Two questions

[D. Phillips]

Hello Everybody,I have two quesitons I was hoping someone out there might have an answer to. First, I am reconditioning a 30 footer that has been out of the water maybe 5 years or so. It has a Yanmar diesel which I'm told was in good condition whenit was used last. It was winterized and then never sailed again. Any ideas about how to go about getting it operational again?Next, I was examining the sails. there is a nice spinnaker in the collection. the weird thing is that it has a lightweight zipper running up the middle of it. Can anyone tell me what it might be for??thanks

 

[Steve Dion]

Engine

I would do a complete engine service, air filter, fuel filter, oil filters, new oil etc. Then I would pump any existing fuel out of the tank. Refill the tank with about 2-3 gal of kerosene and let that sit in the tank for a day or two. Pump that all out and re-FILL the tank with new clean deisel.You are going to also need new batteries (I'm sure). Check out all of your hoses and belts. These should probably be replaced. Be sure to check out your fuel hoses and exhaust too. After five years you would be better off replacing all of this stuff as preventative maintenance.I assume that you are not putting the boat back in the water at this time of year, so you can start doing this during the off season.

 

[Jim McCue]

Some more items

Check all the fuses- especially the bilge pump fuse- check the capacity is correct and not a "plug" replacement. Check the hose on the packing box and all your thru hulls and their connects.Jim McCue

 

[Capt. Marc]

and....

If the engine was winterized, it probably had anti-freeze pumped into the water cooling system, before you start the engine, be sure to purge the anti-freeze and catch it (don't let it get in the ocean.) If the boat is out of the water, it's ez to use a bucket. I think there are some winterizing fluids that are biodegradable, and can be let into the ocean. Check what kind first!This is great when you can just "pile on" projects for someone else's boat. If you lived down south though, there would be no need to winterize!!!Good luck, I've gotten good advise here.Marc