Well, as we reach March 2024, I should jot down some notes on the work being undertaken this winter.
Work done
We made a list of jobs to be done back when we fetched Befur out last autumn. The completed work is shown below in Green, still to be done in Red:
- Cleaning the inside of the boiler, removing oil t0 improve efficiency (reduce fuel consumption) – Done – notes and video here
- Cleaning the inside of the condenser, for same reasons and improve vacuum – Done – notes with Boiler Work above.
- Remachining the LP crosshead and glands as it is now clear that this is the principal source of the hateful knocking the engine makes. – LP Done – see below
- Replacing the pump drive worm box, as this is at the point of failure, and adding “assistance springs” to reduce the torque requirements on this box, to extend its probable life! (probably another post here too). – See below
- Replumbing the condenser to be “contraflow” as this should improve it’s efficiency too.
- Attempting to design and fit a clutch to the prop drive to allow it to freewheel when sailing.
- Attention to paint and varnish
- Possibly fitting a reinforcing inner fore-deck and removing the anchor chocks and resealing to improve weatherproofing.
SY Befur 