Engine Report Card is In

5 Aug 2026

The headsail furling issue is resolved, at least for now. The one bent tine on the fuler has been straightened and I have adjusted the way the line enters the drum. This has improved things. I tweak or two may be necessary but it should not give me any more trouble.

Ellis of Riverside Motor Works came to go over the engine. The pressure test fond a leak in a small hose on the engine. That was replaced and the leak issue seems to be solved. Unfortunately, other issues were found that need to be addressed. New motor mounts are needed and the heat riser and mixing elbow need to be replaced. This is part of the exhaust cooling system. It is not uncommon for it to need to be replaced, expecially after 25 years. I have located new motor mounts and the heat riser. Once received, that work will begin. I can do the installation but the engine will have to be realigned to the prop shaft. That will have to be done by a professional.

I took the boat out yesterday for a short sail. The furler worked fine and the engine remained cool so I am confident that these issues are resolved.

I had planned a 3-4 day trip next week. It is probaby best that long trips be postponed until the new motor mounts and heat riser are installed. That said, if the winds are favorable so that I would be under sail most of the way, I may do the first leg of that trip. Gloucester Point to Deltaville and back the next day. We’ll see.