REPAIRS ON OUR BOATS

[LOLA]

POST PICTURES TOO IF CAN.

[Jen]

Hi Lola :)
Sorry I'm not always on this site often enough to respond timely.
I've done all kinds of engine work and as I go along learning, I do more and more on my own. I've had a great mentor teach me the ropes. Some stuff I actually just start digging into myself since I've started gaining more and more experience on the engine.
In getting the engine reliable, I've become an expert in bleeding the engine. Do it enough times and you will too. And, it's especially important to get to know your engine. This will help boost your confidence when you're out and about. I know sailors that have others always do their engine work and I really don't think that's a good idea. Engines don't always "die" at the dock... usually the die off the dock. sure sure you could call sea tow or boat u.s., but, it's really best to know your boat.
I think you've checked out my blog previously where I document a lot of the work I've done on SV Athena. There's a lot there so it's sometimes not always easy to find the boat work intermixed with the fun stuff ;)
So, I've pulled out a couple archived pages for you if you're interested.
Scroll down the following archive page of the blog to see the new fuel tank and fuel filter I put in SV Athena.
http://sailathena.blogspot.com/2006_06_01_archive.html
I did actually end up having to change out the new (used) fuel filter myself later on when I determined that the filter my friend had given me had a leak.
It's nice having a new tank because I know there's no buildup in it yet ;)
The racor filter is awesome.
I also have a fair amount of engine pictures if you scroll throughout this archived blog page.
http://sailathena.blogspot.com/2008_05_01_archive.html
I noted that you mentioned having a Yanmar. I have a 15 Hp Yanmar 2QM. I think it's the original engine (1978) to SV Athena, but I'm not positive.
The guys in the marine parts store knew me well the summer I was putting a lot of work into the engine. replaced all soft fuel lines, can't get the metal fuel lines on the engine anymore (for the engine i have), I've replaced a bunch of the various bolts, including the filter bleed bolt; replaced the zincs (twice); air filter of course is an easy one you should be able to do piece of cake; replaced thermostat; replaced temp sensor; and, cleaned and changed water pump a couple times. Do be sure to keep up on replacing/cleaning cooling water system and pump if you have saltwater cooled engine, like SV Athena.
It's also pretty easy to changes one's oil. I do SV Athena at least twice per year.
scroll down the following archive blog page to see picture of the oil collector i use. It's a nice vacuum pump. you can click on most all the pictures on my blog to enlarge them for closer look.
http://sailathena.blogspot.com/2006_11_01_archive.html
I can't say enough how rewarding it is once you've learned how to do this all on your own.
p.s. I always always use the relatively inexpensive flat absorbent oil/fuel sheets (West Marine, and I'm sure others). They're only like a buck a piece. I keep them under the engine at all times, whether working on the engine or not.
p.s.s. I've also learned how to do my own electric work, and as scary as it seems, it's not too scary. I've re-wired a bunch of things on SV Athena, including wiring up a new radio, the running lights, a chartplotter, the depth sounder, and even the autohelm. definitely best to have someone teach you first of course.
Wish I had some good vacation time to come visit. perhaps in the summer when the weather gets too hot down here in FL ;)

[LOLA]

Great Blogs Jen

[LOLA]

I reread your blogs Jen....very informative again...thanks...I hope I get to your level someday...taking baby steps here.

[Suky]

Melissa~ I humbly disagree ~ I consider you Sane & Practical Boat Driver ! All wonderful advice ! I love your comments. I always appreciate the advice and help from the men sailors but a women's view is different and of course, one I tend to understand and relate to more readily. Being on the water, it is apparent that a balance of the two makes for good sailing maintenance and fun.
I am first a sailor and now that I am looking for a liveaboard, know how critical the engine is ~ almost makes me want to live on a houseboat with my daysailer ... ~~ but not quite. LOL.
When I worked at the marina I was in charge of fuel, the sailors who used their boats alot did not use a filter when refueling but many did. Even though we had marine grade diesel, that refueling filter just reduced many problems. So slow then but bigger payoff later. Also, this ethanol is a boon to engine repair ~ it's wrecking havoc on engine parts.

