Cygnus cygnet rebuild

[Ron Elliot]

I have embarked on refurbishing a 23 ft Cygnus cygnet. I have spoken with the mechanic that has worked on the boat and the previous owner was mucking about with the prop and never got it right apparently.

 

Would anyone know the correct propellor needed for this boat. I've done some googling but can't find any info

 

Engine is saber ford 6 cylinder diesel think hp is between 230. - 280 hp with cathedral hull

 

Thanks in advance

[Wedger]

I'd have a word with Cygnus Marine and tell them what your setup is.They should be able to advise you. Sounds like a big engine for a Cygnet.

 

http://www.cygnusmarine.com/blog/entryid/16

[great white]

You need to know what drive is fitted and what the prop rpm will be after the reduction gears.

 

I presume that the boat has a prop. What you then need to know is the engine rpm at Wide Open Throttle or full power, then you can see if she is over or under propped.

 

The sea trial should be conducted with the boat loaded as normal. Tanks full and a clean hull.

 

You can then compare the engine rpm at WOT to the engines design max rpm

the pitch of the prop can be adjusted or the prop size changed to get this right

 

Very worth doing for speed and fuel economy

 

A company like streamlined props in Aldershot may be able to help without sea trials

[Ron Elliot]

Same hull but different top half

 

Thanks guys I'll give them both a call see what I can find out

[Ron Elliot]

Here's some photos

[great white]

Looks good

 

have you bought her or is it a project for others

 

There is one in Poole called two ways, owned by Jason Way and his Dad, I believe that one is fitted with a Volvo D3 and outdrive, which was a retro fit, they did not like the original set up of a large OBM.

 

Has the previous owner given you an idea of why he was tinkering with the prop? vibration, slow acceleration, fuel efficiency, or slow.

 

Charlie

[Jim]

This should help.

 

 

 

Jim

 

[Ron Elliot]

Looks good

 

have you bought her or is it a project for others

 

There is one in Poole called two ways, owned by Jason Way and his Dad, I believe that one is fitted with a Volvo D3 and outdrive, which was a retro fit, they did not like the original set up of a large OBM.

 

Has the previous owner given you an idea of why he was tinkering with the prop? vibration, slow acceleration, fuel efficiency, or slow.

 

Charlie

Its a family project as the Shetland I'd bought at the beginning of the year was too small for everyone that wanted to go out. I'm putting in the labour and sourcing the parts needed and others have paid for the boat. I'm also supplying the equipment I had on the other boat which a new tender outboard and some electronics and bits and bobs. think its a fair deal all round.

Ŵ

It was built in 1995 so getting on for twenty years old but its in good shape just need some tlc. I'm not sure why the prop was off but the former owner is popping it round in the next few days with the prop. He was having it re pitched so will give it a go with the new pitch and quiz him on the reason hes been playing with it.

 

Just need to run a diary or well be fighting over who's taking it out !

 

PS thanks jim for sorting out the photos

[great white]

Good luck with the project Ron, hope that it all works out for you as a team

 

She looks like a good boat, I always like cygnus craft

 

Keep questions coming and no doubt you will get lots of advice

[Ron Elliot]

Hi. quick update

 

I spoke with the mechanic this morning who had previously worked on the boat and the propeller fitted apparently is just too big for the boat. The boat was not getting up on the plane because the engine was not revving enough for the fuel system to enrich properly to allow the engine to make full power.

 

I told the wife bigger isn't always better !! 

 

Charlie, when i spoke to the mechanic this morning he also mentioned the Way family and their Cygnus with the volvo engine.He said it was a fantastic boat and how pleased they are with it.

 

Anyway the propeller is being dropped to me later today after being re pitched and although it's not going to be right for the engine it will allow me to confirm the dimensions of the center of the propeller and hopefully get one that will match the boat better.

 

After a quick look round the boat we realised that the trim tabs were stuck in the down position and wouldn't come up. A quick google of the make, which are Bennett trim tabs, turned up a number of posts with trouble shooting guides. Long story short, a full 12 volts are required for them to work properly, something that we weren't getting at the motor.

 

We changed the terminal wiring block between the loom and the motor for a new one, as there was quite a lot of corrosion on the existing one, which did restore the full 12v at the motor. Still nothing but applying 12v to each of the valve wires and the motor forward and reverse wire along with a expertly applied sharp tap with the handle of a large screwdriver had both the valves firing and the motor running both ways. We now have a fully working trim tab system. I sure if the tabs were stuck in the down position before this would not have helped the planing situation.   

