| Author |
Message |
    
spring
Advanced Member
Username: spring
Post Number: 33
Registered: 06-2018
| | Posted on Thursday, September 27, 2018 - 06:49 pm: | 
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https://youtu.be/V62rNjn40eI |
miro
Senior Member
Username: miro
Post Number: 1005
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 28, 2018 - 07:53 am: |
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Nice to see the progress.
I found that when steaming the replacement ribs, I soaked them in a weak mixture of fabric softener for a couple of days prior. Mine were white oak.
There was no effect on painting them after it all dried out.
I made up a form and pre-bent them before actually putting them in and used a compression strap (steel strapping from construction material bundle) .
The fabric softener soak significantly extended the amount of time I had to get them in and fastened.
But I also had 2 extra pairs of hands to get the ribs installed - and included 2 rehearsals before doing the "real" ones.
Miro |
spring
Advanced Member
Username: spring
Post Number: 34
Registered: 06-2018
| | Posted on Friday, September 28, 2018 - 03:37 pm: |
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I'm not sure what happened to a previous post. Thanks Miro for your input. My previous project was to build 3 cedar strip canoes, one for each daughter. To do that I built a steamer to steam stems and sterns. I still have it. I have a repair scheme for the cracked ribs. I will try that first. If it is not successful, then I will need to replace ribs, a task I am not looking forward to.
Cheers! |
spring
Advanced Member
Username: spring
Post Number: 41
Registered: 06-2018
| | Posted on Friday, October 19, 2018 - 08:34 pm: |
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https://youtu.be/e3MXI4fMCZo
An update |
miro
Senior Member
Username: miro
Post Number: 1007
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, October 20, 2018 - 07:57 pm: |
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Yes, I agree that the hull ought to be white. I thinned my first couple of coats ( about 10% - 15%) with clear preservative to stop growth of green stuff on the hull.
The only challenge with white, is the black oily "schmuttz" that dribbles out of the exhaust and because it is less dense than water it floats and then sticks to the white hull.
I usually wash it off after coming back from a run, with a weak detergent solution.
Nice boat !
Miro |
ned_l
Senior Member
Username: ned_l
Post Number: 179
Registered: 08-2012
| | Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2018 - 10:39 pm: |
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Very pretty little launch.
(That �brace� that is missing is properly called a �floor�.)
I hope you don�t mind if I comment on the idea of cotton caulking and this launch. I suspect she was not built to be caulked with cotton, and if she wasn�t then it may not a good idea to use it now.
How thick is the planking? Anything less than 3/4� will quite difficult to caulk with cotton. If she was not built to be caulked with cotton then the planks will not have caulking bevels on them, and caulking with cotton will damage the plank edges.
Do you know what wood she is planked with? If it is cedar those seams may well close up when she gets wet.
If it was me, I think I would try using just a seam compound that will stay soft, and therefore will squeeze out of the seams as the planks swell up. Unfortunately there is no such seam compound made anymore. �Interlux� makes an underwater seam compound, unfortunately it does harden up very hard after a couple of months. Then there is Davis Slick Seam, which does stay soft, but is very soft, somewhat waxy and does not take paint well. I have found that the two mixed 50/50 gives a good consistency that will stay soft for more than a year.
If you do have some seams which do need something more Jamestown Distributors still sells cotton wicking which can be rolled into a seam with a caulking wheel, for smaller seams
Sorry for the clunky writing, it is the third time on just my cell. |
spring
Advanced Member
Username: spring
Post Number: 42
Registered: 06-2018
| | Posted on Monday, October 22, 2018 - 10:13 pm: |
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Thanks Ned_l. I guess I wasn't very clear WRT caulking. I purchased Davis Slick Seam to use in most places. A big concern is damaging planks with cotton. The planks are cedar and less than 3/4" thick. Not all planks were cotton caulked. Cotton caulking was used either side of the keel. It appears to be original to the boat. It will need to be replaced. Above the waterline, in fact just below the sheer is another pair of planks that will require cordage. The boat will be trailered and in and out of the water. It will spend the winter indoors in heated storage. Swelling and contracting could be an issue. And that is another reason why I'll go with Slick Seam for at least the first year. I'll take it easy for the first year until I get a handle on how much swelling the planks get through the use I will put it through. I am figuring subsequent winter maintenance will no doubt include seeking a better sealant and re-painting.
