Zuma
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2009
- Messages
- 139
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-24 C
- Non-Fluid Motion Model
- Selene '53
- Vessel Name
- Zuma... Now and forever more
David Baker of Karma was very diplomatic in describing a mechanical difficulty suffered by ZUMA during last week's Gulf Cruise. We all sailed proudly from Victoria Harbor in a line only to return after minutes in sort of disarray. Here are the facts:
Just before departure last Monday morning, I cleaned the screen on the main engine intake. Without thinking and in a hurry to be ready to cast off; the appropriate seacock was left closed. We powered up and went merrily on our way for about ten minutes when ZUMA's overheat alarm blew and I immediately shut down the engine. A quick check under the hatch confirmed the error...meantime we were floating freely toward the steel pier outside Victoria entrance. Karma and company executed a swift return for a possible rescue tow. After five tense minutes we restarted and powered slowly back to the marina. No immediate damage was observed (like melted hoses or exhaust parts) and calls to Andrew and Howard at Ranger confirmed that little damage was probable. Both recommended a new impeller. I had a replacement in the tool box and with a little advice from Andrew, a metric Allen wrench form David of LOBO and ample help from David of KARMA, we made the change out in about an hour. A test cruise out into the Straits confirmed that the fix was well made and that the high wind and waves outside the harbor would delay cruising plans until Tuesday.
A few lessons were learned from this little adventure.
1. Thank goodness for fellow Tugnutters who stood by with help and encouragement and happily delayed their cruising for the sake of a rookie.
2. Don't be in a hurry when making routine daily mechanical checks and concentrate on what you are doing.
3. Carry important spare parts like impellers and belts so that repairs can be made in a timely manner..even if you can't do it yourself. A mechanic or handy neighbor may be available anywhere...parts are hard to come by if you are away from major ports.
4. Don't underestimate your own abilities to make repairs when you have no other choice and carry sufficient tools for minor repairs.
The remainder of our cruise went smoothly and mechanically ZUMA operated as normal. And, the impeller we replaced appeared to be in fine condition in spite of running dry for ten minutes. No damage was found. Probably will save it for another emergency.
As has been stated in another post, thanks to David and Maureen Baker of Karma for planning a great cruising adventure.
Lyman of ZUMA
Just before departure last Monday morning, I cleaned the screen on the main engine intake. Without thinking and in a hurry to be ready to cast off; the appropriate seacock was left closed. We powered up and went merrily on our way for about ten minutes when ZUMA's overheat alarm blew and I immediately shut down the engine. A quick check under the hatch confirmed the error...meantime we were floating freely toward the steel pier outside Victoria entrance. Karma and company executed a swift return for a possible rescue tow. After five tense minutes we restarted and powered slowly back to the marina. No immediate damage was observed (like melted hoses or exhaust parts) and calls to Andrew and Howard at Ranger confirmed that little damage was probable. Both recommended a new impeller. I had a replacement in the tool box and with a little advice from Andrew, a metric Allen wrench form David of LOBO and ample help from David of KARMA, we made the change out in about an hour. A test cruise out into the Straits confirmed that the fix was well made and that the high wind and waves outside the harbor would delay cruising plans until Tuesday.
A few lessons were learned from this little adventure.
1. Thank goodness for fellow Tugnutters who stood by with help and encouragement and happily delayed their cruising for the sake of a rookie.
2. Don't be in a hurry when making routine daily mechanical checks and concentrate on what you are doing.
3. Carry important spare parts like impellers and belts so that repairs can be made in a timely manner..even if you can't do it yourself. A mechanic or handy neighbor may be available anywhere...parts are hard to come by if you are away from major ports.
4. Don't underestimate your own abilities to make repairs when you have no other choice and carry sufficient tools for minor repairs.
The remainder of our cruise went smoothly and mechanically ZUMA operated as normal. And, the impeller we replaced appeared to be in fine condition in spite of running dry for ten minutes. No damage was found. Probably will save it for another emergency.
As has been stated in another post, thanks to David and Maureen Baker of Karma for planning a great cruising adventure.
Lyman of ZUMA
