tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post5052407767226438585..comments2023-07-02T08:20:06.391-07:00Comments on Zac's Blog: Of Goblins and FairiesZachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438212071833438643noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-15321193645152843132008-09-07T12:36:00.000-07:002008-09-07T12:36:00.000-07:00Congratulations Capt. Zac. Job well done. And, t...Congratulations Capt. Zac. Job well done. And, to think I complain when I have an engine/gas problem with my lawn mower! :-) Can not wail to read about your trip to and stay in Darwin. <BR/> <BR/>Question: In the latest pictures, it show you have a 35 horse outboard motor now on board? Did you always have that? Or, was it just added, to possible that the place of your engine if it fails again? <BR/> <BR/>God's Speed Zac. <BR/> <BR/> -Greg, Minneapolis, MNBlundstonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11617577214099809693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-33225124153481644622008-09-06T22:04:00.000-07:002008-09-06T22:04:00.000-07:00I am constantly impressed with how Zac and you, hi...I am constantly impressed with how Zac and you, his parents, handle the things that have occurred so far. Granted things have gone fairly well, but as a sailor, I know well how quickly conditions change, ho easily one can lose focus and how FRISTRATING it can be as the shore-side contact many many miles from the person you are trying to help.<BR/><BR/>I see a book in this for you.... something that we will all read, veteran or newbies cruisers.Heidi Ribkoffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16218946451367343735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-48584489530443877432008-09-06T01:47:00.000-07:002008-09-06T01:47:00.000-07:00YEAH!!! Way to go Zac. Thanks to the Suttons for t...YEAH!!! Way to go Zac. Thanks to the Suttons for the beautiful pictures of Zac leaving PNG!! I noticed he is getting quite a bit of green algae on the bottom of his boat! Yuk! I guess that is to be expected~ The panoramic picture of Zac leaving, was a reminder that his boat is just a little sailboat in a huge ocean!!<BR/><BR/>Sending nothing but good wishes for a safe trip through the strait. I purchased my t-shirt today, so I am anxious to get it and proudly wear it and show it off. <BR/><BR/>On to Darwin. I will be with you in spirit! Keep up the good work! You are a remarkable young man. <BR/><BR/>Debbie<BR/>North Hills, CAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-13441029306779536302008-09-05T22:53:00.000-07:002008-09-05T22:53:00.000-07:00If anyone is interested they can send an email to ...If anyone is interested they can send an email to the Royal Papua Yacht Club in PNG (in support of Zac), their web site is http://www.rpyc.com.pg/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-14608962825927163572008-09-05T22:21:00.000-07:002008-09-05T22:21:00.000-07:00Lawrence, Zac and Marianne:Oh, man! All these eng...Lawrence, Zac and Marianne:<BR/>Oh, man! All these engine problems! That's really frustrating!!! But on the other hand, it's good that everything is happening now rather than when you're 30 or 50 miles out to sea. That would be a bit scary. Since you're in a pretty well equipped area, you can do whatever is necessary to fix the gremlins bugging the engine. I'll send loads of positive mojo to PNG!<BR/><BR/>:)<BR/><BR/>Hang in there, Zac--and Lawrence and Marianne as well!<BR/><BR/>ScottFulgumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02794483723530764522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-41741768464461284092008-09-05T20:05:00.000-07:002008-09-05T20:05:00.000-07:00I read about the problems with switching from gas ...I read about the problems with switching from gas to diesel and the reverse all the time in BoatUS magazine. It seems the tanks DON'T like the switch! Hopefully the vacuuming and cleaning will do the trick. I have a fantastic filter on my boat and plenty of EXTRA elements. Make sure Zac gets extra elements Lawrence! Also, it wouldn't hurt to get that diesel additive to remove water in the tank and lines. Hopefully Zac will be underway soon but safer with this discovery. Hurray for you Zac for tacking through those reefs and wrecks without an engine. I think I would have had a heart attack. I know when my engine has died (or I had to turn it off from seaweed-plugged intake lines) and I was going through some tough areas, I would totally freak out. I can't even begin to imagine how you felt when that Yanmar decided to go to sleep. They are great engine however. I have one myself. You just have to keep everything TO the engine super clean with lots of good filters! Now you can have another great steak!!