OMG!! Maiden Voyage and hit the perfect storm.
- Thread starter luvitt
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This seems to be fairly common on a maiden voyage... It's like Poseiden is letting you know who is going to really be in control out there. I had a post regarding our maiden voyage in our old sailboat asking about lightning, which is one of the most scary things on the water. Here is the link, though when I google searched it I found it on several different forums, here is one http://forums.lancer.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=106150
Anyway, we dropped anchor to ride out the 3 severe thunderstorms with winds over 60kts at time with our 6 month old on board. We also had no visibility and it was scary with the lightning everywhere. After that I decided to get radar on my phone and I use it all the time now, very much worth the $3/month.
I stand by my decision to drop anchor and ride it out at the time vs steering the boat in a thunderstorm, with wheel steering now I am even more inclined to do the same instead of holding onto a stainless steel wheel.
I've done a decent amount of reading on lightning and there is no silver bullet, which bothers me since I spend most time out on the boat with the wife and kids.
Glad all worked out though, you will have a sense of bond with that boat even more so now that you know she held up well in those conditions, now it's time to try to build that confidence between you family and the boat which will only come with getting out in great conditions, shutting off the engine and sailing some great sails in. A few times out in great conditions will put this experience further back in their mind, but they (and you) will never forget this experience.
Anyway, we dropped anchor to ride out the 3 severe thunderstorms with winds over 60kts at time with our 6 month old on board. We also had no visibility and it was scary with the lightning everywhere. After that I decided to get radar on my phone and I use it all the time now, very much worth the $3/month.
I stand by my decision to drop anchor and ride it out at the time vs steering the boat in a thunderstorm, with wheel steering now I am even more inclined to do the same instead of holding onto a stainless steel wheel.
I've done a decent amount of reading on lightning and there is no silver bullet, which bothers me since I spend most time out on the boat with the wife and kids.
Glad all worked out though, you will have a sense of bond with that boat even more so now that you know she held up well in those conditions, now it's time to try to build that confidence between you family and the boat which will only come with getting out in great conditions, shutting off the engine and sailing some great sails in. A few times out in great conditions will put this experience further back in their mind, but they (and you) will never forget this experience.
Re: Okay, your FIRST mistake
Brobins, You called this a maiden voyage when it was really a shakedown cruise. You found a few things that need attention and you learned that the boat can take more of a storm than you and you crew are happy with. You can be reassured that nothing broke and nobody got hurt. She is a good boat. She stayed dry. She stayed on her feet and she answered the helm. Now it is for the crew to get as good as the boat. But to get folks to calm down take them on two hour boat rides around the harbor in very gentle weather and let them see others enjoying their boats.
Nancy was very concerned that it was much too rough for us one day as four kids on a sunfish sailed past us. She now tells me it is too rough for her.
Brobins, You called this a maiden voyage when it was really a shakedown cruise. You found a few things that need attention and you learned that the boat can take more of a storm than you and you crew are happy with. You can be reassured that nothing broke and nobody got hurt. She is a good boat. She stayed dry. She stayed on her feet and she answered the helm. Now it is for the crew to get as good as the boat. But to get folks to calm down take them on two hour boat rides around the harbor in very gentle weather and let them see others enjoying their boats.
Nancy was very concerned that it was much too rough for us one day as four kids on a sunfish sailed past us. She now tells me it is too rough for her.
If not already done, you'll one time stand at the dock and look at the boat and you'll remember that she served you well. And you'll walk away with a certain swagger you didn't have before.
"Home the hunter from the hills, home the sailor from the sea."
"Home the hunter from the hills, home the sailor from the sea."
This is by far your toughest year. More @#$% happened the first year than in every year I have sailed since. It is part of your education and the learning curve, like all, is steep at the start and then plateaus. During your first year it will be a tough time to break in other non-sailors. I highly recommend avoiding non-sailing passengers with weak constitutions during your first year. When you do take out a crew, take the time (which it sounds like you did) to educate them before you leave and before each maneuver. It provides both an opportunity for you to think through what you are doing and for the crew to develop confidence in the upcoming maneuver, because they are involved in it from the start.
