Carrera makes radical decisions

EoinC

Who knows where it will take us?...Back in 1987, I was riding my bike around Indonesia. I was staying with a family in a little town called Tenggarong, up the Mahakam River in Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo).
The house I was staying in was on the edge of the river, and I bought a little long-tail boat to go exploring. There weren't many roads or tracks around, so the bike was, for the time being, relegated to around town service, and I kept it out the front of the house.
The old man of the family kept telling me to bring the bike inside, but it was always covered in mud, so I didn't. One day I came out to find someone had stolen, not the bike, but the bloody bike seat and seat post. My faith in mankind (and desire to ride long distances) was broken. I spent the day checking every bike I came across, until I realised that someone else just wanted that seat more than I did.
It was coming time for me to renew my visa, so I told the family I'd be back in a week or so, and headed downriver to catch a cargo boat from Samarinda to Tawau, on the border with Sabah (Malaysian Borneo). The cargo boat changed its destination to Surabaya, Java, and I went along for the ride. I ended up getting across to Singapore to get my visa renewed. I bought myself a Concor saddle, and a seatpost, but I decided to make a diversionary trip up to Thailand before heading back to Kalimantan.
The diversionary trip took a little longer than expected, as I ended up getting married in Thailand. As far as I am aware, that saddle & seatpost are still sitting in the village in the North of Thailand, and my seatless old Malvern Star is still sitting at a house on the banks of the Mighty Mahakam River in Kalimantan, and my wife and kids are sitting down in Perth, Australia, with bikes of their own...Weird shite!

EoinC

Glad to hear you've dropped the plan to sell the boat - don't let paranoia rule your life. Is the boat wood? If so, you need to be aware that pulling it out the water for a long time could open it up.
I have my boat sitting on a mooring in a fairly busy river, a few miles from the sea. It would be very easy for someone to steal it, but very hard for them to do anything with it. Boat thefts (at least where I live) are more likely to be of boats that can be towed by trailer. If your canal boat was taken, couldn't they only go up or down the river / canal? How would they move it?

Sorry about the bike, Carrera.

Regards,
Eoin

Carrera

I appreciate the support and advice. Let me say this bike theft really hit me hard and I still appear to be in a bad mood about the whole thing.
Let me give you all a word of advice as well as this is pretty scary:
When I bought my cheaper mountain bike I was given a free bar lock with it as the shop owner must have felt a bit sorry for me over the original theft. At any rate, the other night I left just the bar-lock secured to a steel fence overnight seeing as locks are heavy to carry about when you're riding.
Guess what? When I returned the next day the lock itself had been stolen. I confess I haven't got a clue how a bar-lock could be broken into but can only assume the manufacturerers produce the same key for al the devices they sell. That means, the fact I own a key means I could technically open other peoples' locks as well.
I was franky pretty annoyed cyclists are being led into a false sense of security over these locks (as much use as a wet sponge in a flood, I reckon).
Therefore, today I purchased a very heavy motorcycle lock. I paid 80 U.S. dollars for the lock but even in spite of that I only intend to chain up the cheaper mountain bikes in public.
This is also only the beginning of the security measures planned. Next I plan to fit electronic tracking devices inside the frames.

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

Carrera

I guess when I decided to flog the boat I had good reasons for doing so. I figure it isn't the best of investments and I was getting concerned about security as I figure a boat is a far easier prospect to steal than a bike. Unfortunately, boats are far more difficult to insure as well and I didn't fancy paying for a survey to be done just so I can be better insured.
Still, I decided to keep on with the project and licensing for 6 months seems to be the logical compromise.
3 days ago I did what I stated I'd do and waded right into the canal with this special wading suit I have. The plan was to then measure the bottom of the hull at the stern and mark the point where my outboard bracket should be bolted on. The plan worked. I was about 3 feet in mud and silt while the water was up to my waist but I remained dry. I took measurements and then attempted to climb back on board. That was the toughest part as I couldn't get back out of the water for some time.
After that we drilled the holes. Next time I go down, I have to bolt the whole bracket with a large sheet of varnished plywood onto the stern before bolting an inner layer of plywood inside. Once the bracket is secure and strong, the Mariner Outboard can simply be clamped on.
At that point, the boat should cruise. It hasn't run in many years so I may well feel some satisfaction when it goes.
After that, I'll start restoring the diesel engine step by step.