Cheers! |
bruce
Senior Member
Username: bruce
Post Number: 663
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 - 11:12 am: |
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"IT WILL SPEND THE WINTER IN HEATED STORAGE" Bad idea IMO. Find a draft free shelter with a dirt or gravel floor and no heat in the space. Don't paint it with seams open in the Spring avoiding paint build up between the seams. Slick seam it and soak it to close the plank gaps in the spring... |
ned_l
Senior Member
Username: ned_l
Post Number: 181
Registered: 08-2012
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 - 05:07 pm: |
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Very good, that sounds like a plan. As I mentioned, you might try mixing slick seam and Interlux underwater seam compound if you find the slick seam to waxy or soft. I have a 33ft cedar planked lapstrake skiff (twin screw inboard Jersey sea skiff) that I spent three years completely rebuilding and bringing back to life and that is what I have found to work well. You can see daylight coming through her bottom in the spring. That mixture and about 5 weeks with lawn sprinklers gets her ready for the water. |
spring
Senior Member
Username: spring
Post Number: 55
Registered: 06-2018
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 - 08:48 am: |
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The Gidley is coming along nicely. As those who have restored boats know, there is a period of dis-assembly, a period where everything is dis-assembled, a period where there has been a lot of work but not much visable change, a period of re-assembly, and a period of broad smiles. I'm now in the re-assembly stage. On the bow of the boat, originally there was a Gidley decal. It was barely visable and not complete. I am in the hunt for a replacement. Feelers are out, but so far, nothing. If any of you can help... Before you ask, I must say that I cannot even tell you what the original looked like, or how big it was. I can find nothing on the internet. All I know is that it appeared to be circular, perhaps 3 inches in diameter, had white lettering, and to one side of the circle included the words MADE IN CANADA.
Cheers! |
mikeyb
Member
Username: mikeyb
Post Number: 14
Registered: 02-2014
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 - 07:13 am: |
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Was there a Gidley at the Manotick Boat Show last summer? Perhaps you could make contact with someone in that area to find another boat. |
spring
Senior Member
Username: spring
Post Number: 56
Registered: 06-2018
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 - 07:35 am: |
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Mikeyb I am not sure about Manotick. I will certainly keep an eye out. There is a Gidley in the Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa. It is similar to mine, but it would appear there are none the same. Early in the new year I'll try to arrange to see it even if it is not on display. There is one fellow whose name keeps coming up as one who had decals made. I've tried repeatedly to contact him via email, and via people who know him and see him regularly. I'm pretty sure he knows I'm looking for one, but for whatever reason he has not contacted me. I'm not sure what that's all about.
Cheers! |
chris_spring
New member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Saturday, February 23, 2019 - 06:49 am: |
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For your viewing pleasure. BTW The site likely shows this as my first post. In fact it is not. When I went to update my profile I got locked out. Following the directions as to how to get it resolved proved frustrating and fruitless.
Anyway. Here it is. As the video says at the beginning, there are still a few minor details to attend to, but for all intents and purposes the Gidley is complete.
https://youtu.be/ZqO0dEk57oo |
dick_briggs
Member
Username: dick_briggs
Post Number: 29
Registered: 02-2015
| | Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2019 - 05:41 am: |
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That is one beautiful boat - congratulations on a job well done. Looking forward to seeing a video of it on the water. |
miro
Senior Member
Username: miro
Post Number: 1028
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2019 - 04:43 pm: |
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Looks good Chris - now all you have to do is wait until this miserable winter finally ends - one of the worst in years.
