2014: Repairs Underway in Preveza

Ionian, Greece: 2014

Preveza Marina - getting ready for haul out

Companionway Step.  I managed to break the side lip on the bottom step of my companionway ladder while standing on it; replaced it with the top step and in turn had that replaced with a flat piece of timber (bamboo actually – a cutting board).  The original steps curl up at the edges and so they are particularly important on the bottom step as there is nothing else to stop one’s foot sliding sideways.  The other five above all have stainless railing to support your foot and prevent it sliding.  The companionway steps are one of our most loved parts of this boat ie a gentle rise, rather than a steep one like many other boats, and at rest it is quite easy/safe to carry a drink in each hand while ascending, without spilling anything.  I actually now prefer my new top step/cutting board as it is bigger than the original.  It’s fine at sea too.

Light Connections.  Located and repaired electric connections (that had come loose over time) for a bunch of cabin lights over the galley and in the store room.

 

Floating through the Corinth Canal

Leaking Fresh Water Tank.   For several seasons I had always wondered as to why there was water pumped from the bilge whenever we refilled the water tanks.  It only occurred a few of times then it would stop altogether.  To cut a long story short this year I heard a strange sound while refilling the water tanks and lifted some of the flooring access plates.  I could hear a hissing gurgling sound and sure enough one of the (five) plastic water tanks had a small slit at its top.  

I could feel it but not see it as most of the water tanks are hidden from view under furniture.  As it is, I can’t get to it to repair it and would have to lift some flooring and may be some of the galley furniture (which is not removable as far as I can see) to be able to do so.  I believe that you can repair these tanks with plastic welding but you need to be able to get to the damaged part relatively easily.  It looks easy on You Tube.  So, I’ve had to leave it and I use this tank first off whenever I refill tanks.  Fortunately all tanks can be isolated from each other using the ball valves for each tank located near the fresh water pump.

Starter Battery Died.  At the island of Meganissi, on the Ionian Sea and not very far south of Preveza, the starter battery died.  Working fine one day, not the next.  Fortunately, Meganissi was only a 20 minute fast dinghy hike in Bruce to a decent chandlery on Lefkadha and I was back on the boat in an hour and a half with a brand new battery.  No further problems.  I did try to use jumper leads from the storage batteries to the starter battery but it was not enough to turn the engine over.  I’m sure there must be another solution and will let you know when I find it out.  What if one were far away from civilization and the starter battery died?

At the marina, we had time for side trips

Maintaining Stainless Steel.  This year I made a startling discovery.  To keep the stainless clean and shiny, with minimum rust marks, clean it with fresh water.  It gets very salt encrusted as you cruise around and builds up rust stains but, rather than leave it until the end of the season or on visits to marinas where there is plenty of fresh water to hose them off, just wipe them with a wet rag of fresh water every now and again.  We carry four jerry cans of spare fresh water but you really don’t need to use much anyway.  A bucket half full will easily cover all the (considerable) stainless railing around the boat.  Anyway, just remarkable, no need for polishing all the time (which I rarely do although I always feel guilty for not doing it).  I suppose everyone else out there knows this simple technique but I had never read about it.  I just discovered it by accident. 

Generator Raw Water Develops Galloping Diarrhoea.   About a week or so before we reached our port of storage at the end of the season (Preveza), the generator shat itself and the drip tray was full of dirty brown water.  The raw water pump bearing had died again (last time seven years ago) and so it was leaking lots of water from the engine cooling system.  No other damage resulted as water was still being circulated around the engine but the generator could no longer be used.  We had it repaired once we were on the hard by a very helpful German mechanic, Stefan, arranged for by the yard – Aktio Marina.  This was to be the beginning of a growing but unwelcome relationship - only because of too many boat bits needing TLC!  Our relationship continued on in 2015.  The Other Woman is loving the attention....

2014 - an Interesting year for repairs!

Aktio Boatyard, Preveza - Haul Out