Learning the Lines

I am a member of the Lake Belton Yacht Club. Past members have done a really good job of building the club and a fleet of boats. Unfortunately, it has faltered a little in the last few years. Some of the boats are starting to show their age and wear. For me this has been a great opportunity to learn more about boat repair and maintenance.

It all started with a Hunter Vision 32. Hunter boats have been around since 1973 and are known for

When I first started working with the boat, the engine would crank but not start, plumbing was bad, and most electrical systems would not function.

The engine had to be started first in order to do any sailing. After many hours on YouTube and what little knowledge I retained of diesel engines from my time as a mechanic in the Marine Corps, I surmised only 2 things really cause a diesel issue, Fuel and Air. I noticed no fuel was getting to the engine so I went about bleeding the system.

Most military vehicles have electric fuel pumps so bleeding is not typically necessary. Those that don't will normally pull fuel up with enough cranking. Not an old Yanmar Diesel. Some of the newer models have glow plugs to heat the engine block, and there are aftermarket pumps, but the length and size of the lines make it near impossible to bleed the system without taking it one step at a time.

After changing the filters and pumping fuel to the hand crank, I was able to get fuel to the first knuckle. A second knuckle sits on the top front of the engine. I cracked the nut and eventually got fuel flowing to this point of the engine. I then had to crack the fuel inlet on each injector. By this point I could crank the engine until fuel was visible.

The starter motor was very week, so I had to crack the compression valves quickly shut them once I had the RPMs to start the engine. A new starter has since fixed this issue.

The first starter I used cracked a housing. It seems this is a common problem with aftermarket starters and Yanmar Engines. The starter I ordered from Amazon has worked much better. The first replacement starter went out on the lake. I still had the old starter and the tools I needed to replace it as we drifted. Once I got the engine started again we made it back to shore, and I got a great lesson in engine repairs under sail.

Sunset sail on Lake Belton

Once the engine was running we were able to take is sailing on a regular basis again. Just through use the lines have loosened up and become easier to handle.

Other projects have been pretty easy to learn and complete. I replaced the internal rubbers on the toilet, and now it can be used again. I found there must have been rats or mice on the boat at one time as they chewed through the boats plumbing. Fortunately, plumbing can be replaced in sections to restore water to the faucets one at a time. The radio now works, and LED lights are in all the fixtures.

I found out the boat had been struck by lightening a few years ago. All of the electronics were destroyed. I also found that many boats struck by lightening will develop micro hole/fractures in the hull, especially below the waterline as lightning looks for a route to escape. It is not wise to purchase a lightening struck boat unless you know what you are doing, but for the Lake Belton Yacht Club this is the perfect Flagship of our fleet.

With a little more tlc the boat will be ready for any charter and possibly charter for evening sails with a meal. I was talking to the manager of Dead Fish Grill, who's owner also owns Frank's Marina where the club keeps boats on the water, about a possible menu of takeout orders we could pick up and serve on the boat during a paid cruise. They said they would be glad to accommodate, and possibly hire out a chef for the cruises for those who want a full evening. Many possibilities abound.

Old Sea Captain

The club also owns a J24 and a Capri 22. the J24 is a racing boat and fastest in our Yacht Club Fleet.

The Capri 22 is a good solid boat much like my Catalina 22 Rosinante. The sails and cockpit are a little bigger, which make it nice to hold training's with multiple people. These boats are also used by members of the Yacht Club and available for Charter.

The last big think the club has charterable and that I have spent some time with help getting set back up is the clubs 4 Laser boats. These are small one man boat normally used for youth, collegiate and Olympic sports.

These boats are a lot of fun, and will make a better sailor out of most people. All the wind indicators are absent on these boats, and with no keel, they will and often do turn over. Even though these boats are not very stable, using proper techniques will keep them upright and sailing fast. Being right on the water makes you feel like you are flying across the lake.

For the most part these boats were ready to go and just needed a good cleaning. On my first trip, I was told the boats were self bailing. They are, but they still need a plug in the hull or the will sink. I noticed this after sailing about a mile across the lake and my boat was no longer much above water. It was a long slow sail back, but I learned another valuable lesson. Know your gear and make sure its operational. Small boat on a lake no problem. Big boat on the ocean could be life threatening.

I am still new to sailing, but I just can't seem to get enough of it. I am so happy my family,

especially my wife has been so indulging of my new habit, I mean hobby. I think she appreciates the 35 lbs I have lost and continue to lose as I get more exercise sailing. She will probably never sail the oceans with me, but I have got her on the lake for some spectacular sailing, views and time with great friends.

As I wrap this post up, I want to put another plug in for getting professional training and help to learn sailing. Whether its ASA, US Sailing, or what I use NauticEd, get that help from the experts and learn from that old salt on the docks. I have seen guys buy boats and self teach still making rookie mistakes 10 years or more after starting. Also remember, there is no substitute for time on the water. You can watch all the videos and take all the classes, but pulling Halyards and Sheets is the only way to get experience and proficient. That is why I use NauticEd most. They push and reward experience.

"If you are going to do something, do it now. Tomorrow is too late." - Pete Goss