Round Britain for the RNLI Blog

Being at home and not having to be concerned about when I am next moving has given me time to reflect a little on what has been achieved so far and all things considered it is looking good.

The engines have performed superbly and in quite difficult sea conditions at times. Both engines have started first pull or turn (I always start and run the auxilliary prior to the start of each leg and top up the internal tank) and the Suzuki DF115 is turning out to be a super performer all round. I must say that the 19" pitch propeller performs much better in the rougher sea conditions that the 21" but should I get a spell of very settled and flat conditions I may well switch back to the 21" until conditions worsen again as it does make for lower RPM and hence slightly quieter cruising. Having said that I have found the DF115 to have a very acceptable noise level at cruise speeds and is incredibly quiet at tickover. Fuel consumption has been great too at a very consistent 0.8 ltr/nm but in smooth conditions that increases slightly to 0.95 ltr/nm… in either case exceptionally good for the size and weight of boat in my opinion.

The boat has performed equally well handling sea conditions that you would expect to be beyond a boat of this type and size and although I still wouldn’t be happy going to sea voluntarily in much more than a slight to moderate it is great to know that should conditions turn out worse than expected or forecast I have a boat that handles well under those conditions. The living facilities are basic but that is to be expected as it is designed as a day/weekender but although I am finding some aspects of that side a little difficult it is still excellent when you consider what I am doing with it. I would certainly still recommend Jeanneau Merry Fishers and this little 625 is superb.

I think I am about 1/3 round and I still have some of the most difficult legs to go but I am very optomistic that I will get round if the weather allows. I don’t actually have a deadline for my return but if it gets towards the end of August and I am nowhere near finishing I will have to reassess as come september the daylight is reduced and the weather will start to be even more doubtful. I will give myself until about mid-August before I will give it any serious thought.

So, the weather has not been kind so far but it is easy to keep complaining about the weather and so from here on I will not! I will still do the weather assessment blog entries but no more "whinging"… it is going to be great weather from here on regardless of what it is! See how long I keep that one going for…