| |
Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board
More to this story...
Posted By: Rob In Response To: Re: Had to turn back (Rocket)
Date: Sunday, 29 May 2005, at 11:19 p.m.
Hey Rod, I wondered if you were this guy's friend (forgot his name now) as he mentioned he had a buddy having a Bertram brought up from SC and I thought of you (couldn't remember your name at the time). Anyways it wasn't MY hat but Brandon's "my engineer" and he actually managed to see it and we retrieved it JUST before it sank.
What a beautiful 25 your buddy has! I didn't recognize what it was at first (never saw one in the flesh before). Only boat we saw the entire crossing. I believe he told us he left from Gambier Island and was heading to Thetis Island. Also told us he spent a lot of effort on his baby, it showed.
We're not shy, and discovered the B20 handled better when on the plane in those seas than expected so we went for it.. 22-25kt pretty much the entire 15 nm trip over (something for you to look forward to in your Baron). We actually experienced a more comfortable trip with less spray. Just kept the tabs up (bow up) and away we went! The boat performed WAY better than expectations. Great sea trial, learned first hand how solid these boats are built.
The real fun began once we reached Maple Bay. We moored at Bird's Eye Cove and stayed with friends in Crofton overnight. Next morning I checked the boat and to my horror found a battery charger hooked up with a note on the wheel. Another boater informed me he noticed my bilge pump was starting to be on more than off so he checked my bilge and found water trickling like a tiny brook out my leg. I had a look and sure enough it appeared to be coming through the gimbal housing. After discussing the situation with my "engineer" we decided to wait out the Sunday storm (obviously) and then make a run for it home Monday where my trailer and marine mechanic b/law would be waiting.
We departed Monday afternoon, somewhat apprehensive of what might lay ahead. Then the engine stalled.. no fuel from the 1/2 full underdeck tank. After an hour of tinkering and experimenting and testing, Brandon discovered if we shoved the fuel line down the filler of a saddle tank, fuel would miraculously flow like it should. We scratched our heads (how could this be so??) and finally decided to go home with the saddle tanks full and ready to switch if one emptied.
A terrifically smooth (and nervous) 2 hours later we were back in Gibsons. It turned out my fears were correct, it was the bellows that "burst" and allowed water into the Gimbal bearing. The fuel problem turned out to be a simple glitch. Unbeknownst to me I was burning fuel from the port saddle tank while believing I was from the u/d tank. The saddle tank emptied and air got in the line. Lesson learned! The gimbal bearing (and associated bits and pieces) is taking a little longer.. by Tuesday I should have it back, ready for more (hopefully more positively eventful) adventures!
If you're ever up around Gibsons look me up, no dock here but I have a very secure mooring buoy right outside my house. Would love to see your Baron, or your friends 25 again!
Rob
Tel: 604-886-3235
| |
Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board is maintained by Patrick McCrary with WebBBS 5.12.