Which boat systems cause you the most trouble? How have you dealt with their failure? Have you been able to jury rig a solution, or did you just limp home the best you could? Were you able to fix the problem yourself, or was professional help required? Are your problems caused by bad design, improper installation, or a difficult environment? Tell your stories of failure then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Gary Wyngarden and Les Blackwell)
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Cam W
Problems
Which boat systems cause you the most trouble? First, I have owned this boat for a year. Before this I had only owned smaller 22-footers with outboards. The Atomic 4 was new to me in a lot of ways. The first problem I noticed was on my shakedown cruise after having a rebuilt Atomic 4 installed (I bought the boat with a blown engine), I opened the lazerette and it was full of exhaust. I called the place that installed the engine and told them, and asked them to check it out. I mentioned that it might not be the fault of the installation, but I wanted it fixed anyway. When I called back later they said they ran it and checked it out and it was just paint burning off the new engine. A couple of days later, we started the maiden voyage to bring the boat home (a three day trip). An hour out of the marina, the motor quit. We had to continue, so we raised sail and kept going. That evening my friend and I discussed the problem. I suggested it might have run out of gas. he next morning we added 6 gallons of gas and tried it and the motor worked fine. We used it to get out of the anchorage (not more than 5 minutes), and then raised sail. That evening we used it to get into the marina where we had reserved a slip, and it worked ok. The next morning we left the slip and went to the gas dock. The 27 gallon tank took 8 gallons. It had not been out of gas. We had to motor since the wind was right on our nose. We motored over 4 hours up to the Patapsco river and just under the Key bridge the motor sounded like it had thrown a rod. We pulled it out of gear and the noise continued unabated, so we shut down and sailed the rest of the way to the Inner Harbor. I sailed up to the breakwater in a perfect approach (would not mention to anyone it was pure luck). Then we were towed to our slip. I called the marina that had installed the motor and the mechanic arrived in about a week or two. We opened the engine compartment and turned the key. A pully went rolling across the floor. The mechanic replaced the pulley and we checked out the engine. Everything working fine. (The pulley was for the raw water that cooled the fresh water coolant and the muffler.) A few days later when I went to take the boat out it would not run. Put it in gear and the motor died. I went home and came back with my friend. We opened the engine compartment and started the motor. We could see exhaust pouring out from a spot behind the motor. I shut it down and called a Yacht Service place near my marina. The mechanic from the yacht service crawled back behind the motor and came back and told me the muffler was burned out. He took the boat over to their yard and he replaced the muffler and also did some other work. My next trip out of the marina the exhaust burned through the muffler again. I was not happy. A friend in the marina recommended a mechanic and general boot handyman. I called him in. He found the installation of the raw water pump left a lot to be desired. The top pully was a 3/4" on a 1/2" shaft. The bottom pully slipped over the crankshaft and would ease out and stop turning. He ordered some parts and fixed everything. I learned a lot. The motor cost me almost twice as much as the original cost (including the installation) just because of a poor installation. Cam Whetstone s/v C36 - Wolf's Den Baltimore, Md.