[LOLA]

Of interest I just received:

Can be read by men or women:

Comment Period for E15 Waiver Petition Extended



EPA grants 60 day extension as research organization submits detailed review of scientific claims



WASHINGTON, D.C., May 18, 2009 – On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency extended the comment period on a petition submitted by Growth Energy, a pro-ethanol lobby, requesting a waiver to allow ethanol gasoline blends of up to 15 percent (E15) to be introduced into commerce. The original public comment period was slated to end on May 21, 2009 but will now be extended to July 20, 2009.

The extension of the comment period allows boaters, marine industry employees and other concerned parties more time to submit comments to EPA if they have not already done so.

Today, the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research organization, delivered a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson that includes a detailed review of the scientific research cited in Growth Energy’s waiver petition. EWG’s in-depth analysis of this research concludes that each of the seven studies cited by Growth Energy contains evidence that undermines the case for introducing mid-level ethanol blends, contrary to their claims.

NMMA continues to call for a science-based review of the request by EPA to ensure that increased levels of ethanol would not harm boats, marine engines and other affected equipment. More than 25,000 comments opposing the waiver petition have already been submitted through NMMA’s online advocacy tool. To submit comments to EPA opposing E15, click here. http://capwiz.com/nmma/home.

To view NMMA’s background materials on ethanol, visit http://www.nmma.org/government/federal and click on “Ethanol.”

To view EWG’s letter and white paper, visit http://www.ewg.org/letter/Factual-Analysis-Debunks-Corn-Ethanol-Ind... and http://www.ewg.org/reports/Ethanol-Gasoline-Fuel-Blends-Human-Healt....

###

NMMA is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle.

[Suky]

NO NO NO ....
ethanol is now so entrenched and many making money but it is NOT good for anything.. strips our soil, wrecks our engines.
I suppose it does make more work for professional engine mechanics but even they don't like it.
Thanks for posting this Lola, I will definitely make comments.

[Rebeccaburg]

Where are the do it yourself boatyards?
In the States, it seems that the DIY sort of boatyards are becoming a thing of the past. Does anyone know of these that can be found around Florida's coast? I prefer to do my own work too on Angel, (had rebuilt her myself from repowering her diesel to new electrical system, fiberglassing and plumbing- as the saying goes, if you want it done right, you've got to do it yourself). I've heard of someone getting a "certificate" so they can be qualified to paint their own boat's bottom, but don't know much else of that. The yard I'd gone to in the past has been turned into an eyesore private condo. This is very disappointing, the loss of these kind of yards. I have a nice collection of power tools and nowhere to use them- bummer I say.
s/v Angel

[Melissa Renee]

Hurrican Cove on the Miami River still alllows DIY in there yard. Just don't leave anything of value on the boat. I was just there yesterday helping a dockmate move his boat after spending 4 months on the hard there. http://hurricanecovemarina.com/

[LOLA]

Another sailor told me this week, that the current CURRENTS magazine has an ad for a dual fuel filter system. I guess if your filter gets clogged, a switch is turned on (automatic or by hand?)...Would have to be another tube, or I would think you would have to bleed the line....has anyone seen this, and can reply on.?

Thank you

[Melissa Renee]

Yes I can Lola. My good friend Rob is a dealer for Fuel Boss. Great system. Will warn if the primary fuel filter is getting clog so you can switch over to the secondary. Also polishes the fuel tanks. A little expensive but what isn't on a boat! The small fuel pump also makes bleeding the lines a snap. One of these days I will put one on my boat.

[LOLA]

Thank you Melissa, I will search the net.

[LOLA]

Dual filter controller with built in vacuum/pressure gage for monitoring the online filter. There is a built in fuel pump, which allows easy engine bleeding-with or without the engine operating and also allows easy filter bleeding and servicing. The fuel pump can also supply fuel to the injector unit, if lift pump fails. A remote annunciator panel allows an advance warning that the filter is clogging, by an amber LED light. Also a green LED light indicates when the fuel pump is on. The Early Warning Panel is only 1" square, so it can be mounted in close quarters. A bleed port allows for filter servicing and bleeding out air and can be adapted for "fuel polishing". The FilterBOSS is built with heavy duty valves with Viton seals. All fittings are Bi-lok brass grade CA360, with type K copper tubing .035" wall thickness. Con-x weather tight cannon plug with 10' electrical harness is included, along with a remote early warning panel, an installation/operational manual and placards. H8.5 X W6.5 X D5.5 7.5 lbs.

Price $975