[C320-list] Engine and Reefing Questions

[Allan Field]

The time to reef is when you first start questioning yourself whether or not
you should reef.  The prudent answer is always yes. - Allan

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Adam Weiner
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 12:16 AM
To: 'C320-List'
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Engine and Reefing Questions

At the risk of sounding arrogant, you won't have to reef too often in
San Diego.  (Sorry Dick, don't take it personally.)  You need to reef
when the heel of the boat goes steadily above 15 degrees.  It is a
function not only of the speed of the wind but the size and condition of
both the jib and the main. In addition, it also depends on your relative
sailing angle to the wind.

In addition, I have found that the nature and direction of the seas
plays a major impact as well. Flat seas with a lot of wind allows me to
carry more sail area than quartering seas which tend to kick the stern
around.

Adam

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of mike hunter
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 12:32 PM
To: C320-List
Subject: [C320-list] Engine and Reefing Questions


I'll start by saying I love this boat!  I have a couple of questions
regarding engine temperature and what looked like steam coming out of
the exhaust, but I'll get back to those in a bit.  
   
  Friday afternoon we fueled up and went for a little cruise around the
San Diego bay, running the engine at different RPMs.  We found another
'sweet spot' at 2800 and kept it there for roughly an hour.  The engine
stayed at its normal operating temperature of just a hair below 180
degrees.  
   
  Saturday morning we motor sailed to the mouth of the bay (~ 45 min.)
and then proceeded to have a fantastic day of sailing.  It always feels
so good to shut down the engine J.  That evening while coming in, we
started the motor and motor sailed through the bay to the no wake zone
then dropped the RPMs down to around 2000.  It was shortly after doing
this my Wife noticed the temperature had risen to just a hair above 180
and there was what looked like steam coming out of the exhaust with the
water.  She dropped the RPMs down to 1200 and I went below to check out
the strainer.  The strainer had accumulated a little bit of debris but
it was mostly clear.  When I came back up the temperature had dropped
back down to normal and the 'steaming' had stopped.  It almost seemed
like we sucked up something and then blew it out??? 
   
  My plan now is to clean the strainer, check the flow through the
intake hose and inspect the water pump impeller - which I replaced 2
weeks ago.  
   
  Finally, my engine questions:
   
  -         What is considered 'hot' for a Yanmar 3GM30F?
  -         Does the engine shut down when it reaches a certain
temperature to prevent damage?
  -         Am I on the right path or is there something else I should
look at?
   
  I also have a more important sailing question.  The wind varied from 8
- 12 knots throughout the day and the boat sailed beautifully.  At what
wind speed do most of you reef?  
   
  Thanks!
   
  Mike
  #637

       
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