Shake Down Report

For those who are interested, this entry reports on Windleblo's shake down issues thus far in her maiden voyage.

Every new boat has issues during its "shake down" period. Shake down problems are one-time failures resulting from faulty installation or defective equipment. Once a boat is through its shake down, only routine upkeep is expected. Some argue against buying a new boat just to avoid the shake down period, reasoning that it's better to buy a thoroughly tested used boat.

When I left the Hallberg-Rassy yard in June, it was with Roland's assurance that he would address any shake down issues upon my return to Ellos in September. Here is the list I have compiled for him so far:

1. Fresh water system hose connections need inspection and adjustment - Twice now, we have flushed our bilge with fresh water from our tanks when a hose connection failed. Imagine if this occurred one week into a three week crossing! Quite unacceptable.

2. Electric winch inoperative - Within two weeks of leaving Ellos, the electric winch started acting up. When we depress the switch to activate it, the winch comes on for about a second, then stops. This winch has multiple uses, including control of the outhaul when unfurling the main. It's a very important component. For now, we are manually operating it with the winch handle.

3. Screw stripped on Lewmar port hole hinge in aft cabin - This is very worrisome as the port hole is now not water tight.

4. Alternator wiring needs to be checked - The frequent battery alarm episode of about a month ago was fixed when I attached a yellow wire found dangling at the back of the alternator. A check of the alternator wiring is needed to make sure all is in order.

5. The forward settee seat back does not stay velcroed to the bulkhead wall and needs adjustment.

6. A snap on the carpet outside the head has failed and needs to be replaced.

7. A teak plug on a rounded part of teak just aft of the bow roller has popped out and needs repair.

8. The teak grate in the head is warped and should be replaced.

That's it. All in all, not too bad. A testament to Hallberg-Rassy quality. Hopefully, nothing more will creep in before the end of our voyage.

By the way, we now have experience with both the Delta and Rocna anchors, and both have performed well, though I would rate the Rocna higher than the Delta. Two nights ago, the Rocna set right away and held rock solid all night in winds up to Beaufort Force 7, increasing our confidence in it. We have yet to have the Rocna fail to set quickly and well, whereas the Delta has failed on more than one occasion. Once set, though, the Delta has performed satisfactorily.

That's enough "tech talk" for now.