Phew

I went to the boat today to check out the white smoke issue we had last time out. 

I decided I want to change the coolant and change the oil because even if not needed, it's good practice for me.

I also wanted to take photos of all the systems so that I can confirm with our local Yanmar dealer that I have all the sores I need and get anything I don't have.

The coolant replacement was no easy. First I located the clear house coming from the fresh water system, and turned its butterfly valve. But nothing. Not a drop. I finally located another clear house so just had to try its valve. Only that valve was basically underneath the coolant reservoir and extremely inconvenient. Not able to un-tighten it by hand I had to also get a wrench in there which I finally managed with the tiny wrench I have. 

So I was able to get the coolant out. It was of course clean sonreally he whole thing was unnecessary but at least I know he process for removing and refilling it. 

I ran the diesel for 10 minutes after doing the coolant and great news! No white smoke/steam. So could have been that the key was not all the way on so I got an alarm, and the white steam that morning was due to humidity not a mechanical problem. Phew.

I also discovered that the manual bulge pump's diaphragm was cracked so I removed it and just ordered a service kit which will take several days to arrive. 

Tomorrow I'll do an oil change. Slightly more intimidating since the pump is electric and has to be connected to the battery. And the dipstick is very inconveniently located just like the nut for the coolant. 

Full day with the fellas

I've been needing to get more time on the water and behind the wheel. Last Sunday, I took my wife's uncle, our nephew, his dad, and a buddy of mine out into the SF Bay for around 5 1/2 hours. A nice day for it and only modest gusts even in "the slot" North of the Bay Bridge. It takes nearly 45 minutes to motor out of the estuary, and underway we had some white steam coming out of the aft exhaust. The two more senior sailors said it was possible it was just atmospheric conditions causing a bit of moisture condensation from the exhaust. But I was more concerned it signaled something more real. About 15 minutes underway, we had an alarm sound off, so I shut down the diesel and my nephew and I headed to put up sails so we'd have control over the boat, while uncle and nephew's dad went below to check out the yanmar for any noticeable issues. The alert had been low pressure. Temp on the engine itself was low. They wiggled a couple connectors and didn't see any blatant leakage issues. After sitting while, the engine behaved again we sailed in the Bay for a few hours. She fired back up again no problem after we returned under sail into the estuary. No weird noise and no alarms, but still with the white "smoke" which most online forums agree is steam. 

So when we get back from vacation, I need to run through the systems. First up is the cooling system and exhaust. I'll check the impeller which I've already replaced once so I really hope that's not it (although it's a pretty easy fix). Then I'll look at the strainer for any clogs. And then the mixing elbow which is something I've not attempted yet. Then I'll change the oil and replace the coolant which the local chandlery spec'ed the right fluids for me. Then I may get courageous and remove the injector to check it, as well as as the head gasket. I'm on sabbatical for 6 weeks, so no rush other than I'd rather be sailing than fixing stuff--although fixing and learning systems when I have time off is much easier than stressing about getting things done in a few free hours each weekend.

Well, at least for now I can share the good photos of the guys day sail last Sunday.

Re-secured and reassured

I spent a few hours yesterday removing lag bolts from the dock where we keep Hideaway. The way they were attached, the cleats were able to become very loose. The cleats were bolted to wood boards and the boards were then lag booted to the dock. Removing them was a bit tricky because several were corroded and broke off as I tried to loosen them. Since the broken bits were still sticking up, I drilled out recesses in the boards and moved them over a little to re-secure them to the dock. Now, everything is on tight and I have more peace of mind that a strong wind or tide won't pull the cleats right out. 

I'm about to start a sabbatical for six weeks. My company gives them for every four years of service. Anyway, I have a list of projects I want to do on and around the boat, and I'm looking forward to it. I'll keep bringing my furry friend, Ginger, also, since I want her to get more comfortable with the floating feeling and wave action, since we've got some boating in the summer plan. 

Just chill

Last Sunday my wife's uncle and a old buddy of his joined me, Jane and Sophia for a full day out on the water. The goal is to get some serious training time in. The only challenge was that our daughter was petrified of sailing in the bay. Mainly, because she's uncomfortable with heeling. Which is gonna happen in the Bay. 

Made it out and she was crying and scared. But it was a beautiful day and actually very light wind. So after awhile she was nodding off and we got some decent practice in. 

Ended up being a great day and I'm glad she was able to just chill. 

Ship shape

After rebedding the port grab rails and sitting for some time, Hideaway needed a good cleaning. A new scrub brush, some boat soap, and a good hose nozzle and it was on. Turned up the tunes and got to work. It takes a couple hours for a good scrub down. But she looks good again.

The only thing is, I noticed a leak from the heavy spraying in the starboard grab rail. Of course. Well I may put it off but not too long. 

I also got a brief cruise with my mother and step dad who were in town from the East Coast last weekend. Cold and breezy but fun. 

Getting less dangerous

Just finished a three day course at Tradewinds Sailing School, in Richmond, CA. The instructor asked what we all wanted to get out of it. I answered, "I know enough to be dangerous, and I don't want to be dangerous anymore." Mission accomplished. Some basics and some slightly more advanced skills gained. Some bad habits corrected. And just more experience overall. The first day, the sun was bright and wind modest. Saturday and Sunday were a different story. Cloudy and 20-28 knot wind. Exercised reeding maneuvers several times and now totally comfortable with it. A Catalina 25 is significantly different than my Hideaway. Exhilarating in the gusts but with input from our excellent instructor, I felt extremely confident about pushing it while getting great views of the city, Angel Island, and Mt Tam.

Just cruising under power

Sometimes, especially with those new to being on board and with kids, it's best to just cruise. But to me that mean under power. In the estuary mostly. With snacks. And beverages. 

That's exactly what we did weekend before last with our friends and their two girls. It definitely makes for easier entertaining. We have the new boat-friendly dining ware from Sea Dog that we really like for its durability, nice appearance, and nonslip bottom ring on everything (http://www.seadogboatingsolutions.com/galley-products.html ). So testing it all out with cheeses, crackers, and various meats was definitely needed. 

The Bay Area weather was slightly cool, but the day was great, and 3-4 hours on the water left the kids feeling sleepy, which is always a great side benefit. 

I'd also say that my docking skills--at least at my side dock with no encumbrances except a Catalina ahead of us to avoid--have gotten pretty good. Using the estuary tide and going against it into the dock is relatively easy. Come in (very) slow, and kick the ass end out at the very end, and drop her into reverse for a little burst, and good to go.