But anyway,... How did the boat behave under engine? Very well, thank you! I was delighted.
What happened, was that I was not totally sure that all the steering arrangement would work out as planned. Would the boat be maneuverable at all? How would it steer? In a straight line? Drift of? What in close quarters? And the feeling on the wheel? Would it be light? or heavy? Would the engine sled be correctly positioned? Or would it create a turning moment?
What we saw is that The 8 hp engine was pushing us comfortably, into a head on breeze and chop, at 6 knots, in a straight line. In sheltered water, no breeze, we accelerated easily to 8 knots. Then I accelerated a bit more, and we reached 9.8 knots. The engine was still not at 100%, ... so I think 10 knots are possible. Which means that also under sail performance should not be too disappointing.
Well, it was just when we reached 9.8 on the GPS dial, that the engine support failed. With a crack the cleat was ripped out of its screws. I didn't realize, that the engine thrust would actually force the sled downwards... While I accelerated, the pressure increased, until the cleat succumbed to the stress it was not designed for. First the engine sled surfed on the water surface. But soon the boat stopped, and the engine sunk. This was quick... I looked back and down to the engine and saw it going under, and I thought: Turn it off, quick! It is going to suck water!... As the thought reached the hand, the engine stottered and died. Taking advantage of the initiated movement towards the engine, I grabbed the handle to heave it back up, from the floods. Sure, the engine sled was still attached to the forward strong structure, under the deck. But if it sank down, it would be a pain to retrieve.
Luckily a powerboat was just on the reciprocal course, and offered a tow. We were soon back in the Club.
After a slight moment of disappointment, we started to regroup. We took of the engine from the sled, and simply fixed the sled into a position using strong lanyards, to fix it to the beam. Then we took off the engine candles, and turned the engine, which spit out the water. Then we drained the carburator. After a few turns, the engine was working again. I was marveled. Maybe the two stroke's simplicity is not such a bad thing afteral? We decided to head out again. And the boat responded nicely.
But mostly I was pleased at the feeling at the helm. The wheel turns lightly and easily. When driving straight forward, the boat stays on its course, even if you leave the helm unattended. Furthermore, the response to the rudder is great, and maneuvering works like a charm for now. Handling alone does not seem to be a challenge.
The movement through the water was very pleasing. No hobby-horsing. As we ventured out into the bay the wind had thrown up some chop. Arpex handled it well, and continued to provide a soft and pleasant ride. But now the structure was working, and one could hear it
As we entered the port entrance we had to get out of the way of some big container ships..
One of the main result of the trial, and not a trivial one, was that my girl, Adri, insisted in joining the initial ride. And more than that, that she utterly enjoyed the experience, approving the dynamic between the working, or lounging deck, and the interior of the cabin. Since we received some rain, whoever wanted, could comfortable find shelter inside.
As we passed by past the Niteroi Bridge, we found heavy traffic. Traffic in the Port of Rio has increased, and now it is necessary to keep vigilant for traffic in the channel.
After 2 and a half hours, during which the engine performed beautifully, we returned to the Ramos Yacht Club. Some reinforcement will be made here and there.
There is one thing.... I haven't managed to peel off the protective plastic from the windows. Now, Valmir told me that if you leave it there for a long while, it sticks and can be peeled of under the use of a hair drier.... I hoe it is true. I will try as soon as possible.
Arpex did its first outing! Even if, still under engine only. The sails are likely to be ready by next week. Today the sailmaker, Carlos Sass, took his measures on the rig. Which was pretty good he did, because our initial measures did sway a bit from the real figures.
And then, on Thursday, the actual launch day, we did make a try at taking the boat out. However, we were unable to maneuver the boat. The engine didn't help either, usually dying off in the mid of the maneuver. But the problem was that my rudder turns through more than 180 degrees. While out should only actually turn through 90 or 120 degrees. More than that, and it acts like a break. Or if you turn further, it inverts its direction of command. The sensible thing would have been to rig a preventer. A simple task of drilling two holes into the frame, in front of the steering quadrant, so that I could fix a lanyard to act as preventer.
After a disgraceful turn in the club water, we retreated to the quay side. I was also exhausted from the daunting task of mounting the mast, and the complete boat, and send it into the water. On the next day I would rig the preventer, and try again. And so we did.
And it worked wonderfully. Roger started the engine pretty soon, to leave it heated when we would need it. The good thing did its service as requested. No complaints.
With the preventer, I could steer the boat, And very well at that. The helm has a wonderful feeling. At least when under engine. It maneuvers handsomely, and points well into all directions. The turn of the wheel and immediate answer from the boat is satisfying.
The boat slipped very nicely though the water, driving on a straight line, even if leaving the helm unattended. We soon arrived a speed of 7 knots, in flat water without wind.
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