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After recently purchasing Galini, a mark 3 top hat, i have spent the past few weeks making changes and had spent the past 3 nights on the boat doing last minute cleaning prior to departing north, first stop to nelson bay to get used to the boat.

Managed to diy some new vbirth cushions with fitted covers, made some curtains, new toilet install, 150L bladder under port side berth hooked up to sink, replaced the lpg stove with a metho version and run some new wires for usb and 12v outlets plus fans. Stocked up with a months worth of food with no fridge, but have managed to make some rather tasty meals with a bit of creative cooking and spices.

With everything packed away by the third day on Galini it was time to unhook from the mooring and motor away from the mooring field to set sail on the month long journey north. The engine started perfectly fine, water coming out the exhaust was fine and then give it the warm up time and then away we go.

Unfortunately shortly after the journey ran into its first problem, smoke was pouring out from the cushions on the starboard side. Shut the engine off, opened the inspection hatch and smoke was everywhere. Thankfully no fire as first feared, however with the engine now gone and the first time sailing with no help and first time on this boat i had to quickly put my theory to practice and get sailing as the current was quite strong with occasional strong gusts. Managed just fine and before long i was flying along at 4.5 knots with only a over reefed main. I managed to get a tow back to the mooring before calling it a night.

Currently i am at the marina docked where i am still awaiting the final news regarding the engine. At first there were issues with the electrics regarding the connections to the engine and alternator, but then issues regarding coolant were found. Currently the heat exhanger has been taken off the boat to be inspected and given an acid bath.

Certainly not the start to the trip i was hoping for, and also hopefully not the end. However, depending on the issue and cost it may very well be the end of my trip, although there will always be time for weekend trips into the future.

Wow, that was certainly a scary start to your trip! Fire on a boat is very bad. At least you were able to get back safely. Hope you can get it all sorted. And without much time or money lost.

troppo

DON'T GIVE UP BEN!!!!!

All my trips seem to have this first day[s] problem syndrome, its only natural seeing that we are sitting on a mooring for a long period getting ready, then going for it.

It also ties in with our getting use to being onboard.

So while you have a bit of down time please tell us where you are leaving from to go where?

Oh, and it's not true without photos!

Phillip,

I had no real destination in mind, i was just going to take it day at a time and when i felt like making the next hop north and the weather looked suitable then i would make a move.

As for proof, i could show one expensive bill, although expensive is all relative and it could have been much worse. Tomorrow the plan is to get a tow just outside the narrow channel and test the engine under load, worst case i can just sail circles until they collect me for further repairs.

So where are you Ben?

The boat is located in Tanilba bay, great location for now to do weekend trips, but will want to move it closer to sydney in the future as its a bit of a drive.

Engine worked fine after 30 minutes of motoring at 5 knots back to the mooring field, all clear to go sailing tomorrow after the 30 knot winds today. Just need to work out why the 40a fuse melts so fast in the future.