Miro |
chris_spring
New member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 2
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019 - 08:34 am: |
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As most can imagine, I am quite anxious to get it into the water. I anticipate there will be a shakedown period. Hopefully that won't take too long. I have big plans for the boat. If it proves to be relatively trouble free and reliable, I hope to sail it end to end on the Rideau Canal. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rideau_Canal The canal is 202 km long and has 47 locks. I have paddled it solo in a canoe. I'd love to do it again in the Gidley. If the logistics work out, I'd also like to take it back to Sparrow Lake to do one more lap around. Sparrow Lake is about a 6 hour haul from here. It can only be done if the Gidley rides well enough on the trailer. And beyond that, there is a boat launch on the Rideau 5 minutes from my house. There is also a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the water some 3 miles down river. I can see myself using the Gidley to go for lunch at the restaurant. This is all pie in the sky. The first thing is to get it in the water, and to shake it down.
Cheers! |
bruce
Senior Member
Username: bruce
Post Number: 668
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019 - 09:25 pm: |
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Is Sparrow Lake part of the Trent Severn waterway? |
bruce
Senior Member
Username: bruce
Post Number: 669
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019 - 09:28 pm: |
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Is Sparrow Lake part of the Trent Severn waterway? |
chris_spring
New member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 3
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - 07:46 am: |
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Bruce. I am not very familiar with that neck of the woods, but as I understand it, yes, it is part of the Trent Severn Waterway.
Cheers! |
walter_chute
New member
Username: walter_chute
Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2016
| | Posted on Sunday, March 17, 2019 - 07:05 pm: |
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Beautiful boat like to see on water and hear engine purr |
miro
Senior Member
Username: miro
Post Number: 1032
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 - 03:48 pm: |
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Yes, it would a bit of a long haul for you Chris to get to Sparrow Lake by car - 6 - 7 hours.
By boat ( you can get there) it would be about a week - one way that is :=}. It is part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. But there is no water connection to the Muskoka Lakes.
But in good summer weather ( remember that ?) it might be a nice trip - assuming the boat works OK
https://www.google.com/maps/place/44%C2%B049'07.0%22N+79%C2%B023'46.0%22W/@44.827621,-79.3967976,13z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0 !8m2!3d44.818611!4d-79.396111?hl=en
I was up at Lake Rousseau yesterday - still in the tight grip of winter
miro |
chris_spring
Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 4
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 - 09:05 pm: |
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I am looking forward to getting it into the water. It will be awhile yet. First up will be to get it set up. I have no idea what I am facing WRT unpleasant surprises. I have run the motor once. At that time it started easily but carburetion was a problem. Hopefully next time out I can resolve that. When I ran it last time the prop shaft was not connected. Again, hopefully there is no vibration. Once I have it in the water and sorted I'll start to make plans as to what appearances I will make with it. I have committed to Westport in September, but that can be done as a trailer queen if need be. |
chris_spring
Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 11
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 - 07:57 pm: |
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For your viewing pleasure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWxAxEE-c60&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Mg5EHqlRVM&t=6s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qUvqe6KwxU&t=3s |
ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 2523
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 16, 2019 - 05:29 am: |
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Nice! |
bruce
Senior Member
Username: bruce
Post Number: 675
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 16, 2019 - 08:01 am: |
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Great job Chris Spring!!! |
miro
Senior Member
Username: miro
Post Number: 1042
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 16, 2019 - 11:17 am: |
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Chris, you've done a great job on the boat and engine.
And the video is just as great.
I like that you have willow trees in the background that have come out to leaf.
In Ontario the engines usually run too cool, but that's better than too hot. You can use trasparent plastic tubing on the intake to see water coming into the pump.
Nice to see reversing on the switch too.
All that is left now is to get out more often and get more cruising hours in the boat.
Miro |
chris_spring
Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 12
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Thursday, May 16, 2019 - 06:42 pm: |
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My replacement float arrived yesterday afternoon as a direct result of the chit chat I'd had with one of Canada Posts supervisors. She called yesterday as well to confirm I'd received it. She told me I was lucky to catch it before it was returned to sender as un-deliverable. Lucky? All of the address information on the package was correct, and I'm lucky that Canada Post can't even deliver a properly addressed package? Anyway, enough of that. I got in about 3 hours run time today. During that time I was able to sort a few things out. The Adams runs well. 3 hours at the tiller is enough to tell me I love this boat. Its a keeper.
