// < ![CDATA[
google_ad_client = "pub-1416942932975097";
/* 468x15, created 30/10/08 */
google_ad_slot = "4082609418";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
// ]]>

Blue Marlin II our Quicksilver 630 SD has made he last trip under our ownership. Mike and I have decided we want a shaft drive in a newer boat and have part exchanged her against an Oceteau 645 through Marine Boat Sales at Noss Marina.
We had her taken out last week and Karen and I went over to meet Mike where we removed all our tackle and gear from her. It was sad to see …

// < ![CDATA[
google_ad_client = "pub-1416942932975097";
/* 468x15, created 30/10/08 */
google_ad_slot = "4082609418";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
// ]]>

Since we had the engine fail on us even though it has done very little work we decided that we should purchase a second hand outboard motor which we could use in an emergency. Rob the marine engineer who fixed the engine had a couple for sale, both of which were 4HP.
We tried the first and cheapest and on trial it managed to push the boat along enough for what we wanted in an emergency …

// < ![CDATA[
google_ad_client = "pub-1416942932975097";
/* 468x15, created 30/10/08 */
google_ad_slot = "4082609418";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
// ]]>

Well it is has taken a lot longer than we thought but the Blue Marlin II has been fishing and a fish was caught first drop!!! Even though it was a Mackerel it was brought ashore. That’s the effect of no fish for quite a while and the freezer becoming empty!
Back to the start though, the engine even though it has done so few hours had to have 4 new pistons plus four new injectors …

// < ![CDATA[
google_ad_client = "pub-1416942932975097";
/* 468x15, created 30/10/08 */
google_ad_slot = "4082609418";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
// ]]>

Well its official, our Mercury Mercruiser 1.7 turbo diesel engine is broken. Following our breakdown on the 23rd February 2009 and having been towed back to the marina Blue Marlin II was lifted out of the water and taken to the storage yard at Noss Marina where it was put on props. It had been power sprayed off and the fist thing to notice was the anti foul we had chosen had worked very well. …

// < ![CDATA[
google_ad_client = "pub-1416942932975097";
/* 468x15, created 30/10/08 */
google_ad_slot = "4082609418";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
// ]]>

Steve arrived in his convertible sports car, after negotiating road work diversions and we set off in calm weather for the Noss marina and the boat. With the tide tables on our side for a change the typical fisherman’s optimism raised our spirits, but that wasn’t to last!
We arrived at the boat, did our normal checks and routines before setting off for a wreck if the sea conditions would allow. It takes about 20 minutes …