At the moment, the daily tides are getting quite late in the day; and this puts many people off booking a trip on Monarch. We get this about once a month and generally take the boat out of service for a couple of days to give us the chance of a quick catch up on jobs.
This time, The Chief Engineer is on his way to Kent for parts, whilst I shall be aboard, cleaning, painting and removing clutter that builds up over the weeks. Any volunteers for these arduous jobs are more than welcome during Friday and Saturday this week!
Apart from that, the improved Circ Pump is doing very well indeed and gives a mighty gush of cooling water from under the Starboard sponson!
The Skip
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Quick Update
Sometimes I wonder if I speak too soon about the fixing of things on the Monarch, or sometimes the timescale to get things done properly.....
Not this time though!!
The boat is, again, running beautifully and has carried passengers today without any delay to the timetable.
Working with steam is a hard and tiring slog, but it is so worth it when a young child gets the chance to pull the cord for the steam whistle whilst their parents relax amongst the gentle fizz made by the paddles on the aft deck. So, the only issue now is the weather-I'll ask the Chief Engineer if he can get that fixed for us too!
The Skip
Not this time though!!
The boat is, again, running beautifully and has carried passengers today without any delay to the timetable.
Working with steam is a hard and tiring slog, but it is so worth it when a young child gets the chance to pull the cord for the steam whistle whilst their parents relax amongst the gentle fizz made by the paddles on the aft deck. So, the only issue now is the weather-I'll ask the Chief Engineer if he can get that fixed for us too!
The Skip
All Fixed!
Tis nearly a blink of an eye since I last posted on the Blog, and I am pleased to say that the circ pump is fixed.
The Chief Grease Monkey is currently testing it for leaks and clearances, and all being well it should be plumbed into the boat within the hour! Well done Ian, without your skills we would have lost a days sailing, but instead will be back on our feet (or should I say wheels) without any disruption.
On another note, we will be measuring the float immersion of the paddles wheels today in readiness for this winters big challenge of relieving the boat of her trademark knocking sound. I know I shouldn't really say it, but it does get a little bit irritating when passengers comment on the state of our bearings EVERY trip out. Hopefully I can lay everyones mind to rest by telling you that the sound is not in the engine itself, but actually comes from (we believe) the paddle wheels which are too deeply immersed. It will not be an easy job to complete, nor are we even sure yet how to overcome the problem without losing yet another large chunk of the season-but watch this space for developments.
Anyhow,
TTFN
The Skip
The Chief Grease Monkey is currently testing it for leaks and clearances, and all being well it should be plumbed into the boat within the hour! Well done Ian, without your skills we would have lost a days sailing, but instead will be back on our feet (or should I say wheels) without any disruption.
On another note, we will be measuring the float immersion of the paddles wheels today in readiness for this winters big challenge of relieving the boat of her trademark knocking sound. I know I shouldn't really say it, but it does get a little bit irritating when passengers comment on the state of our bearings EVERY trip out. Hopefully I can lay everyones mind to rest by telling you that the sound is not in the engine itself, but actually comes from (we believe) the paddle wheels which are too deeply immersed. It will not be an easy job to complete, nor are we even sure yet how to overcome the problem without losing yet another large chunk of the season-but watch this space for developments.
Anyhow,
TTFN
The Skip
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Poorly Circ Pump
Good news and bad today! The circulating pump (which pumps cold sea water into the condenser) decided to stop working in Cowes. Normally this would be a disaster, but after this winters improvements to the steam and water systems, we can convert the boat to non-condensing (puffing) running.
As this was the first time this system has been used in anger, I made sure that we were on tow coming up river...just in case! Luckily though, we made it upriver from Cowes to Newport Harbour under our own steam before lashing the tug to the boat to maintain full control in what was today, a very busy harbour. Obviously we had to hold the engine back quite a lot to conserve water, she still managed to hold a very impressive speed over ground and she sounded beautiful as normally the wonderful whoosing of the steam is silenced by the condenser.
So, although disappointing, a safety system has been proven to work; and this is great news really! Luckily, another pump is sitting in the workshop ready to be transplanted and we should be back in service before anybody can blink! With this experience safely in the memory bank, we will fit an auxiliary manual circ pump to the boat shortly as yet another safety system.
At the end of the day though-it proves just how safe steam power is-when a boat with an internal combustion engine has a problem they just stop....not us though!!
Anyhow, sailings are happening every day this week-with the exception of Friday and Saturday which are hallowed maintenance days. So do pop down the quay to see your beloved Skipper wading about in thick, deep mud wielding a paintbrush and trying resolutely to remain upright.
Until next time, oh ye nutters of steam,
The Skip
As this was the first time this system has been used in anger, I made sure that we were on tow coming up river...just in case! Luckily though, we made it upriver from Cowes to Newport Harbour under our own steam before lashing the tug to the boat to maintain full control in what was today, a very busy harbour. Obviously we had to hold the engine back quite a lot to conserve water, she still managed to hold a very impressive speed over ground and she sounded beautiful as normally the wonderful whoosing of the steam is silenced by the condenser.
So, although disappointing, a safety system has been proven to work; and this is great news really! Luckily, another pump is sitting in the workshop ready to be transplanted and we should be back in service before anybody can blink! With this experience safely in the memory bank, we will fit an auxiliary manual circ pump to the boat shortly as yet another safety system.
At the end of the day though-it proves just how safe steam power is-when a boat with an internal combustion engine has a problem they just stop....not us though!!