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

EoinC

Aaaah, messing about in boats. There is nothing quite like it.
I've got plenty of little nautical jobs planned for when I head home next week. One of the first is to see whether I can hang a hammock from the boom and still clear the engine cover when it is straining with the weight of my lard-arse - I quite fancy bobbing around out there, swinging under the boom. It has a sturdy topping lift, so I shouldn't get any surprises in the night.
It'll be interesting to see how your boat performs under the outboard. Mine has a full-length keel. It steers beautifully forward, but the rudder has little effect when reversing. It doesn't seem to prop-walk too much, though. I managed to stick the bowsprit between the railings when I got caught by a gust at a jetty a while ago. Provided a little excitement for the old boys who were fishing there. I've noticed that the bowsprit seems to home in on the sides of expensive boats that are sitting on moorings - it's like walking a pit bull terrier past a kitten.

Carrera

I need some inspiration in order to regain my enthusiasm and then finish the job. Fixing on the outboard should hopefully allow me to get moving on the water and I guess this is far better than any previous owner has managed so far. Better than leaving the boat just to rot and fill with rainwater.
At present, the bracket is being fitted to the side of the stern which means the diesel outdrive is still in place. Basically I'll have 2 engines for the time being.
I've also been searching for zinks to bolt onto the leg of the outboard. The current zink was so corroded there was infinite resistance between it and the engine body.
By the way, one request for advice. I noticed one side of the cowl of my outboard is peeled upwards so the seal isn't snug and tight as it should be. It's just the edge that's peeled. Is this common and how do I fix it?

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

EoinC

Getting her up and running will provide it. There's nothing like movement through the water to get you fired up on the jobs that need to get done. While I'm over here in Africa, I get my inspiration by heading to an outside bar and drinking beer while I daydream my way through ways of re-rigging etc.
Which Mariner did you get? By cowling, I take it that you mean the engine cover. Pull it off and check around where it seats. When you cam the lever down, it should pull it hard into the seal.If it's sitting up, something has caused it to misalign. You may be able to twist it back into shape. It's not overly important, other than that it may let a little rain water in. If you can't get it back in shape, just put some tape around it.
If you've got one of the smaller Mariners that only have neutral and forwards, make sure your bracket set-up allows enough room for you to be able to turn the engine the full 360º in order to be able to use it in reverse.

Carrera

I'll need the engine manual for this outboard. Broadly speaking, I know many outboards have this Capacitor Discharge Ignition system whereby the voltage is stepped up through coils. Therefore, water let into this area isn't such a good scenario.
I may have to use glue, as you suggest. Certainly, I'll need to replace that zink before clamping the engine.
Glad you're enjoying your boating in Africa. I figure having a few drinks before a voyage is a good idea. After all this hard work, I'll be sure to do the same. I may even stock the old boat with some red wine. She hasn't run since the seventies.

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

EoinC

Any modern outboard will use CDI. There is no problem with CDI and water, as the units are completey sealed (same as on all those motorbikes you see being ridden in the rain (unlike my points Enfield, which doesn't like rain, thereby forcing me to live in Australia).
The area that you don't want water going in is the air inlet on the carbie. A bit of rain should cause no problem, but don't drop the outboard in the canal. I had a 9.9hp Mariner (at full throttle) get knocked off a Zodiac when we got overtaken by a breaking wave in a place we shouldn't have been - it didn't enjoy the experience (and nor did we). The Zodiac folded back on itself and popped the floorboards out. Sometimes it's better not to go to sea.
As long as there is anything left of the zinc anodes, they are doing their job. Yes, you should look to replacing them if they are getting wasted but, being sacrificial, it ain't over until the sacrifice is...sacrificed. I wouldn't let that stop me proceeding, as long as I was going to be able to access the leg for changing them out in the future.
I'm not boating in Africa (well, I did ride 8hrs in our Crew Boat last week for a trip around the offshore facilities). My boat is down in Perth, Oz, and I'll head back down there next week.
Having some wine on the boat may be a great help in getting you motivated. Get the old girl up to a level where you enjoy being on her (we are talking about a boat, aren't we?), and you'll find yourself knocking out all those small jobs in no time.

