keeldraggervideo
Mission Aborted - engine overheats... now what? (May 2020)
25 May 2020 · 17 min · 489 views · San Pedro, California
What this video covers
Shortly after departing San Pedro, California, for Catalina Island on May 23, the engine of the sailboat Keel Dragger overheated, forcing an immediate return to port. A temperature alarm sounded, and inspection revealed a ruptured freshwater pump that sprayed coolant throughout the engine compartment.1:45 With the engine disabled, the crew sailed toward San Pedro, maintaining speeds between 3.5 and 7 knots under the mainsail and headsail.9:04 The owner contacted TowBoatUS on VHF channel 16, then switched to 78A to coordinate a tow, providing coordinates approximately 10 miles offshore.5:37 Despite the mechanical failure, the vessel maintained steady progress under sail through the shipping lanes. TowBoatUS arrived at 15:10, performed a hip-tow, and maneuvered the boat into its slip.15:42 The owner identified the freshwater pump as the source of the leak and planned to contact a mechanic for repairs.4:03
Boats in this video
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