 

Confirmed specs for the boat are Sabre ford turbo charged diesel 6 cylinder 225l engine with borg warner velvet drive with 1-1 ratio. Still unsure of the stern drive but will confirm the make one low tide this week.

 

Anyway, new marine grade aluminum fuel tank, fuel sender and fittings arriving on Monday so will be fitting that on Tuesday as have a unusual free day next week so will be making the most of it. 

 

PS 

 

looking for some advice please

 

I'm looking to fit a couple of new batteries for the cranking system and would appreciate a suggestion on size if anyone has any thoughts / experience with this size engine.

 

Also looking at some new anchor rope and was thinking 12mm braid and 150ft  long what are your thoughts. currently have about 15ft of chain and no rope, boat is 23ft long       

 

Thanks in advance 

[nightingale300]

Hi I know this boat and almost bought it off George myself purely for the out drive.

Your out drive is a sternpowr. This is spelt correctly with no E in power. I thought it was the same as mine that I struggle to get parts for the rare mainly military 1000 series.

But it was the 100 series and there are many parts around still.

Mike at Lancing Marine will sort you out but be warned my prop on the 24ft Wilson cost me £875+vat

There is also a guy in Yeovil who has a vast stock, Google DD paciffics.

 

I hope that is of help to you.

Malcolm

[nightingale300]

Google DD PACIFFICS and it comes up Folley trading http://www.follytrading.com/ribs.html he is mainly ex military ribs and they had the sternpowr legs

Just looked and he still has them.

Malcolm

Edited October 20, 2015 by Maverick
Added link

[Ron Elliot]

Hi I know this boat and almost bought it off George myself purely for the out drive.

Your out drive is a sternpowr. This is spelt correctly with no E in power. I thought it was the same as mine that I struggle to get parts for the rare mainly military 1000 series.

But it was the 100 series and there are many parts around still.

Mike at Lancing Marine will sort you out but be warned my prop on the 24ft Wilson cost me £875+vat

There is also a guy in Yeovil who has a vast stock, Google DD paciffics.

I hope that is of help to you.

Malcolm

Thanks for the info Malcolm, hopefully I can get the prop sorted. George dropped the re pitched prop back and hopefully it will give me a good starting point to move forward from.

 

Did a few jobs today and got a few things figured out. New tank arrived but didn't get round to fitting it but the boat is now prepared for it and most of the electrical problems sorted

 

I'm sorry that George didnt feel able to redo her but I'm sure she'll be a great boat once sorted.

[Ron Elliot]

Another update

 

Well after a few days chasing down some really weird electrical issues it looks like we're almost there. Non functioning radar now working, all nav and search lights now operating. Fues boxes replaced and two new batteries now on board and fitted along with a load of other issues solved with another team effort on Saturday.

 

The fuel tank was a it of a pig to get in and still needs to be connected as does the fuel gauge. Propeller tab washer was a bit of an unusual shape and size so a new one located on eBay usa and now on it way.

 

So minor list to complete is, rebuild starter, plumb fuel tank, small bit of fibreglassing to do and a bilge pump to replace. The sun canopy was taken off and is being used as a template for a replacement as the old one was looking very used.

 

We're going to sand and varnish the woodwork in the spring when it a bit warmer. We will leave the paint work till then also.

 

The biggest job left to do is the repair of the deck as this was cut out quite roughly above the fuel tank location by someone previously and I need to find a hatch door of the appropriate size so that it can be glassed back in. Once this is done we will be covering the deck in a non slip vinyl.

 

Happy days

[Stuie]

Sounds like you're doing a really thorough job Ron....

Anyone would think you're keen to get afloat..

[Ron Elliot]

Sounds like you're doing a really thorough job Ron....

Anyone would think you're keen to get afloat..

Hoping for maiden voyage next week stuie

 

As we were waiting for the starter to be rebuilt I took my son down for a spot of fishing off the mooring on Monday night, started off well when I had one really good bite but lost it on the way in, my son did better with his first ever bass which a small one of around a 11/2 lb which went back and a larger one which got off the hook level with the boat.

 

Plenty of further bites but no fish, we lost count of the small crabs we had but a good night with a bit of father son bonding.

