Setting up the workshop. Winterising Yanmar-san.

I paused my typewriter madness. It is already almost a month since Meritaten is on hard so it was high time to start working on her.

I set up temporary workshop bench close to the boat. I plan to finish fo’c’sle renovation: wooden sole, covering chemical head with mahogany panels and replace damaged cockpit shelf cover. Having a solid bench is invaluable so I build mine from three euro-pallets.

After mounting light around the boat and moving “winter workshop” tools onto the boat I moved onto preparing the engine for coming winter.

First came oil change in the gear box. Not much oil in there - just around 0.5l - but once in a while it deserves to be changed. Anders & Erik who installed this setup on my boat recommend 10W40 for both the engine and gear box. Spec says 20W40 but I run as advised by Anders.

With the new suction pump - the biggest they have in Biltema - the work goes smooth and effortless. I could almost crack a beer while doing it but someone has to drive me home. Snus will enough for intoxication.

While diving in the engine compartment I check if propeller bushing has oil in the feed pipe. It does. All good.

As old-time engine mechanics advice - I wiped the whole engine from dust to see if there were any leaks or rust creeping in. Nope. All good.

Move on into cabin for engine oil. Again I am amazed how easy this procedure became with the new pump. No more cursing while doing it!

New oil filter and engine start to check for leaks and adjust oil level.

As simple as that.

I did not change fuel filter this time - I did not use the engine much this season, at most one hour total. The filter should be in good shape.

I run the engine for a while, supplying fresh water into sea-water cooling system. After flushing with 5l I change to 5l glycol 70/30 solution. This will stay in the system - including impeller - to keep it from freezing. In the spring I will flush it again with clean water - to prevent glycol going into the sea upon launching - and check if the propeller does not need too be replaced.

This part is done. As a last thing I slacken the drive belt to keep it from stretching during coming winter.

Main fuses got down and Meritaten is now off-grid. For safety I disconnect battery terminals anyway.

I’m not happy with this setup. I need to make it more robust - these boxes can move on choppy sea, even though they are belted to their base. I will replace belts with rigid frames, I think.
I also need to talk with Albert - if he is still alive - about better batteries. Family mentioned that having a fridge would make them happy. My Raymarine autopilot is also current-thirsty so one car battery might not be enough.

It got dark already. As a last thing I remove bilge pump and flotation switch - I want to start linseed oiling once the bilge is dry after my today’s “adventures”.

After last year oiling this housing looks terrible. I hope it cleans up nicely.

I top diesel in the tank to avoid condensation. My last season fuel consumption oscillates around 2l. Good for environment, ain’it?

Tomorrow oiling will start. As for wood working - I think I will start with the cockpit first.