Which boat systems cause you the most trouble? First, I have owned this boat for a year. Before this I had only owned smaller 22-footers with outboards. The Atomic 4 was new to me in a lot of ways. The first problem I noticed was on my shakedown cruise after having a rebuilt Atomic 4 installed (I bought the boat with a blown engine), I opened the lazerette and it was full of exhaust. I called the place that installed the engine and told them, and asked them to check it out. I mentioned that it might not be the fault of the installation, but I wanted it fixed anyway. When I called back later they said they ran it and checked it out and it was just paint burning off the new engine. A couple of days later, we started the maiden voyage to bring the boat home (a three day trip). An hour out of the marina, the motor quit. We had to continue, so we raised sail and kept going. That evening my friend and I discussed the problem. I suggested it might have run out of gas. he next morning we added 6 gallons of gas and tried it and the motor worked fine. We used it to get out of the anchorage (not more than 5 minutes), and then raised sail. That evening we used it to get into the marina where we had reserved a slip, and it worked ok. The next morning we left the slip and went to the gas dock. The 27 gallon tank took 8 gallons. It had not been out of gas. We had to motor since the wind was right on our nose. We motored over 4 hours up to the Patapsco river and just under the Key bridge the motor sounded like it had thrown a rod. We pulled it out of gear and the noise continued unabated, so we shut down and sailed the rest of the way to the Inner Harbor. I sailed up to the breakwater in a perfect approach (would not mention to anyone it was pure luck). Then we were towed to our slip. I called the marina that had installed the motor and the mechanic arrived in about a week or two. We opened the engine compartment and turned the key. A pully went rolling across the floor. The mechanic replaced the pulley and we checked out the engine. Everything working fine. (The pulley was for the raw water that cooled the fresh water coolant and the muffler.) A few days later when I went to take the boat out it would not run. Put it in gear and the motor died. I went home and came back with my friend. We opened the engine compartment and started the motor. We could see exhaust pouring out from a spot behind the motor. I shut it down and called a Yacht Service place near my marina. The mechanic from the yacht service crawled back behind the motor and came back and told me the muffler was burned out. He took the boat over to their yard and he replaced the muffler and also did some other work. My next trip out of the marina the exhaust burned through the muffler again. I was not happy. A friend in the marina recommended a mechanic and general boot handyman. I called him in. He found the installation of the raw water pump left a lot to be desired. The top pully was a 3/4" on a 1/2" shaft. The bottom pully slipped over the crankshaft and would ease out and stop turning. He ordered some parts and fixed everything. I learned a lot. The motor cost me almost twice as much as the original cost (including the installation) just because of a poor installation. Cam Whetstone s/v C36 - Wolf's Den Baltimore, Md.
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George Bennington
Engine
The main trouble maker aboard has been in the engine compartment. We have broken the exhaust mix tube while at sea. We have also had to replace the transmission and have had electrical panel plugs melt down.
The main trouble maker aboard has been in the engine compartment. We have broken the exhaust mix tube while at sea. We have also had to replace the transmission and have had electrical panel plugs melt down.
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Chip Giles
Engine woes
We were in Bimini and the outboard conked out on us (Evinrude 8hp). We found a local guy to fix it (after three days), but it still was not right. On the return crossing, it slowly began to die. By the time we were approaching Miami, the motor was only running at an idle. This was in a storm with a giant waterspout off the port about a mile. Turns out it was a blown head gasket. It could have been serious, but fortunately it was not.
We were in Bimini and the outboard conked out on us (Evinrude 8hp). We found a local guy to fix it (after three days), but it still was not right. On the return crossing, it slowly began to die. By the time we were approaching Miami, the motor was only running at an idle. This was in a storm with a giant waterspout off the port about a mile. Turns out it was a blown head gasket. It could have been serious, but fortunately it was not.
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John Tesoriero
My engine
I would have to say that the old diesel (1980) on my boat has caused me the most trouble over the years. Unless you keep up with advanced maintenance, the little things, i.e., impeller, belts, hoses, thermostat, etc. will ruin your summer. Some of the bigger things, like exhaust mixing elbow, exhaust hoses, muffler, etc require constant vigil or early replacement. Be careful when you do some preventive maintenance. Last winter, I decided to have my motor mounts changed. I ended up with mounts, transmission seals, new engine and shaft flange, new shaft, new cutlass bearing and a new stuffung box - and a large bill. This year, the transmission out-put shaft has developed a serious leak due, in part to the work on the transmission last year. At least the engine still runs - knock wood!