I am very sorry to hear that you hit such rough weather during your trip and congratulate you on toughing it out so well. As far as your in-laws go...give them some time...then invite them out in a couple of years. My Wife REALLY had a tough time the first year...basically didn't even go on the boat the second year...and upon going out the third year complimented my on the drastic change in both my sailing ability and calm demeanor. It is just experience. The only way to gain it is to have some experiences. Some great...some awful... Look on the bright side. Nearly anything you go out in from here on will not be as bad as this!
I highly recommend that you work out what you need to go solo sailing. Many folks on here sail 35-40+ footers solo. Then get out as much as possible when the weather is reasonable. There are some pretty good articles out there regarding the weather, but that too will get easier with experience. There isn't a storm that can come within 30-60 minutes of me in my home waters without me knowing when I am on deck. It is just observation...when the skys are gray over the city of Boston I know something is coming. When in doubt, drop the sails, batten down the hatches and fire up the engine (which is essentially the state you were in when it hit).
Regarding the other part of the learning experience...I agree with Ross in that it is a mistake to combine a shakedown voyage with a maiden voyage. I do, however, understand how it happens. I busted my cookies getting my boat together for a 180 mile maiden voyage, but I was running out of time quickly and was lucky enough to find a fellow sailor on the dock who not only helped my align my drive train, but went on a brief maiden voyage with me. It was all of an hour, but it gave me more confidence in the boat's ability to make the maiden voyage. I then hired a professional Captain to make the trip with me, which I do not regret for a minute, even though it was roughly $1800. It turned out that the starter button needed replacing and the stuffing box needed adjusting the first day of the trip and that the Captain had essentially no mechanical ability to speak of. However it was very helpful to have another trained sailor on board and he could navigate the coast, something I wasn't very familiar with.
Worst case, invest in some sailing lessons on board your boat with your Wife aboard. Find someone local you both feel comfortable with. It will prove a wise investment, I am sure.
I am very sorry to hear that you hit such rough weather during your trip and congratulate you on toughing it out so well. As far as your in-laws go...give them some time...then invite them out in a couple of years. My Wife REALLY had a tough time the first year...basically didn't even go on the boat the second year...and upon going out the third year complimented my on the drastic change in both my sailing ability and calm demeanor. It is just experience. The only way to gain it is to have some experiences. Some great...some awful... Look on the bright side. Nearly anything you go out in from here on will not be as bad as this!
I highly recommend that you work out what you need to go solo sailing. Many folks on here sail 35-40+ footers solo. Then get out as much as possible when the weather is reasonable. There are some pretty good articles out there regarding the weather, but that too will get easier with experience. There isn't a storm that can come within 30-60 minutes of me in my home waters without me knowing when I am on deck. It is just observation...when the skys are gray over the city of Boston I know something is coming. When in doubt, drop the sails, batten down the hatches and fire up the engine (which is essentially the state you were in when it hit).
Regarding the other part of the learning experience...I agree with Ross in that it is a mistake to combine a shakedown voyage with a maiden voyage. I do, however, understand how it happens. I busted my cookies getting my boat together for a 180 mile maiden voyage, but I was running out of time quickly and was lucky enough to find a fellow sailor on the dock who not only helped my align my drive train, but went on a brief maiden voyage with me. It was all of an hour, but it gave me more confidence in the boat's ability to make the maiden voyage. I then hired a professional Captain to make the trip with me, which I do not regret for a minute, even though it was roughly $1800. It turned out that the starter button needed replacing and the stuffing box needed adjusting the first day of the trip and that the Captain had essentially no mechanical ability to speak of. However it was very helpful to have another trained sailor on board and he could navigate the coast, something I wasn't very familiar with.
Worst case, invest in some sailing lessons on board your boat with your Wife aboard. Find someone local you both feel comfortable with. It will prove a wise investment, I am sure.
I'm somewhat new here, so forgive me if I don't know your history.
