Some of us have come to rely on modern boat handling tools and electronic navigation aids. These things are so handy that you’re likely to use them every time you take out your boat. Auxiliary engines, radar, autopilots, GPS, depth sounder, and sturdy wire rigging are things we simply take for granted. But as good as they are, they're not 100% reliable. Do you ever worry about mechanical failures? How do you feel -- and what do you do -- when reliable systems fail? (Discussion topic and quiz by Trevor MacLachlan)
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Rely on paper charts, compass, etc.
I have all those modern tools on my C350 but I still use the old fashioned methods that I learned in the seat of my kayak back in the old days. If I am in an unfamiliar area, I will plot my course before I leave, note landmarks along the way, and work out the bearing and distance to my turn points before hand. I also check out the cruising guides that cover the area that I plan to travel through as they often note local hazards that you need to be aware of. With the compass on the binnacle and a hand bearing compass to check the angle to landmarks, it is not difficult to keep track of where you are. It is quite a bit more difficult to find out where you are once you get lost. There is also a portable gps on my chart table now so it would take a failure of the boats navigational tools and my hand held gps before I was completely relying on charts and compass. It is still good practice though and not the sort of thing one should try to figure out after the excrement hits the ventilator.
I have all those modern tools on my C350 but I still use the old fashioned methods that I learned in the seat of my kayak back in the old days. If I am in an unfamiliar area, I will plot my course before I leave, note landmarks along the way, and work out the bearing and distance to my turn points before hand. I also check out the cruising guides that cover the area that I plan to travel through as they often note local hazards that you need to be aware of. With the compass on the binnacle and a hand bearing compass to check the angle to landmarks, it is not difficult to keep track of where you are. It is quite a bit more difficult to find out where you are once you get lost. There is also a portable gps on my chart table now so it would take a failure of the boats navigational tools and my hand held gps before I was completely relying on charts and compass. It is still good practice though and not the sort of thing one should try to figure out after the excrement hits the ventilator.
What a rough question....
I answered the survey and said that my engine would be the thing I worried about. That is because I am on a lake and I know it well enough that depths and obsticals could be avoided with out much problem. When sailing we are away from the dock/mooring field so a rig failure would be a personal boat issue. The thing I would have no control of is docking (we have had some good winds lately)in the wind with a faulty or failing engine/motor. I would hate to loose the rig but I think that as far as damage to others, it would be the failure of the motor. r.w.landau
I answered the survey and said that my engine would be the thing I worried about. That is because I am on a lake and I know it well enough that depths and obsticals could be avoided with out much problem. When sailing we are away from the dock/mooring field so a rig failure would be a personal boat issue. The thing I would have no control of is docking (we have had some good winds lately)in the wind with a faulty or failing engine/motor. I would hate to loose the rig but I think that as far as damage to others, it would be the failure of the motor. r.w.landau
Second on motor failure
While motoring I try to plan my route so if the motor dies I have enough room to rig sails and get under sail. I have chartplotter and a backup GPS, but always carry paper charts. Basically I don't count on anything electronic ever working for more than the first five minutes of the trip, but thus far the electronics on my boat have been reliable. I did kill an autopilot last week, and my chartplotter occasionally loses its brain, so I babysit these things when their usage is critical. The things that always seem to work poorly for me are depth sounders and knotlogs - this indicates that newer technology may be more reliable.
While motoring I try to plan my route so if the motor dies I have enough room to rig sails and get under sail. I have chartplotter and a backup GPS, but always carry paper charts. Basically I don't count on anything electronic ever working for more than the first five minutes of the trip, but thus far the electronics on my boat have been reliable. I did kill an autopilot last week, and my chartplotter occasionally loses its brain, so I babysit these things when their usage is critical. The things that always seem to work poorly for me are depth sounders and knotlogs - this indicates that newer technology may be more reliable.
Docking is our Worry
We have a dock that has decking on both sides. When entering in windy conditions, you need to gauge the speed and direction and line up accordingly. And you need to carry enough speed to have steerage. As far as losing the engine, we were lucky. (I guess) When we took our certification course, the instructors boat engine was out of service. We had to learn to sail into and out of the dock area, so it seems natural to us.
