BLUEMOMENT

Went to boat this AM - just to check things out and clean up a bit. First job was to fire up the engine. Power on push button fired first time round - shortly followed by substantial bang with boat filling in seconds with thick blue/black smoke. Engine is beneath wheelhouse floor so lifted trap and promptly engulfed in even more smoke. SWMBO pulled the stop button and things went quiet. We abandoned ship until smoke cleared and then investigated. The silencer had blown in half and bits of lagging were strewn around the engine compartment.

The exhaust system was badly rusted. My best guess at the cause was that diesel had somehow "seeped" into the exhaust, gathered in the silencer and it ignited explosively when the engine fired. It was running quite sweetly (but rather noisily and smokey) when SWMBO pulled the kill switch.

Spent rest of day tidying up, producing list of bits we need, and deciding it was all my fault. Local chandler, Rob Storrar, was able to supply or order main bits, B&Q the odds and ends.

My main worry is that in clearing the debris we seemed to find about 93 other things that we ought to do. Not the way I hoped to start the season. The only up side I can think of is that it shows how tough the Colvic Watson really is.

Perhaps a blocked exhaust pipe or outlet. I started my Perkins 4236 having forgotten to open the outlet valve and there was avery loud 'pop' followed by exhaust fumes and noise change. In my case it was a replacement pipe. I would certainly check that the exhaust pipe is free all the way before starting it again.

BlowingOldBoots wrote:Perhaps a blocked exhaust pipe or outlet. I started my Perkins 4236 having forgotten to open the outlet valve and there was avery loud 'pop' followed by exhaust fumes and noise change. In my case it was a replacement pipe. I would certainly check that the exhaust pipe is free all the way before starting it again.

Thanks for the advice, The exhaust pipe is only about a foot long. the flexipipe that split connects from that to the engine directly, is being replaced. I will definitely proddle the outlet pipe before pressing button.

All of which is a minor issue. Big problem was is that SWMBO was very frightened, much more than I realised at the time. She has now demanded that the boat has to go. It has been an occasionally recurring theme for a year or more. Not sure where to go with this but not looking good for future sailing. Worst bit is I wanted to sell Olive this year anyway so difficult not to go ahead, and if I do - chances of buying replacement would seem slim. Only plan I can think of is to ask an unrealistically high price, but I fear she will smell a rat. There is much more to sailing than driving a boat.

Sometimes difficult decisions have to be made. I don't suppose your missus would be placated by the old adage 'a bad day on the boat is better than good day at home'.

Seriously, best of luck.

BlowingOldBoots wrote:Sometimes difficult decisions have to be made. I don't suppose your missus would be placated by the old adage 'a bad day on the boat is better than good day at home'.

Seriously, best of luck.

No - Definitely not. I have a sense of humour - SWMBO rather less so. What is needed is calm diplomacy - generous sympathy --------and underhand skullduggery.

Trust me for the skullduggery bit - alls fair in sailing and marriage.

I don't want to say I told you so...
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.But I did!

Boats aren't selling fast just now - don't ask how I know. Though Telo seems to have found a buyer for Shard in reasonable time. He hasn't told us his secret yet.
Derek

sahona wrote:I don't want to say I told you so...
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.But I did!

By that I mean post 7 of this viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9411

Spooky eh?

Things have now returned to normal-ish. Bits needed for repairs are on order. I have conceded choice of new house near Fort William (which I intended buying in first place) Actual repair will only take an afternoon (once all the bits and pieces arrive) and everyone is happy (ish). All we need now is a buyer for our house. So everything back on track.

I love it when a plan comes together!