• Ahoy and Welcome to the New SSS Forums!!

    As you can see, we have migrated our old forums to new software. All your old posts, threads, attachments, and messages should be here. If you see anything out of place or have any questions, please scroll to the very bottom of the page and click "Contact Us" and leave a note with as much detail as possible.

    You should be able to login with your old credentials. If you have any issues, try resetting your password before clicking the Contact Us link.

    Cheers
    - Bryan

Around the World from West coast?

Asking for help ...

I need help with the ballast system. It's a very important piece of the sailing puzzle on Changabang. But because it has a leak I am always reluctant to use it. If you have time and experience with ballast plumbing or similar I'd love to get acquainted. The leaks are with the pipes not the ballast itself. So I think it's a matter of ripping all short hoses and replacing, also replacing the pump. I am not at all familiar with this, and I'd rather get it right the first time. No point in fixing to make it worse. The picture below shows what I'm talking about. I believe the valves are sound. The pump is hidden to the right. I've already tried tightening the hose clamps :-)
PJ

IMG_20190821_111851356.jpg
 
Last edited:
Hi Philippe,

Not sure where to start with this...all the goop on the joints says the previous owner was wrestling with leaks also. That string is not a good sign...Yes, replace all the hoses and hose clamps with high quality Shields Series 148 and ABA hose clamps. As a rule, any hose below the waterline gets 2 hose clamps. Get a hose clamp spares kit with the correct size flexible driver if you can find one as you may need to replace or double up other hose connections and if you need to install a desalinator. Regarding the valves, plastic does get brittle over time, and new valves are fairly cheap. But you may want to revisit the design (see below).

Is this the only scoop/dump valve?

Only one Pump? Replace with the Rule 17A, you can find new for $200. Make sure the switch you use can handle the 20 amps. Note the pump may cause a voltage drop through your electrical system which can cause problems with electronics and autopilots.

Hard to tell the logic of the plumbing from the photo, and hard to believe it was originally designed like this. You might want to revisit the existing design, there is a shit-ton of flow resistance both in and out. Some thoughts/questions...I'd guess that red lever opens or closes the line from the scoop to the pump? If so does it need to be there? The other line to the scoop is the dump path? If so there appears to be another valve or elbow here? Necessary? I would diagram the as-is condition and perhaps design a new one. Too bad about the wiring running through there.
 
Thanks for looking at this Ragnar.
The valve with the black lever has 3 positions: fill port ballast, fill starboard, closed. The valve with the red lever is to allow gravity fed discharge. There's also another valve to allow gravity fed transfer from one side to the other. I'm not keen to engage in ripping things out less so redesigning the system on my own, hence my call for help ...
There are some tight turns, which at first glance appear to be too much for the Shields Series 148.
With the scoop pulled in, red and black closed, I think the only water leaking out is whatever is in the pipes visible in the picture. I'll have to verify this next time I use them (it seemed to be so when I tried this last week as there wasn't much to bail out).
Hope this helps put things in context ...
 
I know nothing about these systems, but have two thoughts... 1.) go sailing, engage autopilot, or friend, go lie down on the cabin sole right next to all that stuff and turn on the pump. Watch closely and see if you can actually see the leak. Ditto for the gravity transfer when you tack or gybe.

2.) the obvious place to start is where the off-white sealant is gooped around.

I see what you mean, about that one hard turn in the hose. Hoses harden over time, I'd be suspicious about that bend. Also the red-handled valve is just PVC. Something to replace it is probably < $30 at Home Depot.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/LEGEND-VALVE-2-1-2-in-PVC-Solvent-Socket-Ball-Valve-S-601/203581036

legend-valve-ball-valves-s-601-64_1000.jpg
 
Last edited:
It's official! I've been awarded a grant by the Ocean Cruising Club! It is very exciting for my crazy sailing project to be recognized by like minded sailors and adventurers. I'm in excellent company with the two other award recipients. I'd like to give my thanks to the kind folks at the Ocean Cruising Club for their generosity, and to Figure 8 Voyage, Randall Reeves for tipping me to this fantastic opportunity, and to all who have encouraged me along this journey.

News release by the OCC https://news.oceancruisingclub.org/home/index/1372

I'll say ... If you feel like joining in the giving spirit there's an option for you ��

https://GoFundMe.com/SF2SF
 
As things are going it's likely that I'll just leave from HMB, go under the bridge, and turn around. Unless maybe someone has a contact at the GGYC or SFYC, and maybe the YC would be willing to offer a temp berth, and if there's enough depth of course. There's still South Beach Harbor but I'm still trying to save $.
Thanks!
 
Maybe Pier 39. Dredged 2018.
Isabelle Autissier was here in 1994.
Maserati with Giovanni and Ryan in 2013.
I have a 45ft slip -my renter just bailed but depth needs to be checked- it's all yours if it'd work.
I'll see if the Maserati slip is available.
Easier to get some media here too.
I'll pm you.
 
Last edited:
As things are going it's likely that I'll just leave from HMB, go under the bridge, and turn around. Unless maybe someone has a contact at the GGYC or SFYC, and maybe the YC would be willing to offer a temp berth, and if there's enough depth of course. There's still South Beach Harbor but I'm still trying to save $.
Thanks!

Please let us know when you have a hard date. If you tie up somewhere here in the Bay, I'll show up and help make it look like there's a big crowd! :D
 
I'll come too, and may be able to scare up some socially-distancing friends. At least the ones that haven't yet relocated to the Caribbean.

Also - do you want to start your circumnavigation alone in the bay, or with a bunch of shorthanded boats cheering you on?
 
Last edited:
My friend with his drones is asking if someone would like to take them aboard so they can sail/motor along and do more drone shots. Dad and 16 years old. Very safety oriented.
Anyone willing to help? I know with COVID and this being last minute it's a long shot ...
Call me at 415 three one seven 1001 if you're up for it.
 
Was hoping to be able to see you off, but alas no.

Video of CB is terrific. Looks like a fun ride.

I'll look forward to blog posts.

Fair winds PJ

Greg
 
Wow!....my back is bigtime screwed up right now or I would volunteer! I hope you have a great trip and I will also be watching blog posts and your position!

Alan
 
Back
Top