Sunday Seahopper action at Rutland Water

Seahopper action or inaction: there being little wind, oars were often necessary

 The news on the engine front is that there will probably be a new outboard by next weekend.  Yesterday, I purchased a brand new Quicksilver petrol tank with matching fuel line and spent a good hour or so running the engine on the back of Daisy II on her mooring.  The good news is that it works and can sound quite engine-like in so far as any single cylinder engine does.  However, the problems described in the previous post persist which suggests that there is something internal - I was wondering whether or not the fuel pump needed some attention.  So, I'm not messing about and will buy a new one which raises a question about what to do with the old one: perhaps they'll take it in part-X, or I may just keep it for a while and practise taking it apart.  One never knows, I may manage to mend it...

So, the continuation of those irritating issues and the promise of a band of daytime rain on the east coast kept me inland and prompted a much delayed maiden voyage in my yet to be named Nifty Fifty Seahopper.  A Sunday morning trip to Rutland Water was the outcome.

The slipway at the Watersports Centre, Whitwell Creek 

The wind did eventually feature and, at one point, even gave me cause to sit on the side bench as the hull began to heel. However, for the most part, the best place to sit was on the centre thwart as the vespers of wind allowed periodic momentum.  

Impressions?  She is a very pleasant little boat and it is great to indulge in some proper small dinghy sailing for a change.  When the wind allowed, she moved very gracefully and was pleasingly agile - as the brand name infers, 'nifty'!  When oars were called for, rowing was almost effortless, which makes me think that she could make a very handy tender on extended cruises with Daisy II.  Before that can happen, however, a few issues need sorting.  There is a leakage problem around the centre case - mostly corrected today by tightening a couple of wood screws.  Splintering ends of one or two plywood panels also need some attention.  Otherwise, this was thoroughly rewarding and augurs well for further planned activities.

I was too busy working on a routine during the sailing to catch any action shots, but did manage this small bit of video during one of the many becalmed moments.

At some point, of course, she needs a name.  I did have one thought but this would blow my secretive internet identity, so I'm going to have to work on alternatives.  Maybe she will end up being a he...