<BR/><BR/>PatrickPatrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17318577689558201943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-20316214212319021322008-09-05T19:09:00.000-07:002008-09-05T19:09:00.000-07:00ZacEach Friday we have a quote of the week that is...Zac<BR/>Each Friday we have a quote of the week that is sent to us at work. Well today's quote you have heard many times, but I couldn't help but think of you. "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do, then by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines! Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream and discover".<BR/> <BR/>Mark Twain<BR/><BR/>Also, as we wait for tropical storm Hannah to arrive in our little corner of the world, I'm reminded of your courage and your faith in God to carry you through this adventure. Be safe and God BlessBarbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04733071029914594225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-28066466205194067522008-09-05T18:28:00.000-07:002008-09-05T18:28:00.000-07:00Laurence:Thanks for an informative post. It's bec...Laurence:<BR/><BR/>Thanks for an informative post. It's becoming redundant, but Zac is a cool head. He may be 16, but I'd follow him into battle. He has logic, reasoning, and an instinct for when to charge and when to retreat. He can obviously devise a plan of attack and execute it while under fire. The "Desirata" ends with a statement to the effect that "if you can keep your head while those around you are going crazy, you are a man my son." Sounds like he's talking about your son.<BR/><BR/>I hope that the Suttons and the yacht club in PNG are aware of the positive feelings they've created with everyone keeping up with this blog. All the Zac-Packers appreciate them and thank them.<BR/><BR/>The CroakerCroaker of FrogPondhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10668084787671523377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-17104020542816699652008-09-05T17:55:00.000-07:002008-09-05T17:55:00.000-07:00Hi Zac and Team Sutherland!!I hope maybe by the ti...Hi Zac and Team Sutherland!!<BR/><BR/>I hope maybe by the time this blog is read you are on your way and your engine troubles behind you. Wow, how incredibly frustrating! Nobody said this adventure was going to be easy, but your tenacity and positive attitude will get you through any obstacles you will encounter. I so enjoy the pictures you send, it makes me feel like I am right there with you! I think of you everyday and always wonder how your day and night went. I wish you nothing but smooth sailing and clear skies but reality tells us that the sea is a powerful force and must be respected. Thank you Marilyn for your video of the Oxnard Meeting. I enjoyed that as well.It was a little hard to hear like you said, but it downloaded just fine. Hey, everyone was happy and having a good time, the noise was to be expected!! Right? I am hoping I can come to the W. L.A. get together. It would be an honor to meet Laurence and Marianne.<BR/><BR/>Zac, keep the faith. You have a powerful force of prayers coming your way! You have so many people around the world and here in the good ole U.S.A., cheering you on. Sail on and keep those picture coming when you can. We love them!!<BR/><BR/>Stay safe You are always in my prayers!!<BR/><BR/>Debbie<BR/>North Hills, CAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-25495972791337058122008-09-05T17:00:00.000-07:002008-09-05T17:00:00.000-07:00hello everyone: what a week for zac! i think this ...hello everyone: what a week for zac! i think this weekend calls for powerful prayer for our man zac. challenges built character ---remember zac ----"practice HOPE"<BR/>john baker/w hollywood/ca/USofA<BR/>jbaker1226@aol.comjohnnyBgoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06255189419255635303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-88778226644866652392008-09-05T14:05:00.000-07:002008-09-05T14:05:00.000-07:00Question about Ethanol...Not only is Ethanol one o...Question about Ethanol...