Fisho
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2018
- Messages
- 75
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-24 C SE
- Hull Identification Number
- USFMLT2106F
- Vessel Name
- KHUNYAI
- MMSI Number
- 503076010
I purchased my 2012 21EC a few months ago and have enjoyed learning how to use and maintain it. There have been lots of helpful tips on TugNuts but a few of my key take lessons are below. I just want to repay the great advice I have found on Tugnuts.
1. The Yanmar Manual says to take the engine to near maximum revs a couple of times after a trip while moored. I could not work out how to do this. I assume most owners know how to do this but the Manual was not clear? Anyway, there is a button on the throttle lever that must be pushed in to disengage the clutch. Once pushed in you can increase the revs without the prop turning. Sorry, most owners probably knew this but it was new to me.
2. When purchased the engine had 175 hours. While I did all the normal servicing of oils, filters etc I did not take off the U shaped exhaust manifold. The boat was running ok so I was happy to skip it. BIG MISTAKE. At 240 hours I did take the exhaust and sea water mixer off by disconnecting the hoses and taking it off the heat exchanger. Luckily I had bought some spare manifold gaskets! Anyway where the sea water enters the manifold through the 1/2 inch socket, it was almost completely blocked. Also the inside of the manifold and mixer was full of hardened exhaust stuff. There seemed to be some corrosion? It was a mess. I suspect the previous owner had not followed the manual and raced the engine often and just cruised slowly. I discussed this with my local slipway owner and his advice to maintain small marine diesels is to try and kill them! Which of course you can’t. Hard work and medium to high revs is the best thing for them. I have now replaced the manifold with a superb aftermarket SS polished exhaust and U shaped sea water mixer. I also replaced the hoses. Easy to fit. All good.
3. After spending a couple of nights anchored in windy conditions, I realised the standard anchor is not very good. After being dragged during the night and nearly running aground, I investigated anchors and anchoring. A really big deal and a lot to learn. Result is a 6kg ROCNA with a 4kg ROCNA at the rear if I want to hold position and fish. Works a treat.
4. My boat was built before RT fitted a table at the rear on the engine compartment. I asked for advice on Tugnuts and the LAGUN mount from Sweden was suggested. Amazing. Much better than expected. Thanks.
5. The other area I have learnt a great deal is maintaining the fibreglass finish and repairing the inevitable little dents and scratches. A huge topic that I assume most RT owners are across. But there is a lot to learn.
6. The Speedseal cover for the impeller is magic!
7. I replaced the fuel gauge sender in the diesel tank since it was not working. Now works a treat. Very happy. Of course I can also raise the rear seat cover and look at the level but it is good to check on the gauge while cruising and know it is reasonably accurate.
8. Extended the double birth by placing a sturdy ice box that is the right height. With foam and a piece of memory foam on top I have extended the bed significantly. Really, a big deal for my wife and me. Great.
9. I noted a couple of references to closing the sea cock before pulling the boat out on the trailer. I did not really appreciate how important this is, otherwise the system drains and takes some time to suck water back into the system. Important for flushing the engine while out of the water. Thanks. Important!
10. I read one reference to a 21EC owner putting lead ballast in the keel through the little round hatch that turns on the salt water cock. No other owners commented? Anyway I poured some lead ingots and placed about 30+kgs in the keel wrapped in old rubber tyre tubes to stop them moving about or rubbing. Wow. A really noticeable improvement in stability. Great suggestion. On the other hand not sure I want to put boat and trailer over a weigh bridge?
11. I followed the advice on Tugnuts to service the dual horns. Turns out only one was working! Now sounds like a real tug!
12. For those owners that don’t have a good anchor winch operated from inside the cabin, they don’t know what they are missing. Right up there with an autopilot as an essential addition.
13. Finally removed the KENYON metho stove. Too slow and not very hot. Covered hole with marine ply stained the same colour as the other woodwork. Replaced with a small gas stove that can also be used outside on the engine cover. Magic! Installed a CO monitor in the cabin.
