Short trip to Destin

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Calin
Engineer
Posts: 117
Joined: Fri Dec 15, 2006 11:53 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Carrollton TX

Short trip to Destin

Post by Calin »

Was planning for a trip to the Gulf for over 2 years and finally got to do it 2 weeks ago. Because of Hermine impacting the weather, I wasn't sure till the last moment if the trip will happen. When we decided to go it was a nightmare finding a place to store the trailer and the car.

Last winter and spring I worked to modify my trailer and have 2 axles. Then cleaning and checking everything that could be checked. It took 15 hours to drive from Dallas to Destin. Was glad the trailer held well. The next day we put the boat in the water and headed towards crab island, an area in the Choctawhatchee Bay where the sandy bottom raised to 3-5 feels below the water level and creates a plateau you can walk on. Reminded me the scene from Pirates of Caribbean movie where crabs were pulling the boat over the desert sand. Except I was the only crab around. We then anchored a mile away and slept overnight. If something can break it will :(. Back in Dallas I've tested the anchor light on the top of the mast but it failed because of the connector it plugs into which was harder to test. Next morning my wife reminded me it was my birthday. A nice breakfast and we went in the Gulf to try to sail there. The waves were too big so decided to return. We beached the boat and enjoyed the most beautiful beach I've ever seen with white sand and clear water - till the tide change messed it up. After been spoiled by the nice beach we decided to go sailing in the bay. As we prepare to raise the main the engine choked and stopped. Would restart but would choke again when put in gear. We sailed to a safe place where we anchored and waited for a tow :(. The boat went back on the trailer and we tried to enjoy the 2 days left before Hermine would spoil the weather. Except the fenders getting little loose the return trip went well.
Last edited by Calin on Thu Sep 08, 2016 2:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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fouz
First Officer
Posts: 214
Joined: Mon May 03, 2010 5:09 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Mobile AL. 2000X, T50 yamaha.

Re: Short trip to Destin

Post by fouz »

Hate to hear you had problems. Its a real nice area that i hope to take my :macx: to soon.
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aviro
Chief Steward
Posts: 69
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2012 12:50 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Quebec canada

Re: Short trip to Destin

Post by aviro »

Hi
what engine did you have
is it etec with injector trouble?
same problem for me last year :? :evil:
J.F.
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Calin
Engineer
Posts: 117
Joined: Fri Dec 15, 2006 11:53 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Carrollton TX

Re: Short trip to Destin

Post by Calin »

aviro wrote:Hi
what engine did you have
is it etec with injector trouble?
same problem for me last year :? :evil:
J.F.

Hello J.F,
Its a Yamaha T50 2007 with fuel injector. I also suspect its a gas triggered issue as I had gas over 1 year old in the tank. Was treated but likely still too old. What surprises me is that the engine ran for hours before the failure. I plan replacing the spark plugs and run Techron fuel system cleaner with new gas. However, i am not sure how I can simulate in water conditions" to reproduce the stall out of the water and to validate the fix. How did you fixed yours?
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Calin
Engineer
Posts: 117
Joined: Fri Dec 15, 2006 11:53 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Carrollton TX

Re: Short trip to Destin

Post by Calin »

fouz wrote:Hate to hear you had problems. Its a real nice area that i hope to take my :macx: to soon.
It is beautiful indeed. And the people living there are very nice. I would be glad to help you, if you need it, with the little I know about it.
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aviro
Chief Steward
Posts: 69
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2012 12:50 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Quebec canada

Re: Short trip to Destin

Post by aviro »

I spoke with etec customer service
they was suposed to make the repair on waranty ( engine 170 hours total time)
it cost me more to $650.00 at the end :evil:
never more rely on etec customer services
J.F.
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mrron_tx
First Officer
Posts: 452
Joined: Mon Oct 14, 2013 1:21 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Dauntless located in Grapeland Texas

Re: Short trip to Destin

Post by mrron_tx »

As far as old/weak gasoline goes..... I use a product called Biobor eb. I get it at Academy sports stores , and I rely on it. It will freshen old/weak gas as well as being an "ethanol buster". I just treat the gas every time I fill up..... because I might not get to get out for a while, so I don't take a chance :D Good luck. Ron.
Markoliver
Just Enlisted
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2016 8:27 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M

Re: Short trip to Destin

Post by Markoliver »

Wow, I got a F50 on my Mac26M and my gas is a 1 yr old but I keep it treated and plan on sailing it to the Bahamas in June2017. You got me scared now.
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