What I liked about the Boat...even more

Making Decisions: Part 3

Engine 76 HP Yanmar 4JH2HTE.  Good size, plenty of power but not too much so that engine still has to work at revs – likes about 23 – 2600 revs although tends to consume more fuel at higher revs.  Forgiving, see comments on fan belt repairs below.  Easy to prime – I can inspect and clean primary fuel filter, refill it with diesel and not have to prime the fuel system again – starts easily after replacing the filter.  Runs relatively quietly.

Engine Access.  This is actually quite good for both the main engine and generator, which sits above and behind the main engine.  The main engine cover can be removed revealing the front, rear, top and starboard sides so that most of the engine can be easily accessed.  Not so the port side and so see observations below.  Changing oil and filters is quite easy but not the raw water pump impellor.

Thru Hull Fitting Access.  All are easily reached for servicing, turning on and off, etc.  I would like to have screens fitted over the engine and generator raw water intakes as they suck in a lot of muck, especially when in harbour, but they might slow the rate of water intake.  Strainers are easily accessed and cleaned however.

Stern Gland.  This has one of those dripless mechanisms – great so far, no drips and appears easy to get to.

Main Hatchway and Companionway Ladder.  The main hatchway and companionway ladder are easy to move in and out of – like real easy.  The ladder is not really a ladder but a relatively gently sloping stainless steel framed stair case so that, especially at anchor, one can walk easily in and out of the cabin without needing to hold onto anything ie both hands are free to carry one’s gin and tonics, wine for First Mate, etc.  Considering one uses this walkway many times a day it is a delight.  The ladder is also solid and convenient to use when sailing and easily removed to access the engine.

Convenient nav station

Electronics.  We have:

Depth Sounder.  A must have and fortunately it survived the lightning strike.  Couldn’t do without it.

Log.  Autohelm. Old model, just needed the dial replaced.

Entertainment. Stereo - not working; VHS player never used.  No TV.

Grounding System.  We were struck by lightning while on anchor at Titusville, Florida in July 2009. (More detail later.) However, the boats major metal fittings are grounded and this appears to have saved us from major damage.  US-manufactured boats apparently have to be grounded (unlike European-manufactured boats, I’m told) so avoided major structural damages because of this. 

Cockpit Seat Cushions.  These are comfortable, look good, use closed cell foam, get dirty but are easily cleaned with a pressure water cleaner.  We generally stow them under the dodger at night so that they don’t get wet from overnight dew or rain.

Rigid Inflatable Boat.  ‘Bruce’, our RIB, is about 11’ long, a Caribe.  Hardy, heavy, versatile, great for two to three people, plus bikes, fuel tank, etc.  I thought it was a bit big (came with the boat) but now appreciate its size.  Also great to use as additional fishing platform – to get away from First Mate & any crew!  We keep Bruce locked at night time to WJ3 via padlock and stainless chain.

Meet our RIB, Bruce: such an Ocker name!

15HP Yamaha Outboard.  Bruce is powered by a 15hp outboard which moves us very quickly, to the extent it can also do service towing someone on their wakeboard – great for bored (adult) children.  Very pleased with the engine’s reliability, so far.  It is constantly padlocked when mounted on Bruce.

Cruise to dream locations - Bitter End, British Virgin Islands