14. Finally worked out the wiring for bilge pump, sensor and alarm. Added an extra bilge pump for safety on separate circuit. Hope I won’t need it!
I apologise if some of this is common knowledge to most owners but these are a few things I have learnt over last few months. Cheers and thanks.
1. The Yanmar Manual says to take the engine to near maximum revs a couple of times after a trip while moored. I could not work out how to do this. I assume most owners know how to do this but the Manual was not clear? Anyway, there is a button on the throttle lever that must be pushed in to disengage the clutch. Once pushed in you can increase the revs without the prop turning. Sorry, most owners probably knew this but it was new to me.
2. When purchased the engine had 175 hours. While I did all the normal servicing of oils, filters etc I did not take off the U shaped exhaust manifold. The boat was running ok so I was happy to skip it. BIG MISTAKE. At 240 hours I did take the exhaust and sea water mixer off by disconnecting the hoses and taking it off the heat exchanger. Luckily I had bought some spare manifold gaskets! Anyway where the sea water enters the manifold through the 1/2 inch socket, it was almost completely blocked. Also the inside of the manifold and mixer was full of hardened exhaust stuff. There seemed to be some corrosion? It was a mess. I suspect the previous owner had not followed the manual and raced the engine often and just cruised slowly. I discussed this with my local slipway owner and his advice to maintain small marine diesels is to try and kill them! Which of course you can’t. Hard work and medium to high revs is the best thing for them. I have now replaced the manifold with a superb aftermarket SS polished exhaust and U shaped sea water mixer. I also replaced the hoses. Easy to fit. All good.
3. After spending a couple of nights anchored in windy conditions, I realised the standard anchor is not very good. After being dragged during the night and nearly running aground, I investigated anchors and anchoring. A really big deal and a lot to learn. Result is a 6kg ROCNA with a 4kg ROCNA at the rear if I want to hold position and fish. Works a treat.
4. My boat was built before RT fitted a table at the rear on the engine compartment. I asked for advice on Tugnuts and the LAGUN mount from Sweden was suggested. Amazing. Much better than expected. Thanks.
5. The other area I have learnt a great deal is maintaining the fibreglass finish and repairing the inevitable little dents and scratches. A huge topic that I assume most RT owners are across. But there is a lot to learn.
6. The Speedseal cover for the impeller is magic!
7. I replaced the fuel gauge sender in the diesel tank since it was not working. Now works a treat. Very happy. Of course I can also raise the rear seat cover and look at the level but it is good to check on the gauge while cruising and know it is reasonably accurate.
8. Extended the double birth by placing a sturdy ice box that is the right height. With foam and a piece of memory foam on top I have extended the bed significantly. Really, a big deal for my wife and me. Great.
9. I noted a couple of references to closing the sea cock before pulling the boat out on the trailer. I did not really appreciate how important this is, otherwise the system drains and takes some time to suck water back into the system. Important for flushing the engine while out of the water. Thanks. Important!
10. I read one reference to a 21EC owner putting lead ballast in the keel through the little round hatch that turns on the salt water cock. No other owners commented? Anyway I poured some lead ingots and placed about 30+kgs in the keel wrapped in old rubber tyre tubes to stop them moving about or rubbing. Wow. A really noticeable improvement in stability. Great suggestion. On the other hand not sure I want to put boat and trailer over a weigh bridge?
11. I followed the advice on Tugnuts to service the dual horns. Turns out only one was working! Now sounds like a real tug!
12. For those owners that don’t have a good anchor winch operated from inside the cabin, they don’t know what they are missing. Right up there with an autopilot as an essential addition.
13. Finally removed the KENYON metho stove. Too slow and not very hot. Covered hole with marine ply stained the same colour as the other woodwork. Replaced with a small gas stove that can also be used outside on the engine cover. Magic! Installed a CO monitor in the cabin.
14. Finally worked out the wiring for bilge pump, sensor and alarm. Added an extra bilge pump for safety on separate circuit. Hope I won’t need it!
I apologise if some of this is common knowledge to most owners but these are a few things I have learnt over last few months. Cheers and thanks.