Carrera

"As long as there is anything left of the zinc anodes, they are doing their job."

Not necessarily. If you have a multimeter (which I'm sure you do have) try setting the meter to about 200 Ohms and run one lead to the anode and the other lead to the leg of the engine. If you get virtually zero resistance, you have a circuit from the anode to the engine body. That way, the anode will do its job.
However, if you get massive resistance, the anode needs dealing with. Sometimes a rusted bolt may be to blame.
Count yourself lucky you have a boat in Australia. Over here, it's a rich man's hobby. Much as I find it interesting, boating is bleeding me dry. For starters, there's the safety certificate that's a bit like a vehicle M.O.T. That may cost me up to 600 U.S. dollars and it's due now. The license is also about 450 dollars (I paid for only 6 months). Even mooring is very expensive and hard to get.
I have an interest in boats and hope to continue but the canal system seems to be a rip off in the U.K. I hear in Holland it's far far cheaper to have a boat and also, to a lesser degree, in France.
You know, all my neighbours have gone. I'm the only boat left. I'm hoping to use it during summer with the outboard engine but after that I'll probably keep it on dry land for some time.
P.S. I fitted the outboard engine bracket but need to buffer the interior with plywood.

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

mikesbytes

Why don't you move to Australia. Sounds like there is less crime, not in the same league as Japan.

Beside I need someone to spot me while doing BP.

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Training Log

Carrera

I come to australia as many people do
To see the old koala, hitch a ride on a kangaroo
To hear somebody call me mate and call somebody blue
To hear the aboriginee play a didgeridoo

Some of you came as prisoners two centuries ago
Some of you come as kings and queens your blessing to bestow
Some of you stand all swelled with pride, some with shattered wings
But all of us come with open hearts to hear Australia sing

In the desert, in the city
In the mountains and in the sea
In the stories and in the people
I can hear australia sing

Waltzing matilda, the men of galipoli
Clancy of the overflow, Crocodile Dundee
The myth of all creation, the teaching of baiame
The legends of a dreamtime for all eternity

And in this celebration of a brief two hundred years
The cost to build a nation in blood and sweat and tears
And if we stand divided, divided we will fall
But if we stand together we shall conquer all

In the desert, in the city
In the mountains and in the sea
In the stories and in the people
I can hear australia singundefined
Sing australia, sing australia, sing australia, sing australia
In the sails on sydney harbour
I can hear australia sing

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

jhuskey

This might be of interest to you C. I installed a hyrdofoil on my pontoon boat yesterday.
It seems to make a big impact on speed and ride. The boat will trim out now. with much less drag. I should be much more fuel effecient.
I look forward to using it as soon as I recover from the installation process.
I should be able to ride a bike again in a month or so.

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Whenever I can't get excited about riding I just fantasize about someone else's bike.

Carrera

I'm going to try and step back a few paces and maybe start over again. I figure I'm doing it all wrong. The thing is, if I had a very small boat and a trailer, I'd save a fortune. As it is, I have a big boat and it's stuck in the inland waterways and, therefore, liable to totally irrational taxes. Seriously, the Government over here is killing off the demand for inland pleasure cruising with boatyards closing down and boaters removing their boats.
I was speaking to a former boatyard owner and he told me he believes the Government is outpricing itself on the waterways. My boat is now the only one left as people really can't afford to keep their boats in the water. Sure, the rich can manage it without too much difficulty but not your average guy who has to pay other bills as well.
Anyway, what I need is a small boat I can simply take in or out. That way, I'd be untouched by taxes. As it is, I'm paying over 2000 U.S. a year just to have the boat on the waterways.

__________________
"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."