Condensation is what got your water in the tank. The black chunk stuff stuff is fungus, which is caused by condensation. If you don't clean your tank now, you're going to have more problems. That stuff will clog your filters
As previously stated . Your fuel tanks need to be drained and cleaned.. then fuel system flushed ..........then .............take it out on a shakedown cruise. . . .. before attempting another ocean crossing..........be thankful for Seth
The black/brown stuff is the diesel bug. Diesel bug is a microorganism that feeds off the hydrocarbons in the diesel, and settles in the water. You need to clean out that tank, polish the fuel (i.e. get rid of any water in the diesel), clean the lines, clean and replace filters. Rinse, repeat. Diesel when purchased (particularly in the Bahamas) can have small amounts of water in it, thus polishing your fuel before adding it to your tank is highly advised. There are videos on YT on how to make a portable fuel polisher.
I would definitely test everything out on another shake down cruise and recheck the fuel. Another thing is, you could add a wind generator to keep your batteries topped off.
Water can get into your fuel tank from not keeping it full of fuel. Because low fuel and half full tanks can sweat. And condensate because your tank has a fresh air intake. When the air cools it will make water from humidity condensation. Just as we have dew point where dew forms at just few degrees difference. So will your tank. Also can cause an algae to grow in your tank. I had a tractor that did that. If you going to set the boat up for a time you should fill the fuel tank.
I just love your laugh Natalia!! Your narration and Seth's editing are great! It was nice to see you so happy with the new kitchen layout. There is some good advice in the comments about your fuel tank and I would definitely install a water separator and buy a bunch of fuel filters. Next stop Catalina island! Woo Hoo!! ⛵⛵⛵
Great videos! What I don't understand is why they don't have an electric motor on this boat. Didn't you like the experience of having an electric motor? Did they regret it? Now do you prefer a combustion engine? Cheers and good winds!
Modern diesel is not as durable as it was. Many of the additives will degrade quickly. It appears your boat may have stood for a while with old fuel and condensation. Then you have the perfect conditions for diesel bug. A fuel polishing system can be made relatively easily using a fuel pump and decent quality filters. There are a number of how-tos on line. The jury is out on whether tanks should be empty or full if not being used. It is a trade off between fuel going off and condensation forming in the tank. I always assume water gets in and needs dealing with. Regular dosing with a diesel biocide and draining the bottom of the tank should form part of the fuel hygiene plan. As an aside, disposable nappies (diapers) are useful to keep aboard to soak up any spills. Bleeding the engine is something you must be able to do at sea. I have a manual pump in the fuel line which is faster than trying to use the lift pump.
info only - next haul out - check out other vloggers - any screw hole or hole in the deck should be drilled oversize or cored and sealed with epoxy to prevent water seepage into the deck and rotting the ply / balsa - YT, sail life, living for sale, teulu tribe or magic carpet - a friend of mine paid over $80K to redo the entire decks on a custom cat due to the original builder not doing this on any of the screws or thru deck fittings - see if one of the yt above will advise
You guys will need to gain a more practical mechanical aptitude sooner than later. Nothing worse than polluted fuel and water can damage internal parts as well. Since it’s a sailboat a good fuel system will only cost a few hundred thousand lol
Your engine is not the problem…it’s your dirty tanks and fuel! You need a professional to polish your whole fuel system. You have algae and other junk in those tanks. Your quick pump job is not going to be sufficient.
Great decision to spend a few weeks ironing out the kinks. As indicated below, I would empty the tank clean it, then clear all of the fuel lines, prior to changing all fuel filters. Perhaps you will consider a spare set of planetary gears for the autopilot and get a $5 5K ohm resistor for when the shaft position indicator fails. The manufacturer part is $700+
Condensation is what got your water in the tank. The black chunk stuff stuff is fungus, which is caused by condensation. If you don't clean your tank now, you're going to have more problems. That stuff will clog your filters
Polish the fuel, clean the tank and keep fuel level as high as possible at all times. Check and change fuel filters frequently.
You will need algacide and more fuel filters. A Baja fuel filter is a good idea to help keep water out of the tank in the first place.