I would have to say that the old diesel (1980) on my boat has caused me the most trouble over the years. Unless you keep up with advanced maintenance, the little things, i.e., impeller, belts, hoses, thermostat, etc. will ruin your summer. Some of the bigger things, like exhaust mixing elbow, exhaust hoses, muffler, etc require constant vigil or early replacement. Be careful when you do some preventive maintenance. Last winter, I decided to have my motor mounts changed. I ended up with mounts, transmission seals, new engine and shaft flange, new shaft, new cutlass bearing and a new stuffung box - and a large bill. This year, the transmission out-put shaft has developed a serious leak due, in part to the work on the transmission last year. At least the engine still runs - knock wood!
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Bill
Turning engine over
Not really an engine problem. Think I've got ground fault problems in wiring that needs a thorough going over. OK so I've owned the boat (a 1983 H34) for going on two years now, but I'm working on it. Anyway, even after a few hours' sail the batteries (maybe the starter switch is contributing to the problem) sometimes at first attempt fail to turn my Yanmar 3GMF over when returning to dock. Plan B includes switching to alternate battery, and throwing a compression lever off to reduce load. In one adventurous moment, neither of these worked. But my recently purchased hand crank was enough assistance to fire her to life. Not proud of the situation, am gonna get to the bottom of the root cause eventually.
Not really an engine problem. Think I've got ground fault problems in wiring that needs a thorough going over. OK so I've owned the boat (a 1983 H34) for going on two years now, but I'm working on it. Anyway, even after a few hours' sail the batteries (maybe the starter switch is contributing to the problem) sometimes at first attempt fail to turn my Yanmar 3GMF over when returning to dock. Plan B includes switching to alternate battery, and throwing a compression lever off to reduce load. In one adventurous moment, neither of these worked. But my recently purchased hand crank was enough assistance to fire her to life. Not proud of the situation, am gonna get to the bottom of the root cause eventually.
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William Fraser
electrical
Nav lights, stove solenoid, shorts, funky wiring harnesses, rewiring float switches, this is where my problems have been. I f you're having problems with your engine, there are probably lots of problems of this type that you're not even addressing. Fix it and maintain it right!!!!!!!!! Fraser
Nav lights, stove solenoid, shorts, funky wiring harnesses, rewiring float switches, this is where my problems have been. I f you're having problems with your engine, there are probably lots of problems of this type that you're not even addressing. Fix it and maintain it right!!!!!!!!! Fraser
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Doug T.
To Bill
If you have intermittant problems with the engine not cranking, I'd suspect the starter solenoid. Ours died last year. When you turn the key, does the starter turn over at all? If not, can you hear a solid click coming from the starter motor? (Open the engine compartment and listen closely.) If there is no click, either the wiring to the solenoid is faulty or the solenoid itself is dying. When ours died, it died slowly. We'd turn the key, 3, 4, 8, 20 times and it would finally work. Luckily, it finally died completely while at the dock, not out in the middle of the Bay.
If you have intermittant problems with the engine not cranking, I'd suspect the starter solenoid. Ours died last year. When you turn the key, does the starter turn over at all? If not, can you hear a solid click coming from the starter motor? (Open the engine compartment and listen closely.) If there is no click, either the wiring to the solenoid is faulty or the solenoid itself is dying. When ours died, it died slowly. We'd turn the key, 3, 4, 8, 20 times and it would finally work. Luckily, it finally died completely while at the dock, not out in the middle of the Bay.
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BILL ROBB
"SMELL O' BOAT"
If there's anything that bugs me about being on a boat is the smell from the head. I've spent $600 (so far) on trying to get rid of the offensive aroma on my own O'day 30 and am still having problems. It drives me nuts! I've replaced the holding tank, the hoses and fittings, removed the Y-valve from the system, made sure my vent is open, and checked to make sure everything was air-tight. I've used Odor-los, Odor-ban, and several conventional holding tank de-odorizer/treatment chemicals. I've poured bleach into the bilges and have a bleach-soaked rag under the toilet. It's "better" but not "fixed" - I'm ready to give up!