You describe yourself as a novice. Have you taken any basic boating courses or sailing courses? The US Power Squadron or USCG AUxiliary offer great reasonably priced boating courses and I would recommend both you and your wife take them. Along with basic rules of the road, these courses will also teach you such things as "Always carry a bottle of Joy dishwashing liquid in case you see a sheen next to your boat." They also teach you baisc navigation, engine stuff, and weather.
The idea of getting a sailing instructor on your boat with you and your wife is a great idea. See if there is a community sailing program in your area that offers such a service.
Third, are you saying the weather forecast didn't even include a mention of a chance of thunderstorms? I would suspect if they're that common, it would be a staple. Also, thunderheads are pretty easy to identify. You may not have time to get to shelter, but you will have time to drop an anchor and get everyone below and somewhat comfortable.
Finally, and I say this sort of in jest, but what in the world inspired you to take the in-laws on your first outing on that boat? That seems like a risky proposition should even the littlest thing go wrong! It was quite a while before my hubby had his in-laws (my folks) on board, and that only happened on a picture-perfect day with flat seas and light breezes. You are a brave, brave man!
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I have to reiterate what Gail R eluded to. Bringing out the in-laws is a risky proposition in any weather. Never mind the first one. Man have you got some guts or what? All the more power to ya. Have you asked them to go out with you again?
Good luck.
Keep it up,
Ctskip
Good luck.
Keep it up,
Ctskip
possible solution to the fuel problem
Get a 12 volt fuel pump and a fuel filter assembly and pull the fuel from the tank through the filter and into a jerry can but your going to need enough jerry cans to empty the tank or just empty the tank without doing any thing to the fuel and putting the fuel into a oil burner supply tank
edit
just read another post about the same subject
Get a 12 volt fuel pump and a fuel filter assembly and pull the fuel from the tank through the filter and into a jerry can but your going to need enough jerry cans to empty the tank or just empty the tank without doing any thing to the fuel and putting the fuel into a oil burner supply tank
edit
just read another post about the same subject
Brobins! Congratulations you lived to sail another day. What a memory aye? Now a suggestion-keep a diving mask on board at all times. If a line fouls the prop, you will need it. And in a storm like the one you experienced, put the mask on to protect your eyes an provide "limited" vision. It will fog fast, but it will give you some vision in driving rain.
First-fix that leak. I agree its probably the return line. If the tank isn't brimming full, the return may be filling the bilge and then being pumped overboard.
Just another question-did you change the name of the boat and fail to do a name changing ceremony? bad karma but maybe its over now...or else...you have to sacrifice your mother in law to the sea!!
First-fix that leak. I agree its probably the return line. If the tank isn't brimming full, the return may be filling the bilge and then being pumped overboard.
Just another question-did you change the name of the boat and fail to do a name changing ceremony? bad karma but maybe its over now...or else...you have to sacrifice your mother in law to the sea!!
Awesome job!!!!!!! You did great! I am impressed! I hope I can handle things the way you did. It's a great feeling to meet adversity head on and beat it to a pulp. Bravo. I owe you a beer!!!
Reading your story, I can totally see myself in that situation. Glad to see no damage to the boat. The inlaws....that is unfortunate.
I am hesitant to hook up my 18 gal. aluminum tank because of the problems I read about on here concerning sludge. My boat is so fuel efficient, the 6 gal. plastic tank that I am using seems fine. I can take it out and clean it easily or throw it away, it only cost $20. I even had an acess port welded in the tank. I just haven't had any thing to motivate me to install it.
I am hesitant to hook up my 18 gal. aluminum tank because of the problems I read about on here concerning sludge. My boat is so fuel efficient, the 6 gal. plastic tank that I am using seems fine. I can take it out and clean it easily or throw it away, it only cost $20. I even had an acess port welded in the tank. I just haven't had any thing to motivate me to install it.
Portable diesel tank
Scott, How did you rig up your return line to the 6 gallon plastic tank? This seems like a ood solution to what many experience and that is rarely using a whole tank of fuel, seems like boats should have smaller tanks and then bring extra fuel in jerry cans if needed. Huw do you tie down a portable tank in case you hit big weather?
