Post by thompsontwins on Feb 21, 2019 8:55:29 GMT
Finally got a window in the weather on Sunday 17th February 2019, to move our LM24 from Burnham on Crouch to Neptune Marina, Ipswich. Launched on Friday, arrived Saturday to rig it. I couldn't get the genoa to furl. There is a flimsy line fitted to a block at the top of the mechanism that appeared to be the halyard, there is also a more substantial halyard attached to the mast (I think, will need to check with binoculars or drop the mast). Presumable one of the halyards is for the genoa, the other for the cruising chute. when furling with the flimsy one, it wraps around the sail. I ran it to the furling drum, and used the thicker halyard, this seemed to allow it to furl, but not completely. At the end of the voyage, the wire near the shackle had screwed up. It seems to me that there may be another drum or some sort of swivel missing at the top of the mechanism. It appears the previous owner must have just raised and dropped the genoa in the luff groove, which is what I will have to do until the problem is solved, not ideal. Sorry I do not have any photos yet. Any suggestions on this problem, or the correct rigging of the genoa would be appreciated.
Secondly, the main reefing. I rigged a slab reef with a standard running bowline reefing line to the one and only reefing point. I realise the boom rolls the sail up, and found the little handle to allow this. My intention was to use the latter method if I needed more than one reef. Again advice would be appreciated on correctly rigging this. As it transpired we did not need to reef.
It was quite a windy day and lumpy sea, with wind and tide favourable, the boat flew, seeing 6 and 7 knots, we were so impressed with the seaworthiness and general performance of this little ship, which was visibly coping better than other yachts in the vicinity. A friend who crewed was so impressed he wants one now, and his boat is a 11m Oyster, he noted our cockpit is actually bigger than his, he can stretch out in it despite being about 6ft 3" to 4"!
We made the journey in about 8 hours, as the wind dropped in the River Orwell. Also impressed with the power of the little Bukh engine, (and its reassuring engine note) which we fully serviced before the journey. Nice to get back to basic mechanics.
Now for comments you already now about: The design features are amazingly well thought out. I found the inside steering position so comfortable, and it responded better with the wheel than the tiller. Being out of the elements makes a big difference, especially in the North Sea in February. No dangerous slip hazard companionway steps to negotiate for a cup of coffee in a heavy seaway, it begs the question, why aren't all yachts designed like this? (Unless you want to race of course). I realised we now own a year-round yacht!
We have a few niggles to sort out, the engine instruments are not working, rev counter, fuel gauge etc. electrical problem somewhere. We dipped the fuel tank, which seemed empty, when filled took 32 litres, so either there is an elbow where the dipstick won't go round, or a new tank has been fitted, as I believe the standard tank is 90 litres. Incidentally, what consumption litre per hour can we expect on 2/3 throttle?
Also need to get the galley water pump pumping, probably needs priming, as it is running ok. Also discovered a problem with the gas cooker leaking, the plastic knobs are corroded, so needs to be controlled from the gas bottle, need to sort that too. Any suggestions for replacement please? I found a plastic bag with very old brown plastic mugs, plates, bowls etc. Does anybody know if these are the standard issue LM dinner set?
Regards,