We have a dock that has decking on both sides. When entering in windy conditions, you need to gauge the speed and direction and line up accordingly. And you need to carry enough speed to have steerage. As far as losing the engine, we were lucky. (I guess) When we took our certification course, the instructors boat engine was out of service. We had to learn to sail into and out of the dock area, so it seems natural to us.
The P's
Planning and preparation prevent poor performance. Stuff will break, especially in a marine environment, but most of the breakdowns can be prevented by diligent maintenance, catching and fixing things at the dock before you are stranded on the water. I also like to think my way through "what ifs" on a regular basis. What if my engine stops? What if the computer I use for navigation goes down? What if my rudder breaks? etc., etc. This has led to redundant systems, manual backups, spare parts purchases, tools purchases, and getting educated so I can fix things if they break out on the water. In many of the places we cruise there is no assistance available so this can be a survival thing. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Planning and preparation prevent poor performance. Stuff will break, especially in a marine environment, but most of the breakdowns can be prevented by diligent maintenance, catching and fixing things at the dock before you are stranded on the water. I also like to think my way through "what ifs" on a regular basis. What if my engine stops? What if the computer I use for navigation goes down? What if my rudder breaks? etc., etc. This has led to redundant systems, manual backups, spare parts purchases, tools purchases, and getting educated so I can fix things if they break out on the water. In many of the places we cruise there is no assistance available so this can be a survival thing. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Sail enough and things will happen
I do plan for breakdowns. I have two GPSs, paper charts and all the tools for DR which I can use. For the engine, I keep spare filters, belts, and impellars as well as materials to fix things like water hoses etc. Saved my butt last summer when an engine water hose split and I was able to repair it using Tommy Tape and duct tape. My old A4 would sometimes use a lot more gas than I realized - like going into head seas and I ran out a couple of times and sailed her into harbor w/o assistance. Docking under sail is tricky, but by reducing sail and going slow, it can be done w/o making a disaster. Pulling into a transient slip in Winthrop Harbor, IL my throttle cable came off and a ready anchor saved the day.
I do plan for breakdowns. I have two GPSs, paper charts and all the tools for DR which I can use. For the engine, I keep spare filters, belts, and impellars as well as materials to fix things like water hoses etc. Saved my butt last summer when an engine water hose split and I was able to repair it using Tommy Tape and duct tape. My old A4 would sometimes use a lot more gas than I realized - like going into head seas and I ran out a couple of times and sailed her into harbor w/o assistance. Docking under sail is tricky, but by reducing sail and going slow, it can be done w/o making a disaster. Pulling into a transient slip in Winthrop Harbor, IL my throttle cable came off and a ready anchor saved the day.
Don't Worry Be Happy
Well at least I try to have that philosopy. I am a natural born worrier!!! But to relax and be happy I have to take some reasonable precautions and go. Engine trouble is always a worry and I lost a prop shaft once that messed up a vacation. But I threw out the anchor and called towboat and was towed in safely. It was a little scarey losing power as it just got dark and wind was blowing me toward the beach. But the anchor held until the towboat arrived. I lost my depthsounder a few times until it was replaced. I was surprised by how easy it is to survive without a depthsounder...you just look at the chart a lot and play it safe. With a depthsounder I'll get close to the edge of safe water. Without a depthsounder I just stay where the charts say it's deep enough. BUT sailing should be a refuge from daily cares and worries and if it ever becomes just another source of stress I'll probably sell my boat. I've been sailing a long time and feel pretty confident that I can handle or at least survive most situations...not to say I ever have stressfull moments. But the overwhelming amount of time on my boat is pleasurable and relaxing...my refuge from the rest of the world.
