Engine Startup

I've never worked with a diesel engine before. Karma has a Universal 24 HP 3 cylinder diesel engine. After reinstalling the fuel tank it was time to fire her up. I connected a hose between the raw water intake and the bilge. Then flooded the bilge so that there would be coolant and fired her up.

Needless to say I was very pleased....

Fuel Tank Replacement

After the general clean up, clean up and more clean up... diesel fuel doesn't give up easy. Came the fuel tank replacement.

Evidence indicates that there had been a chronic leak of the grab rail mounts in the floor of the cockpit. This leak rotted the 3/4 inch backing board in the floor of the cockpit.

The cockpit floor was still sound however the backing board was mush. The original installation of the backing board was glassed in which hid the leaking and did not allow the board to dry out.

This eventually caused the aluminum fuel tank to rupture with pinhole size leaks along the forward bottom edge of the tank.

After removing the tank I was able to install the new backing board. No small task, we're taking about completely removing the wheel, pedestal and all the associated cables and wires; epoxying in the new backing board and then reinstalling the pedestal and controls. >

I was able to have a new fuel tank build for me by the original manufacture and reinstalled it along with new Racor fuel filter and water separater.

Sunk on the Hard

Karma was basically neglected for over 2 years. She was hauled after Isabel hit the Northern Neck of Virgina September 2003 and sat on the hard until I acquired her May of 2006.

The previous owner had suffered in an automobile vs bicycle accident (he was on the bike) and had not been able to tend to her. When he was able to get back to her she was a mess with 8 inches of water and diesel fuel floating above the floor, destroyed cushions and the resulting mess that a boat sunk that has sunk on land.

Add to that the fact that Isabel had done some cosmetic damage to the hull.

All in all, compared to some other boats in the bay after Isabel, Karma got off easy.

Changing Up

The first week in May, 2006 I had, some say tongue-in-cheek, the two best sailing days ever. I sold Short Run my 1974 Coronado 28 and bought Karma, my new 1981 O'Day 34.

Short Run was a good boat and we had a lot of good memories sailing her. Karma has been the same but is more liveable with more beam, more length and more creature comforts.

This site will chronical the ownership of Karma.