For a change, there was not a long list of jobs when ‘lifted’ this year, so it was just, wash off, antifoul, an adjustment to the keel slot flap, anodes, propspeed and a good polish.
Yacht owners will be familiar with fouling on the log impeller necessitating regular cleaning with the resultant water in the bilge. Previous attempts to discourage the build-up of growth which prevents the log reading have failed. I have tried wax, copper spray and even udder cream, none of this has worked in the longer term. My latest attempt is Seajet 034 which comes in an aerosol can – watch this space….
The lay-up was also a good opportunity to replace the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), replace the out-of-date flares and have the lifejackets serviced. All this in advance of the summer adventures this year which are currently under review due to visits to our son and his family in Minneapolis and the visit of our daughter and family from Dublin – and other stuff…
With increasing pressure on the yard services, the re-launch was booked in advance, but just a week before, the marina was still in the throes of a dredging operation, and the home berth was inaccessible. Ultimately the situation was resolved and Hejira was moved back to her home berth a week later.
Having had a professional engine and generator service carried out with replacement injectors, just the year before, I felt I could comfortably carry out an oil change on my own, replacing the oil and fuel filters. Unfortunately, the various tubes involved in the ‘suck out’ had spread themselves around the bilge and took some finding. Then they turned out to be blocked and in trying to suck out, I released the pressure and sprayed old black oil all over the cabin and me. The mess was finally cleaned up and the service completed. Nothing is ever straightforward…
Have a great Summer adventure Nick
Good luck
Stephen