Anyhow, sailings are happening every day this week-with the exception of Friday and Saturday which are hallowed maintenance days. So do pop down the quay to see your beloved Skipper wading about in thick, deep mud wielding a paintbrush and trying resolutely to remain upright.
Until next time, oh ye nutters of steam,
The Skip
Friday, July 17, 2009
Weather Quite Yuck!
Well, what can I say, yesterday was foul! Lightening, thunder, hail and heavy rain all decided to pop up when we were well down river with a group from Chichester. Even in my hot box (wheelhouse) I was soaked to the bone...not a nice experience!
Anyhow, there is another charter booked for tonight-and guess what....we're promised more of the same! Ah well, at least Monarch is behaving like a good girl...it's just a shame that the same cannot be said for the weather!
See the Isle of Wight County Press this week for your "3 for the price of 2" voucher.
Till we meet again,
The Skip
Anyhow, there is another charter booked for tonight-and guess what....we're promised more of the same! Ah well, at least Monarch is behaving like a good girl...it's just a shame that the same cannot be said for the weather!
See the Isle of Wight County Press this week for your "3 for the price of 2" voucher.
Till we meet again,
The Skip
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Monarch Issues
To combat those who have contacted us regarding our latest issues, please take on board the following:
We have an issue with a neighbour regarding ship safety, noise and wildlife concerns. None of the allegations, we believe, have any foundation and after 18 months of complaints from one person, malicious gossip and idol threats we have finally involved the Police.
Those of you which have offered letters of support are gratefully thanked, and we may call on you for these should the need arise. But for now, we are logging every incident, every passenger complaint about being photographed (or their children) and every letter sent to third parties about us.
Be very clear, there is no danger to the Monarch because of this harassment, and we fully intend to deal with the situation in the courts should it become necessary. We already have enough evidence to do so, but will wait for further evidence to secure our case.
Be of good cheer ye people of steam, Monarch is here to stay and we very much look forward to taking part in the Island Steam Show this coming August-volunteers required by the way!!
Anyhow, tatty bye for now,
The Skip
We have an issue with a neighbour regarding ship safety, noise and wildlife concerns. None of the allegations, we believe, have any foundation and after 18 months of complaints from one person, malicious gossip and idol threats we have finally involved the Police.
Those of you which have offered letters of support are gratefully thanked, and we may call on you for these should the need arise. But for now, we are logging every incident, every passenger complaint about being photographed (or their children) and every letter sent to third parties about us.
Be very clear, there is no danger to the Monarch because of this harassment, and we fully intend to deal with the situation in the courts should it become necessary. We already have enough evidence to do so, but will wait for further evidence to secure our case.
Be of good cheer ye people of steam, Monarch is here to stay and we very much look forward to taking part in the Island Steam Show this coming August-volunteers required by the way!!
Anyhow, tatty bye for now,
The Skip
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Monarch Doing Very Well
Well, all of the work so far to get Monarch running well has been very successful. The new plumbing and improvements to the boiler has resulted in a far more user friendly steamer that has vastly increased the drivability of the boat and also has improved the safety provision.
Passenger numbers are increasing and I am happy now that two of our volunteers can be classed as competent crew. I will be inviting more volunteers aboard over the coming weeks to train them and increase the crew numbers accordingly.
Last weekend's rendezvous with MV Balmoral was a great success with the exception of one small problem. A kindly power boater decided to pass the Monarch at breakneck speed causing an enormous wake. The boat handled really well, but the temporary generator was splashed which caused it to cut out for 5 minutes...not a good thing when we were expecting Balmoral at any time! Luckily, Cowes Harbour master towed us out of the way to give the Chief Engineer the chance to get everything restarted in time to give the grand old lady a jolly good toot of our steam whistle.
Many people thought that we were broken down, which made steaming out within minutes of landing enormously satisfying! In all, a great day was enjoyed by all and it is a nice thought that Monarch has now 'met' both Waverley and Balmoral at sea.
The auction of the Ryde's engine room console has boosted the boiler fund by just over £500 (hammer price £620 minus auction commissions etc) which was a great result. Watch this space for more fundraising activities.
Work continues to the boat to improve her even more, and I hope to be able to give you further updates very soon.
Until next time.....
The Skip
Passenger numbers are increasing and I am happy now that two of our volunteers can be classed as competent crew. I will be inviting more volunteers aboard over the coming weeks to train them and increase the crew numbers accordingly.
Last weekend's rendezvous with MV Balmoral was a great success with the exception of one small problem. A kindly power boater decided to pass the Monarch at breakneck speed causing an enormous wake. The boat handled really well, but the temporary generator was splashed which caused it to cut out for 5 minutes...not a good thing when we were expecting Balmoral at any time! Luckily, Cowes Harbour master towed us out of the way to give the Chief Engineer the chance to get everything restarted in time to give the grand old lady a jolly good toot of our steam whistle.
Many people thought that we were broken down, which made steaming out within minutes of landing enormously satisfying! In all, a great day was enjoyed by all and it is a nice thought that Monarch has now 'met' both Waverley and Balmoral at sea.
The auction of the Ryde's engine room console has boosted the boiler fund by just over £500 (hammer price £620 minus auction commissions etc) which was a great result. Watch this space for more fundraising activities.
Work continues to the boat to improve her even more, and I hope to be able to give you further updates very soon.
Until next time.....
The Skip
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