Well at least I try to have that philosopy. I am a natural born worrier!!! But to relax and be happy I have to take some reasonable precautions and go. Engine trouble is always a worry and I lost a prop shaft once that messed up a vacation. But I threw out the anchor and called towboat and was towed in safely. It was a little scarey losing power as it just got dark and wind was blowing me toward the beach. But the anchor held until the towboat arrived. I lost my depthsounder a few times until it was replaced. I was surprised by how easy it is to survive without a depthsounder...you just look at the chart a lot and play it safe. With a depthsounder I'll get close to the edge of safe water. Without a depthsounder I just stay where the charts say it's deep enough. BUT sailing should be a refuge from daily cares and worries and if it ever becomes just another source of stress I'll probably sell my boat. I've been sailing a long time and feel pretty confident that I can handle or at least survive most situations...not to say I ever have stressfull moments. But the overwhelming amount of time on my boat is pleasurable and relaxing...my refuge from the rest of the world.
There's a difference between worry and planning
Why worry about anything if you have the tools and have built up the capabilities of repairing systems and equipment? It's those that reply on dolt mechanics that have a darn good cause to worry. Sure, it takes time and patience to learn, but there are no roadside pull-offs or mechanics out there. Learn to work on your boat and you'll enjoy sailing a whole lot more.
Why worry about anything if you have the tools and have built up the capabilities of repairing systems and equipment? It's those that reply on dolt mechanics that have a darn good cause to worry. Sure, it takes time and patience to learn, but there are no roadside pull-offs or mechanics out there. Learn to work on your boat and you'll enjoy sailing a whole lot more.
Where is Ross on this topic? Strangely silent.
As summer heat is building up momentum here in the northeast I was admiring yesterdays towering cumulo-numbus clouds overhead. I was reminded of the strength and fury these clouds can unleash with strong winds and lightning. Lightning can wipe out all of a boats sensitive electronics in a second if it does not also put a hole in the boat or kill you. You can't plan for such an event but you can be prepared or be totally unprepared. Those PFD's you may or may not use would be good to pass around when you first hear thunder. Advise crew to stay away from all metal rigging and maybe even shorten sail and try to enjoy the ride. Add prudence to the list of P's.
As summer heat is building up momentum here in the northeast I was admiring yesterdays towering cumulo-numbus clouds overhead. I was reminded of the strength and fury these clouds can unleash with strong winds and lightning. Lightning can wipe out all of a boats sensitive electronics in a second if it does not also put a hole in the boat or kill you. You can't plan for such an event but you can be prepared or be totally unprepared. Those PFD's you may or may not use would be good to pass around when you first hear thunder. Advise crew to stay away from all metal rigging and maybe even shorten sail and try to enjoy the ride. Add prudence to the list of P's.
My engine is my biggest concern
Well, at the risk of taking criticism from the experts, I do worry about my engine. While it checked out fine, has been well maintained and runs smoothly, it's new to me. I can manage an outboard okay - I knew a little about those, but an inboard diesel is brand new to me. Sure, I've read the manual several times, and I've gotten a diesel 'fix it' book. I've poked, prodded and checked every part of the engine, including opening and inspecting the water pump (knowing full well I'd have to change that impeller one day; heaven help me if it's on the high seas!
) I have an ammo-type box (plastic though) with every conceivable spare part (belts, impellers, filters, hoses, clamps etc.) and a complete tool kit. I know how to check all the fluids, I mostly know what to listen for and look for, but it still causes worry since it's new to me. I hope that by the end of the season I'll be more comfortable with the new system. Don't get me wrong, I love having the inboard. It sure makes docking a lot easier to have the wheel and the controls at my fingertips. For me at least, it sure beats a tiller and an outboard - I was never coordinated enough when approaching a dock, although that was always an "adventure" for the admiral! Dave Crowley Wind Dreamer II
Well, at the risk of taking criticism from the experts, I do worry about my engine. While it checked out fine, has been well maintained and runs smoothly, it's new to me. I can manage an outboard okay - I knew a little about those, but an inboard diesel is brand new to me. Sure, I've read the manual several times, and I've gotten a diesel 'fix it' book. I've poked, prodded and checked every part of the engine, including opening and inspecting the water pump (knowing full well I'd have to change that impeller one day; heaven help me if it's on the high seas!
