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TonyOlsen
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Aug 2017 : 22:53:26
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Having never owned a boat before I did my homework, looking at the different types of boat available and peoples comments on their preferences, I read the advice about surveys, did my calculations on what I could afford and then started to look for my first ever boat.
The first boat my wife and I looked at was a Picton 21 called "Ollie" (my nickname) so we thought it must be fate, however the boat required more work than I was willing to put in, so we looked elsewhere, then we saw "Hollie" a Norman 20, we had a look in and around her and thought this is the one.
Next stage make an offer and was about to arrange a survey when it was suggested by someone (not the seller) that a survey would not be necessary for the boat as it was less than £4000 to buy, so mistake number 1 didn't bother with a survey, after all it was a nice sunny day the boat looked good, smelt nice inside and looked tidy .... what could possibly go wrong ?
First day on my new boat I decided to take it out and try it out, I impressed myself, I backed Hollie out of her berth, turned in the marina, managed to avoid hitting the other boats and left the marina like a professional, turning south down the Lancaster canal at a steady speed I struggled to keep a straight line due to the windy conditions, after 10 minutes I decided that this was not a good idea and turned around and headed back to the marina.
I couldn't drive back into the marina, every time I lined up with the entrance, the wind blew me past it, after 8 attempts including two collisions with the marina wall, I opted to abandon ship, with bow rope in hand and pulled Hollie back into her berth, so first attempt had to pull the boat in by hand.
The following weekend, the weather was perfect, and so my Wife and I boarded Hollie complete with sandwiches and snacks we set off again, this time we turned north up Lancaster canal, a beautiful sunny day, little or no wind, we motored north for about an hour then moored up to eat our lunch and watch the world go by, after a pleasant lunch break we continued north and stopped at Barton grange for a coffee and a cake, then a bit of shopping at the farm shop.
Shopping done, cake and coffee consumed we headed back south to the marina, about 3 bridges from the marina the engine cut out, we had plenty of fuel, the battery was healthy and plenty of wingly amps so it wasn't the battery, maybe the prop is fouled, so went to tilt the engine to check the prop and the engine was very hot, ok nothing for it, so I grabbed my new friend (the bow rope) and started walking down the canal pulling Hollie. and once again I had to pull Hollie into the marina.
Next I got the mechanic at the marina to inspect the engine for me, "its probably a knackered impellor, I'll take a look and let you know". when the mechanic finally phoned I braced myself for the bill, but no bill, no charge, "I haven't repaired it, its not worth spending money on, it is completely rusted below the water line" it turns out that I have been happily motoring up and down the canal and only managed to cool the canal not the engine. mistake number one bit me in the ass.
as long as I don't travel for more than an hour, I might get away with using the engine, but there is no guarantee on how long the engine will last, so back to my calculator and work out my budget for a new engine, managed to get a brand new Parsun 9.8 hp, complete with all fittings £1614, the salesmen stated " its comes complete with everything you'll need to get going, it has instructions and is pretty obvious what connects were and how".... sounds perfect... how difficult can it be ?
Arranged to have it delivered direct to the marina, staff at the marina happy to take the delivery for me and store it until I can get there, on the day of delivery I received a phone call at work from the delivery driver " I'm outside your house and no one is here to take delivery" informed him that he was at the wrong address, then the engine shop phoned and apologised that they had sent it to the wrong address and they will get it delivered to the marina but obviously will be a day later.
So engine replacement day, the marina allowed me to use their hoist and block and tackle to change the engine, so once again I motored out of the marina, still impressing myself on my boat handling skills and ability to drive it without hitting anything else.
moored up under the hoist, everything going smoothly, old engine disconnected and off, on inspection of the old engine - I have seen less holes on a colander and amazed that the engine was still in one piece.
new engine on the hoist moved out over the water and positioned above where I need it, start to lower it into its new home, when the strop holding the engine slipped and down came the engine, managed to catch it and stop it falling into the canal, managed by luck and a little brute force and ignorance to get the engine seated and secured, now all I have to do is unpack the fitting and connectors and should be up and running in no time at all........
Part 2 to follow
ollie |
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trevork
3949 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2017 : 00:03:47
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The joys of boating Ollie! You have bought a decent boat anyway. The 20 is very versatile and, once you get used to the handling, you will wonder why the fussa!
Good read as well, keep us up to date with your adventures! |
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tigtog
United Kingdom
421 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2017 : 01:03:06
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| good luck ollie as said once settled its great |
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Wayfoot
United Kingdom
109 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2017 : 12:42:04
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Ollie
Sounds like you are moored at Moons Bridge ?
I have had my N20 (Sylk Lady)for 6 years moored in Garstang and wouldn't swop it for anything. They are perfect on the Lanky. I would be happy to meet up at Owd Nells for a natter and i could pass on any knowledge that may be useful to you. I bought my engine (Yamaha 9.9) 2nd hand and there are many basic things to look out for. Let me know if you need any help. I could even pop round to the marine if you prefer.
Pete |
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TonyOlsen
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2017 : 21:28:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Wayfoot
Ollie
Sounds like you are moored at Moons Bridge ?
I have had my N20 (Sylk Lady)for 6 years moored in Garstang and wouldn't swop it for anything. They are perfect on the Lanky. I would be happy to meet up at Owd Nells for a natter and i could pass on any knowledge that may be useful to you. I bought my engine (Yamaha 9.9) 2nd hand and there are many basic things to look out for. Let me know if you need any help. I could even pop round to the marine if you prefer.
Pete
Pete, thanks for the offer, I will definitely take you up on that, my email address is tony.olsen@sky.com, drop me an email and we can exchange telephone numbers, I may have to visit you at yours and bring Mrs O (the Admiral) with me so we can look and get ideas for Hollie
kind regards
ollie |
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lessons learned
