The Steamboating Forum

All,

I may be ready to fire my system on Monday if the weekend in the garage goes well. Any words of caution or instruction on how to bring the system up for the first time ?

jon

Hi Jon,

Sounds like you're getting closer

Obviously, if you haven't already, the first thing should be a Hydro test to one and a half times the pressure of the safety relief. This should be done regardless if the boiler is new etc. See that it is safe.

There should be an isolation valve on every port on the boiler except the relief valve. Close all of them except the pressure gauge.
With the boiler full up to the normal operating level: Take it slow, start with a small fire and and build up gradually. Listen for any strange noises - watch for any leaks.

If you want to use the feedpump, open the valve at the boiler feedwater inlet first.


If you plan to run the engine at the same time. First open the chest and cylinder drains and then open the steamline going to the engine. Open the throttle valve at the engine slowly allow the steam to flow through the engine and warm the cast iron. Cycle the stephenson link back and forth, rocking the engine. When the engine begins to turn making full rotations slowly close the cylinder drains and chest drain.

-Ron

Thanks Ron !

The hydro has been done, with no issues. I am soldering plumbing now. I am thinking I will try to pressurize the plumbing system using the hand pump to check for leaks etc b4 I try to fire it. We will see how things go, but it looks like there is an outside chance I could make the New Hampshire meet in September.

jon

"looks like there is an outside chance I could make the New Hampshire meet in September"

Things can progress rapidly, especially if you take some time off your day job. The attached photo is the Margaret S. just 5 days before the last steamboat meet of the season, and we were in the water steaming on that day. Keep your questions coming, several of us are willing to provide quick answers to your questions. Good luck!

Wow Fred !!

Thats unbelievable ................ I am afraid having two left hands and spending a fair amount of time stuck on stupid (or looking for a tool I know I have.....but cant find) keeps me from moving that fast. If I do make it to Winipesaukee I will certainly be the ugly duckling. I started with an old sailboat hull that someone had removed the deck and cabin from as well as the keel. It was a mess but I liked the length and beaminess of it. The guy who did the work before me was a little "aggressive" shall we say......it has some rough spots.

Do I need to call Dave Thompson if I am gonna drag the boat up there ? Also, do you guys usually stay in Moultonborough or someplace else in the area ?

jon

"I will certainly be the ugly duckling"

Rest assured, you will definately NOT be the ugly duckling steamboat at the meet!!

A couple of motels in Moultonborough, as well as the surrounding areas. Parking for boat trailers is provided at the meet, and many steamboaters just camp out at the steamboat meet site during the meet. Plenty of time to meet and talk with fellow steamboasters.

Hey Fred,

We have an unexpected arrival in the family..........a 10 week old puppy. He is cute but is cutting into my steamboat time. I am not sure I will be ready by the meet next week.

Are you taking the Margaret S up to Winipesaukee ? If so, when are you planning on being there ? I may just pull the Jackie Lee up there for a day even if I dont launch. You might be able to give me some advice on how to finish things.

jon

Some times it's wise to have an experienced steamer with you when you fire up. I did and I'm forever grateful to Stan. I had everything ready to go but with no experience it could have been a nuclear reactor for all I knew! Now I can pass the experience along -with pleasure!! See if there is a steamer near by-it doesn't matter if you know him or not-if he's a steamer he'll be there! Den

farmerden wrote:Some times it's wise to have an experienced steamer with you when you fire up. I did and I'm forever grateful to Stan. I had everything ready to go but with no experience it could have been a nuclear reactor for all I knew! Now I can pass the experience along -with pleasure!! See if there is a steamer near by-it doesn't matter if you know him or not-if he's a steamer he'll be there! Den

Very true!

Thanks Guys,

Good advice. If I am ready to fire for the first time, maybe I will drag the boat to NH and fire it up on land up there to see how things go with appropriate supervision.

jon