Well Guys, yesterday The Gaffer came out of the water, hauled to Holma Boat storage, got its bottom cleaned and power washed, ran the engine for 20 minutes flushing with fresh water, and now she's ready for some major improvements/maintenance.
Engine (Steyr 246 high power Turbo marine diesel engine)Some of you who have been fishing on The Gaffer may have noticed the white smoke coming out of the exhaust when the engine is idling. The Steyr 246 is a common rail diesel engine with six electronic/mechanical injectors. There is no main diesel pump, as each injector is electronically controlled (via ECU) and the common rail is set to operate the injectors accordingly. That white smoke is a result of unburnt fuel at idle position. Spoke to the Steyr authorised mechanic and agreed that the injectors are in need of calibration. In fact, the mechanic stated that during a recent course that he attended at Steyr's facilites in Austria, my engine, yes the heart and soul of The Gaffer, was discussed in great detail with Steyr engineers. This is the result of the excellent relations I have with Steyr Motors in Austria. Well, for this to happen, the engine has to come out, and hauled to the mechanic's garage. Fingers crossed that the injectors only are in need of local calibration, and there is no need to have the injectors shipped to the Steyr facilities for cleaning, electronic calibration and testing. Steyr Motors are adamant that this job is only performed by them, as they have the patent on these injectors!. Steyr have provided the necessary tools and equipment to the authorised mechanic in Malta to perform the calibration, and now, following the course, the knowhow!. While the engine is out, might as well change the timing belt, the alternator and fresh water pump drive belts, and get the coolers, sea water heat exchanger and intercooler inspected.
New AC/DC Wiring After 30 years in service, I feel that the AC/DC wiring setup of The Gaffer needs renewing. I just ordered a new DC 16 way circuit breaker panel by Blue Sea Systems, and since the engine has to come out anyway, will proceed to rewire all the AC/DC installation of The Gaffer. Been doing some shopping in Malta for Tin coated marine grade wire and connectors. Went to Strand electronics, who have marine grade wire and connectors by Anchor Marine, but prices are on the highend. Will pursue the search in Malta, however I already have a UK source which sells at a much cheaper price.
Inside Cabin Teak/UpholsteryAgain, 30years have taken the toll on the cabin upholstery, and since some of the DC wiring passes on top of the cabin upholstery, well, might as well renew that too
. Already have a plan how the new upholstery will look like. The cabin will be a light soft cream colour, with stainless trimmings and spotlights. The teak too is faded and needs replacing. This will be my toughest job, as I intend to change all wood panels inside.
New ElectronicsThe Gaffer will be sporting new electronics, GPS - Fishfinder equipment for 2010. I've opted for the Raymarine C90 Wide coupled to a 1KW module trasducer. The equipment is scalable, so in the future, I will add the radar, overhead and under water cameras and AIS.
The HullThe Gaffer's hull is definitely in need of:
1. A professional cut and polish ......or......
2. A paint job.
This is where I required expert help. If any of you out there know of someone who is professional at his job and can determine whether a cut and polish will restore the shine to the Gaffer's hull, please let me know. Alternatively, if it is determined that the hull requires a paint job, then suggestions on spary painters are most welcome. I have already chosen the paint I'll be using, which is Interlux Perfection marine paint. Colour: white...(but that marine blue still haunts me)
Well guys, that's the job list for this winter, and its the reason why the Gaffer was put on the hard so early this year. I cannot but mention my trusted friend and partner Mundinu, who was there to help out yeaterday, and has already pledged his full support for the upcoming works. A true friend indeed.
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