Shakedown cruise

tsawyer · Post by **tsawyer** » Sun Aug 08, 2010 8:39 pm

We took our 10 Meter from Pompano Beach, Florida via the ocean up to the Lake Worth Inlet and a bit farther north up to the North Palm Beach Marina.

It was a nice day up on Friday (a bit hot, but calm seas) and a cooler/overcast day back today. Flat seas again on the way home until we hit some storms which kicked up the chop a bit, but not until we were like 5 miles from the Hillsboro Inlet (our home port).

The boat ran great, all systems we needed worked and we had no problems. I can say that now that I am home. The wife started commenting on it before we were back, at which time I told her to shut it or we were in for trouble.

A couple of things of interest:

1). The generator isn't working for more than 35-40 mins. We didnt need it this weekend, and I know that the exhaust temp sensor is broken. Could this be causing it to shut down? I've already purchased a new one, but the part has changed vs the one I have now and requires additional work before I can install it.

2). The oil pressure guage on my starboard engine was jumping around a bit. It went from around 40 (which seems fairly nomral) down to 30 and back up to 50. It could be the guage. Is there any issues with a range like that?

We had a great trip and the marina was a nice place to stay. I would recommend it.

TC · Post by TC » Sun Aug 08, 2010 8:59 pm

In answer for #2, I'ld be replacing the sending unit on the block.

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:08 pm

Agree on sending unit. No knowledge on your generator problem.

Sounds like all-in-all you had a good shake down.

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:47 pm

Caution - STORM BREWING AHEAD

The wife started commenting on it before we were back, at which time I told her to shut it or we were in for trouble.

Could be a CAT 5 !

Sounds like you are in for a rough ride.

RWS

sluggo · Post by **sluggo** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 3:42 pm

The generator isn't working for more than 35-40 mins. We didnt need it this weekend, and I know that the exhaust temp sensor is broken. Could this be causing it to shut down? I've already purchased a new one, but the part has changed vs the one I have now and requires additional work before I can install it.

Yes I believe there is a thermo switch that will shut the genny down if it gets too hot, and if that sensor is bad the genny won't run. I replaced my sensor this year, actually pretty easy to do so, and it was a swap in and swap out job. I have an 87 with 6.5 onan genny, and like I said it was swap in and out, 10 min job. I even found what I needed here in WV. maybe make your job easier.

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 5:47 pm

You guys might be on to something.

Install a temp sensor on the wife.

That way we can be alerted to a problem before it happens and if it gets bad, maybe it will shut her down before any damage occurs.

RWS

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 5:55 pm

Too bad wives don't come with a remote control and mute button. But then I am sure they wish that husbands came equipped with the same.

I have been boating for a long time and have found that most boating wives I have met don't like really choppy water. Come to think of it, it is not my favorite sea condition either.

tsawyer · Post by **tsawyer** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 6:49 pm

They also don't like when you are yelling at them to grab a line or help with the boat in any way.

Maybe because I get frustrated with the blind/dumb look I get back.

Things run much smoother when I have my boy on the boat to help.

On the temp sensor, the part the local Onan place gave me had different connectors. Not a big deal, but have to change them, so not just a plug in the new one. I gave them the model number, so hopefully they gave me the right part.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 7:52 pm

On the genny, you need to ensure that the exhaust isn't in fact getting too hot. Are you discharging plenty of water? You can bypass the switch to see if in fact that's actually causing the shut down. Just jump a wire between the two contacts. Again, make sure it's not actually overheating before you do this. If it still shuts down, it's not the switch. You can also take a voltage reading with a meter. After it quits, try starting again while taking a voltage reading at the switch contacts. If you get a reading on one contact to ground but no reading on the other contact, the switch has opened.

Re the oil pres; as mentioned, it could be the sender, but may also be a poor connection or corrosion at the sender or gauge. The readings you're getting are OK.

tsawyer · Post by **tsawyer** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 9:53 pm

This working on boats is tough.

I spend 10 mins replacing the sensor and then had to drink beer and let it run for an hour to see if it would shut down.

It made it the full hour w/o load with no problems. I'll try it again later with the A/C to see if that makes a difference.

Thanks for your input.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 10:32 pm

Wish they were all ten minute jobs.....more time for beer!!

sehord · Post by **sehord** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 11:06 pm

hmmmm.... better load it up and load yourself another cold one just to make sure

turtlem1969 · Post by **turtlem1969** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 9:10 pm

I learned a long time ago if I want to go out with just the "boys" I tell she who must be obeyed that it might be a little "sporty", and she says have a nice trip, knowing when I get back the honey do list will have doubled.

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 10:24 pm

A real HERRICANE!!!

sehord · Post by **sehord** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 10:31 pm

As a licensed Pilot, licensed Boat Captain, and professional Single guy... I can attest to the addage that if it Flies, Floats or Fu*ks, one day its gonna give you trouble!