Engine Control Repairs

Due to work commitments we were unable to go away as planned to Pollington this weekend, however on Sunday Peter had the opportunity to visit Moonshine to give her a good external clean, and to dismantle the port single lever control.  He had noticed after manoeuvring last weekend the port stick was not smooth and engine only could not be selected, therefore this required further investigation.

 

The above photo shows the starboard engine control, which suffered the same problem last year.  It transpired that the pin had sheared.  The body of the unit had to be drilled apart as it was riveted, and a new pin was made and the unit reassembled with nuts and bolts.

 

Port control prior to strip down

Broken pin

New pin installed

We have encountered problems periodically with the shower drain pump box.  The pump box houses a bilge pump and float switch, the latter being the problem, having gone through two since owning Moonshine.  We have decided to do away with the Rule-A-Matic float switch, and replace this with a modern Johnson Ultima Electronic Bilge Pump Switch. These are solid state and have no moving parts so hopefully should prove to be reliable and long lasting, and will be ordered from  www.asap-supplies.com this week.

New Crew Member

 

 

Over the past month we have been very busy at home with one thing or another.  We suffered a family bereavement immediately upon our return from our main holiday.  We have undertaken a bathroom refurbishment which has taken a lot of time and effort, as we are doing this ourselves to save money and to ensure the job is completed to a good standard without bodging behind the scenes which is a pet hate of Peter's. We have also welcomed a new 4 legged friend into the family, which required very careful management around our other 2 resident Jack Russell's.
We were well aware that introducing a puppy to 2 cantankerous bitches could disrupt the balance and be a recipe for disaster, but they soon accepted her and will put her in her place if the need arises, however she is a quick learner and knows how to handle herself around them.

 

 

For Scout's first trip on Moonshine we had a gentle cruise to Rawcliffe Bridge visitor moorings. We think she enjoyed it as the engine noise lulled her to sleep and didn't seem to bother her.  With any luck little Scout will make a good sea dog and should soon graduate to be classed as one of the hounds!

 

This coming week we hope to have the bathroom completed, and next weekend we hope to head to Pollington for a bbq weather permitting. Whatever the weather we should be able to have a well earned chillax.