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Big boat systems horror stories

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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/29/2008 : 20:31:14

120 amp auxillary Balmar alternator that runs the inverter

PO says, "Forgot to tell you that leaving the alternator switch on when starting the engine can cause enough torque to break the alternator mounting bar."

Duly broken

Refrigeration unit

PO says, "Forgot to tell you that the system is piston driven and motion lubricated, so turning the unit off over the winter in order to avoid the marina's electrical surcharge billing causes all of the coolant to leak out."

Duly depleted

Automatic electric bilge pump

PO says, "Forgot to tell you that removing the in line strainer in order to attempt to clear all the gunk in the bilge, as opposed to figuring out how to gain access under the engine with a shop vac, causes the diaphragm to become clogged; thereby, requiring removal and rebuilding of said bilge pump which is located behind the large piston driven fresh water pressure pump which is located under the piston driven refrigerator compressor pump (for the now non-functioning refrigerator) which is located behind the not-so-easily-removed temporary bulkhead in the port lazerette."

Duly rebuilding

On a lighter note, I just finished paying off the boat, and so now duly own 100% of the problems.

J.B. Manley s/v Sea Trac Allied Seawind II #65
DPO s/v Antares Catalina 25 #4849
Association Treasurer 2002 - 2006
Association Bookkeeper 2002 - 2008
Association Quartermaster 2004 - 2008

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/29/2008 : 21:31:24

Lessons for us all... and illustrating one of the reasons I bought a C-25 with an outboard: the outboard. And now I have a 27' pot with an big outboard instead of an inboard or a stern-drive... Simpler is better.

Hope all goes well as you "duly" resolve the issues. Any chance you could install a solenoid that would automatically switch on that alternator only when the primary alternator is putting out (meaning the engine is running)? Cars have used things like that to keep the AC compressor off while starting, etc...

Keep the lessons coming!

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2008 : 07:46:46

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 Any chance you could install a solenoid that would automatically switch on that alternator only when the primary alternator is putting out (meaning the engine is running)? Cars have used things like that to keep the AC compressor off while starting, etc...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Excellent idea, Dave. I'll have to check into the possibility.

Yes, there have definitely been days when I really miss the simplicity of my old C25. Most recently this past Saturday as I spent over two hours unexpectedly pulling the bilge pump out in 100+ degree weather, and this coming Saturday when I have to put it back in. Of course, the offsets of more space, more stability, full wood interior, head and shower, etc., outweigh these occassional inconveniences.

However, they do provide funny little stories to tell...after the fact.

Would love to hear funny little horror stories from others here, so maybe I can avoid breaking another system.

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2008 : 14:46:21

Funny...HAHA

We had a deep keel 30ft Catalina at Panama City Beach, and never had a problem. Great boat. So great in fact that one day I was downwind sailing east just offshore and laid down in the back with my foot on the wheel and the boat balanced up so well.. well well I fell asleep. Woke up in sight of a rock jetty dead ahead. I'd made about 8 miles and my guess is I missed anything I had approached, ALTHOUGH I Would Not Know! I would have had a few systems to repair and I'm damn lucky I avoided them.

Asleep at the Wheel has a very real meaning for me now...

My favorite thing to do on a boat?

Throw out the anchor and Go TO Sleep

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2008 : 19:39:59

A 120A Balmar alternator means that you should (stress should, maybe, etc.) have an external regulator. If so, there should be an adjustable start time delay on the regulator. The default on ours is 45 seconds, adjustable.

Ain't life fun?

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Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 17:42:54

Ray..... only 8 miles?

Many sailors, myself included, think that the most dangerous part of solo off shore sailing is the landfall. Now there is no time for cat naps as there is much going on, and your reserve sleep tank is empty.

So here I was, sailing South along the Florida coast, abeam Port St. Lucie, about 5 miles off in a 10 knot wind. I hit 1 am and HAD to take a nap. I figured it would take more than an hour to hit the beach if everything went wrong, so I checked the chart, confirmed nothing to hit within 5 miles..... set radar and AIS alarm, as well as multiple alarm clocks and crawled into my cockpit sleeping arrangement.

When I woke up things were.....different. First of all there was DAYLIGHT, 7am in fact.....

I jumped up and immediately saw that the boat was on course, five miles off shore, and putting along at 4 knots...... Then I recognized the coastline..... West Palm. I covered about 25nm.

Edited by - Oscar on 08/11/2008 17:44:08

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 23:34:22

Oscar... "Under contract..." What comes next?

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 06:22:23

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Oscar... "Under contract..." What comes next?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Survey and closing........ Then pay off the loan and a few other bills. Then go shop for something smaller... (ie cheaper) Kids are eating me alive.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 09:00:44

Ahhh, the boat loan... Never had one of those. I sympathize. You can always go $+!nkp*++ing with your parents.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 08/12/2008 09:02:53

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 08/19/2008 : 12:06:16

Oscar...

Landfall asleep. HeHeHe That is pretty good.

That must be what the gulls are saying. "Wake Up.. Land Ho"

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2008 : 20:18:52

When was the last time you woke up a boat as complex as a Catalina 42 after an eight month nap and EVERYTHING worked.

Surveyor was impressed with my electrical system. Owner was happy too. Loan gets paid of tomorrow, I get the balance on Saturday. Will spend another half day showing new owners around the boat.

As mentioned in another thread, I'm in lust with a Corsair F27 now......

Edited by - on

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