Had some recent repair work done last week or so. So today, took her out for a shakedown. Lake was flat. Turning 3300 RPM running 22-23 MPH. Things ran great until I pulled into the marina. Throttled down, and was maneuvering to allow a sailboat to exit our narrow channel to the docks. And then the dreaded alarm -- low oil pressure.
Now thankfully, I installed fox marine gateways over the winter. The Garmin flashed the warning, even telling me which engine. Looked at the oil pressure gauge, and it was bouncing, approaching zero. So I shut down. Limped to the launch ramp dock on one engine. Open up the hatch, and there it is -- oil all over.
So to make matters worse, as I jumped off the boat to the dock to tie up, I pulled a calf muscle or something -- excruciating pain. So after I wrestled the boat to tie up, I limped to the service desk and told them what happened. They had a bunch of people come down a check it out and it turns out one of the hoses came loose. They spent some time cleaning the bilge. Tighened the hose and filled her up with oil. Then the tech, service manager, and I took her for a ride. All seemed to be good, at least for now. Got the same 32-3300 RPMs 22-23 MPH. They are going to finish cleaning the bilge tomorrow and recheck the connections.
So bottom line. As upsetting as this can be, they seemed to handle it well. I was very nice, hoping some good karma will come my way when I need them. And what an absolute bonus I got from the Fox Marine Gateway -- the warning message saved the day. Wasn't expecting that. Also I got to pick the service guys' brains regarding some upcoming issues -- new shaft seals (going to clean them first), voltage issues, new transducer, etc.
Going to keep my fingers crossed I have no damage. Think I should pull an oil sample at the end of the year (I have no baseline to compare too)? Anything else to check?
Now thankfully, I installed fox marine gateways over the winter. The Garmin flashed the warning, even telling me which engine. Looked at the oil pressure gauge, and it was bouncing, approaching zero. So I shut down. Limped to the launch ramp dock on one engine. Open up the hatch, and there it is -- oil all over.
So to make matters worse, as I jumped off the boat to the dock to tie up, I pulled a calf muscle or something -- excruciating pain. So after I wrestled the boat to tie up, I limped to the service desk and told them what happened. They had a bunch of people come down a check it out and it turns out one of the hoses came loose. They spent some time cleaning the bilge. Tighened the hose and filled her up with oil. Then the tech, service manager, and I took her for a ride. All seemed to be good, at least for now. Got the same 32-3300 RPMs 22-23 MPH. They are going to finish cleaning the bilge tomorrow and recheck the connections.
So bottom line. As upsetting as this can be, they seemed to handle it well. I was very nice, hoping some good karma will come my way when I need them. And what an absolute bonus I got from the Fox Marine Gateway -- the warning message saved the day. Wasn't expecting that. Also I got to pick the service guys' brains regarding some upcoming issues -- new shaft seals (going to clean them first), voltage issues, new transducer, etc.
Going to keep my fingers crossed I have no damage. Think I should pull an oil sample at the end of the year (I have no baseline to compare too)? Anything else to check?
Freaking hot down there. Offered him water and beer for his effort - he declined.