Scott, How did you rig up your return line to the 6 gallon plastic tank? This seems like a ood solution to what many experience and that is rarely using a whole tank of fuel, seems like boats should have smaller tanks and then bring extra fuel in jerry cans if needed. Huw do you tie down a portable tank in case you hit big weather?
Brobins75, I for one...and I feel like a lot of us here are waiting to find out what the fuel looked like that come out of your tank.
Hermit Scott, is yours diesel or gas? As far as to whether or not if it has sludge in it...if it does the filters will clean it out.
Jack
Hermit Scott, is yours diesel or gas? As far as to whether or not if it has sludge in it...if it does the filters will clean it out.
Jack
Startron
http://mystarbrite.com/startron/
They have a tank restorer. We use Startron with every fill up. It seems to do everything they claim. I know this: we have no smoke and much less soot on the hull than without. The fuel is in great shape and our filters look much better than without.
See this link:
http://mystarbrite.com/startron/
They have a tank restorer. We use Startron with every fill up. It seems to do everything they claim. I know this: we have no smoke and much less soot on the hull than without. The fuel is in great shape and our filters look much better than without.
Yeah, I think the boat handled pretty well. I was certainly nervous, but she felt sooo solid and it didnt really phase her except for the first gust of wind that came out of nowhere. then i put the bow into the wind and she just plowed right through. it was me that felt the wind & rain.
oh, i didnt take my mother-in-law, just my father-in-law and wife and a family friend & his son. My father in law is pretty cool, but i gotta stop taking advice from him about boating. he is constantly trying to stop me from putting out "too" much anchor line. I didnt listen to him this time. he doesnt seem to understand, even though i have tried repeatedly to show him on his 21' cc. he needs a good anchoring lesson. Im certainly no expert, but understand scope and not being directly on top of the anchor.
Well, we are settling in, and spent our 2nd nite aboard. Its was a little more rattling than the first nite (we were boozed the first nite! nerves shot). My wife kept waking me at every little noise. the current changed direction and started slapping under the stern and sound like we were taking on water, so she made me go check that. then there was a rapid knocking on the stern, I had to wake up and pull the swim ladder up, etc, etc. I got about 3 hours sleep and was late to work of all the days. i have never been late, and this was an important day. got chewed by boss.
anyway, i get off at 1:30 so I have plenty of time for projects. Im gonna wire the boat for cable today. My marina is soo cool. amenities include pool, jacuzzi, charging priveleges at the bar & restaraunt (not gonna do it), room service to your slip, free wifi, free cable, free pumpout, entry into all the events (its a resort with many outdoor parties, oyster roasts, etc), daily paper & coffee, courtesy shuttle, water taxi, and more. its really swanky!! All the folks are so nice. We had a couple come over with a list of all the people on our dock and their numbers. about 60 slips on my dock. We met a bunch of couples already, and its only day two!
My mother-in-law is not happy I am "making" her daughter live like this when we have a beautiful condo to live in! she is furious. never seen her like this. I guess the honeymoon is over.
hope to meet up with you guys someday!
oh, i didnt take my mother-in-law, just my father-in-law and wife and a family friend & his son. My father in law is pretty cool, but i gotta stop taking advice from him about boating. he is constantly trying to stop me from putting out "too" much anchor line. I didnt listen to him this time. he doesnt seem to understand, even though i have tried repeatedly to show him on his 21' cc. he needs a good anchoring lesson. Im certainly no expert, but understand scope and not being directly on top of the anchor.
