Bosun’s bits: update from Carina

Authors Chris W and Steve B, on behalf of the Bosun team

Many thanks to Dave B who created the legend for the engine switches.

1. Fridge:
This has been reported as “freezing the food”. I have checked that the thermostat responds in the correct sense. The thermostat knob is currently ON. The ideal set temperature is +4 C. There is a blue line on the knob which is vertical at that setting.

Note: there is quite a temperature difference between the hull side wall and the rest of the fridge. This has only been reported when the fridge is full. Any further diagnostic reports would be welcome.  The editor sailed Carina last week and found that a bag of ice next to the hull side ensured appropriately chilled G&Ts for several days!

2. Sailbag:
The sailbag, mast collar and aft cabin lee cloth have been repaired. Please make sure the lazyjacks are adjusted so that the sailbag is not under tension when sailing.

3. Transom shower has been leaking from the handle/ hose joint. I think it is now watertight but please check.

4. Propeller: Although there was some hesitation a few times, we do not have a definite solution. Diagnosis is ongoing.

5 Fog horn:
Despite having these pumped fog horns for many years, I have recently read the label more closely (very radical). It started out as an intention to label the container with a description of the sound signals required in fog conditions.

When sailing in fog, the signal is Morse D – long blast (4-6 Seconds) followed by 2 short blasts (1 second each). Signals should be made at least in 2 minute intervals.

When motoring in fog, the signal is Morse T — one long blast every 2 minutes.

From actual experience, it takes about 2 minutes to pump up the air horn to the required pressure. Thus, the routine becomes – sound, pump, sound!

The label on the cannister says that it could take 100 psi. Many of our cars have tyre inflators in lieu of a spare tyre. It is easy to use these inflators to put a good charge into the foghorn before setting off, particularly if fog may be an issue.  Currently I have put a charge of 70psi into the foghorn (being cautious of the pressure limit and practically that’s the limit of my rechargeable inflator).

Reporting defects / issues:

Please let the bosuns know about any issues you find on the yacht, either if you have fixed it or can’t resolve it yourself. We are happy to give advice over the phone.
Please write it up in the tech log as well, so others can be informed.

Please help us to help you.