If there's anything that bugs me about being on a boat is the smell from the head. I've spent $600 (so far) on trying to get rid of the offensive aroma on my own O'day 30 and am still having problems. It drives me nuts! I've replaced the holding tank, the hoses and fittings, removed the Y-valve from the system, made sure my vent is open, and checked to make sure everything was air-tight. I've used Odor-los, Odor-ban, and several conventional holding tank de-odorizer/treatment chemicals. I've poured bleach into the bilges and have a bleach-soaked rag under the toilet. It's "better" but not "fixed" - I'm ready to give up!
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Bill DeManbro
No failing marks
We purchased a 2001 model 340 last May from Sailors Wharf. After approx 1,000 nm and 112 hrs on the engine, we have no failing marks for this boat or any of its systmes.
We purchased a 2001 model 340 last May from Sailors Wharf. After approx 1,000 nm and 112 hrs on the engine, we have no failing marks for this boat or any of its systmes.
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David Foster
Rigging? Actually the Hull!
I spend most of my time working on the hull. The maintanance of a fiberglass boat over 20 years old means dealing with the aging of the hull systems: All kinds of leaks from various sources. Replacing hatches and ports. Dealing with water damage and age in the mast step and compression, deck deterioration, mounting new rigging for new sails, or better operation. Mounting all kind of new goddies: biminis; bowsprits, anchor rollers, etcetera. David Lady Lillie
I spend most of my time working on the hull. The maintanance of a fiberglass boat over 20 years old means dealing with the aging of the hull systems: All kinds of leaks from various sources. Replacing hatches and ports. Dealing with water damage and age in the mast step and compression, deck deterioration, mounting new rigging for new sails, or better operation. Mounting all kind of new goddies: biminis; bowsprits, anchor rollers, etcetera. David Lady Lillie
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rick simpson
Keeping up with Regular Mantaince
The Boating truth that I have learned is that if I neglect the regular maintenence and regular inspection and repair on any part of my boat, that part or system will be the next to go! If I do not rebed by deck fittings at the first sign of a leak, the damage grows. If I do not replace a line or halyard when it is looking worn, it will let go when I need it most. If I do not service my outboard every year, it starts to run badly. The money and time spend ahead of problem is always less than being suprised by a problem. Rick Simpson
The Boating truth that I have learned is that if I neglect the regular maintenence and regular inspection and repair on any part of my boat, that part or system will be the next to go! If I do not rebed by deck fittings at the first sign of a leak, the damage grows. If I do not replace a line or halyard when it is looking worn, it will let go when I need it most. If I do not service my outboard every year, it starts to run badly. The money and time spend ahead of problem is always less than being suprised by a problem. Rick Simpson
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Drew Dolak
Chronic or Acute?
So which is it? Chronic problems? 1. Two (2) pressure water pump failures. 2. House batteries boiling off while sitting idle. 3. Freezer too warm to keep meat frozen. 4. Watermaker failures. 5. Bottom paint. Or acute? 1. Headstay failure. 2. Rubrail falling off. 3. Cell phone inoperable. Water pump failures dealt with by warranty replacement in first year, no failures since. I think the factory/dealer didn't clean the plumbing. House batteries replaced by golf cart batteries. The charger is too big, delivering 10 amps at trickle. The batteries caouldn't be left for more than 4 weeks without topping up. Hydro caps solved the evaporation problem. Dealer changed out the expansion valve in the freezer and now meat stays cold, but not ice cream. This is a Spectra 380, installed at the dealers. Rebuilt shifting valve, end caps on Clark pump and on Membrane chamber, all nder warranty from Spectra. Good service, but why do i need it? We're still looking at the right paint. Interlux Ultra on starboard and Pettit Ultima SR on port. The jury is still out after 4 months. We lost the clevis pin at the top of the headstay 