Well, we are settling in, and spent our 2nd nite aboard. Its was a little more rattling than the first nite (we were boozed the first nite! nerves shot). My wife kept waking me at every little noise. the current changed direction and started slapping under the stern and sound like we were taking on water, so she made me go check that. then there was a rapid knocking on the stern, I had to wake up and pull the swim ladder up, etc, etc. I got about 3 hours sleep and was late to work
of all the days. i have never been late, and this was an important day. got chewed by boss.anyway, i get off at 1:30 so I have plenty of time for projects. Im gonna wire the boat for cable today. My marina is soo cool. amenities include pool, jacuzzi, charging priveleges at the bar & restaraunt (not gonna do it), room service to your slip, free wifi, free cable, free pumpout, entry into all the events (its a resort with many outdoor parties, oyster roasts, etc), daily paper & coffee, courtesy shuttle, water taxi, and more. its really swanky!! All the folks are so nice. We had a couple come over with a list of all the people on our dock and their numbers. about 60 slips on my dock. We met a bunch of couples already, and its only day two!
My mother-in-law is not happy I am "making" her daughter live like this when we have a beautiful condo to live in! she is furious. never seen her like this. I guess the honeymoon is over.
hope to meet up with you guys someday!
Great story!
Our maiden voyage (LOL ... if you want to call it that!) also involved a thunderstorm and my wife yelling at me through the companionway as I gripped the steering wheel and thought about the route lighting would take when it hit the mast! I tried to get her to close the hatch boards so I wouldn't have to hear all the colorful ways that I was being called an idiot but when she had the hatchboards in her hands, then I was afraid she might throw them at me! I was under the bimini which provided some comfort, but not much as the rain was blowing sideways. Fortunately, we were in no danger from wind or waves, but visibility was reduced to nil so I just pointed her into the wind, with just enough of the mainsail filled to crab her forward ever so slightly. I did think about the possibility of a tornado and that was my biggest worry. Despite the proclamation that Sue would never set foot on the boat if there was even a cloud in the sky, we recovered quickly.
That marina sounds nice! I'll bet you will have no problems keeping up the enthusiasm!
Our maiden voyage (LOL ... if you want to call it that!) also involved a thunderstorm and my wife yelling at me through the companionway as I gripped the steering wheel and thought about the route lighting would take when it hit the mast! I tried to get her to close the hatch boards so I wouldn't have to hear all the colorful ways that I was being called an idiot but when she had the hatchboards in her hands, then I was afraid she might throw them at me!
I was under the bimini which provided some comfort, but not much as the rain was blowing sideways. Fortunately, we were in no danger from wind or waves, but visibility was reduced to nil so I just pointed her into the wind, with just enough of the mainsail filled to crab her forward ever so slightly. I did think about the possibility of a tornado and that was my biggest worry. Despite the proclamation that Sue would never set foot on the boat if there was even a cloud in the sky, we recovered quickly. That marina sounds nice! I'll bet you will have no problems keeping up the enthusiasm!
I assume the 21' CC is a center cockpit power boat? I have yet to see a power boater use proper anchoring technique.
As long as your wife is enthusiastically in agreement with you about with living aboard, your MIL should mind her own business.
Your marina sounds cool!
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Jibes and Jack- I have a 12 horse power diesel. The tank I use is a 6 gal. plastic dinghy type that has a fuel gauge built into the top.
As far as the filters handling sludge, if tooo much goes in the tube it will clog the tube at the strainer and the fuel pump won't be able to pull more fuel in.
I never even thought about tying it down! Thanks for bringing that up. Those plastic tanks seem pretty tough and there is enough fuel line that it can travel around in the compartment and not run out of line.
There is no return fuel line for this engine to the tank. The return fuel line goes back to the engine mounted filter and then is recycled to the low pressure pump.
If I had a return line that was already ran to the tank, I would try a T fitting at the tank and basically tie the feed line and return line together. I'm not sure if that would work but it seems like it would.
As far as the filters handling sludge, if tooo much goes in the tube it will clog the tube at the strainer and the fuel pump won't be able to pull more fuel in.
I never even thought about tying it down! Thanks for bringing that up. Those plastic tanks seem pretty tough and there is enough fuel line that it can travel around in the compartment and not run out of line.
There is no return fuel line for this engine to the tank. The return fuel line goes back to the engine mounted filter and then is recycled to the low pressure pump.
If I had a return line that was already ran to the tank, I would try a T fitting at the tank and basically tie the feed line and return line together. I'm not sure if that would work but it seems like it would.
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