) I have an ammo-type box (plastic though) with every conceivable spare part (belts, impellers, filters, hoses, clamps etc.) and a complete tool kit. I know how to check all the fluids, I mostly know what to listen for and look for, but it still causes worry since it's new to me. I hope that by the end of the season I'll be more comfortable with the new system. Don't get me wrong, I love having the inboard. It sure makes docking a lot easier to have the wheel and the controls at my fingertips. For me at least, it sure beats a tiller and an outboard - I was never coordinated enough when approaching a dock, although that was always an "adventure" for the admiral! Dave Crowley Wind Dreamer II
Welcome to the board, Trevor!
Strangely enough, I'm one of the minority who do not worry about my engine or rig failing. I can fix any motor, and have done so under awful conditions, and keep my 1986 Evinrude Yachtwin 9.9 in good repair. Starts first compression every time. I discovered that the PO's dolt mechanic had assembled a fuel pump spring wrong so that it would starve for fuel under load. On yesterday's first sail of the year it behaved faultlessly. My rigging, although 20 years old, is also in perfect shape. I inspect every Spring and Fall and replace when needed. This spring it was the T bolts and two turnbuckle bodies that were suspect. No, my fear is that things electronic will fail given the hostile environment. So I don't rely on them, but use a paper chart, portable Garmin GPSmap 76C, compass, hand held wind gauge (just for fun), binoculars, pelorus, hand-bearing compass, all low tech. The Garmin is great, but an inexpensive stand-alone. The Garmin, wind gauge and binocs are all dunkable, too. If I were to undertake a long passage, the inventory would be about the same, apart from some redundancy: a spare hand-held Garmin, the sextant and reduction tables etc., but the tools would be the same. GPS for lat and long, plot on paper chart.
Strangely enough, I'm one of the minority who do not worry about my engine or rig failing. I can fix any motor, and have done so under awful conditions, and keep my 1986 Evinrude Yachtwin 9.9 in good repair. Starts first compression every time. I discovered that the PO's dolt mechanic had assembled a fuel pump spring wrong so that it would starve for fuel under load. On yesterday's first sail of the year it behaved faultlessly. My rigging, although 20 years old, is also in perfect shape. I inspect every Spring and Fall and replace when needed. This spring it was the T bolts and two turnbuckle bodies that were suspect. No, my fear is that things electronic will fail given the hostile environment. So I don't rely on them, but use a paper chart, portable Garmin GPSmap 76C, compass, hand held wind gauge (just for fun), binoculars, pelorus, hand-bearing compass, all low tech. The Garmin is great, but an inexpensive stand-alone. The Garmin, wind gauge and binocs are all dunkable, too. If I were to undertake a long passage, the inventory would be about the same, apart from some redundancy: a spare hand-held Garmin, the sextant and reduction tables etc., but the tools would be the same. GPS for lat and long, plot on paper chart.
Not strangely silent, strangely working.
I have had two notable equipment mishaps. Bietzpadlin won't go to the weather under jib only and we had been running down the Chester river with the tide under jib only. we came to a bend in the river and I made to hoist the main and the halyard jambed. Nancy had to follow the river, the jib backed and we lost control of the boat. I dropped the anchor and we stopped in 5 feet of water. I was finally able to get both sails down and we motored home for two days. After we got settled we remembered that I had installed two spare halyards for just such a situation. I dropped the mast and cleared the jamb and corrected the cause. I had been too green to realize that there should be a separator plate between the sheaves at the mast head. some time in the past some one had taken them out and reassembled them with the separator plate off to one side. With that corrected we have had no more of that. The other failure had to do with my self engineered steering gear. This consists of a quadrant a couple of turning blocks a capstan drum on the wheel shaft and some stay-set 1/4 inch line wrapped five turns on the capstan drum. It is a great system and has always been dependable. One time coming in to dock the line slipped on the drum for about a half turn of the wheel. I have a turkshead on the top spoke so I can know when the rudder is centered. I took the boat out into the river and we drifted until I determined what the problem was. The cure was simple, I centered the wheel with the rudder and drove a tack through the middle turn on the capstan drum. I have tried to provide back-ups for everything and have extensive tools and hardware on board. I have kept electrically powered stuff to a minimum. I have loran that we bought in '92, long before we were ready for the water. We have GPS hand held, A hand bearing compass and of course the ships compass. We have a depth sounder/fish finder but also a leadline.