3 hours out of the Dry Tortugas. Powering, the spectra luff line in the Genoa kept the mast mostly up, and quick action by crew allowed the spare halyards to do the rest. Dealer fixed it, but I check it every cruise. Rubrail came off in a stormy collision at anchor, and could not be reinstalled. I tried, the serviceman tried, the dealer tried on in hte yard. Nothing. Finally replaced the rubrail with the latest style. A big job. We never could get the mast mounted antenna cell phone to work. Had it taken off and got our mney back. For all the flak that production boats take they are still a significant value over many others. But the factory could offer some upgrades to systems (batteries, refrigeration, charging, communications, etc) at a rational cost. Or pehaps the dealer.......? Drew Dolak
So which is it? Chronic problems? 1. Two (2) pressure water pump failures. 2. House batteries boiling off while sitting idle. 3. Freezer too warm to keep meat frozen. 4. Watermaker failures. 5. Bottom paint. Or acute? 1. Headstay failure. 2. Rubrail falling off. 3. Cell phone inoperable. Water pump failures dealt with by warranty replacement in first year, no failures since. I think the factory/dealer didn't clean the plumbing. House batteries replaced by golf cart batteries. The charger is too big, delivering 10 amps at trickle. The batteries caouldn't be left for more than 4 weeks without topping up. Hydro caps solved the evaporation problem. Dealer changed out the expansion valve in the freezer and now meat stays cold, but not ice cream. This is a Spectra 380, installed at the dealers. Rebuilt shifting valve, end caps on Clark pump and on Membrane chamber, all nder warranty from Spectra. Good service, but why do i need it? We're still looking at the right paint. Interlux Ultra on starboard and Pettit Ultima SR on port. The jury is still out after 4 months. We lost the clevis pin at the top of the headstay 3 hours out of the Dry Tortugas. Powering, the spectra luff line in the Genoa kept the mast mostly up, and quick action by crew allowed the spare halyards to do the rest. Dealer fixed it, but I check it every cruise. Rubrail came off in a stormy collision at anchor, and could not be reinstalled. I tried, the serviceman tried, the dealer tried on in hte yard. Nothing. Finally replaced the rubrail with the latest style. A big job. We never could get the mast mounted antenna cell phone to work. Had it taken off and got our mney back. For all the flak that production boats take they are still a significant value over many others. But the factory could offer some upgrades to systems (batteries, refrigeration, charging, communications, etc) at a rational cost. Or pehaps the dealer.......? Drew Dolak
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Doug Bigelow
Electronics!
I have a '95 Hunter 375 that I'm quite generally happy with, but the electronics have gremlins. The knot meter is usually dead, the depth gauge is now out of service, the windspeed meter goes in and out, and I've had trouble with both the autopilot and the air conditioning. The electronics have had plenty of troubleshooting by specialists -- I'm about ready to replace the whole set of instruments (which are Raymarine ST50 series.) I know, anyone reading this is going to say that it's either a SeaTalk problem or an electrical problem -- bad voltage or bad ground. Could be, but we haven't been able to find evidence of it... Since I usually sail near my home harbor, having various instruments on the blink hasn't really been a problem. I just watch my GPS and chartbook more carefully when I'm near shoal water.
I have a '95 Hunter 375 that I'm quite generally happy with, but the electronics have gremlins. The knot meter is usually dead, the depth gauge is now out of service, the windspeed meter goes in and out, and I've had trouble with both the autopilot and the air conditioning. The electronics have had plenty of troubleshooting by specialists -- I'm about ready to replace the whole set of instruments (which are Raymarine ST50 series.) I know, anyone reading this is going to say that it's either a SeaTalk problem or an electrical problem -- bad voltage or bad ground. Could be, but we haven't been able to find evidence of it... Since I usually sail near my home harbor, having various instruments on the blink hasn't really been a problem. I just watch my GPS and chartbook more carefully when I'm near shoal water.