 

The starter is now back and rebuilt and looks brand new, had an excellent service all,for £95 including parts and the turnaround was very quick. Dropped off Monday at 9.00 and ready for collection by afternoon the following day. So if you need anything like this done the give ACW on Leigh road in Wimborne a go, top guys

[Stuie]

Ron, I'd suggest you need more chain for your anchor, and 150ft of warp may not be enough if anchoring in 80 or more feet of water.

Many useful threads on the site, this is the most recent one. http://www.pbsbac.co.uk/ipb/topic/17517-windlass/?hl=anchoring&do=findComment&comment=137249

[Maverick Martin]

I would agree with Stuie re the anchor warp and chain length.  You will not be able to anchor in anything much deeper than 50' with what you have.

 

I suggest min 30' chain attached to 150 metres min for fishing in our area.  12mm warp will be fine as will 8mm chain.  Regards anch a 10 kilo Bruce type or a 6 kilo Delta type anchor would be my choice.

[Brian]

Ron

Boat's obviously coming along nicely.

I don't know where your mooring is, but if it's inside the Bass nursery area of Poole Harbour any Bass caught between 30th April and 1st November have to go back. In fact you're not permitted to target them during that period. Outside of that period the 3 bass bag limit per person applies.

[Rob]

And over 42cm Brian!!!

[Ron Elliot]

Ron

Boat's obviously coming along nicely.

I don't know where your mooring is, but if it's inside the Bass nursery area of Poole Harbour any Bass caught between 30th April and 1st November have to go back. In fact you're not permitted to target them during that period. Outside of that period the 3 bass bag limit per person applies.

Hi Brian

 

Wasn't targeting bass as such and it did go back. To be honest apart from a few mackerel everything I've caught this year has gone back. I'm not a big fish eater but enjoy the sport and location more.

 

My mooring is at NHYC so technically outside but not something I plan on doing when the boat is up and running. Was really trying for a few flatties. But thank you for pointing this out.

[Brian]

No problem Ron. Just didn't want you to get into trouble.

[Sea Legs]

I believe you can fish for Bass anywhere in the designated Bass Nursey Area (Poole) between the dates mentioned as long as Sandeel is not used as bait?

 

SIFCA confirm

 

Bass Nursery Area

Under The Bass (Specified Areas) (Prohibition of Fishing) (Variation) Order 1999.

Fishing for bass, or fishing for any fish using sand-eels as bait, by any fishing boat within any part of the harbour, as defined, is prohibited between 30 April and 1 November.

 

 

I am unaware of any update.

[Brian]

You can't fish for bass from a boat in the nursery area between 30th April and 1st Nov, regardless of the bait/method used and any bass caught must be returned

You can't use sandeels for any type of fish in the nursery area between those dates.

[Ron Elliot]

Bit of an update on the rebuild.

 

I now have a fully functioning boat, trim tabs now working lights,radar,radio,bilge pumps and engine all work, all of the time and when requested !

 

Had a bit of a problem locating the stern drive pump motor which needed replacing but did finally find one that looked like it would work but on arrival the machined face wasn't quite the right shape so the input shaft wouldn't go fully into the pump itself. After abit of head scratching and swapping a few parts between the old pump and new I had a motor that did finally fit and that works.

 

Replaced all of the fuse boxes and 90 % of the toggle switches that were playing up. This has sorted a lot of the intermittent electric problems with the boat, it's really frustrating when something works one day and not another. Most of these were sourced from either Maplins or eBay and seem to be reasonable quality.

 

Longest wait that I had was for a engine stop solenoid which came via China and was delivered about three weeks from order date. This is also now fitted and functioning very well.

 

Jobs left to do include fitting an air horn, small amount of fibreglassing and fitting a deck filler for the fuel tank. Also still waiting for the sun / rain canopy to be made and for delivery of a replacement Humminbird fish finder head unit. Canopy is being made locally using the old one as a template with a few modifications to improve it slightly and the fishfinder was the only item missing from the instruments when we got the boat. The new fishfinder head unit is coming from Florida and is an ex display Unit sourced via eBay USA for the bargain price of £40 posted.

 

I was Hoping for a maiden voyage in the next couple of weeks. Unfortunately this time of year is full on and I normally have to work at least Saturday's leaving Sunday as my only family day so will have to see if I can grab a few hours sometime soon. However I'm getting quite excited seeing all these cod pictures and may try and make the cod contest on Sunday week.

 

If anyone has a decent mark for a few cod I would appreciate the help as not actually caught a cod before lol.

 

Regards Ron