I have had two notable equipment mishaps. Bietzpadlin won't go to the weather under jib only and we had been running down the Chester river with the tide under jib only. we came to a bend in the river and I made to hoist the main and the halyard jambed. Nancy had to follow the river, the jib backed and we lost control of the boat. I dropped the anchor and we stopped in 5 feet of water. I was finally able to get both sails down and we motored home for two days. After we got settled we remembered that I had installed two spare halyards for just such a situation. I dropped the mast and cleared the jamb and corrected the cause. I had been too green to realize that there should be a separator plate between the sheaves at the mast head. some time in the past some one had taken them out and reassembled them with the separator plate off to one side. With that corrected we have had no more of that. The other failure had to do with my self engineered steering gear. This consists of a quadrant a couple of turning blocks a capstan drum on the wheel shaft and some stay-set 1/4 inch line wrapped five turns on the capstan drum. It is a great system and has always been dependable. One time coming in to dock the line slipped on the drum for about a half turn of the wheel. I have a turkshead on the top spoke so I can know when the rudder is centered. I took the boat out into the river and we drifted until I determined what the problem was. The cure was simple, I centered the wheel with the rudder and drove a tack through the middle turn on the capstan drum. I have tried to provide back-ups for everything and have extensive tools and hardware on board. I have kept electrically powered stuff to a minimum. I have loran that we bought in '92, long before we were ready for the water. We have GPS hand held, A hand bearing compass and of course the ships compass. We have a depth sounder/fish finder but also a leadline.
The motor *yks
My first shake down cruise with my first boat we really found out all the troubles. The motor got stuck in forward and I couldn't start it in a sudden gale. Gales always happen at the worst of times, Anyway just before we hit the lee shore I jumped out in 4 feet of water and literally ripped the top of the motor and manually clicked the engine into neutral and from there we started and pulled out to a channel and docked without out further incident. Its the engine starting and the swing keel cable breaking and not being able to raise it when docking shallow. Those are my biggest worries.
My first shake down cruise with my first boat we really found out all the troubles. The motor got stuck in forward and I couldn't start it in a sudden gale. Gales always happen at the worst of times, Anyway just before we hit the lee shore I jumped out in 4 feet of water and literally ripped the top of the motor and manually clicked the engine into neutral and from there we started and pulled out to a channel and docked without out further incident. Its the engine starting and the swing keel cable breaking and not being able to raise it when docking shallow. Those are my biggest worries.
engine failure
They come in 2 flavors; annoying and catastrophic The annoying ones are starters, alternators, belts, hoses, and electrical problems. The catastrophic ones are raw water pump failure, raw water leaks that can't be fixed with 100 MPH tape, blown head, cracked block. Not much of a solution for the catastrophic except become really good at close quarters sailing. The annoying failures can either be ignored or are easily overcome by having a spare (preferred method) or having a plan to mitigate the problem. Things I have planned on; hand cranking the engine should the batteries/alternator/starter fail, taping a hose and releasing the pressure from the cooling system should a hose spring a leak, not shutting off the engine should the alternator belt break, reducing electrical consumption should the charging system fry........ Just try and imagine every system on the engine (or more generally the whole boat) and what you would do if it failed and the current was sweeping you toward that low bridge. Then it will not be a surprise if it ever happens. You might even write it down just in case it fails when the brother-in-law is captain.
They come in 2 flavors; annoying and catastrophic The annoying ones are starters, alternators, belts, hoses, and electrical problems. The catastrophic ones are raw water pump failure, raw water leaks that can't be fixed with 100 MPH tape, blown head, cracked block. Not much of a solution for the catastrophic except become really good at close quarters sailing. The annoying failures can either be ignored or are easily overcome by having a spare (preferred method) or having a plan to mitigate the problem. Things I have planned on; hand cranking the engine should the batteries/alternator/starter fail, taping a hose and releasing the pressure from the cooling system should a hose spring a leak, not shutting off the engine should the alternator belt break, reducing electrical consumption should the charging system fry........ Just try and imagine every system on the engine (or more generally the whole boat) and what you would do if it failed and the current was sweeping you toward that low bridge. Then it will not be a surprise if it ever happens. You might even write it down just in case it fails when the brother-in-law is captain.
