5 replies to this topic

[fialoe]

OK Guys, while all your doo's are neatly tucked into bed for a winter of hibernation my second hand Speedster which I paid for before Christmas is about to arrive hopefully this weekend. Those of you who know the Irish weather and the Irish Sea will not be jealous when they hear I will be out risking life and limb in the persuit of happiness!
Anyway, as this is my first boat I am a little anxious about been stranded. I have two hands but am new to boats so I am kinda worried the engine will cut out and I will be shagged. While it's winter would any of you mind posting the pitfalls of what I can expect to go wrong and the troubleshooting I can do to get going again. The engine is relatively new and the boat is in fairly good condition but still shitting it!
Any help would be really appreciated.
Thanks
Brian

[thumper]

take an oar! - dont drive over anything especially seaweed - you will suck it up and i wouldnt want to go overboard to clear it in the irish sea - fill the tank upi before you go - let the engine warm up and run it close to shore if poss for the first few minutes to make sure all will be ok - take a mobile or handheld vhf with ch16 if your going to sea - watch the weather - take somebody with you - where a pfd

then cane it to within an inch of its life and have a ball !!!!!!!

[jknightg]

I agree with Thumper. Prob add a flare pack as rowing a doo in the sea aint that easy...I use mine on Scotish West coast waters so go for it. You will have a ball. Plus remember the best thing...You have 2 engines! If one conks out and wont restart you can always limp home on the other, as lond as you keep the speed to near idle. Better than rowing!..
Let us know how you get on and remenber these boats have no heating....
Regards
John
To set your ecpectations...Mine has only failed when one engine sucked up a plastic sack and blew the exhaust gaskets. Still limped hime on the other one.

[fialoe]

Sounds OK so far excepth there is only one engine in this as far as I know so I only need one bit of bad luck!! Can't flippin wait but agree I may be a tad cold!
Cheers folks - any more comments would be appreciated

[jknightg]

Good point youve got thte Merc....
Let us know how it goes...

[thumper]

if youre going a fair way into the sea obviously you cant row against the tides - so for belt and braces take a sea anchor.