Ask SAIL: Prop Zinc Deterioration
October 16, 2015
PROP ZINC DETERIORATION Q: My 2014 Dehler 38 has a Volvo saildrive 130S-F and a two-blade Flexofold prop. After six months in the Annapolis area,
PROP ZINC DETERIORATION Q: My 2014 Dehler 38 has a Volvo saildrive 130S-F and a two-blade Flexofold prop. After six months in the Annapolis area,
I’m trying to determine why the diesel fuel for my 4.108 low-line Perkins is getting black. I use the word “black” instead of dirty, because the fuel looks as if it is getting crankcase oil (or soot) mixed in it.
In 1995 my family and I circumnavigated Cuba, collecting data for my book, Cuba: a Cruising Guide. I had assumed then that relations between the United States and Cuba would soon be normalized, and that the lifting of the embargo would unleash a flood of American sailors eager to explore Cuban waters.
My 35ft Cooper 353 sloop, Rhumb Line, has a Volvo MD2030 saildrive. The zinc between the saildrive and three-bladed folding Volvo-supplied propeller comes loose and rotates on the shaft.
The warnings are ubiquitous. On the plaque in the Tobermory distillery that declares: “Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whiskey.”
There is a soot-like buildup on the face of the alternator on my diesel engine. I have not noticed any fumes or exhaust leakage in the engine compartment.
I was reading “Seeing the Light” (May 2014) about solar power on a budget, and it got me thinking about a similar problem I’ll be facing soon. This summer I will be moving my boat to a dock where there is no shore power for my battery charger.
I was interested in the article by Nigel Calder in the February 2012 edition on the H2OUT dehumidifier and think it is something that I might install.
Last year, I purchased a 2000 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37. The boat had been chartered, but was well maintained. Its Yanmar 3GM30F engine started easily and ran well during the survey, but a few weeks after closing, an engine stringer broke, and the repair required that the engine be removed. After it was reinstalled, I began to experience intermittent starting problems.
In the August 2010 issue, Nigel Calder discussed zinc corrosion. As recommended I installed a galvanic isolator in an attempt to stop rapid zinc corrosion and blistering
While everyone in the multihull market seems to be zigging, Aquila Catamarans has decided to zag. Renowned for their comfortable and spacious powercats, Aquila has
The American Sailing Association has partnered with the navigation app for use in a new Electronic Navigation course as well as their regular offerings.
The Everglades Challenge is a race, an adventure, and a test of character all at once.
Why one sailor went back in time one hundred years to find the perfect boat.
Low-power ideas for keeping your boat well-ventilated in the dog days of summer.
When sailing on a micro budget, the ability to troubleshoot is a priceless skill, as Chuck Hawley discovered on one shakedown cruise back in 1979.
Here’s what you can look forward to while you’re relaxing on the boat this weekend with your new issue of SAIL.
A recent post titled Why I Cringe Over Female-Only Sailing Events caused a stir online. After sailing in last week’s Boston Harbor Ladies Challenge, Editor-in-Chief Lydia Mullan weighs in.
250 boats squared off last week on Lake Michigan’s famous 333-mile course and found the full spectrum of race conditions awaiting them.
After the 4th of July festivities in New York City, the international tallship fleet continued its tour of the eastern seaboard, heading up to Boston.