As previously stated . Your fuel tanks need to be drained and cleaned.. then fuel system flushed ..........then .............take it out on a shakedown cruise. . . .. before attempting another ocean crossing..........be thankful for Seth
The black/brown stuff is the diesel bug. Diesel bug is a microorganism that feeds off the hydrocarbons in the diesel, and settles in the water. You need to clean out that tank, polish the fuel (i.e. get rid of any water in the diesel), clean the lines, clean and replace filters. Rinse, repeat.
Diesel when purchased (particularly in the Bahamas) can have small amounts of water in it, thus polishing your fuel before adding it to your tank is highly advised. There are videos on YT on how to make a portable fuel polisher.
I would definitely test everything out on another shake down cruise and recheck the fuel. Another thing is, you could add a wind generator to keep your batteries topped off.
i believe u guys made a good choice buying the catalina but u knew that an older boat would be inherently labor intensive. good luck and stay safe
Water can get into your fuel tank from not keeping it full of fuel. Because low fuel and half full tanks can sweat. And condensate because your tank has a fresh air intake. When the air cools it will make water from humidity condensation. Just as we have dew point where dew forms at just few degrees difference. So will your tank. Also can cause an algae to grow in your tank. I had a tractor that did that. If you going to set the boat up for a time you should fill the fuel tank.
Fit a proper water separator filter. Have many spare filters.
Wow, the smart thing to do is to drain the tank.
I just love your laugh Natalia!! Your narration and Seth's editing are great! It was nice to see you so happy with the new kitchen layout. There is some good advice in the comments about your fuel tank and I would definitely install a water separator and buy a bunch of fuel filters. Next stop Catalina island! Woo Hoo!! ⛵⛵⛵
Thank you for watching and for the kind words!
Great to see you back!
Great videos! What I don't understand is why they don't have an electric motor on this boat. Didn't you like the experience of having an electric motor? Did they regret it? Now do you prefer a combustion engine?
Cheers and good winds!
Have the tanks polished.
It would be a good idea to have a water separator filter for your boat ,, the water will be a nuisance all the time , :(
are you going to do lithium batteries for the house bank and/or a fuel scrubber? Watermaker?
Eventually a water maker. But, we do plan on adding lithium batteries to beef up our power supply.
Modern diesel is not as durable as it was. Many of the additives will degrade quickly. It appears your boat may have stood for a while with old fuel and condensation. Then you have the perfect conditions for diesel bug. A fuel polishing system can be made relatively easily using a fuel pump and decent quality filters. There are a number of how-tos on line. The jury is out on whether tanks should be empty or full if not being used. It is a trade off between fuel going off and condensation forming in the tank. I always assume water gets in and needs dealing with. Regular dosing with a diesel biocide and draining the bottom of the tank should form part of the fuel hygiene plan. As an aside, disposable nappies (diapers) are useful to keep aboard to soak up any spills. Bleeding the engine is something you must be able to do at sea. I have a manual pump in the fuel line which is faster than trying to use the lift pump.
info only - next haul out - check out other vloggers - any screw hole or hole in the deck should be drilled oversize or cored and sealed with epoxy to prevent water seepage into the deck and rotting the ply / balsa - YT, sail life, living for sale, teulu tribe or magic carpet - a friend of mine paid over $80K to redo the entire decks on a custom cat due to the original builder not doing this on any of the screws or thru deck fittings - see if one of the yt above will advise
You guys will need to gain a more practical mechanical aptitude sooner than later. Nothing worse than polluted fuel and water can damage internal parts as well. Since it’s a sailboat a good fuel system will only cost a few hundred thousand lol
So true about them needing practical mechanical aptitude skills.
Don't forget extra fuel filters !!!
🇹🇷🇹🇷👍👍
Your engine is not the problem…it’s your dirty tanks and fuel! You need a professional to polish your whole fuel system. You have algae and other junk in those tanks. Your quick pump job is not going to be sufficient.
Seth's dad is definitely Bill Burr. Stop making bacon on the stove top if you want that boat to stay nice
Great decision to spend a few weeks ironing out the kinks. As indicated below, I would empty the tank clean it, then clear all of the fuel lines, prior to changing all fuel filters. Perhaps you will consider a spare set of planetary gears for the autopilot and get a $5 5K ohm resistor for when the shaft position indicator fails. The manufacturer part is $700+