Launch (maybe sunk almost?)

[tonyiiiafl]

Never even got the thruster tested or wired up. Another project for next weekend.

Arrived at marina storage yard and she was on the travel lift. Went inside and floors all opened up. So we got settled in and I asked how it started. They said they never commissioned the engines. If I wanted them to I would have to put it in a slip and leave it for a week or so. I had this on my work list for a couple reasons:

An extra set of eyes is always good

In years past, you didn’t need to be present for the launch and they left it at a slip (This year they wanted you there for the launch)

So I had them drop me in the water and started the engines. Started easy and great running. Pumping strong water. The mid bilge pump comes on. Stays in for about 2 minutes. Dock hand said it was a lot of winter water in the bilge. As engines were warming up pump comes on and off a few times and now the aft pump also does the same. I back up off the lift and head towards a slip to check things out. They said it was nothing but I insisted on docking and checking the engines over. Wind blows hard and I go sideways. Saved it and got into the slip. Went below and saw sea water pouring in. Hopped into the bilge and saw the strainer for the genset was open. I mean water was pouring in. So I managed to squeeze myself down there and shut the seacock. Pumps cycled a few more times. We ran engines 20 minutes or so and I was getting lamb basted for the external thruster. So I did something out of character and said “ why don’t you and your tiny *&^%$ go #$### yourself, mind your own business and go fuck
Yourself again and take a long walk off of a short pier? He started rambling and I looked at him again and said “ say all you want but I do not deal with people who are mentally unarmed” Like I said, I have gotten it all ways to Sunday from everything to you are going to kill someone, to did you check with insurance company and everything in between. Yeah, sadly I hit that point.

. We left the slip and headed out to the channel. I gave her some throttle and the bow comes up a bit and the aft pump comes on again. Must have been water flowing back. Then the forward pump comes on. Once out of the channel I investigate and switch is stuck on. New switch they installed. We are now at junction of Cape Cod canal and a piece of the old canvas blows off! Screw it, just gave her more throttle. ((I used my old canvas for winter, store new one at home)) it just kept going. Made it to Taylor’s Point with wind howling but in my favor. Got her slipped. Cut the forward switch wire then had a couple drinks. But it is home and no one sunk or got hurt.

Now to figure out the strainer issue, and commission systems. I guess you could say I saved $260.00 in commissioning fees for the bright side. We move in net weekend.

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[Midnightsun]

Glad to hear things worked out for you in the end, could have been pretty bad had you not been vigilant. This is one thing I am always very careful about after winterizing. Everything gets put back together and tightened to spec after winterization. The only exception is the water heater bypass/drain which I do just before spring launch where I also double check all my sea cocks and strainer caps including the raw water pickup strainer for the wash down which is hidden in the rear deck on my boat so not even in the same bilge as all the rest of them.

Went to the Marina yesterday just for the heck of it. All electrical shore power boxes are still covered up and the marina is boarded up which it should be as they do not officially open until May 20th. Also on the way, stopped to see the boat in storage, everything on board looks/smells and feels just like when I left her last fall, no surprises. Starting to prepare for a few planned but unfinished projects I want in before launch. Lithium setup, new holding tank monitor installation, inverter.

-1C this morning and a high of 9 today, slow spring for sure this year.

[tonyiiiafl]

UGH, OH CANADA! I tell you, if I were that 300lbs I was a few years ago, I never could have gotten down there like I did.

SO, today we commission water systems, heat and A/C. then take a look at that strainer. I am thinking it is just not seated properly.

Then refit the trim on the fridge and replace that forward switch and also update the bilge pump, as it is vintage 1994.

CHEERS my friend!

[Viper]

Well that was a day! Glad it all worked out in the end with no major catastrophe Tony.

Like Hans said, the best practice when winterizing is to leave all systems launch ready. Too many partial sinkings as a result of not doing that. Can't rely on memory 6 months later to put something back together just prior to launch that you took apart during winterizing. If I must leave something apart, I leave a note at the helm or on the cabin door as a reminder to address it before launch.

This is where high water alarms come in handy!

[Midnightsun]

If I must leave something apart, I leave a note at the helm or on the cabin door as a reminder to address it before launch.

Sometimes simplicity is the best medicine. Will keep a mental note of that one for sure if I remember that is.

[km1125]

I can't imagine not being there and on the boat for launch. When they drop me in the water, I first check for any water coming in and then verify the engine thru-hull are opened and ready for 'engine start'. Start the engines while still in the slings and let them warm for about 5 min while I go back into the engine room and checkover things (belts and make sure no other water is anywhere it shouldn't be) then quickly check the fwd and aft hatches for any water.

At that point I feel comfortable pulling the boat out of the slings and heading to the slip.

[tonyiiiafl]

Due to Covid last couple years they didn’t want you there. Yes for sure I ran until thermostats opened. Otherwise I am on board bringing systems on line.

[g36]

Such happy day getting the boat in the water turned into a day of panic and freaking out, gotta be thankful you were on board. The days ahead will be better now for you I'm sure.

[Phrancus]

Sometimes simplicity is the best medicine. Will keep a mental note of that one for sure if I remember that is.

write a note to remember to write a note.....

winter months melt away when you're back at the boat as if it was yesterday that you put it away for winter. And then you try to check all the individual items you remember that you were going to not forget.....

[tomschauer]

My marina drops the boats, tows them to your slip and ties them up. So, I always leave my thru hulls closed until I am on the boat just in case, I didn't properly tighten a strainer or something.