While cruising inland or near shore, a defective or failing boat/motor part isn't really a big deal...call for help, get a tow and order the part(s) you need for the fix or have it installed professionally. Offshore is a different matter and you'll want to carry spares to keep you out of trouble or perhaps spares that ensure your cruise will not end up being life threatening.
We were very thorough in stocking spare parts for an extended offshore voyage. After carefully stowing most of the spare parts, my gaze fixed on the spare starter motor for the sailboat's auxiliary engine. It didn't look right.
I decided I'd pull the working starter motor off the engine and see if I could fit the spare. I learned two things:
1) I didn't have the proper tools to get the running starter off
2) the spare didn't fit
At that point it dawned on me that a spare is no good unless it's proven. I then installed all the major spare parts and kept the working take offs as spares. In the process I learned that I really didn't know the ins and outs of an injector change and had to consult a manual which I didn't have on hand.
When it was all over, I was confident that the spares were all correct and functional because I had removed them from a properly functioning system. I also knew I had the tools and know how to install them.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Limber Chains
I've got limber holes thru the stringers that my engine sits on. They get clogged so I decided to chain them.
First I had to cut away the tank platform to get access to the limber hole. I used a hole saw, then followed up with a multi tool.
I like to make the chain easily removable, yet captive. This translates to a chain with pins on the ends. I use plumbers chain - the all brass kind. The pins are spot tacked with a little solder.
Once installed, they work a little and keep the limber hole open.
First I had to cut away the tank platform to get access to the limber hole. I used a hole saw, then followed up with a multi tool.
I like to make the chain easily removable, yet captive. This translates to a chain with pins on the ends. I use plumbers chain - the all brass kind. The pins are spot tacked with a little solder.
Once installed, they work a little and keep the limber hole open.
Location of the limber hole with pin/chain.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
How Not to Train Your dog
We brought Merlin home at 7 weeks.
It wasn't more than couple days later that he taught me a secret, "Joy and Enthusiasm, Every Day In Every Way". I decided right then that I wouldn't contaminate this spirit.
A puppy class was one of the conditions of purchase. We went, but we didn't participate -- we just watched. I'm not discounting that he may have learned something, but I made sure he knew the only thing I expected from him was his outlook on life. He's going on three now, and to this day he doesn't 'heal', 'shake a paw', 'roll over', 'speak' or do any tricks, he just brings us joy.
He continued to show us, "The whole world is a playground. All living things are playmates, everything else is a toy", then at about 10 months he told us he wanted to be a Therapy Dog. This Therapy dog thing was totally against my nature, but I had made a commitment to have Merlin show me the way, so I acquiesced.
We got in touch with a local group from Therapy Dogs Inc. but they said he'd have to wait until he was at least one year old to be tested/evaluated. I was/am still opposed to any formal training so I told Merlin I didn't think things would work out.
The girl from Therapy Dogs Inc. called just after Merlin's first birthday and set up an appointment to see if Merlin could meet the Therapy Dog Inc. standards. I guess Merlin knew what was on the line because he passed with flying colors. Since then we've done over 150 visits to hospitals, nursing homes, churches and schools.
I'm retired so Merlin and I are together 24/7. He knows when I'm happy with him because I enthusiastically declare "GOOD BOY!" after a behavior or suggestion. There are no treats or threats or repetition. He doesn't have to be a "Good Boy" and he knows it. Of course he always wants to go for a walk, or chase the tennis ball, but sometimes he might not want to get out of the car and go into the house when we get home - so I hook the carport leash on him and leave the car door open until he barks to come in. Or he may not come when I call to him because he has some important sniffing to do, so I just wait and he eventually comes. On the leash for a walk around the neighborhood he'll slow to a stop and sit, maybe even lie down. I call it smelling the roses...we just wait until he's ready to go again - I have smelled roses on those walks I never knew existed. He does this on errands too, voluntarily sitting in front of PetsMart, or Home Depot or Lowe's after we exit the store...he waits for a passerby to notice him. If the person looks at him like they'd like to approach, he gets up and welcomes the petting. If I'm at the computer and he 'wet noses' my elbow -- we go for a walk or I chase him around the house on my hands and knees. If I'm in the shop, totally immersed in a project and he looks up at me and whimpers in anticipation, we go for a walk or wrestle in the yard.
Merlin has taught me how to really enjoy life. It's not complicated, I just follow his lead.
It wasn't more than couple days later that he taught me a secret, "Joy and Enthusiasm, Every Day In Every Way". I decided right then that I wouldn't contaminate this spirit.
A puppy class was one of the conditions of purchase. We went, but we didn't participate -- we just watched. I'm not discounting that he may have learned something, but I made sure he knew the only thing I expected from him was his outlook on life. He's going on three now, and to this day he doesn't 'heal', 'shake a paw', 'roll over', 'speak' or do any tricks, he just brings us joy.
He continued to show us, "The whole world is a playground. All living things are playmates, everything else is a toy", then at about 10 months he told us he wanted to be a Therapy Dog. This Therapy dog thing was totally against my nature, but I had made a commitment to have Merlin show me the way, so I acquiesced.
We got in touch with a local group from Therapy Dogs Inc. but they said he'd have to wait until he was at least one year old to be tested/evaluated. I was/am still opposed to any formal training so I told Merlin I didn't think things would work out.
The girl from Therapy Dogs Inc. called just after Merlin's first birthday and set up an appointment to see if Merlin could meet the Therapy Dog Inc. standards. I guess Merlin knew what was on the line because he passed with flying colors. Since then we've done over 150 visits to hospitals, nursing homes, churches and schools.
I'm retired so Merlin and I are together 24/7. He knows when I'm happy with him because I enthusiastically declare "GOOD BOY!" after a behavior or suggestion. There are no treats or threats or repetition. He doesn't have to be a "Good Boy" and he knows it. Of course he always wants to go for a walk, or chase the tennis ball, but sometimes he might not want to get out of the car and go into the house when we get home - so I hook the carport leash on him and leave the car door open until he barks to come in. Or he may not come when I call to him because he has some important sniffing to do, so I just wait and he eventually comes. On the leash for a walk around the neighborhood he'll slow to a stop and sit, maybe even lie down. I call it smelling the roses...we just wait until he's ready to go again - I have smelled roses on those walks I never knew existed. He does this on errands too, voluntarily sitting in front of PetsMart, or Home Depot or Lowe's after we exit the store...he waits for a passerby to notice him. If the person looks at him like they'd like to approach, he gets up and welcomes the petting. If I'm at the computer and he 'wet noses' my elbow -- we go for a walk or I chase him around the house on my hands and knees. If I'm in the shop, totally immersed in a project and he looks up at me and whimpers in anticipation, we go for a walk or wrestle in the yard.
Merlin has taught me how to really enjoy life. It's not complicated, I just follow his lead.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)