by: MartyPosted on:

The Motor

The heart of the boat

Condition

A new motor with a sail drive was installed in 2008. It seems OK, but have some problems in details.

Motor viewed from the Saloon side.
Motor and sail drive viewed from the aft cabin side. Left also the cooling liquid container and the ____ filter for the cooling water. Right is the batters Relais and the main switch for the motor, combined with a switch to connect the house battery with the motor starter battery. These electrics are in better condition that the house circuits, probably for different reasons: Newer installations, no rainwater entering the motor compartment etc.

Fuel pump

There are manual and electric fuel pumps. The manual one is the same as in outboard motor fuel lines, but one has to open the engine compartment to use it. The electric pump seems to be a diaphragm pump, it was controlled by a switch in the control panel. In terms of operation it would make more sense to have the pump switch in the cockpit, ideally at the motor control panel.

Electrical System of the Motor

Motor

There are different types of alternator belts on board (A and B) as spare parts. It appears that the A belt used currently wears quickly.

To do:

  • Buy seawater pump belt
  • Buy impeller
  • Buy alternator belt

Sometimes the motor does not start, the starter motor “does not have power”. It appears that the cause is bad contacts at the starter motor relay because the battery is full.

Note to self: Check wiring and replace corroded connectors.

Come up with a maintenance schedule. Check operating hour meter and install one if broken.