<BR/><BR/><BR/>Not only is Ethanol one of the biggest scams and waste of billions of US Tax Payer dollars for the last 25 years, and it has driven up grain prices, food prices, fructose, etc.. etc… but you are also correct in it has wreaked havoc in the marine industry with older vessels that use gasoline vs. diesel <BR/><BR/>You raise a good question for sure, but I would suspect that based upon the original age of Zac’s Islander 36 that it had an aluminum fuel tank, possibly steel, but most likely aluminum. In the 80’s very few builders were putting in inline fiberglass tanks.<BR/><BR/>Additionally, if I remember correctly, that vessel had not been used much for several years, and marina’s were some of the last to be forced to use ethanol based fuels… In Florida, that enforcement just started…<BR/><BR/>Gasoline basically turns to varnish after 6-8 months and lines your tank, fuel-lines, injectors, etc… I made this mistake with a fairly new Yamaha 15HP 4-Stroke after a long trip and it sat on my dock for 6-8 months while I did a house project… A real pain in the neck to get it working correctly again, no simple fix, spray or trick for that problem…<BR/><BR/>DavehDavehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320619697108043853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-85146694711691044132008-09-05T13:57:00.000-07:002008-09-05T13:57:00.000-07:00Daveh,Would you recommend macadamias, almonds, wal...Daveh,<BR/><BR/>Would you recommend macadamias, almonds, walnuts or pecans? Or maybe PNG has a special locally grown nut! In the shell, or out of the shell? <BR/><BR/>(Only kidding, I couldn't resist!)<BR/><BR/>Melanie,<BR/>Thanks for checking out the new FAQs. I hope the "newbies" go there before asking the same questions over and over.<BR/><BR/>Marilyn<BR/>Woodland HillsMarilynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00031656993187631394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-79320680215099086132008-09-05T12:00:00.000-07:002008-09-05T12:00:00.000-07:00I was reading resently about the problem caused by...I was reading resently about the problem caused by the ethenol added to gasoline and it's reaction to fiberglass. As I remember the article, the ethenol damaged the fiberglass creating a slime that damaged the fuel and clogged the system. Maybe your tank is fiberglass and damaged from when it contained gasoline.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-54402917137263560362008-09-05T11:24:00.000-07:002008-09-05T11:24:00.000-07:00Hey Zac,great job getting it back to the dock in o...Hey Zac,<BR/>great job getting it back to the dock in one piece. We have a boat in HNL at Hawaii Yacht club that tends to either loose the engine or not go into gear. Had to tack that channel and sail right up to the dock...not amongst a bunch of commercial shipping though..just a bunch of drunk Friday night racers.<BR/><BR/>A couple of things you might want to consider going forward...and keep in mind that unlike so many others I have been out there and sailed those same waters (Sydney to San Francisco the long way around)on a 40 ft cat back when there was no GPS and all we had for a time source was WWV on the short wave and a ham SSB for comms. No sat phones and all the nice toys that are out there now.<BR/>Spares for both engine and electronics will be (except for Darwin and Capetown) will be hard to come by (3rd world or 5th world countries makes no difference) What we did was to pack a couple of boxes with key spares other than what we carried on board and ship them ahead of us to the next port. Given that you have sponsors that can help defray the costs. Critical equipment you might just want to have a complete unit included and swap it out if time is critical. <BR/><BR/>I did check on the Sheila net on 8161 @ 22.00GMT and it is still running. I have access to remote radio's in various parts of the world so I was able to tune it in via one located in Queensland. I also sent you a list of other nets via direct email, hope they are helpful.<BR/><BR/>When in Darwin check out Casuarina beach at dusk (better than the harbor view)Mandorah Beach Hotel,and of course the Darwin Sailing Club which is just a great place for both resources and hanging out. Warning...watch out for large floating logs with eyes..they have large saltwater crocs in the harbor and surrounding area's. Fishing wise, ask the locals about Barramundi.<BR/><BR/>All the Best<BR/><BR/>MSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-72809968195670414632008-09-05T10:51:00.000-07:002008-09-05T10:51:00.000-07:00Hey Marilyn,Just stopped back into to see the FAQ ...Hey Marilyn,<BR/>Just stopped back into to see the FAQ page again. Great work on your part in the organization of the page. I also like the addition of photos to make things interesting. GREAT JOB!