Managing a power rally to Mexico
31 Dec

Managing a power rally to Mexico

Pat RainsCruising Rallies, Power Voyaging
Christy Steinman-Crawford Donnelly herded a fleet of 30 recreational powerboats on a 1,000-nautical-mile voyage down to Mexico, as communications director for the 2019 Cruise Underway to Baja Rally (CUBAR), a bi-annual cruise from San Diego to La Paz, Baja for 30 to 50 powerboats. It was an odyssey that included one medical evacuation at sea.   Of course, that was not her first rodeo. Donnelly has navigated and sailed with the “best of the best.” She navigated the race boat Kialoa in Britain’s famous 1979 Fastnet Race; she navigated for Tom Blackhaller to win the 1980 Bermuda Race, and she was…
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Wide Open Throttle test
31 Oct

Wide Open Throttle test

Ocean NavigatorPower Voyaging
A few years ago, I was carrying out a sea trial aboard a single screw trawler that a client of mine was considering for purchase. Part of the process involves running the vessel at full or wide-open throttle, what engine manufacturers often refer to WOT. In the case of this engine model, the manufacturer specified that a WOT test can be performed for 30 minutes without any ill effects. In some cases, there are no limits, in others the duration may be shorter. For professionals and owners alike, preparing a power voyaging boat for a cruise, whether that’s a day…
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Engine room checks
01 Sep

Engine room checks

Phil NancePower Voyaging, , , , , , ,
During a recent over-the-phone troubleshooting session, a client and I were trying to determine the source, as well as the rate, of an oil leak. I asked, “was it there the last time you did an engine room check, and how long ago was that?” His response took me aback: “I checked the engine room before we got under way yesterday.” You can’t check the engine room too often. Some do them hourly, which is very conscientious, while I suggest no less than every four hours. Pre-cruise walk-through When I evaluate a vessel, I carry out a pre-start up inspection…
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03 May
Ocean NavigatorMarine Technology, Power Voyaging, , ,
[gtx_gallery] I’m often asked by my power voyaging clients, “What do I need to know about making good crimp connections?” Fortunately, not very much. Material selection High quality solderless or “crimp” connectors start with high quality materials. When a connector is manufactured, a die stamps it repeatedly. This helps to cut and form the metal, but it also work-hardens it. Work-hardened metal is brittle and difficult to form. As a result, it is not preferable for crimping. Annealing returns the copper to a softer, more malleable state. The barrel portion of a quality connector appears seamless. This is because it…
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