User:Jmmt

Nimbus Maintenance Tips The following maintenance tips may be of interest to fellow Nimbus Owners (as carried out to “Beatrice”, our Nimbus 320.). It is not intended to be an instruction list only an "oily-rag / visual inspection / memory jogger! Commencing with the Bow: ANCHOR: Check that the swivel on the cahin is free turning.  Normally this requires flushing to remove grit and mud after use.  The shackle pin should be secure and locked, where applicable, with wire or good quality cable tie through the eye of the shackle pin and around the body of the shackle.  Where there is no eye, liquid lock-tight on the thread of the shackle pin. ANCHOR CHAIN:  The inboard end of to be rope and long enough for chain end to be brought to the deck.  This enables chain to be cut away in an emergency. STEM HEAD ROLLERS:  Check for free turning as these can become jammed with weed from the chain and can be difficult to clear when the weed has become dry and hard. MANUAL ANCHOR WINCH:  Keep lubricated and greased.  Main clamp bolt on chain gypsy should be checked for free turning and the thread greased. If winch has a gearbox the oil level to be checked and examined for signs of water. If water is present the oil should be changed and seals and the joints etc checked and changed where necessary. ELECTRIC ANCHOR WINCH: Maintenance is the same as above. Electrical wiring should be inspected on the motor under the deck for tightness and corrosion. Any corrosion found should be cleaned off and it is good practice to coat with Vaseline, silicone grease or self-amalgamating tape. Spray the motor body with a dewatering agent/lubricant (WD40) or equivalent. ANCHOR LOCKER: It is worth checking that the drain is clear. DECK SWITCHES: Make sure they are clean and maintained with WD40 or similar. WINDSCREEN WIPERS: The fixing nuts should be checked regularly as these do work loose. It is a good idea to carry spare blades or a complete new wiper blade. The blades can be purchased from Volvo Truck and Bus in Test Lane, Nursling Industrial Estate, Southampton, SO16 9JX Phone: 02380663500. The part number for Nimbus 320 is 20826596. Replacement blades can be obtained from Trupart via the web at approximately £4 a pair for 28 inch items. The fixing bolts and nuts should be greased as these have a habit of seizing. WIPER ARM MECHANISMS: These are to be thoroughly washed with fresh water to remove salt. NAVIGATION LIGHTS:  These should be opened up at least annually and fixing screws greased and wiring connections coated with Vaseline and sprayed with a dewatering agent. Are spare bulbs carried? AERIAL LEADS: Check that connectors are corrosion free and not chaffing and spray with WD40. DECK FILLERS: Ensure that the screw caps for fuel / water / holding tank are greased on the threads and sealing joints. Don’t forget to screw them back closed after use! BENEATH COCKPIT FLOOR AND LAZERETTE: STEERING GEAR: The fixing bolts and ball joints should be checked for tightness and lubricated. RUDDER SHAFT GLAND: This is to be checked for water leakage as is the grease gland if the grease nipple is fitted. HYDRAULIC STEERING: If fitted check for leaks at the pipe connections and steering cylinder seals. The Oil level should be checked regularly by removing inspection plug adjacent to the steering wheel. EMERGENCY STEERING: Have you correct spanners to hand for the removal of bolts to enable the emergency steering to be used? STERN GLAND:  Check for leakage and lubrication. TRIMTAB MOTOR AND RESEVOIR:. Check oil level, hose connections and wiring. The oil level is checked when the trim planes are UP. EXHAUST SYSTEM: This can be visually checked taking care to note the condition of the rubber exhaust hose and fixing clips. COCKPIT DRAINS: Valve operation to be checked, as are the hoses and clamps. BILGE PUMP: Suction hose (located aft of steering gear). Check that this is clear of debris. FUEL FILTERS: These should be checked for water by either removing the drain plug in the bottom of filter unit or, in the case of a plastic see-through filter unit, any water can be seen at the bottom of the filter bowl and drained FUEL SYSTEM:. Following the removal of the drain plugs the system will require bleeding. BATTERIES: They require water levels to be checked (normal level is a minimum of 1/4 inch or 6mm over the top of the battery plates)  This only applies to conventional lead acid batteries. In some cases maintenance free and gel type are fitted which have a different maintenance procedure according to the manufacturers instructions. Experience will dictate how often batteries require attention but once a month is a guide from which to start. TERMINALS: On all types of batteries they should be checked for tightness and kept free of corrosion by applying Vaseline. DIESEL HOT AIR HEATER: It is fitted with a small plastic see-through filter in most cases. This is fitted between the pump and the suction point at the fuel tank. On Beatrice it is fitted in the same area as the steering gear. Whilst in this area it is good practice to check and observe that all hose fittings are tight and that there is no evidence of leaks on the fresh water system, hot water system and electric bilge pump (where fitted.) IMMERSION HEATER: At the same time electrical connections can be inspected on the unit. NOTE: THIS PROCEDURE SHOULD ONLY BE CARRIED OUT AFTER FIRST DISCONNECTING THE 240 VOLT POWER SUPPLY! THAT IS TO SAY DISCONNECT THE SHORE SUPPLY AT THE PONTOON. MAINS DISTRIBUTION UNIT: The RCD should be checked and given a light spray of WD40 or equivalent. Check operation of circuit breakers. SHORESIDE 240volt POWER LEAD  Check plug and connections and give a light spray of WD40 to the plug and socket. ENGINE ROOM AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISHER: Visually check for correct pressure and condition of wiring. ENGINE ROOM BILGE: Is it clean? That is to say is it dry and no evidence of oil or water leaks? BOW THRUSTER:  The Oil level to be checked and a check carried out for signs of water in the oil (this will be evident by white globules in the oil.)  Is there spare oil of the correct type? Check that electrical connections are clean and tight and coat terminals with Vaseline. GAS SYSTEM/COOKER:  The hoses and connections should be checked frequently. Is spare cylinder full? Check that gas locker drain and vent are clear. TOILET VALVES Check for free operation and for evidence of leaks. SPARES?: It is good practice to carry spare fuel filters and sealing rings ENGINE PRE-START CHECKS: 1.	Is the fuel turned on (where valves are fitted) 2.	 Is the water inlet valve turned on? 3.	 Is the main engine cooling seawater inlet filter clean? FUEL: Do you have sufficient fuel for the intended passage? The majority of calls for assistance are due to shortage of fuel. The Passage Plan should allow for a 20% margin on fuel capacity ie: tank capacity less 20%. This means that with a 320 litre tank you have a useable volume of 256 litres. Using this practice means you have fuel in hand should you encounter say a head sea, unfavourable tide, rough conditions or a change of destination. It also helps lower the risk of sediment disturbance at the bottom of the tank. OIL: Is the oil level correct and do you carry spare oil of the correct type? FRESH WATER: Check the tank and always top up before you leave as you never know where the next fresh water tap is! ANTIFREEZE: Is there spare antifreeze / water mix? VISUAL CHECK OF ENGINE: Always make a visual check of engine hoses and connections. GEARBOX OIL: Is this oil level in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and do you carry spare oil of the correct type? MAIN ENGINE SALTWATER COOLING PUMP: Is there a spares kit and instructions for fitting a new impeller plus spare drive belts for the pump and alternator. INSTRUMENT READINGS: The Skipper should be aware of correct / normal position of the gages and the function of warning lights.

David Noyce “Beatrice” September 2007