TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF A CHANNEL C OSSING
R. C. COLE GIVES PROSPECTIVE OUTBOARDISTS THE BENEFIT OF HIS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE.
ALTHOUGH an outboard run to the continent is most amusing, the technical side must be given very careful attention, and the all too common irresponsible outboardist should stay at home.
Unfortunately the outboard motor boat has not developed to the same extent as the motor car. When a car is delivered, the most suitable plugs are fitted, the most suit never found a boat to better the Wood Dinghy which was used on this last rim. Apart from its amazing seaworthiness, the Wood dinghy has another great
advantage—price. A beautiful 13ft. dinghy costs only 226.
The praises of the Watermota engine have been sung on a good many occasions, but it has earned for itself a few more words. In my humble estimation it is the
able brand of oil is stamped on the filler cap, and there is nothing for you to do but sit in the thing and drive it.
An outboard motor boat, however, is a very different proposition. You buy the engine from one firm, the boat from another, and you probably manufacture most of the fittings yourself.
I therefore propose to state candidly the products that have given complete satisfaction during this, and previous, continental runs. The most suitable type of boat is undoubtedly the Speed Dinghy, of which there are several excellent makes. I have
world’s most reliable outboard engine. It starts easier than any other motor I know, and is by far the most economical motor for its size and price. I believe, also, that it is the lightest engine for the power it develops.
When an engine is called upon to do 4,000 r.p.m. from 6 o’clock in the morning until 8 or 9 in the evening, the lubricating oil is a matter of the utmost importance. It must mix readily with the petrol without becoming diluted, must not lose its body under considerable heat, and, most important, must not” gum up” the rings.
On this last run a new brand of oil was used called “Maxima MB “, supplied. by Messrs. Barnett, Tagant and Gotts,• of Wandsworth, S.W., which gave extraordinarily good results. The condition. of the engine on dismantling proved better on this occasion than ever ‘before.
Careful attention must also be given to the question of sparking plugs. A 350 c.c. engine that will push about 600 lbs. over the water at 20 m.p.h. is definitely a high efficiency motor and therefore requires a” Hard” plug, and a plug that will, at the same time, withstand oil. In this case a Massa plug was used and gave excellent results. These plugs have very heavy firing points and a most ingenious system of heat dissipation. A good deal should be heard about these plugs in the near future.
In the Event of a Spill the accessories, three are
Among the accessories, three things are of great importance. Life jackets, compass, and an absolutely reliable watch.
Quite the most comfortable and good looking life jacket I have used is that supplied by Messrs. H. L. Williams of 72, Oxford Street, W, which is fitted with a zip fastener. These jackets will keep you up for 14 days, should you have a spill.
The compass should, if possible, be an aeroplane compass, in which the card does not float but is submerged in the spirit.
Time and Tide. One of the most instruments
One of the most important instruments on the ship is a timepiece. Many people have their own ideas about this, but I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending a Schneider wrist watch. I used a Schneider watch on an outboard run to Amsterdam some time ago and have used it on two occasions since. It seems to be absolutely unbreakable and is apparently waterproof. I never take it off to put in new shear pins, or to clear weed from the prop. It can also be relied upon to keep perfect time.
Should anyone contemplate spending a holiday abroad with an outboard, I shall be most pleased to pass on any information I can. Remember, the Dutch and Belgian waterways are free.
