Haven at end of sailing life?

[Mike Thompson]

This last spring the engine did not start and I could not find
any one to fix that or diagnose the problem.
Most of the years I had the boat I asked the yard (in RI, MA
or ME) to make sure the engine was ok. Sometimes a yard worker
attached the raw water intake to a bucket of water and
ran the engine till it reached operating temperature.
Recently it has become more expensive to ask a mechanic
to 'just' do something. Also mechanics are now in short supply.

I'm 82 and close to accepting this is the end of MY sailing
career. But hate the idea of HAVEN joining seemingly
derelict boats on the hard.

Can anyone help? The boat is a CD28 with a Universal three cylinder
is in Rockland Maine.

Mike

[joshuadickey]

So sorry to hear about your engine! The lack of good mechanical help and know-how is really upsetting... America is suffering from this across the board and I hate that it is affecting your fine boat too . Unfortunately I'm a bit too far away to help (VA) but I really hope you can find someone. Good luck and good health!

[Cathy Monaghan]

More info would help. Does it at least try to turn over? What are the symptoms? The more info you can provide, the more likely someone will be able to help.

[wikakaru]

I'm 82 and close to accepting this is the end of MY sailing career.

Maybe you can continue sailing a bit longer if you downsize from your CD28 to something that is smaller and simpler and doesn't require you to rely on others as much. In the Cape Dory line, the Typhoon is a good choice for a "last boat". There are other similar small boats that would fit the bill. Herreshoff 12-1/2s are a popular if pricey option.

Best of luck,

Jim

[Chrisa006]

How about finding a younger, responsible, mechanical, person to share the boat with? Might make a new sailor.

[Seaweed2]

Interesting Mike. This spring as I was preparing my 1975 CD 28 for the trip north on the trailer to put her into Lake Ontario, I figured I would give the engine a quick start to be sure all was well. Very little compression and no hint of starting. I cancelled my slip and Shumway Marine was kind enough to give me all my money back. The engine is the original, a Faryman single cylinder diesel. Never gave me any trouble and was running when I put it away. Faryman is reportedly out of business so I must consider repowering with something else. Lots of alternatives but every one requires a fair amount of money and an equal amount of labor. It seems like Chrisa006 had a good suggestion for you in finding a younger mechanically inclined individual to share the boat with.

[Skipd]

Hi Mike,

Sorry to hear of the engine troubles. I am not a diesel expert but have maintained my own diesels for the past 30 years. Even successfully did my own diesel re-power a few years ago (not a CD but really does not matter).
My current boat is a CD30 with a Universal M18. Over the winter did some work on the engine and have familiarity with Universal manuals and general make up.

Couple of questions

- does it turnover? Just clicks?
- if turns over, what next…stalls out, rough running….

I am in MA but will be in Cushing, ME in a few weeks. If your engine issue is not resolved by then I would be glad to swing by and take a look.

Thanks

Skip

[pjust]

Mike, I've seen Haven moored at Merchant's Landing--I'm the little Typhoon that's been mooring there for the past eight years. If you can't get Skip to look at the engine I think I could get Cliff D (he's got Maya Elena, the Dolphin 24) to give it a look-see. He's not a mechanic but has a fair amount of experience with diesels.

[Dmitche4]

It's just not with the boats, have the same problem with repairs on the diesel truck, too few mechanics.
David

[Mike Thompson]

Thanks to all who sent kind replies.
The day before HAVEN was to be launched I fell in a car park
and fractured my jaw! After many weeks of jaw healing I discover
that I had also partially dislocated a shoulder!!

Well that all began ten weeks ago but its remarkable how
soon one can adapt! My log book for HAVEN
has now extended to ten volumes. Time to savor memories.

Happy sailing
Mike

[wikakaru]

So sorry to hear that Mike. I hope you recover from your injuries and that this doesn't take you out of sailing permanently. Maybe next year?

Smooth sailing,

Jim

[John Stone]

Thanks to all who sent kind replies.
The day before HAVEN was to be launched I fell in a car park
and fractured my jaw! After many weeks of jaw healing I discover
that I had also partially dislocated a shoulder!!

Well that all began ten weeks ago but its remarkable how
soon one can adapt! My log book for HAVEN
has now extended to ten volumes. Time to savor memories.

Happy sailing
Mike

Oh my gosh. I'm glad you're healing and it wasn't worse. Getting hurt like that just sucks. Hang in there. Hope you are able to sail agin.

Best wishes for a smooth recovery.