the bow cleat instead of tying it on, and, ... you guessed it ... we paid out all the scope and watched with horror as the loop slipped off the cleat and the line sank. Fortunately anchor #1 was good and stuck so we rode out the night securely. Next day I snorkeled for about an hour in twenty feet of water when I finally gave up. The water in the bay just wasn't clear enough to see the bottom. I did a thorough job of cleaning the fuel lines, and got the motor back humming along. I chalked the problem up to bad fuel somewhere along the way. Saturday, we left Kincardine, Ont. for the 46nm trip across Lake Huron back to Harbor Beach. Winds were 5-10 kts., predicted to increase to 10-20 in the afternoon, then reach gale force by evening. I decided to make all haste by sailing with main and jib, and with the motor running. Our course kept us nicely between close hauled and close reach (mostly close reach) so we were making 7 kts. most of the way. Our expected arrival time was 2 PM, plenty of time before the wind change. All of a sudden, about fifteen miles out of our destination the engine sputtered and died. Went down to the good ol' fuel separator and it was full -- of water. I emptied it, but must have gotten air in the line because the engine wouldn't start. Then of all the luck, the starter solenoid stuck on so I had to kill the battery switch. I decided that we could make 6 kts. under sail, so we should just keep heading to home. I notifed the Coast Guard the we would be coming in under sail, but once in the harbor would need assitance since it was looking like we would need to anchor out in gale force winds -- with only one anchor. Well, we made it into the harbor by about 3:30, the winds had definitely piped up to 15 kts. I headed up and dropped the sails while Lesley dropped the anchor in fifteen feet. After paying out 250 feet of scope we were dragging very quickly toward the rocks. Eventually the CG grabbed our anchor rode and towed us off -- within about 3 ft. of hitting the rocks. Once we were towed clear the coxswain hailed me and said "Captain, how close did you come to the rocks. over." "About 3 ft. over.", I replied. To which he said: "I usually try for two inches. over." (Ten thousand comedians out of work, and he's trying to be funny.) Eventually we borrowed two anchors from a friend in the marina, and got 'em all stuck for what I thought would be an interesting evening. But then suddenly, the wind just died. So we decided it was safe to go in tow alongside our friend's 28' power boat back to our slip -- where she sits all snug, and safe, and sound. Where is all the water coming from? I was chalking it up to bad fuel and poor maintenance, which might have been part of it. But upon inspection of the fuel filler screw cap, the o-ring is entirely shot. All cracked, and split, and hard. The other caps -- water fill, and holding tank -- were the same or worse. The fuel filler is in such a position that water running down the rail is forced right over it. In calm waters the engine is fine because the tank doesn't get stirred up enough. On starboard tack, the boat heels over and the pick up line is on the port side of the tank so it's able to suck the water off the bottom if there's enough of it. What made the solenoid stick? I do not know. Once in the slip I was able to disconnect the wires, tap on it a few times, and now it seems fine. Where to go from here: - tank will be pumped dry of contents - new o-rings on all screw caps - fresh fuel - inspection of separator every time prior to leaving harbor - troubleshoot solenoid to see if it needs replacement - reassure my brand new beautiful wife that sailing is fun -- mostly
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Missing Anchor
Geoff: Were you in Stokes Bay when you lost the anchor? If so, how far from the government docks did you lose the hook? I'll be looking for your anchor next summer! We just came back from a 32 day trip to the North Channel, Georgian Bay, Bruce Peninsula etc etc. I can send your spouse pictures to remind her that sailing north is (usually) a wonderful experience! -Regards, Michael O' "Irish Mist"
Geoff: Were you in Stokes Bay when you lost the anchor? If so, how far from the government docks did you lose the hook? I'll be looking for your anchor next summer! We just came back from a 32 day trip to the North Channel, Georgian Bay, Bruce Peninsula etc etc. I can send your spouse pictures to remind her that sailing north is (usually) a wonderful experience! -Regards, Michael O' "Irish Mist"
Yes, indeed...
...it was Stokes Bay. We were anchored right against the north shore of Lyal Island in about 18 ft. I can even give you the lat/lon if you want. I'm buying a CQR to replace it. The reason we were out on the water during the storm was because we had tried to anchor in Warner Bay earlier in the day but it was too rocky to hook the bottom. Then with the experience of not being able to hook the bottom in Harbor Beach, I decided to spend the extra money on a CQR. As to your offer to inspire Lesley to keep sailing, I think I'd like that. Actually she is still excited. Just a little more cautious now. Thanks for your response.
...it was Stokes Bay. We were anchored right against the north shore of Lyal Island in about 18 ft. I can even give you the lat/lon if you want. I'm buying a CQR to replace it. The reason we were out on the water during the storm was because we had tried to anchor in Warner Bay earlier in the day but it was too rocky to hook the bottom. Then with the experience of not being able to hook the bottom in Harbor Beach, I decided to spend the extra money on a CQR. As to your offer to inspire Lesley to keep sailing, I think I'd like that. Actually she is still excited. Just a little more cautious now. Thanks for your response.