Cheers! |
chris_spring
Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 13
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Thursday, May 23, 2019 - 07:28 am: |
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I have managed to get out with the Gidley most days. I now have the Adams motor running well. It is easy to start. It runs smoothly. It idles well. Going from forward to reverse on the fly is not hard. That said I have run into a couple of water pump issues. I think I now have those sorted. As for the hull, during the next week or two I will begin to chase down water leaks. None of them is serious. My biggest concern is one that appears to be coming from the stem. It may prove awkward to repair. In the meantime I'll let it soak up more water to see what happens. Parallel to that I have a couple of minor snags to clear. They just simply involve an investment in time. So far, rather than fix minor things I'd rather be out putting hours on it. I am situated a 5 minute drive from the Rideau Canal which as I may have mentioned is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conveniently, 5 miles downstream is a pub overlooking the water. Yesterday a buddy of mine and I took the Gidley to the pub for beer and a burger. It never missed a beat. |
narrabay2
Advanced Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 43
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Monday, May 04, 2020 - 07:59 pm: |
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This is just outstanding and nice to read... very happy for you.
EDIT didnt realize this was a year ago, duh. But still awesome... |
chris_spring
Advanced Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 38
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Monday, May 04, 2020 - 09:01 pm: |
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narrabay2
Thanks. The Gidley has been ready to go for a few weeks now. Boat launches are closed due to COVID 19. Hopefully that will change soon.
Last year I ran the somewhat battered 10x8 prop that came with the boat. It was less than required.
I could use more pitch and diameter. The boat is built such that increasing diameter by more than an inch is impossible. That said, over the winter I came up with a pristine 10x10. I have high hopes for it.
Cheers! |
chris_spring
Advanced Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 42
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 02, 2020 - 05:36 pm: |
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This morning I took the Gidley for its first run of the year. The Adams motor started on the first try and ran flawlessly. There was also a noticeable difference with the 10x10 prop. I'm certain I'll be happy with it. And with a 105 year old engine that runs smoothly? What's not to like.
Cheers! |
chris_spring
Advanced Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 43
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2020 - 03:12 pm: |
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 |
ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 2594
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 05, 2020 - 07:28 am: |
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Looks like fun! |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 58
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Friday, June 05, 2020 - 11:36 am: |
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Saw this yesterday and forgot to say thats a great picture Chris.
How different is she with the new prop? Is that enough prop now? |
chris_spring
Advanced Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 47
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Saturday, June 06, 2020 - 05:57 am: |
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Not only was the 10x8 under-pitched, it had a few battle scars. The 10x10 by comparison is pristine.
I still use 700 rpm as determined by ear as max, but the 10x10 allows a slightly greater throttle opening and yields about an additional 1 mph. It also seems slightly smoother.
I think the boat would benefit from a larger diameter prop, but it isn't possible. If there was such thing as a 10x12, I'd try that. I think Gidley, in their promotional material said it originally had a 12' prop. Although it would make sense, I have no idea how it could have been fitted.
For now I'm happy with the 10x10. I put another 2 1/2 hrs on it yesterday. That Adams engine, started first try and never missed a beat. Ya gotta like it.
Cheers! |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 60
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Saturday, June 06, 2020 - 12:05 pm: |
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sounds like you're happy. but if you ever wanted to do a next experiment, and you are certain 10" is your diameter limit, you could get a high pitch 12" cut down by a prop shop which would (afaik) preserve most of the pitch. like a more common 12x13, trimmed down. just an idea for someday.
I like a lot of pitch to enhance the chugging effect, however too much and your min speed can be a little too fast. with less, you can really do the slow putt-putt so theres that too. |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 52
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Friday, June 19, 2020 - 01:30 pm: |
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This past Tuesday I had a friend drop us off at Gatineau, Quebec. I was with my sister and niece. From there we crossed the Ottawa River to Entrance Bay and into the Rideau Canal. We cruised from there to Black's Rapids, passing through 13 locks. The weather was perfect. In the process I did 16 starts of the Adams engine and it started first try every time and never missed a beat. It don't get any better than that.
