Saving Old Seagulls

I had intended to attempt to cross the Bass Striate this October, but due to several factors it has now been postponed to March 2016. Generally we can rely on more settled weather in March and as a plus it will be warmer in autumn that spring.

I shall be using two silver century Plus motors both fixed on the transom. The boat has yet to be sourced, but will be traditional between 16 to 20 ft

The attached file indicates the course.

I'll keep posted on any up dates and hope to see a couple of people turn up at the finish line!!

AJ

Nice to hear the great sea epic is still under way.
I can send you a good southern EPNRL, to help if you need, it knows the southern waters all ready.

Good luck mate.

Hi how's it running? have you had an opportunity to give it a good test?

Motors I will use are two WSPCL's running one at a time unless power is needed against adverse conditions. Plan to arrive Port Philip Heads on the flood tide. My max speed will be 6knots. ebb current through the heads can reach 9 knots. Thus timing and planning is critical.

AJ

That is some trip AJ, I'd estimate your balls are two sizes bigger than mine!

I think you've picked the right Seagull models for a trip of that length, though I'd probably choose a pair of bronze bearing'ed Kingfishers, for their power, reliability & fuel economy, how far & long do you guesstimate your trip will be?

Wow that is some trip, I guess it is about 180 miles.

Very big balls.

Pair of Kingfishers for me.

H-A

I went across on the old POT and that was rough, your a braver man than me Gunga AJ.

I cant recollect seeing a Kingfisher for sale down here? or may be I haven't been looking. Nice engines, though a bit new for me!

AJ

Me neither. Take a couple of spare magnetos with you. Epic trip! I recall Jessica Watson decided to come home via South of Tassie rather than do the Bass Strait.

STONKING GREAT PAIR OF ....

You know what you're doing A-J, i have complete faith in you.
I watch with interest, just dont go messing things up for the "other" epic adventure set for next year

jon

what spares would you take

In answer to the question, I have listed tools spares and safety equipment that I shall carry. It’s quite a list. In addition the list will be subject to revision and refinement as requirements are defined. Expected trip time 36 hours. Extra contingence time 20hrs
Tools:
Full tool kit consisting of Bsf/wit sockets ring and open end spanners
Shifters 6' and 12"
Pliers engineers and long nose
Ball pain hammer
Leather/copper head mallet
Feeler gauges
Mag spanners
Screw drivers 3 sizes
Knife (Leatherman)
File
Pin punch
WD40
Distilled water (to flush mag in event of flooding)
Spare Parts:
Starter cords
Selection of standard nuts bolts studs and clamps
Standard kit of spring split pins, plug, HT lead,
Additional complete carburettor
Spare fuel tap complete with in tank filter
Spare fuel tank cap.
Complete replacement mag.
Spare Prop
(note two identical engines fitted, one only required for propulsion)
Safety gear; most are a mandatory requirement from the Australian Maritime Authority for vessels of less than 6 meters in length in costal waters.
Fire Extinguisher (Mandatory)
Bailer (bucket) Bilge pump (Mandatory)
Heaving line (Mandatory)
Flares Rocket X2 smoke X2 (Mandatory)
Anchor chain and rode (Mandatory))
First aid kit (Mandatory)
Reserve propulsion (Oars) (Mandatory)
EPIRB (Mandatory) Auto release and actuation
Radar reflector (Mandatory)
Inflatable Life jacket (Mandatory) (Manual actuation) fitted with light and PEPIRB
Marine Radio (mandatory)
First Aid Kit (Mandatory)
Radar reflector (mandatory)
Inflatable Life jacket (mandatory) (Manual actuation) fitted with light and PLB
Marine Radio (mandatory)
Drogue and line

Fuel 125 litre premix at 10:1
Gear box oil 5 litres

Engine mods:
Engine running gearbox oiler
Engine running re-fuelling system
Engine shut down. Earth ignition to stop engine in event of overboard event

Large quantity of Biltong and chocolate bars

AJ

And not a spark plug in sight.

Only one anyway

what plug are you going to use, I always found the champion D9 to be good for long hard running

This sounds epic!
I can see plugs in the list?

Would love to do something similar!!