51
still prevail. For example, minimal horsepower outboards have
correspondingly tiny fuel tanks that stop engines dead if not
adequately ventilated. Cracking the vent may not be enough
while opening it by a few turns can be the difference between
trouble-free running and intermittent shutdowns (Figure 4).
Another enemy of small petrol engines is the type of fuel used.
The additive ethanol (E10) is a progressive step in fuel technology
but it is no friend of small engines. It’s okay if a tank-full is used in
its entirety, but never leave it standing too long and let it coagulate
then clog the whole fuel system. Unleaded non-ethanol petrol does
not produce this problem.
WINCH SWITCHES
Plastic bodied foot-operated deck switches can be hit and
miss in their performance, being liable to fail when least
expected (Figure 5). This can be caused by the switch contacts
overheating and softening their plastic base thus allowing a
terminal to sink below the reach of the foot-operated contact
disc. Although repair is possible, a new switch is indicated and
intermittent rather than continuous winching is suggested to
prevent repeat meltdowns.
As most sailors know, the problems arising from boat ownership
are never ending, a truth that is ignored at their peril. A major part of
seamanship, whether racing or cruising, is to keep on top of the game
by acting on symptoms long before they become problems that can
break the bank or - at the very least - ruin your day. ✵
PICTURE BY: CREDIT CREDITABOUT THE AUTHOR: Alan Lucas is one of
Australia’s most respected sailing writers. He was
the original editor of Cruising Helmsman magazine
and his cruising guides to Australia’s east coast are
carried on almost every yacht that ventures into
these waters. He and wife Patricia spend most of
their time on their yacht Soleares, updating the guides.Australia’s best
exclusive
yacht listings
Sydney Harbour - Smiths Marina
Pittwater - The Quays Marina
Melbourne - Royal Brighton Yacht Club[02] 9960 6222
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