Tomorrow my oldest daughter and her family arrive. They would like to go for a boat ride. If the Gidley could talk it would be saying, "Put me in coach. I'm ready".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rideau_Canal
Cheers! |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 74
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Friday, June 19, 2020 - 04:17 pm: |
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I read long ago (when smart phones got popular) that psychologically, video-taping life events quashes the memory of and enjoyment of same.
That being said, I video more than I should (and we do watch them on rainy nights etc, even years later!)
That also being said, did you grab any video of this incredible use for the Gidley?
Wish we had waterways like that around here although people in Rhode Island have a well deserved reputaion not to want to leave this enclave. I think there are some rivers in Connecticut to try the Rose Fantail in, once it is finished and proven again.
We have a wonderful bay, but it can get choppy quick so I wouldnt run the Fantail out there at least for now, so that leaves just harbor cruises and then looking at more distant inland waterways. I did have it in the Bass River on Cape Cod last summer.
Ridaeu Canal looks incredible. It is 8 hours from here. Maybe someday short vacation there!
I should add that the Adams not even a hickup is very cool. |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 61
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Monday, July 20, 2020 - 07:54 pm: |
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gT0fI30mTs |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 111
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Monday, July 20, 2020 - 08:46 pm: |
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Cool. Inspiring for me and others to try similar trips one day! 25c is 77f for those who would also have to look that up. Here it was 93f which is 34c... Hope to see some pics Chris |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 98
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 - 05:05 pm: |
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The Gidley is ready to go. Last year I had some grief with the Adams engine. I think I might have that sorted. Everything here is pretty much closed up due to Ontario's mis-management of COVID 19. I'm hoping to get in the water shortly.
Cheers! |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 166
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Thursday, April 22, 2021 - 04:11 pm: |
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Would love to see any pics or film from your Rideau Canal adventure from last year if there is any... |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 99
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Thursday, April 22, 2021 - 08:41 pm: |
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I'd love to but I find posting pics a pretty frustrating experience. It is 2021 There has to be a better way without having to go through the resize, hold your mouth this way, only on Tuesdays razz ma tazz. |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 100
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Friday, April 23, 2021 - 09:53 am: |
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I apologise for my little outburst there wrt posting pics. If you are seeing these, it is because I have finally broken the code. This time I think it is repeatable.
What you should be seeing are pics of the dust cover I made for the Gidley. if these come through, I'll see if I can't post more.
Cheers! |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 101
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Friday, April 23, 2021 - 10:15 am: |
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Here are three pics for your viewing pleasure. The b&w photo is of the Gidley at Sparrow Lake, Ontario probably around 1920. In it are members of the Speer family who owned it for nearly 90 years.
The second pic is of the boat secured at Perth, Ontario. I started at Big Rideau Lake, on the Rideau Canal Waterway, then passed through two locks to get into the Tay Canal. From there I cruised for about 1 1/2 hrs and into the centre of the town of Perth. a burger and a beer later, I retraced my steps.
The third pic is of the Gidley secured at Chaffey's lock on the Rideau Canal. The Rideau is a 202 km long waterway comprising some 47 locks and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cheers!
 |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 102
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2021 - 08:26 am: |
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My wife and I decided to attend our first ever antique boat show. We'd take the Gidley, lawn chairs, a lunch, and see what happens. It was a beautiful day. There were some 34 boats in the water, and about a dozen trailer queens.. Some of them must be worth a fortune. Their upkeep costs must be horrendous.
We stayed until we got bored.
About a month after the show a woman appeared on my doorstep with the plaque and the certificate. i'm not sure how many of you remember the comic strip character Pogo, but to quote him, "Who'd a thunk it?".
 |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 167
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2021 - 04:50 pm: |
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Most Original and Best Preserved Awards! Congrats, and thanks for the pics!  |
ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 2634
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2021 - 07:21 am: |
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Neat! |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 105
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 - 08:06 am: |
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A short video with the carb set up better, and the new prop thanks to Audie.
I now have smooth operation at idle, and nearly a full throttle opening at high rpm. It runs smoothly all the way. I'll figure out fuel consumption later, but I am expecting it to come in at around 2 litres per hour.
We'll see how it goes but the early indications are good.
