Every so often we think that we finally have our boat completely dry, we encounter some water in an area of the bilge that is not easily being picked up by the automatic bilge pump, especially when the boat is heeling.

Either a leak on deck which needs resealing or an internally leaking hose, you name it! It is a constant battle to maintain a sailing vessel. And it usually happens while we under way.

For this very reason, as well as for any unforeseen emergencies, we’ve decided to add a “roving bilge pump” to Cool Change.

The new “roving bilge pump” is installed in the locker below the cockpit and accessible through the engine room. It features an 8 meter hose, so it can be used almost anywhere on the boat.

It already has proven its worth when one of the aircon overboard hoses came loose and pumped some 50 plus litres of seawater into our bilge. It only took a couple of minutes to pump it all over board thanks to this powerful pump.

Let us know via the comments button of what your solutions are for having a dry boat!

When anchoring, the stress loads on the anchor chain and windlass can be quite substantial. To protect the windlass, avoid shock loads being placed on the chain and to reduce the possibility of the anchor to drag, one is  well advised to have a proper snubber set-up in  place.
On Cool Change we deploy two different snubbers on their own or in combination, depending on the circumstances and severity of the weather and
anchoring conditions.
A Snubber is really a device that provides shock absorption.
While reducing the chances of: 
1. Stripping the gears of your expensive windlass,
2. Reducing the risks of dragging your anchor,
3. Significantly reducing shock loads on your anchor chain,
the snubber also assists in reducing and dampening of the so called
“noisy chain rumble” as well as the irritating noise that travels as vibrations
up the chain.
On Cool Change we have two different snubbers. 
One short one that attaches to a strong point in the anchor well and is mainly there to protect the windlass, and 
A second, longer one, that can be used additionally as a single rope attached to a cleat or if weather conditions require as a v-bridle attached to both forward cleats.
One important aspect of a good snubber is that it is of sufficient length to provide the required stretch for proper shock absorption. Therefore the length of our snubber is approximately 4 meters and has proven to be sufficient enough, even in a severe blow.
While some people attach the snubber to the chain via a rolling hitch, we have opted for a simple chain hook, which can be quickly removed in an emergency. To stop it from falling off, we simply use a rubber band that does the job brilliantly in all conditions (see picture below).
As with all rope, good chafe protection is absolutely necessary and therefore, on our longer snubber, we have used a stainless steel eye splice at the point where the chain hook is attached.

Cool Change has an impressive 600 liters of fuel on board via two separate fuel tanks of 300 liters each.
600 liters of diesel significantly extends her motoring range many hundreds of nautical miles beyond other boats in her class. When becalmed or when a storm is threatening Cool Change can motor vast distances to reach more favorable conditions for sailing. With fuel capacities like that Cool Change does not have to constantly look for ports with fuel to fill up.
Furthermore Cool Change has a simple two-way-lever valve to allow the switching of the fuel source from one tank to the other with a simple flip of the lever – even while underway!

When it comes to the safety and the protection of your boat and occupants, a proper gas detection system is a critical device where LPG gas is being stored or used. You need a gas detector that you can depend on to watch over you and your boat while on or off board.

On Cool Change we have recently installed a BEP Contour Matrix Gas Detector.  This gas detector has the capability to control two sensors which detect both LPG and petrol, with visual and audible alarms. It also has a test switch to check the operation of the sensors.
 
While location of sensors will depend very much on the particulars of each vessel, on Cool Change we have one sensor installed right behind the gas oven and another one at a lower level below the entry of the gas line from the sealed gas locker and the internal turn-off valve.

The control panel is installed in the galley and in clear view when sitting down in the saloon.

Additionally it pays to do following from time to time:
1. Check connections for leaks at the appliance, regulator and cylinder with soapy water.
2. Never use a match or flame when checking for leaks.
3. Close cylinder valve when appliances are not in use or when the gas cylinder is being filled.
4. Never leave an appliance with a continuous burning flame operating in any petrol driven vessel if unattended for a period of 12 hours or more.
5. Use the cooking appliance or stove only for the purpose for which it was designed f – cooking, eg not as a room heater.
6. In the event of fire, immediately close cylinder valve(s).
7. Check the gas detector, to determine if flammable vapours are present and the vessel cleared of any flammable vapour before lighting any LP gas appliance or starting the motor.
8. All spare gas cylinders, whether full or empty are fitted with gas tight sealing plugs and all cylinder valves closed.
9. E licensed gas fitter does perform all additions or alterations to your boats LP gas system.
10. In the event of an accidental gas leak, close the cylinder valve and ventilate the vessel until the air is clear.