Will I ever go sailing this year?

[kito]

Just venting. I've been wanting to get my C22 out from way back in May. It's in my driveway and fired the 10 hp Chrysler 250 sailor up.......wasn't pumping water. I ordered an impeller and replaced. I fired it up...now pumping water great but ran like crap. I pulled the carb off and ordered a carb kit. Put it back on last week and ran great. I was going to take it out today but first pulled the plugs, cleaned and re-gapped. I hooked up the battery and smelled smoke...........the darn rectifier caught fire and was burning up my wiring....Geeez. New rectifier on order....maybe set sail in a couple weeks...(fingers crossed)

 

[Bad Obsession]

I know the feeling. I can't seem to get back to mine these days. I had a really nice cruise but I got stuck in port for a few days due to high winds. I then had a great overnight trip but it was hotter than hell.

Every time I am off and I plan to go down there something comes up. Life just gets in the way!

 

[SailormanDan]

Amen!

I think I've been out at least once, but can't remember. I did get the bilge pump replaced this weekend, so at least that.

"Life just gets in the way."

Time for another beer,
Dan

 

[Ken Cross]

You can sail without charging the battery. Just disconnect your rectifier and go.
It should be fine for day sails.

Ken

 

[kito]

You can sail without charging the battery. Just disconnect your rectifier and go.
It should be fine for day sails.

Ken

Thought of that but the fire burned up some wiring above it. Looks like a couple weeks yet.

 

[rose8878]

What is a rectifier?

 

[kito]

It converts the ac from the alternator to dc for charging the battery.

 

[Ken Cross]

It makes DC power

What is a rectifier?

IN simple terms a rectifier takes AC power (made by the outboard motor) and makes it into DC power to charge batteries. Rectifiers are usually inside alternators. They are used in most engines that charge batteries (cars, tractors, etc.) They do so by blocking current in one direction only.

Ken

 

[Ken Cross]

Painful

Thought of that but the fire burned up some wiring above it. Looks like a couple weeks yet.

I think most of us can feel your pain. At least when you are done you will know what you have for sure.

Ken

 

[kito]

It was the darn Radio Shack electrical connector cleaner I sprayed on the connectors before I hooked up the battery that did it. Apparently a connector on the rectifier was partially broken and basically turned it into a toaster and igniting the cleaner.

 

[BudGates]

At least you were able to identify the issues before you got into trouble. My outboard kept dying on me when I took the boat to San Diego. I spent 6 days of my 10 day vacation working on it. I even broke down and took it to a certified outboard mechanic. For $375 he did all the same things that I did and gave it a clean bill of health. After which it died on me at least 6 more times and each time was when I really needed it.

Finally I gave up and purchased a new outboard.