<BR/>Melanie in TorranceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-83564815796168169902008-09-05T10:44:00.000-07:002008-09-05T10:44:00.000-07:00>Anonymous DAN in Johannesburg SA said..>Gl...>Anonymous DAN in Johannesburg SA said..<BR/>>Glad to hear that Rich Norman is not <BR/>>a troll - the tone of his post <BR/>>certainly sounded trollish to me <BR/><BR/>Huh ? Pointing out that the result could be disqualified despite all the hard work if the rules are broken makes someone a troll ? Are we supposed to just wish away the rules or are _you_ trolling ?<BR/><BR/>Rich was spot on in reminding everyone of the stakes and how "the record" could be taken away on a technecality.<BR/><BR/>Fair winds and clean fuel to you Zac !<BR/><BR/>-Sven in MDRAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-28437584152420181382008-09-05T09:17:00.000-07:002008-09-05T09:17:00.000-07:00You know motorcylist use bells on thier bikes to k...You know motorcylist use bells on thier bikes to keep the goblins away. Do they have something to keep the goblins away on sailboats? Someone Please let me know asap because I shove off to Catalina tommorrow from MDR. <BR/><BR/>Agoura Hills<BR/>Daze OffAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02786995272356332335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-51050806430299294612008-09-05T09:07:00.000-07:002008-09-05T09:07:00.000-07:00It's crazy to even think about how truly vital an ...It's crazy to even think about how truly vital an engine is to a Sail Boat. But their are times where sailing is not an option and the engine actually saves your life and the boat. Yikes what a dilema. Weird to think that last weekend while I was biking by the Yanmar dealer in Huntington Beach, I actually thought about going in there. Turns out that fuel, fairies and goblins are the problem. Well all things considered and having to deal with PNG, I guess you do the best you can. Well Laurence thank you for keeping a good face, and making such a great post. How very frustrating. The good news is I just prayed an awesome prayer and the zen beads I gave Zac will hex the goblins. No worries. Love ya be safe.<BR/><BR/>Chris, Alhambra, CAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-79606215150278245402008-09-05T08:58:00.000-07:002008-09-05T08:58:00.000-07:00Dear Laurence,As a parent of a 16 y/o son, I can i...Dear Laurence,<BR/><BR/>As a parent of a 16 y/o son, I can imagine your stress level knowing that Zac is on the shore of an underdeveloped country trying to complete the work of a seasoned mechanic - and that if you were there you could really help! A tough spot for a parent.<BR/><BR/>BUT - it is a blessing that he is young and fearless (like those that go off to war) and that he can and will be successful in fixing this fuel issue. I know that I am constantly amazed at the tasks accomplished and level-headedness of my 16 y/o when a challenge arises (he always says "just chill Mom, it's gonna be okay). <BR/><BR/>I will pray hard for Zac and know from all the reading that he is very capable and that you have taught him well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-49289011535678839342008-09-05T08:54:00.000-07:002008-09-05T08:54:00.000-07:00Did not know it was a gasoline tank, put's a w...Did not know it was a gasoline tank, put's a whole new spin on the problem...<BR/><BR/>I had 2 fuel tanks in my last boat (a Beneteau 50) and cut 8inch access/inspection ports in both them, for viewing AND cleaning.<BR/><BR/>I know it’s a pain, but having clean and high quality fuel is paramount as any other safety device…<BR/><BR/>I would:<BR/><BR/>1. Remove the tank<BR/><BR/>2. 100% get rid of the diesel in there (don’t waste time trying to filter it) toss the garbage out<BR/><BR/>3. Fill the tank with 50% Lacquer Thinner (easier to get in PNG and less volatile than MEK, plus MEK is horribly bad for your lungs and brain cells).<BR/><BR/>4. Get a bag of large nuts, count them first, then put them in the tank<BR/><BR/>5. Shake the tank as much as possible for an hour or so<BR/><BR/>6. Let it sit for a few hours rotating periodically<BR/><BR/>7. Shake for 15-20 minutes<BR/><BR/>8. Empty the tank, Count the nuts to make sure they were all removed<BR/><BR/>9. Rinse with Acetone (should be very readably available in PNG also) <BR/><BR/>10. Re-Install the tank and fuel lines<BR/><BR/>11. Add fuel and run the engine for 2-4 hours on the mooring ball<BR/><BR/>12. Do a 1-2 hour test sail in rough seas, inspect tank and filters when back on the mooring ball<BR/><BR/>If possible in PNG isntall a large access port in the top of the tank, if it’s not possible, maybe try in Darwin…<BR/><BR/>Good luck, my WORST memories from my voyages are “nearly” all related to bad fuel problems!