SHETLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

It’s ever changing despite being the same stretch of water. That’s why I have the trailer so I’ll be able to get to different places. I’ll likely try coastal when I’m more used to the boat (or bored with inland!).

TBH, I've got the wrong Shetland for inland waterways, I couldn't keep the engine in gear long enough to steer properly without breaking the speed limit. I was hitting 6knts at tick over, so i was constantly in and out of gear, and struggling to follow a line without going too fast. I was having to overtake everyone like a boy racer.
Smaller motors always above tick over, and a boat with a keel are better for inland.

Once the covid and brexit world have settled down, trail your boat to France. You'll love it. I did the North Brittany coast a few times, best holidays I have had afloat.

Hi Guys,
Well I had a full day, cleaning and just getting used to it - got the telly working, but the horn does not work.
There are lots of things that either don't work or are not fitted. I am pretty sure I need a horn..
I'm at sawley.
Here is a pic.

Nice marina, but the chandlery is rubbish nowadays

Looks great! Folding screens work! The horns rust or get stuck thru lack of use so WD40 might help. My fuse box was shot so I replaced it. Pretty straightforward if you copy what’s there. Think you need a horn for the BSC (boat safety certificate) on inland water. If cash is tight buy a manual air horn under a tenner on Amazon. What else isn’t working?

Hi Clive, well I fixed the horn (eventually) There were two faults, the first was the horn was under fused, the fuse holder stated 5amp, 3A was fitted and I only had 4 Amp. Along with a faulty horn, it kept blowing fuses.

I have never taken one to pieces before, and it seems to have something that resembled old ignition point inside. They were stuck on so that explained why the fuses kept blowing, but after I separated them, would not make contact anymore. so I ran some emery paper through them, and it burst into life.

When I but it back together, it did not work so I took it back to pieces again and I gave it a squirt with WD40 after assembly it still did not work and we were back to blowing fuses again. Turns out you can over tighten it, and then with continued pressing of the button, can blow fuses.

Anyway, its not loud - it's not proud but it does work, I think it might get better with use (I hope).

The rest of the stuff not working are some interior lights, and a few switches, I think some power connectors on the boat for external lights and things that are not fitted, and others are not marked what they are at all.

I spent 2 full fays in the blistering heat cleaning and trying to get the horn working, replacing screws and caps in the cabin and just generally tarting the boat up, today I feel like I have done 10 rounds with Frank Bruno.

Do you know if these boats have a bilge pump and how to get to it ?

Regards
Ian..

12v dc and damp atmospheres don't do well together, you will probably find that the copper cable goes black. It needs a lot of cleaning to make good contact. The cable should really be tinned copper cable to help prevent electrolytic corrosion, but not many people fit it. A tiny smear of vaseline on the contact surfaces can help exclude oxygen to slow down contact corrosion in future.

No bilge. The cockpit lockers and forward lockers are the hull. The cockpit and cabin floor I assume are like most Shetlands and foam filled. The inboard engine bay (under cockpit centre hatch) has plugs which would be where they filled it in the stern. It will just about stop it sinking. No need to inspect unless the boat sits low or has soggy floors. I would keep on too of leaks tho. Just as I thought mine was water tight I found leaks from the bow rail mounts which left rust stains on the new lining.
I’ve still got work on the wiring and need to fit a horn, mine was rusted solid.
Sounds like you’re making progress. I’m testing ours next week. Can’t wait!

Were taking ours out tomorrow for the first time, Most I have done is to turn it round and reverse it back in so I could wash the other side.
As a side note, all the windows leak when it rains heavy.

The toilet port hole opens, but has visible signs of it leaking, seems there is a groove for something like an O-ring or some kind of seal - the left side (port?) is glued shut.

I have seen your thread about leaky windows, and think I will tackle that project later when I have a bit more experience. I will take some pics of the inside while we are out as it seems this 4+2 has had many many revisions over the years.

I think I need to brush up on boat maintenance, what needs cleaning, servicing etc.

Oh before I forget is it normal to have three bags of builders sand under the seats at the front of the boat ?