So, yesterday we had our first outing on Warrior in over thirteen months. It was a popular attraction; we were accompanied by Keith, Ian, Martin Fuller and Dave the welder, which all turned out for the good. The good news is that the engine was fine; sounds great, and the boat swims really well, although Jim's suspicion that the rudder needs attention was confirmed. I know everybody thinks their own boat's the best in the world, but with all the brass polished and the cans out Warrior did feel like a boat to be proud of. I'm so pleased we did the painting.
We went out towards Brewood and fortunately decided to go for a longer run as shortly afterwards the propshaft started to squeak rather alarmingly and issue forth smoke. The bearing (like quite a few other aspects of Warrior) is a sort of home made job, and was slightly out of alignment. Previously all the bolts on it had been loose but we tightened them up - which turned out to be a mistake. With them loose we were just about getting away with it. We addressed the immediate problem by throwing all the grease we had at it and pouring water over the bearing to cool it down (must get the bilge pump connected!), and loosening the bolts again (in fact had to knock one right off). We reckon we can get to Atherstone OK like that, and have another good look and think about it when we get there.
Naturally we ended up in the Bridge at about six o'clock ... and I suppose we got back to the yard at about midnight ... just getting in some practice for tonight's leaving party. Next trip - to Wheaton Aston for a pump out (cue doom laden music).I'm writing this from the comfort of my back cabin, utilising the datacard aeriel I bought from Boaters Phone at Crick. It seems to work - although at £60 the kit was a bit more expensive than I had expected from browsing their website.
5 comments:
How wonderful for you both.... Now is that the dark hair of Martin I can see looking into the boat???
Meant to say that is the Martin Fuller as in identical twin to Roger hehehehehe????
Well, he is his brother, I didn't know anything about twins
Quite right boatwoman!!! it is my dark hair!!!! only popped into see keith for an hour, and ended up sterinng this fine vessel back from the boozer at 11 something with no headlight( we switched the autopilot on ) first signs of the hot bearing was ,'is that a bird keith or a hot bearing? ' came the reply,probably a cockaburra! so I confirmed either way by pullin out of gear, it wasnt ! Thanks to all for such an entertianing day, martin, yes we are twins ,, sunnybeach_uk@yahoo.co.uk
Hiya Martin... I have learnt to tell the difference between you and Roger now hahahaha. Glad you had such a wonderful time. We are looking forward to seeing Warrior when we are off with Hadar. No doubt we will see you at the yard before we go, you will have to come to the party....
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