Category: Maintenance – SD

Chartplotter for Blue Belle

Blue Belle now has a Garmin chartplotter. It’s not new but it works well. The chartplotter does not, however, have a depth sounder.

The chartplotter mounts on a bracket at the top of the steering pedestel. It needs to be removed and stored in the cabin when not in use as the steering wheel cover does not fit over it.

The chartplotter is currently stored in a brown plastic bag in the storage area (sliding plexiglass door)

below the VHF radio. There is a user manual in the bag.

After the chartplotter has been mounted using the two thumb knob screws there are two cables that need to be attached. The gray/white cable (gps antenna) with metal connector is easy – twist clockwise on/counter-clockwise off.

The black cable is also clockwise on/counter-clockwise off but is a bit more fiddly and requires some practice to get the feel of twisting the connector on and off. Be careful, the connector is plastic and too much force could damage the connector or the chartplotter.

To use the chartplotter the “big red” main 12V power switch must be on (normally “2” for house battery). The chartplotter uses the same circuit as the VHF radio so the switch labelled “Radio” must

be in the “On” position.

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Kitkatla shifter cable repairs and ongoing transmission oil leak

To all Sailing Skippers,

Some important information for you to be aware of regarding recent repairs to Kitkatla’s shifter cable and ongoing rear seal transmission leak.

SHIFTER CABLE The shifter cable on Kitkatla has been replaced and this has changed how the shifter “feels”. You will notice that the shift lever moves easily into F, R, and N. The location of Neutral is now with the lever in the vertical position. Forward and Reverse now have “hard stops”. Once the shift lever hits stop respectively for F and R, it is important that skippers do not put additional pressure on the shift lever as that has the potential to change the shift lever position for each gear. No need to “strong arm” the lever anymore – as soon as it hits the stop, let go of the lever. TRANSMISSION LEAK The oil level in the transmission was down as the rear seal is leaking. It has been topped up. Please check the oil level each day before using the boat. See attached photos which show the transmission casing with yellow bolt (7/8 socket). The dipstick is connected to the underside of the bolt and you can see the fill line right near the end of the dipstick. It only holds a small amount of oil – do not overfill. Use the 30W Oil in one litre container in the plastic tub in the starboard lazarette. There is a funnel in the same tub. . We will need to get a mechanic out to change the rear seal soon. Please Do Not use the marine diesel oil in 4 litre container – this is for use in the engine only. Also, do not overtighten the bolt when screwing back on. MISC. The unused fuel return line from the engine had a split in it with the result that small amounts of unburnt fuel was going into the bilge. The hose has been repaired and the bilge has been cleaned. Many thanks to the members who responded so effectively to these repairs: Mike Copley, Mike Hill, Doug Johnson, Glen Smith, David Redd and also Doug’s son, Bruce Johnson. Your skills and work save us a lot of time and money. Happy and Safe Sailing everyone! Debra