Cheers!
https://youtu.be/vgvFY9otcBw |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 107
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 - 08:21 am: |
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Not sure why the link above chooses not to work.
https://youtu.be/vgvFY9otcBw |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 108
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2021 - 01:54 pm: |
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I got in a 2 hr run today. It ran perfectly. It appears to consume about 2 1/2 L/hr. As you can see I'm pushing it rather hard. If I dial it back a bit I"ll get 2 L/hr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NSIvdx1FAQ |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 110
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2021 - 01:25 pm: |
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Yesterday I got in a nearly 3 hr run. The digital tach said 850 rpm. The gps said 6.2 mph.
cheers! |
miro
Senior Member
Username: miro
Post Number: 1136
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 10, 2021 - 10:17 am: |
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Based on your new prop ( 11 x 12) , that's about 34% slip - which is about right for that kind of prop / hull . . nice to see it doing well
miro |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 114
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Monday, June 21, 2021 - 07:51 pm: |
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKbvXzlm1ng |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 185
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - 01:44 am: |
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Looks great Chris. I'm jealous you beat me to the water this year. Today I disassembled and cleaned the carb as water had got into it over the winter. Now trying to get it adjusted again and get the reliable idle back. Definitely need to make an engine cover that breaths but keeps the rain off it... |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 115
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - 07:54 am: |
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Thanks.
It has been a long road with lots of ups and downs getting to where I am now.
Where I am now is that I have a boat with a sound hull, and an engine that is trouble free. That feels pretty good.
Hopefully you are not too far behind.
I love being able to come home after a day on the water and all I have to do is give the boat a quick wipe down, plug in the battery tender, and refill a greaser every now and then. It makes for some pretty enjoyable boating.
Cheers! |
miro
Senior Member
Username: miro
Post Number: 1138
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 24, 2021 - 09:47 am: |
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Yup - I agree - my fantail has been out on the water 2,3 times per week - starts up well, cruises and idles well. Still not many other boats on the water yet - mainly pesky jet skis with incompetent drivers.
My little itsy-bitsy video camera that I used to make videos has died - I'll need to do surgery on it to replace the battery.
Still learning to reverse on the switch - the swing timer seems a bit more fussy that the Nadler timer I learned on. But practising is fun too . . miro |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 116
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Friday, June 25, 2021 - 07:44 am: |
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I've reversed on the switch numerous times but I'm still afraid that the time I need it is the time I blow it. With the timer on the Adams it is nearly as fast to stop it and give it a flip the other way.
During WWI, the rotary engines in aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel had no throttle as we know it. To slow the engine they'd "blip" the ignition switch on and off. It was pretty much off or wide open.
Since the Adams is direct drive, I find the "blip" technique is useful when approaching a dock or enterring a lock, anywhere I require rudder control at low speed.
The Adams will idle quite slowly but by blipping the ignition not only can I slow the Gidley down more, I can keep good control throughout.
The Adams btw is now running perfectly. It only took me 3 years to sort it.
Cheers! |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 189
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Friday, July 23, 2021 - 06:17 pm: |
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That it is running well (both Miro and Chris) is good to hear. I'm having an awful time with idling issues on the YT (it WAS running perfect). Will be starting a thread on that. There were several issues and its still not quite "there" yet, just better"... |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 190
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Friday, July 23, 2021 - 06:19 pm: |
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That it is running well (both Miro and Chris) is good to hear. I'm having an awful time with idling issues on the YT (it WAS running perfect). Will be starting a thread on that. There were several issues to resolve and its still not quite "there" yet, just better"... |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 149
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 - 05:49 pm: |
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By July I had the Adams running well. It only took me three years. This past while it has been running like crap. I changed nothing. It just decided it wasn't going to play nice.
I've tried running down the usual suspects but no joy. Today I took it out and it wouldn'r even start. I brought it home, swapped the plug, hooked it up to water and it ran, but like crap.
So that's it. I've had it with the Adams. From here on I'll focus my attention on the St. Lawrence. If I can get the St. Lawrence to run well, I'll see if I can't do a "one fer".
Dimensionally the two are very close. The exhausts are different but I can probably sort that.
