Lundy Trip

[Deleted]

Peter and Elaine on Sandpiper(the Centaur) are planning a trip down channel to Lundy. Leaving Wednesday morning March 18th - back Sunday? Wednesday night somewhere on the Devon Coast between Lynmouth and Ilfracoombe, then on to Lundy for Thursday evening. Possibly stay at Lundy for a day and then return via Oxwich bay on the Gower and maybe Porthcawl.

Tides are looking good for this and so far the weather is too.

*All this depends on me getting new fuel filters, replacing them and getting the engine working again. Filters ordered for Monday hopefully!

Anybody want to join us?

Anybody got any tips on this trip - good / bad anchorages?, tidal info. - helpful back eddies?

[ishtar]

We're itching to go to Lundy, but I don't think we can make next week. Louise works Nights Tues-Thurs. I'm really jealous, because despite our inexperience, I think we would have come if Louise was free.

Enjoy, and take piccies and post here.

[Viv]

We'd would love to join you too, but unfortunately work dictates otherwise!

[Viv]

Peter, an unfortunate start to your trip. Here you are at anchor at Penarth!

[allan]

I would love to have been there, but as with the others above, work has got in the way! Good luck and fair winds.
Allan

[Deleted]

I think most people who read this know already - our trip has had to be aborted Our engine overheated shortly after leaving the locks. We sailed on for a bit, but then decided we had better return to Cardiff to get it sorted - by this time against wind and tide. The slow progress prompted us to try the engine again as we approached Penarth - it died very shortly afterwards We dropped anchor just off the pier and considered our options. Coastguard? Barrage Control? Someone at the club? - Elaine suggested Vince (Alanah) - one of the few phone no's I had.

....Vince responded immediately and was with us within half an hour - pretty impressive! (he was out sailing in the bay) - and efficiently towed us in through the locks and back to our berth. WELL DONE VINCE - VERY MUCH APPRECIATED - I OWE YOU ONE!

Further investigation has revealed oil level, impeller, water inlet strainer and thermostat all ok - water was managing to get through and then out into the exhaust as usual, however we took on a lot! of water into the bilges in only a couple of hours. I suspect a leak within the engine itself. I have also discovered that it is now seized - I can't turn it with the crank handle (and I could before) - don't know what to do know except cry - it is bound to be expensive - which I can't afford. I can't see Sandpiper moving for quite some time.

Advice and ideas welcome - I'll probably be at the club Saturday.

Cheers,
Peter

[allan]

I am very sorry to hear that Peter. I am sure everyone else would feel the same. What type of engine is it?
Allan

[Deleted]

The engine is an old Volvo MD11C. Having done some reading up on these things, I think the seals on the water pump may have gone. We noticed water dripping from there just after it stopped.

My main concern now is obviously trying to un-seize it. Any ideas? I'm planning on removing the injectors and squirting WD40 in ..and hoping.....

[sandpiper]

That's worth a try - but I wouldn't use too much force or you could do more damage. It's certainly worth checking whether the bores have any water in them.

[sailingclappers]

Peter
Definatly worth taking the injector's out, and trying to hand crank then as, you may have hydro locked it? ( water in the cylinders.) This would give any water a way of escaping.