Maine Boatbuilders Show

[Bill Coogan]

The calendar, if not the thermometer, says that spring begins in two days. Are any Cape Dorians planning to go to the Maine Boatbuilders Show in Portland this weekend?

If you are in the building on Friday or Sunday from 12:00 to 2:00, stop by the Compass Project booth to say hello. I have owned two Cape Dorys (a 22 for seven years and a 25 for the last thirteen) and have just bought a CD 30-C. I'm looking for tips on sailing and maintaining the latter.

The Compass Project, where I volunteer, is a boatbuilding program for kids in the Portland area. The kids and their adult supervisors build boats to professional standards, from 8' dinghies to 34' gigs, and everything in between. ("The kids build the boat; the boat builds the kids.") If you're in the market for a pram, a canoe, a sailing dory, a wherry, a kayak, a skiff, or a boat built to your specifications, drop by and discuss your needs or dreams with the staff.

[Carl Thunberg]

It looks like I will exactly miss you. I will be there on Saturday. I have no idea what time. I'll wear my CDSOA sweatshirt.

[Bill Coogan]

I'll be there Saturday morning for a quick spin around the exhibits with two of my grandsons. I'll keep an eye out for you.

[jen1722terry]

Hi Bill,

We'll be at the show all day Friday, and will be sure to stop by. We have a CD 31 that we bought in '13, and have probably completed many of the "new owner" projects you're comtemplating.

As a life-long builder of small boats, I can attest to the character-building. A great organization you have there.

Some of my fondest memories were building small boats with my Dad over 50 years ago. He felt it was important to build your own boat, and then trust your life to it.

See you tomorrow.

Jenn and Terry

[jen1722terry]

Hello again, Bill,

Jenn and I really enjoyed meeting you at the show. We wish you the very best of luck with your new 30.

You had mentioned that this would be your first diesel engine. A few thoughts, most of which you may already be aware of, and we're sure some of the other owners will have more ideas to share with you.

Parts: The Westerbeke and Universal engine are based on Japanese tractor engines (I believe they are both Kubota, not sure). Anyhow, the prices for parts at a tractor supply house or online are usually a small fraction of what the marine suppliers or Westerbeke will charge you. Even fuel and oil filters are much cheaper at non-marine outlets.

Seawater pump: We had a long chat with the Westerbeke rep at the show yesterday about the Oberdofer raw water pumps and he advised that old or original pumps should be replaced, rather than rebuilt, for peak performance.

Heat exchanger (aka: HX): If your engine is not running hot, it's probably OK. If you do see some overheating at higher rpms, clean out the HX, as junk can get caught inside (zinc fragments, pieces of impeller, etc.), and replace the cover gaskets. Accessing and servicing the HX can be difficult, so we have a mechanic do it in the spring. Be sure to have him change the little pencil zinc anode in the HX. If the engine still runs hot, consider switching out the old 2" diameter HX for a new or rebuilt 3" model.

Hoses: check all the engine hoses for clamps and rubber deterioration. If you have a water heater, some of these hoses will be pretty long. On the water heater, consider replacing it if it is the old Raritan (white with blue end caps). If it's not leaking now it may soon. The new Isotemp water heaters are far cheaper, more compact, easier to install, safer and far more efficient. Fuel line hoses should be checked carefully for leaks and loose clamps.

Oil changes: As our engine is original (though rebuilt in 2011) we change the oil every spring, fall and after 50 hours of running.
We do long cruises, so an onboard oil change pump has proved quite useful.

Battery charging: if you have a solar panel or keep the boat at a marina with shore power hooked up, you should be ok. Other wise, running the diesel at idle just to charge the batteries is not good for the engine.

Fuel oil. We try to be careful about where we buy our fuel, and we fill the tank through a strainer. Also, if you can, look in the tank with a light a few times a season to see if there is any gunk in bottom. If so, drain the tank and discard or at least refilter the fuel. Keep an eye on the clear bowl on the primary fuel filter (Racor) for water in the fuel.

Throttle and shifter cables. If they're old, consider replacing them, as breaking one at sea can be a pain. Same goes for the engine shut-off cable.

There are many good, free videos and text tutorials online about these little engines. We have actually downloaded many of them and keep them onboard on the iPad for reference.

Again, the best of luck with your new 30. May she keep you safe, happy and proud for as long as you own her.

Jenn and Terry

[jen1722terry]

Hey Bill,

if you re-post your request for advice to new diesel owners under a new, on-point subject line, you'll get a lot more comments.

Cheers!

jenn and terry

[Bill Coogan]

Excellent idea! I'll do it.

Very nice to meet you at the Boatbuilders Show.