Vacation Fun
Sure sounds like you guys had a real adventure vacation! Beats sittin' around the pool! I have only one small suggestion: I would replace the solenoid. It can't cost much, and it'd sure give me piece of mind! Enjoy! Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass Ett
Sure sounds like you guys had a real adventure vacation! Beats sittin' around the pool! I have only one small suggestion: I would replace the solenoid. It can't cost much, and it'd sure give me piece of mind! Enjoy! Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass Ett
Plan for NEXT summer
After you get the new anchor(s), fix the water problems and replace the solonoid, find a way to take an extra week next summer. If you get past the Bruce peninsula, sail up to Killarney at the top of Georgian Bay. Lovely little port, great fish and chips, and lots of bears! We saw 12 of them (at the same time) this year. Bring your camera and hope you don't smell like fish.
After you get the new anchor(s), fix the water problems and replace the solonoid, find a way to take an extra week next summer. If you get past the Bruce peninsula, sail up to Killarney at the top of Georgian Bay. Lovely little port, great fish and chips, and lots of bears! We saw 12 of them (at the same time) this year. Bring your camera and hope you don't smell like fish.
Hunter 33.5 performance
Geoff, Sounds like "everything" conspired against you. Glad to hear that youmpersevered and are not throwing in the towel. One question: With all that you went through, the engine problems notwithstanding, how did the boat perform in the wind and wave conditions that caught you?
Geoff, Sounds like "everything" conspired against you. Glad to hear that youmpersevered and are not throwing in the towel. One question: With all that you went through, the engine problems notwithstanding, how did the boat perform in the wind and wave conditions that caught you?
Nice work Geoff!
Wow, and I thought we were the only ones that had those type of experiences! You did a good job with all those trying situations and it reminds me to check the filler cap on our 1998 H280 we are purchasing. Next time out you'll have a great,relaxing time we are sure. Pete & Crystal Shaw ~~Hobe Sound, Fl.
Wow, and I thought we were the only ones that had those type of experiences! You did a good job with all those trying situations and it reminds me to check the filler cap on our 1998 H280 we are purchasing. Next time out you'll have a great,relaxing time we are sure. Pete & Crystal Shaw ~~Hobe Sound, Fl.
A reply to Michael
Michael, You asked my opinion on how the boat handled the wind and waves. All in all I am very happy with the boat. If I'd been able to drop my revs. I think I could have headed to weather indefinitely. It was only when the prop. began clearing the water that I decided to turn tail. It does make me think seriously about a storm sail though. In that case, the engine wouldn't have been a factor. The really scary part was having to make the turn. I really did not want to be broadside in those waves. I waited until a big one passed then I picked my spot and went for it. Once we were running with them, steering took all of my concentration, because the boat wanted to slew a bit coming down the wave. But I must say that the helm response was always sure and swift. I am learning a lot this summer, and have no intentions of throwing in the towel. If anything, making it through these experiences gives me confidence to go back. We really like the boat. I think it can handle what mother nature throws at it. Then it's up to us to learn to handle the human factors. Best Regards, Geoff
Michael, You asked my opinion on how the boat handled the wind and waves. All in all I am very happy with the boat. If I'd been able to drop my revs. I think I could have headed to weather indefinitely. It was only when the prop. began clearing the water that I decided to turn tail. It does make me think seriously about a storm sail though. In that case, the engine wouldn't have been a factor. The really scary part was having to make the turn. I really did not want to be broadside in those waves. I waited until a big one passed then I picked my spot and went for it. Once we were running with them, steering took all of my concentration, because the boat wanted to slew a bit coming down the wave. But I must say that the helm response was always sure and swift. I am learning a lot this summer, and have no intentions of throwing in the towel. If anything, making it through these experiences gives me confidence to go back. We really like the boat. I think it can handle what mother nature throws at it. Then it's up to us to learn to handle the human factors. Best Regards, Geoff
Surfing.
Gives new meaning to the term "surfing" doesn't it? When a hull that big slides down a wave and then wants to veer off all I can see are rudder and helm parts falling off. It takes a lot of force to bring that baby back on course and I keep picturing the chain, cables, sheaves, and the rest that I maintain. Lee shores can be really scary on the Great Lakes. But you are right, that experience was worth any ten sailing classes. Good job!
Gives new meaning to the term "surfing" doesn't it? When a hull that big slides down a wave and then wants to veer off all I can see are rudder and helm parts falling off. It takes a lot of force to bring that baby back on course and I keep picturing the chain, cables, sheaves, and the rest that I maintain. Lee shores can be really scary on the Great Lakes. But you are right, that experience was worth any ten sailing classes. Good job!
Fun times!
Geoff, No sailing vacation would be complete without a couple of exciting moments! Thanks for the tip on the O rings. I will add them to my soon to be done maintenance list for my boat. I also upgraded the anchor on my 335 to a 35 pound CQR. While it was expensive, I've never had a problem dragging anchor. Thanks for sharing your story. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
Geoff, No sailing vacation would be complete without a couple of exciting moments! Thanks for the tip on the O rings. I will add them to my soon to be done maintenance list for my boat. I also upgraded the anchor on my 335 to a 35 pound CQR. While it was expensive, I've never had a problem dragging anchor. Thanks for sharing your story. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
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