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Guest
Most troublesome boat systems
The most troublesome area on many boats is the plumbing. Consisting of pumps,tanks, hoses, valves,clamps, strainers and filters, it is here that all the detrimental forces of nature (sea life, bacteria, Scale, electrolysis,and rust) focus their energies to effect the worst results. To minimize plumbing problems on my boat, I go to extremes to design simple systems using a minimum of hardware. I also use the best pumps, clamps and valves I can find and mount them so as to have the least exposure to the elements and provide access for servicing. Preventative maintenance is the key to minimizing plumbing problems assuming the the system was designed and installed properly. There is a lot of junk sold in marine stores, at outrageous prices, that is so inferior that it should be banned for use in a marine environment. Buy the best and do not shop price. Nothing can ruin a cruise faster than plumbing problems.
The most troublesome area on many boats is the plumbing. Consisting of pumps,tanks, hoses, valves,clamps, strainers and filters, it is here that all the detrimental forces of nature (sea life, bacteria, Scale, electrolysis,and rust) focus their energies to effect the worst results. To minimize plumbing problems on my boat, I go to extremes to design simple systems using a minimum of hardware. I also use the best pumps, clamps and valves I can find and mount them so as to have the least exposure to the elements and provide access for servicing. Preventative maintenance is the key to minimizing plumbing problems assuming the the system was designed and installed properly. There is a lot of junk sold in marine stores, at outrageous prices, that is so inferior that it should be banned for use in a marine environment. Buy the best and do not shop price. Nothing can ruin a cruise faster than plumbing problems.
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Dave Medeiros
Check wire size
I have had the (will it turn over this time?) problem for the last 17 years. Resulting in a new starter, solenoid, ignition switch, new auxilary starting panel, battery upgrades and numerious other revisions. Only to find the battery cables were under designed by the mfg. Check the voltage drop between the starter and the battery. The voltage drop should not be greater than 1.5 volts, I was seeing a 3.5 volt drop. Upgrade the battery cables!
I have had the (will it turn over this time?) problem for the last 17 years. Resulting in a new starter, solenoid, ignition switch, new auxilary starting panel, battery upgrades and numerious other revisions. Only to find the battery cables were under designed by the mfg. Check the voltage drop between the starter and the battery. The voltage drop should not be greater than 1.5 volts, I was seeing a 3.5 volt drop. Upgrade the battery cables!
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Jason Palmer
Leaks
Probably a design defect or poor assembly procedure issue. Hunter boats were a great value in 1984. However, we have had numerous consultants attempt to find an elusive deck leak without success. Seems that others have stated that Hunter may not have sealed the genoa track, the port holes, or even the deck to hull seam properly. I can say that shortly after taking delivery of our Hunter 31, we were able to push the port holes out by hand. Not exactly what one would call quality assembly. With the exception or re-seating all of the port holes, I cannot imagine the expense of pulling and re-seating the tracks and deck hardware unless given a solid indication that that will solve the probelm. Reverse pressurization did not yield any significant information. If anyone else has had a similar problem with water accumulating in the rear berth under the cockpit, please advise. Thanks, email: Jason@Palmer.net
Probably a design defect or poor assembly procedure issue. Hunter boats were a great value in 1984. However, we have had numerous consultants attempt to find an elusive deck leak without success. Seems that others have stated that Hunter may not have sealed the genoa track, the port holes, or even the deck to hull seam properly. I can say that shortly after taking delivery of our Hunter 31, we were able to push the port holes out by hand. Not exactly what one would call quality assembly. With the exception or re-seating all of the port holes, I cannot imagine the expense of pulling and re-seating the tracks and deck hardware unless given a solid indication that that will solve the probelm. Reverse pressurization did not yield any significant information. If anyone else has had a similar problem with water accumulating in the rear berth under the cockpit, please advise. Thanks, email: Jason@Palmer.net
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Casper J. Bondy
Check your rigging
While crossing Thunder Bay, the furling gear came loose from the stem plate; luckily we were running with the wind on the jenny. The clevis pin had fallen out, due to a worn cotter pin and the whole damn fore stay (furling gear) went flapping in the air. By heading into the wind, we were able to reconnect the clevis with the help of a screw driver in place of the lost clevis pin. Moral of the story: inspect rigging every spring and replace any worm pins.