The plan would be to get the St. Lawrence running well, then pull the Adams and set it aside. I'd then drop the St. Lawrence in and decide what to do with the Adams.
The boat itself is historically significant in that it was built in 1915 and is still powered by its originial engine. If I swap out the engine, I can no longer make that claim. However, what I should have is a boat that is far more reliable. And right now, that, to me, is important.
If the day comes where the Gidley heads to a museum, its original engine can be re-installed and that'll be that.
Right now it all hinges on the St. Lawrence.
That's the way I have it figured anyway.
Cheers! |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 206
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Friday, October 01, 2021 - 11:22 am: |
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Interesting. You have three factors, compression, fueling (including on a 2 stroke, the reed/check valves if any), and ignition. Broadly, its easy to rule out compression.
My YT started getting uncooperative after it was running well. I posted about that. After much discussion and research pretty confident it is ignition. In fact I found a forum post about an Atomic Four that was balky and the owner installed a brand new carb which did not help. He was told by an old mechanic that "most carburetor problems are electrical" meaning look at the ignition. Ernie shared with me his own experience with my Gray 3hp, the carb when adjusted right leaves a slight miss at certain RPM. When he had tried a 100k volt automotive coil, with no other changes, no misfire.
As we recall, recently I fought what I thought was carb issues with multiple carb teardowns and cleanings as well as trying another identical Zenith marine carb.
This all started with rust on the timer wheel (I made a new one out of stainless and silver-solder plated the contactor), trying different model T buzz coils, trying a round universal car/agro type coil with the JB relay buzzer), new spark wire wound low impedance plug wire to no avail. And it turned out the most improvement (but not perfection) came when I cleaned the contacts in the ignition/starter switch. The evidence was right in front of me in fact, the volt meter (which I installed after Ernie shared an anecdote about battery depletion), was flickering down every time the buzz coil fired. In fact Ernie shared with me voltage drop checking procedure in a circuit. (link below) BUT, these demons are smart, and when I went to a direct connected battery at the ignition box, I still had off-and-on trouble, probably from the carb being "adjusted" so much. So you can get yourself into circles.
If you are still with me, the upshot is - ignition, ignition, ignition, and make sure your voltages at the coil (when it fires) are solid.
I am now making (which may take 2 years!) a simple electronic coil system and a magnet holder for inside the timer unit so it can be fired with a hall effect trigger. I have a pile of extra coil-on-plug coil from my Thunderbird, and I may adapt one of those.
This would really be a test instrument - an ignition that simply rules out or in ignition as the cause of balky running.
If it fires so hot that the engine runs perfectly, I can disguise the small cop (coil on plug) to look old and run the wires to it inside braided cloth or something. It would have to make this engine run 100% perfect, but then I would use that as running ignition.
Meanwhile the existing system (with the 12v supply voltage dropping fixed) seems to be 95%. If that can be improved with final carb adjusting, I can "keep it old" as I prefer that.
https://support.alldata.com/sites/main/files/file-attachments/voltage_drop__test _122718.pdf |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 150
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Saturday, October 02, 2021 - 07:43 am: |
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Narrabay2.
Part of this winter's work on the Adams will be a complete overhaul of the ignition system. I know there is play in several parts of the timer. I hope to fix that. Perhaps that will make the difference.
Regardless, I think having the St. Lawrence ready to go and to use as my daily beater makes a lot of sense.
Cheers! |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 207
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Monday, October 04, 2021 - 04:28 pm: |
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Hi Chris,
I ate breakfast today with an electrical engineer who also was at our Museum open house yesterday.
I described wanting to make an electronic ignition to try out for the high voltage.
He made an interesting suggestion, use an automotive coil in parallel with the buzz coil, that way the buzzer is firing both coils and the spark voltage will be very much higher. Interesting idea.
Its almost the same thing as the "JB relay buzzer" idea but retains and simply boosts the buzz coil output. I may give that a try because, well, why not!
Chris |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 151
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 05, 2021 - 07:19 am: |
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Hmmm!
Let me know how you make out.
I think Ernie previously suggested using a Mazda auotomotive coil.