<BR/><BR/>Daveh & SkipperDavehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320619697108043853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-81032794959368395722008-09-05T08:44:00.000-07:002008-09-05T08:44:00.000-07:00Hey Zac,I know exactlly what you are going through...Hey Zac,<BR/><BR/>I know exactlly what you are going through with your engine problem. It is an awful experience, especially when you are far from home. I have had the water back up the exhaust system more that once but never have had the fuel line going to the engine clog. My wife has had it happen to her (she is a single hander also) and finally changed out the fuel tank and did the Racor filter thing to stop it. She also added an additional electric fuel pump in the fuel line so she could prime the fuel line in a hurry after she changed filters. My plan on my boat, if I ever clogged the fuel line going to the engine and I was at sea, was to simply cut the fuel line (and return line) near the engine and stick them in a jerry jug of diesel fuel to get me into the harbor. My diesel burns 1/2 a gallon an hour so a 5 gallon can would do the trick. I had extra fuel line and fittings on board to replace the cut line when I got into a position to do adequate repairs.<BR/>Hang in there Zac. These events all make GREAT stories to tell when you get older.<BR/><BR/>RustyRustyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15166750030142659001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-90437636316488388082008-09-05T08:33:00.000-07:002008-09-05T08:33:00.000-07:00Laurence,Thanks for keeping us abreast of the engi...Laurence,<BR/>Thanks for keeping us abreast of the engine problems, hopefully to be resolved soon. So thankful Zac wasn't going through the Torres Strait when the "goblins" roared their ugly heads!<BR/>Hang in there Zac. You have many praying for your safety and success. You have the knowledge, experience and ability to make sound decisions.<BR/>Go Zac Go!<BR/>Mona,<BR/>Tucson, AZMonahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05318798176568131821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-49310745844483232922008-09-05T08:21:00.000-07:002008-09-05T08:21:00.000-07:00Laurence,Thanks for the update.A friend,who has a ...Laurence,<BR/>Thanks for the update.<BR/>A friend,who has a 70s era boat, ended up installing a new fuel tank to solve his dirty fuel problems. I hope Zac's problems don't require as drastic a solution.<BR/>Michael<BR/>San DiegoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-8396739362336155792008-09-05T08:15:00.000-07:002008-09-05T08:15:00.000-07:00I'm not touching that frustration for a second Law...I'm not touching that frustration for a second Lawrence. <BR/>Nothing but good wishes from me, the task Zac is trying to accomplish is<BR/>very difficult. If you're flying to Darwin, Lawrence, should be a short hop to PNG for you to help sort this mess out. <BR/>On the upside, perhaps what Zac is doing will get the engine running again, somewhat reliably, but those gasoline additives, esp. from California, are everywhere in the engine drying, no? Seems much more complicated than just evacuating the gas.<BR/>This is too frustrating to even read, yet alone deal with. My thoughts are really with Zac staying safe there and working through this problem one step at a time. Zac, take your time. I guess no worries about that old sailing superstition about leaving on Fridays! Try exercising when the frustration hits the wall and there's no one to turn to, the good endorphins will help deal with the stress. You are impressive Zac, really one in a million at 16. Hang in there.<BR/>KateAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-30208062025515126412008-09-05T08:11:00.000-07:002008-09-05T08:11:00.000-07:00Laurence,Thanks for the update. I've heard it's h...Laurence,<BR/>Thanks for the update. I've heard it's hard to get good service, supplies, etc. in a 5th world country ! LOL<BR/>While this has been an unplanned and untimely stop perhaps it was helpful in providing Zac with a little rest (with one eye and ear always open) which has obviously culminated in his desire to get on with his trip and navigate the Strait onto Darwin.<BR/>Hope you're outta there soon!<BR/>Melanie in TorranceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com