Engine Exhaust System e35II

[Masallah 04]

Enjoyed reading about Nicki's purchase and planned sail of his E-35II.....

Nicki, and to all other's owning an E35II.....take a look at your boat's exhaust system. I've just purchased and installed a new Yanmar engine due to sea water entering my engine block through the exhaust system, which is inherently flawed in it's design. This took three good boat mechanics, and many hours to diagnos, but on a 35II, and likely on most other sailboats, the engine lies below the waterline. The exhaust, therefore, exits above the water line, generally three to four feet above the level of the engine. You need to install a 45 degree, or vertical loop just forward of where your boat's exhaust exits the boat, where sea water is prevented from entering your exhaust line, and traveling down towards your engine. A water break muffler will help, but once enough water builds up inside the muffler, it "will" make it's way to your engine block.....and that's a very expensive problem; worse, the engine will likely seaze just when you need it the most.
This is an easy fix, but it's important. Look on the net for ideas on how to install a loop, but do it!
Secondly, look at your boat's DC system. Make sure you have two or three good batteries, well secured, so as to prevent them from free flying if your boat rolls, or gets laid over.....always a good idea to keep one battery isolated from the other(s), just in case you need a fresh battery for cranking. Again, review the net for different ideas on how to construct a battery box, charging system, etc.....
Lastly, install two good independent bilge pumps. They won't stop your boat from sinking, but should give you enough time to get off if you need to.
Your list is just the beginning, but they are great boats, absolutely capable of making over seas jaunts.....
have fun
alan
Masallah
E35II

 

[rwthomas1]

I've been doing plenty of reading this winter on subjects such as this. It seems that many "experts" think most sailboat exhaust installations are sub-par and damaging to the engines. The first issue is the backpressure created by using the exhaust to push raw cooling water up 3 to 5 feet from the water lift muffler to the exhaust thru-hull. This backpressure creates a lot of heat and actually decreases power output.

The recommendations I have read recommend a DRY exhaust up to the point where the exhaust would then lead down to the exhaust outlet. The raw water would be introduced just after the dry exhaust piping turns down, like a conventional wet system. The downside to a dry system like this is obviously that it is MUCH hotter so it would have to be well insulated and maintained.

The other recommendation is installation of a seacock type valve at the exhaust outlet. The idea being that for the most part the common waterlift muffler type exhaust that we are all familiar with are fine in most conditions. However certain stormy sea conditions, such as a following sea can force water up the exhaust pipe and into the engine. Obviously this will lead to problems when you need the engine most. Closing the valve will keep this from happening. This also means you have to remember to close and reopen another valve!

IMHO possibly a rubber-flapper type outlet that would prevent seawater from pushing into the exhaust should work? This and maybe installing a fitting in the exhaust to lead the piping straight up vertical as it enters the exhaust thru-hull?

RT