Cheers! |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 153
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Thursday, October 07, 2021 - 08:57 am: |
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I just couldn't leave it alone. Between Miro, Ernie, and Narrabay2 the bug was in my ear. The ignition tower was already suspect but their comments really convinced me that I should take one more swing at it. And they were right.
I knew there was wear on one bushing surface. Previous I had planned to remove some of that play in order to complete the season, then deal with it over the winter. I had a repair plan.
Picking up on something Ernie wrote, I also went through every conection and contact ensuring I had good continuity.
It was only a day or so ago that I noticed that there is a brass bushing that is pressed into the crankcase. Previously I had thought it was part of the crankcase casting. When I cleaned it up I realised it was a brass bushing. The lower end of the ignition drive fits in that. It had a fair bit of play. So I shimmed it.
I hunted around looking for suitable material. Everything I had was too thick until I got to an old tin foil roasting pan. By no means ideal but it was all I had. I cut a shim in order to test my theory. I also put a slightly stronger spring in behind the contact follower.
Problem solved. It was remarkable. I have never heard the Adams run that smoothly. I credit the shim moreso than the spring.
I first hooked it up to water then tested it in the driveway. Then I took it down to the river for a 2 hr run. By the end of the two hours it was starting to run rougher but that no doubt has to do with the quality of the material in the shim. As well, post run I noticed some of that play was back.
So next up I'll find some proper shim material since I can't figure out how to get the bushing out without damaging it, and I really don't want to have another one machined unless necessary.
As one of you said 95% of all carburetor problems are ignition. Whoever wrote that, I thank you because it stuck in my head. It certainly seems the case here.
BTW. On the way back to the dock, when the engine started to run rough, I simply reached around it and with my finger put some side pressure on the rotating ignition drive shaft. After a while I put a rag over my finger in order to reduce the wear on my finger. What with all the whirly bits and a loose rag it probably wasn't the safest thing to do, but hey, that's how I roll. When I did that the engine ran smoother. And that's how we went the last couple of miles back to the dock, my finger wrapped in a rag pressing on the driveshaft which is right behind the flywheel. Its an old newfie trick where they would use a finger pressure or a rubber band in place of a broken spring on the timer of their make and breaks.
Hey. Whatever works.
The ignition tower will get a complete overhaul this winter for sure. In the meantime I might shim it once more just to get some use out of it before the season ends.
Cheers! |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 209
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Thursday, October 07, 2021 - 02:09 pm: |
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Thats great news Chris. It was me who said "most carbureter problems are electrical", which I read on I think The Hull Truth forum when I was researching what I though was a Zenith carb problem. Someone with a balky Atomic Four engine replaced the Zenith carb with a brand new one for $400 and it didnt help. Someone else mentioned that an old time mechanic (usually the best kind) had made that statement. So thats a little ancient oral history passed down three times, to you!
Can you post pics of this "ignition tower" on your engine?
Im sure others will chime on about that shim. And if its anything I can make for you on the lathe I will...
-Chris |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 154
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Thursday, October 07, 2021 - 07:33 pm: |
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Attached should be two pics showing the engine with the ignition tower. One pic should show the brass bushing behind the flywheel. And a pic should show the internals of the contact.
Cheers!    |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 155
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Thursday, October 07, 2021 - 07:37 pm: |
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And now a confession. In the previous post you'll see the brass cap on the ignition. Yesterday, during the run it came loose, flew off, hit the flywheel and I don't know where it went. I had hoped I'd find it under the soles. So far no luck. It may have gone over the side. I have no idea how I'd replace it.
Cheers! |
narrabay2
Senior Member
Username: narrabay2
Post Number: 210
Registered: 10-2019
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2021 - 12:07 am: |
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is it just a screw on cap, or is there more to it underneath? |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 156
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2021 - 07:40 am: |
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Screw cap |
chris_spring
Senior Member
Username: chris_spring
Post Number: 157
Registered: 02-2019
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2021 - 07:44 am: |
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This post is getting rather long so I'll
start one named 1915 Gidley Part 2. We can pick up where we left off there.
Cheers! |
