S T E L L A
Class Association
| Check | Action | Period |
| Cooling system flow | Check that you have adequate water coming out with the exhaust at tick-over (if water cooled system). You have to get to know what to expect for your engine and look for changes. You can also place your hand carefully on the engine (not near exhaust) after it has been running for a while. This should not be very hot (typically 550C) |
Every time you start the engine. |
| Cooling system inlet filter. | Turn inlet cock off and remove filter element. | Monthly, but immediately if you suspect less water is flowing through the engine than previously. |
| Cooling system pipe work | Check for tightness, leaks and chaffing. | Weekly, but a quick visual check each time the boat is used. |
| Exhaust | Check for possible leaks with the ‘boards up’. You may see cooling water ‘weeping’ out at joints. If you are not sure, then make a weak mixture of water and washing up liquid and brush around the joint and look for bubbles. |
Weekly, or immediately if you suspect that exhaust fumes may be escaping. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR THOSE IN THE CABIN. |
| Electrics | Check battery voltage on meter if you have one. This should go up to about 14.2V initially after starting and then drop back to about 13V after the charge used in starting is restored. If the voltage remains permanently high or low you may be over or undercharging the battery. | At the start of a day’s sailing. |
| Electrics | Check all connections for tightness and corrosion (including battery terminals). Also check for trapped or chaffed wires. | Every couple of weeks. |
I hope the check list given above is helpful, and I realise that it may not be complete. I have also not included what to do if
things go wrong, for example if you run out of fuel and have to bleed the fuel system on a diesel engine. These should be found in your handbook which
you must have on the boat with you.
It is also strongly recommended that you have decent set of tools including spanners, screwdrivers and pliers on board. You should also carry some spare
wire, tape or even or string for emergencies. These are essential to proper maintenance and repair and even if you can’t fix it, they may be useful to
someone who can give you a helping hand using your tools.
Paul Tattersall – Owner of Stella Caravelle #83 (and Lecturer in Automotive Engineering at Suffolk College!)