Hi,

It runs, it runs, it RUNS!!!!

Finished off the exhaust, checked the checklist, turned the key, and at 1:07
pm PST, Far Cove's new engine officially sprang to life.

It's quiet, vibration-free, and POWERFUL. I think the prop is too "steep" -
it's supposed to get to 3000rpm WOT, and although it's still too new to run it
WOT, it looks like it only gets to about 2600. OTOH, I make 3.5 knots at idle! I
did a "speed run" (same rpm, both directions, average the results) at 2000 rpm
and I got just over 6.5 knots. So, if the engine can push the boat at 6.5 at
2000, I'm guessing once it's loosened up a bit and has the right prop, I'll
probably get over 7, maybe 7.5 (hull speed). Yay!

A few minor problems. The prop, of course. The idle is too high, but I think
I'll leave it there until it's been broken in a bit - I hear idling is not good
for a brand-new engine. And the throttle doesn't stay put - the friction
adjustment needs adjusting.

And there's all the stuff that still needs to be done - I have to mount the
control panel, insulate the exhaust riser, put the panels back, clean up...

But that's Stage III - Stage II is now complete: Far Cove is a boat again,
rather than a "project". Think I'll motor out to English Bay, tomorrow, maybe
even Snug Cove...

YAY!!!!

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36 - a boat again!