Page 52 - SOA 109

Improving Piffen

lowing the precise Darglow procedure, in order to avoid any disruption to
the smooth movement of the blades. So, if you want to have a feathering
prop installed choose a mechanic who is prepared to do this with particu-
lar care or do it yourself.
When it comes to the point, I never actually managed to register speeds
and all necessary variables before and after the change, so I’m sorry I can-
not present any reliable conclusions about exactly how much increase
there is under sail! Whilst motoring and manoeuvring, the propeller works
very well, with good forward and reverse thrust. An annoying resonance
made by the former prop has disappeared. The propeller requires grease
to be injected once a year, which I do on haul-out or after running aground
on a sandbank in the tidal waters of the Waddenzee.
New gauge system for the holding tank
A traditional sender unit for the gauge (replaced in our first year) appar-
ently gets stuck after some time, and it definitely proved worthwhile in-
vesting in an echo system. I chose the BEP Marine Ultrasonic Tank Sender
TS1, calibrated according to the depth of the tank, with a WEMA Holding
tank gauge. The original 3-fold lead to the gauge could be used so making
the connection was not difficult. And so
See digital edition for Photos
far, it works fine and is reliable!
Dorade box
Whilst tacking, the jib sheet quite often got caught on
our dorade box near the mast. I decided to buy a stain-
less-steel protection unit so as often seen on other
boats. But this wasn’t easily available and when in the
end the sheet ripped off the top of the dorade box and
whipped it overboard, I decided to exchange the thing
for the Plastimo 51637 streamline dorade box. Maybe
it’s less stylish but it works well and never impedes the
sheet - or feet.

Page 50