1591 Miles to Hawaii Running like a Deere
16 June 2013 | 11 24.9'N:176 17.6'E, NE of Majuro
David C
Present position: 11deg 24.9' N 176deg 17.6'' E COG: 065deg SOG: 4.0 kts Estimated position 24hours:12deg 07.0' 177deg 49.6' Baro:29.65last 24hr range: 29.62-68 Wind: NE 22-25 kts, 24 h range 18-30 kts mostly in low 20's Seas:3-4 Clouds 45% Cumulus Summary: A bit stronger this morning
Looking for that rhythm of a waltz and we are getting a bit of John Cage as we progress in fits and starts through irregular seas. Partly sunny though and shearwaters everywhere wheeling and diving.
Our power train includes a John Deere 4045TFM 75 which is a 4 cylinder, turbocharged, diesel engine which puts out 135 horsepower. We are running it now at 45 % load with fuel consumption of approx 2.7 gal/hour. Speed depends on wind, waves and current. Pushing a displacement boat is far different than a planing hull which needs much more power to get it on plane and keep it there,
The engine is secured to the boat on flexible engine mounts which reduce noise and vibration. A universal joint is employed to connect the "movable" engine to the shaft which must stay fixed and the joints allow for this. The shaft passes through a thrust bearing which tranfers thrust to the boat without "pushing" the engine forward. The shaft then passes through a dripless seal to keep outside seawater from entering and then a cutlass bearing keeps the shaft aligned and lubricates the shaft's rotatory movement with seawater. Finally the propellor creates thrust as it rotates through the water and pushes the boat forward.
It is a wonderful thing to hear the engine running smoothly in all types of seastate. Deere engines converted for marine use represents a small fraction of their business which is predominently land vehicles, tractors, construction equipment and generators. Bob Senter, our diesel guru really likes this engine which also has a counter rotating vibrational dampers which reduces vibration and noise further. Happy with the Deere slogan, "Nothing runs like a Deere".
One consequence of bigger seas is a significant increase in numbers of flying fish ending up on our deck. If the wave they take off from is above boat level, they have an unpleasant surprise especially at night. This morning I counted 9!
Just passed a huge group of birds working over a school of fish so we have put out lines to restock. If not successful, we may have to resort to pressure cooked barbecued ribs or chicken which is not as bad as it may sounds, although my captive customers would have a hard time ordering in a pizza if they complained!