While crossing Thunder Bay, the furling gear came loose from the stem plate; luckily we were running with the wind on the jenny. The clevis pin had fallen out, due to a worn cotter pin and the whole damn fore stay (furling gear) went flapping in the air. By heading into the wind, we were able to reconnect the clevis with the help of a screw driver in place of the lost clevis pin. Moral of the story: inspect rigging every spring and replace any worm pins.
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Larry W.
Troubled times
I bought my '94 Beneteau OC400 four years ago and have had continuous problems with many of the systems ever since. Most of the problems seemed to be the result of shoddy dealer installation of the radar, chartplotter, inverter, Balmar alternator and smart charger. Plus, the fuel lift pump became fouled by Teflon tape debris from the installation of the Racor filters and generally poor installation of the whole fuel system, which caused me a lot of trouble on a vacation cruise to Mexico two years ago. The plotter/radar also failed, the alternator failed and I had a transmission problem that sucked up nearly a month in Cabo San Lucas. In addition, I've had freshwater system problems, refrigeration problems. The dealer said since I bought the boat brokerage, from his own brokerage firm, that I was on my own regarding repairs, and the factory was no help at all. I don't think much of Beneteau's customer service, either. I almost wish I'd stuck with Catalina. At least they're built locally and use American parts and engines.
I bought my '94 Beneteau OC400 four years ago and have had continuous problems with many of the systems ever since. Most of the problems seemed to be the result of shoddy dealer installation of the radar, chartplotter, inverter, Balmar alternator and smart charger. Plus, the fuel lift pump became fouled by Teflon tape debris from the installation of the Racor filters and generally poor installation of the whole fuel system, which caused me a lot of trouble on a vacation cruise to Mexico two years ago. The plotter/radar also failed, the alternator failed and I had a transmission problem that sucked up nearly a month in Cabo San Lucas. In addition, I've had freshwater system problems, refrigeration problems. The dealer said since I bought the boat brokerage, from his own brokerage firm, that I was on my own regarding repairs, and the factory was no help at all. I don't think much of Beneteau's customer service, either. I almost wish I'd stuck with Catalina. At least they're built locally and use American parts and engines.
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Fred Scott
Have You Been There?
When ever you are hauling your boat out of the water with the mast raised, then move it about on shore looking above for an overhead hazard such as Lamp standard. Well I have and last fall that didn't work. Moving into the parking lot where people get their boat ready for the road. There was a fellow with a power boat that had just finished his boat and moved ahead and out. Like a good fellow I decided to move ahead for the next person and never saw the Lamp standard above me that was out of sight. The forestay moved the Lamp Standard then the forestay parted and lucky me I had tied off my jib halyard to the bow pulpit preventing the mast to fall right down. Phoned Gerry Berg in Vancouver and I had a new forestay in Edmonton the next morning. From now on I get out of my vehicle to look up when ever I move about on land with the mast up. A lesson to remember. Fred Scott "LADY Vi" Sherwood Park, Alberta
When ever you are hauling your boat out of the water with the mast raised, then move it about on shore looking above for an overhead hazard such as Lamp standard. Well I have and last fall that didn't work. Moving into the parking lot where people get their boat ready for the road. There was a fellow with a power boat that had just finished his boat and moved ahead and out. Like a good fellow I decided to move ahead for the next person and never saw the Lamp standard above me that was out of sight. The forestay moved the Lamp Standard then the forestay parted and lucky me I had tied off my jib halyard to the bow pulpit preventing the mast to fall right down. Phoned Gerry Berg in Vancouver and I had a new forestay in Edmonton the next morning. From now on I get out of my vehicle to look up when ever I move about on land with the mast up. A lesson to remember. Fred Scott "LADY Vi" Sherwood Park, Alberta
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