The Good.

Aboard Whimbrel, we have a Whale Flipper manual fresh water pump serving our domestic tap. The first pump fitted in 1983-4 lasted absolutely years. The next less so and so on. Yes, Whimbrel is used more in a year during last two decades than in her first ten years or so (I was away at sea), but problems reached a head a few years ago.

I fitted a new pump complete and it leaked. Strangely, not from the base seal, but apparently from the casing. I took the pump off and opened it up. There was a hair-line crack.

I took the pump back to the chandlery that supplied it – they told me to take a jump: I had opened it up…

I jumped up and down and got no where. The chandlery did not receive my custom for over five years, however, after a change of staff, I have gone back and one person ( a nice chap) who was in store that day is always attentive!

I bought a new one elsewhere.

However, after a failure of the base seal on a new pump last year, I resealed it with some sealant. The seal had been nipped in assembly. We were away sailing so had no choice. I managed to get a pump from Faversham Chandlery during our travels. That repair lasted a year, more or less.

Why the seals fail can only be because of the very narrow sealing faces, whether the manufacturing process has been pared back, I don’t know.

The other problem with the pump is the operating handle/shindle – it is made of aluminium and it corrodes/wears around its body seal. The corrosion can be seen in the picture below.

Anyway, this year I wrote to the manufacturers in Bangor, N. I.

Blimey, I got a positive response.

I sent pictures and receipt details (kept in new pump bag aboard boat and other from file when I got home) – chap could see pump was not in a bad condition. (I have never had to renew the innards of these pumps)

The upshot was I got an apology for the ‘troubles’ and a thanks for informing, but best of all, I received a bag of assorted seals and most importantly a number of body seals.

A GOOD end to a little saga, but I do feel Whale need to look at their manufacturing quality … why can’t the operating lever be stainless steel? I asked the question.

Another good while away…

While away I was aware after leaving the navigation lights on all day that Whimbrel’s battery was not so good. I also discovered that our solar battery charger ahd failed – new ordered, received and preps in hand to fit.

I tried French Marine for a battery – semi can’t do attitude emanated from a response inquiry, so I went on line and found a supplier with same amp hour/size with a five year guarantee. I ordered it and it arrive at home in three days – could of had delivered to Brittlesea Harbour! Anyway, the old one held up… if volts dropped, I made sure to use the engine!!

The company, Advance Battery Supplies, of Stockport, were very helpful with my queries. Thank you very much indeed…

The Bad!

Whimbrel is fitted with an ‘RM’ manual toilet, pictured below with the seat and lid I manufactured during the first Covid lockdown..

Over the years it has proved to be reliable and easy to maintain.

Over the past few years, I had to re-seal the bowl base and I renewed the pump complete, as the sum of various parts was around twice the price! Last year I had to renew the pump spindle top seal due to leakage. The spindle appeared to be okay.

Early this year, I did the same repair but couldn’t see anything wrong with the spindle. The seal failed quickly – these are ofthe ‘Gako’ lip seals with a helical spring.

I gave the spindle another (good) look with a bright light. Aha; there was a bit of crevis corrosion in the surface in just one little spot. This was clearly enough to destroy the seal…

Now, years ago, I never had to renew a spindle. I used to purchase new pump plungers and O-seals and renew the pump base seal and non-return rubber. as the years have dribbled by, there has been a noticeable falling away of the standard of spare parts and with my ‘pump complete’ – it is difficult to make out where these are made, but one could take a wild guess…

While in Suffolk Yacht Harbour in early August during a ‘bit of a blow’ we enjoyed a walk out towards The Trimleys from the marina. Low and behold I spotted Seamark Nunn (Chandlers) passing along the high road in Trimley St Martin. I have used them for around a decade and a half for the RM toilet spares and considered their service to be good.

We went in and they had a pump spindle complete and a seal in stock. Theses were purchased and I ordered two additional seals: I had a butchered overhaul kit aboard.

I received an email the next day telling me that the parts would be delivered (to home address) in two weeks. I emailed that it would be fine.

We got home. NO SEALS!

I emailed. No Response.

I emailed again, AND AGAIN!!

My faith by then was utterly destroyed. It was six weeks since ordering. And worst of all a total silence from this firm who like to boast of their superb record.

Then, yesterday, after sending that last email (un-acknowledged, as all have been) in which I laid out my thoughts in non complicated language, a Post Office email informs me that a parcel was to be delivered today. Can’t be larger than a jiffy bag for two ten pence piece diameter 6 mm thick seals… (postage was as much as one seal!).

They arrived. No explanatory note inside.

I sent off an email explaining that good manners forbade me from not thanking them but at the very least I had expected some sort of apology…

I am not holding my breath.

Another supplier will be sought in future.

So, be warned, customer loyalty has no value whatsoever, shop around, but most of all, if you get bad service tell the buggers.

Don’t use Seamark Nunn.