Sea Monsters...
..beyond sea Monsters theres little to go wrong that cant be dealt with PROVIDED YOU'VE PLANNED AHEAD...you did plan ahead for that engine to quit,did'nt you?And,you do have Sail Repair Tape,Needles and Thread aboard, dont you??And I just know you'd never rely on an electronic device as your sole means of Navigation so you do have those paper charts neatly tucked away below..I know an Old Pro like you would never be without those..right??!!! Seriously,PREPARATION and PLANNING are your only hope as if you sail for very long or any farther than the dock..its a mathamatical certainty..SOMETHING WILL GO ASKEW> Fair Winds All>>> David
..beyond sea Monsters theres little to go wrong that cant be dealt with PROVIDED YOU'VE PLANNED AHEAD...you did plan ahead for that engine to quit,did'nt you?And,you do have Sail Repair Tape,Needles and Thread aboard, dont you??And I just know you'd never rely on an electronic device as your sole means of Navigation so you do have those paper charts neatly tucked away below..I know an Old Pro like you would never be without those..right??!!! Seriously,PREPARATION and PLANNING are your only hope as if you sail for very long or any farther than the dock..its a mathamatical certainty..SOMETHING WILL GO ASKEW> Fair Winds All>>> David
Close to Home
Most of us sail most of the time close to home. Sometimes I get away but most of the time I sail within 15-20 miles of home...often closer. I can sail close enough to the dock to row in with the dinghy if the engine fails. The lucky ones that get to sail to distant ports must be ore prepared. But the rest of us that have owned boats know what is likely to fail and can be fixed. A guy had his mast fall whilesailing in a light breeze. How do you prepare for that?? He cut the shrouds after marking the spot for later recovery. My prop shaft failed!!! Even with a spare it would be hard to repair at sea in a chop at night. I do carry a spare emergency battery this covers a failed alternator etc. The bad thingabout spares is that they get old. As to navigation equipment again I postulate that most of us know where we sail pretty good and can find the way home without many aids. I do have an old loran that works and a handheld GPS but almost never use either. Even my paper charts are only consulted when traveling after a year on Wheeler Lake I know the lake pretty well and know the rocks and shallows. The same for Andrew's bay when I was there and the same for Mobile Bay when we were at Dog River. We did study the charts the first time every where we have ventured. he GPS also was consulted as needed.
Most of us sail most of the time close to home. Sometimes I get away but most of the time I sail within 15-20 miles of home...often closer. I can sail close enough to the dock to row in with the dinghy if the engine fails. The lucky ones that get to sail to distant ports must be ore prepared. But the rest of us that have owned boats know what is likely to fail and can be fixed. A guy had his mast fall whilesailing in a light breeze. How do you prepare for that?? He cut the shrouds after marking the spot for later recovery. My prop shaft failed!!! Even with a spare it would be hard to repair at sea in a chop at night. I do carry a spare emergency battery this covers a failed alternator etc. The bad thingabout spares is that they get old. As to navigation equipment again I postulate that most of us know where we sail pretty good and can find the way home without many aids. I do have an old loran that works and a handheld GPS but almost never use either. Even my paper charts are only consulted when traveling after a year on Wheeler Lake I know the lake pretty well and know the rocks and shallows. The same for Andrew's bay when I was there and the same for Mobile Bay when we were at Dog River. We did study the charts the first time every where we have ventured. he GPS also was consulted as needed.
Sea Monsters 2
..and besides..Sea Monsters are scared of shallow water.Something to be said for sailing locally.lol
..and besides..Sea Monsters are scared of shallow water.Something to be said for sailing locally.lol
I personally miss Warren's
weekly educational and informative forum pieces. They always made me think about stuff I have either forgotten or ignored. I hope he continues to post here.
weekly educational and informative forum pieces. They always made me think about stuff I have either forgotten or ignored. I hope he continues to post here.
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