It came to pass when I was afloat with my youngest sibling in mid December that Whimbrel took on board some water into her bilge … a rare event. I thought it was the stern gland, but on other hand seemed to be way too much for that alone.
See: http://nickardley.com/ditch-crawler-enjoys-a-december-sail-with-a-sibling/
Sibling in silhouette…
On my next outing, I discovered upon shutting the engine down that the sea water pump was leaking from its shaft seal. There isn’t much that can be done about such an event other than either renew whole pump, overhaul and fit new shaft seal, and probably shaft too … much else besides, ending up paying even more out. It’s the way of the world, unfortunately, that a complete renewal is cheapest option. But, still expensive…
So, I did a search for places dealing with Yanmar spares – my usual source in Brightlingsea was, to say the least expensive without VAT added! Other places were worse or around the same. But, up popped a place sitting in the St Georges Channel between N. Island and the R. Mersey … the Isle of Man.
BottomLine Marine Engineering Company – seems very much like French Marine, both into engines and chandlery.
See: https://bottomlinemarine.com/
I’d already dropped French Marine an email and was awaiting a response when I contacted Bottom Line … I had a response over the immediate period before the New Year with a sizing query. As did French marine later.
The question was, what pump was fitted to my Yanmar 2YM15. An updated pump came out a few years back … my engine was fitted (by me) in 2011. And, hey presto, it had the newer type which has a slightly larger diameter pipe inlet than the discharge 19.5 and 17 mm respectfully.
I ordered a new from Bottom Line as well as a set of belts. Packing and delivery is free over orders of £50… It was so simple – no logging into an account (done through email) and able to ‘guest’ use paypal (Hate this organisation!), including UK taxes (VAT).
I had an email telling me it would arrive either on the Tuesday or Wednesday last week. It arrived at 1115 on the Wednesday morning.
Old pump removed.
I was down at the boat around 1300. The new pump was fitted a little after high water at around 1430 and the engine run for 20 minutes.
I’m a very satisfied customer indeed, and so is the old girl!
I should have given the bilge space at the front of the engine a clean while pump was off: it is not easy to get at. I must chuck a bucket of water down there and brush around…
New pump fitted.
Looking down on the job … note: belt cover still to fit.
The above illustration shows how tight it is to get at the job … it was done largely by feel, utilising my ingrained engineering skills from those far off sea-going days spent keeping ‘ancient’ Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships going!
So, thank you ‘Bottom Line’ for your excellent service…
Whimbrel seen sailing back into creek and her mooring (beyond) with engine silent… Picture: Alexander Ardley
Cost: less than others before VAT added … say no more.