I had intended to make several improvements to the propeller shaft system prior to leaving on my cruise in 2010 but I ran out of time and money before these projects could be done.

I have read several times that a sailor is never totally ready to leave on a cruise and if you wait until you are then you will probably never leave the dock! So, late in June 2010, with a number of items still on my “to do” list, I cast off the dock lines and hoped for the best!

Well, I made the trip without any major incidents and in the spring of 2012 I finally got these improvement projects completed.

PSS Shaft Seal – this system replaced the original packing gland and grease injector system. It works perfectly and keeps the bilge clean and dry as a bone. Note: this image was copied from the PSS Shaft Seal website because I am unable to take a very good photo of my own installation. (http://www.shaftseal.com)

Drivesaver – this system actually serves two purposes: 1) it protects the transmission and engine if the propeller strikes and immovable object or if the propeller gets a line wrapped around it that is strong enough to stop the propeller from turning and, 2) because the system is plastic it isolates the propeller shaft from the transmission and engine thereby reducing the potential for electrolysis. (http://www.globecomposite.com/Marine_Products_Drivesaver)

Spurs Line Cutter – this system will cut fishing lines and buoy float lines that could prevent the propeller from turning. It also protects the cutlass bearing from fishing lines. The cost of this system is less than one haul out so it is a very worthwhile investment. (http://www.spursmarine.com)

(Note: I have included a few links to the websites for the companies mentioned in this posting. I receive no compensation for doing this. My sole motivation is as a satisfied customer – Wally MacKinnon.)

You can read “The Long Story” by going to the page on my website where it is posted (please click here).

Ananda is the first boat we have owned that has a diesel engine. The two sailboats we had previously owned had outboard motors so there was a dramatic difference and a steep learning curve for me. Fortunately, we are in a marina with many seasoned sailors who own sailboats with diesel engines – lots of good experience and advice available at a small cost (a cold beer or a glass of rum is common currency in our marina:) ). Plus, I found a great marine mechanic who lives in the area and knows diesels.

In 2010 I replaced the original mechanical fuel pump and primary fuel filter systems to resolve some maintenance and reliability problems.

This new primary filter and electric fuel pump system works incredibly well. I have been in all kinds of rough water conditions and it has never let me down. The new Racor 1000MA fuel filter housing and filter cartridge cost about $370 (replacement filter cartridge costs about $9 – the “old” filter cartridge cost about $8). The new electric fuel pump cost about $90 (designed for diesel truck and marine engines and is available at most auto parts stores).

Lots of other details about this improvement project are posted on the website (please click here to go to the page.)

Winter is setting in and I have more time available to pay attention to things that I have been putting off for too long. Now is the time to do some catching up.

Over the next few months I will post a number of blog entries and new pages on the website that tell some stories about my adventures in boating. Especially about repair woes and upgrades.

Earlier this year I was dong some research on the internet to try to fix a problem with my knotmeter. I came across a boater’s forum and one gentleman had added this tagline to his posting: “Everything on your boat is broken – you just don’t know about it yet!”

Anybody who owns a boat can totally relate to that statement!

In 2010 I discovered that the water injector in my engine exhaust elbow was almost completely plugged with salt water corrosion. Click here to go to the page on my website where you can get the full details.