DiamondDealer
Member II
We went out and spent some time on the boat, cleaning, organizing, and for me inspecting the systems. I brought a generator to hook up "shore power". I'm impressed by this old girl. Not only are the lines good, but the deck is solid (no sponge that I could feel), the general electric systems all appear to be functional though I'll obviously need to connect the mast lines to test a lot of it. That's within my skill set so I should be good there.
I was surprised to find she's got an Atomic 4 rather than a diesel. It's extremely clean, the fluids are good, and I'm told the last rebuild was three years ago. It'll be easier to maintain than my motorcycle or cars, so I'm not worried about it. The blower works well, btw. Re-powering her with a diesel isn't in the budget, and I don't think it's necessary anyway.
The prop is a two blade folder. That's new to me. I understand why they're great under sail, but am less aware of how they do under power. I understand reverse is especially problematic? Because I'll be motoring her out of a narrow waterway for my very first time I'm plenty apprehensive. Any observations there would be very very welcome.
We'll be motoring up a well marked rivers that's nonetheless taken more than a couple of boats. Hull speed on the E39 is somewhere around 7-1/2 knots and the current can run 5. I should be able to help the engine with the jib at least, but again I admit I'm a bit apprehensive.
Oh, and one other thing I really hated seeing was plumbing made out of garden hose! T-fittings, clamps, and hoses that have been disconnect and I don't know where the hell they go. I know I can figure it out, but... yeeesh!
So there's the down and dirty overview of the Black Diamond. Thanks gang!
I was surprised to find she's got an Atomic 4 rather than a diesel. It's extremely clean, the fluids are good, and I'm told the last rebuild was three years ago. It'll be easier to maintain than my motorcycle or cars, so I'm not worried about it. The blower works well, btw. Re-powering her with a diesel isn't in the budget, and I don't think it's necessary anyway.
The prop is a two blade folder. That's new to me. I understand why they're great under sail, but am less aware of how they do under power. I understand reverse is especially problematic? Because I'll be motoring her out of a narrow waterway for my very first time I'm plenty apprehensive. Any observations there would be very very welcome.
We'll be motoring up a well marked rivers that's nonetheless taken more than a couple of boats. Hull speed on the E39 is somewhere around 7-1/2 knots and the current can run 5. I should be able to help the engine with the jib at least, but again I admit I'm a bit apprehensive.
Oh, and one other thing I really hated seeing was plumbing made out of garden hose! T-fittings, clamps, and hoses that have been disconnect and I don't know where the hell they go. I know I can figure it out, but... yeeesh!
So there's the down and dirty overview of the Black Diamond. Thanks gang!